Back

ReCatalyst

ReCatalyst reduces required platinum in fuel cell catalysts for applications in heavy duty transport, while improving efficiency and durability

xista team

profile photo
Florian Resch
LinkedIn

Hydrogen and proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are crucial for decarbonizing the energy and transport sectors, especially in heavy-duty transport such as trucks, trains, airplanes, and ships. However, a major challenge is the high quantity of precious and scarce platinum, a critical raw material, used in the electrocatalyst of PEM fuel cells. This makes the technology expensive and difficult to mass produce.

To tackle this issue, ReCatalyst is developing a nano-tech platform for producing next-generation intermetallic platinum-alloy PEM fuel cell catalysts. Their mission is to optimise the use of platinum group metals while improving efficiency and durability.

ReCatalyst was founded in early 2021 by co-founders Tomaž Bizjak and Dr. Matija Gatalo as a spin-off from the National Institute of Chemistry in Ljubljana, Slovenia,. The company's foundations were built through prestigious publicly funded projects like the ERC Proof of Concept 'StableCat,' EIT Raw Materials Accelerator, and EIC Transition 'ENABLER.' Since inception, they have received multiple awards, including EIT Raw Materials Jumpstarter 2020, BASF Innovation Hub 2021, and the Slovenian 'Start-up of the Year' 2023. 

ReCatalyst strongly aligns with our investment thesis: breakthrough lab-developed science transformed into a company with immense commercial potential. Their ambitious goals of reducing platinum usage while enhancing performance and their robust execution across the hydrogen and fuel cell value chain could surpass competitors and unlock new possibilities for PEMFCs and beyond.

Pitch your idea

Investment process

1. Share your Information

Use the form to tell us about your startup. Our team will review the details provided and will get back to you as soon as possible. If you meet the required criteria, we’ll plan together the next steps of your funding journey.

2. Start the financing process

We start by inviting you to a meeting and gather more information relevant to conducting a due diligence process, evaluating your business plans, growth strategy, and financial forecasts. Together, we analyze and determine the essential details and deal structure to meet your unique financing requirements.

3. Raise capital

If we invest, we will likely lead your funding round and will help you to fill your round and guide you through the process. From round preparations to execution, our team is here to support you, ensuring a smooth and successful experience.

4. Go beyond financing

We will be your partner in everything you encounter while executing your plans. We offer continuous support and guidance as we firmly believe long-term succes is a shared mission.