From Process to Production: DTCF Backs UniverCell’s Battery Scale-Up

Battery leadership is not won in the lab alone, it is built on industrial execution. Today marks another important step on this journey as UniverCell announces its €30 million Series B financing round to scale innovative battery cell manufacturing in Europe. The round was co-led by DTCF, IKA Werke, and WIKA, supported by private angel investors and the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund.

Founded in 2019 in Kiel, Germany, UniverCell has developed into an industrial-scale manufacturer with more than 82 employees. The company operates a gigafactory in Northern Germany and is expanding capacity toward more than 40 million battery cells per year. Its focus is on custom-made lithium-ion cells for mission-critical applications, including space systems, medical technology, and critical infrastructure.

From Technology to Industrial Scale

UniverCell’s strength lies in mastering the core processes of battery production, from electrode manufacturing to cell assembly. Its 21700 cylindrical cells with tabless design and lightweight aluminum housings are engineered for high performance and stable industrial yields.

“At the heart of every high-performance battery is a production process you truly control,” says Marius Strack, COO and Co-Founder of UniverCell. “Our focus has always been on industrial execution and scalable manufacturing in Europe.”

A key differentiator is the company’s proprietary dry-coating process. Compared to conventional wet coating, it reduces energy consumption, chemical usage, and CO₂ emissions while enhancing energy density and cycle life.

“Dry coating allows us to combine performance, cost efficiency, and sustainability at industrial scale,” adds Dr. Stefan Permien, CEO and Co-Founder of UniverCell.

Strengthening Europe’s Position

For DTCF, the investment reflects a clear strategic conviction: “We are impressed with UniverCell’s entrepreneurial journey over the last years,” says Dr. Elisabeth Schrey, Venture Partner at DTCF. “We look forward to supporting their next step in assembling proprietary cells and scaling industrial production.”

“In the global battery race, execution defines leadership,” adds Lena Stache, Investment Associate at DTCF. “Europe will only compete if innovation is industrialized with precision and scale. UniverCell demonstrates how owning the core processes creates lasting competitive advantage and reinforces Europe’s strategic position in this critical industry.”

With this Series B, UniverCell takes the next step toward building a resilient and competitive battery manufacturing base in Europe.

More information for Media

📄 Read the press release here (PDF EN, PDF DE) 

Media Contacts 
Dr. Stefan Permien for UniverCell – Stefan.Permien@univercell.group
Stephanie Stein for DTCF – s.stein@dtcf.de

About UniverCell
UniverCell produces electrodes and lithium ion cells for high-performance special applications. The company combines deep materials expertise with advanced manufacturing processes. The company combines deep materials expertise with advanced manufacturing processes, including dry and water-based coating technologies. With its own unique 21700 cell designs and scalable pilot-to-industrial production lines, UniverCell serves demanding special applications where performance, reliability, and customization matter most. More information

About DeepTech & Climate Fonds
The DeepTech & Climate Fonds (DTCF) invests up to €50 million in high-growth deep-tech and climate-tech companies in Germany and Europe. As an anchor investor and partner of long-term-oriented European investors, DTCF supports companies with extended development cycles and substantial financial needs in implementing sustainable growth strategies and actively contributes to expanding the technology ecosystem. The fund acts as a bridge between investors, SMEs, and innovative high-tech startups in the fields of climate, computing, industry, and life sciences. Funded by resources from the German Future Fund and the ERP Special Fund, DTCF plans to invest €1 billion over the coming years to strengthen the European technology ecosystem. More information

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