ElectronX, a new energy exchange created to help accelerate the U.S. grid transition to renewable sources, has raised a $10 million strategic investment round led by Systemiq Capital, with participation by Equinor Ventures, Shell Ventures LLC (“Shell”) and Innovation Endeavors.
Former U.S. Commodity Futures and Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman J. Christopher Giancarlo also joins ElectronX as a strategic adviser.
ElectronX’s newest investors reflect the growing global need for regulated financial infrastructure whereby power providers, consumers and energy innovators can manage volatile short-term price exposure to electricity. In June 2024, ElectronX announced it had secured a $15 million seed round led by Innovation Endeavors.
“Unprecedented demand for electricity, particularly from high-volume consumers like data centers, continues to strain the capabilities of the shifting U.S. grid,” said Sam Tegel, CEO of ElectronX. “The resulting price volatility is now a critical worldwide challenge for the energy ecosystem. This follow-on strategic round, with participation from Equinor’s and Shell’s venture arms—both globally significant energy corporations—is a consequential step for ElectronX that greatly strengthens our ability to develop market-driven solutions for the industry at large. Systemiq Capital’s deep climate tech knowledge and power markets expertise will also help sharpen our approaches to technology, product and market structure.
“I look forward to collaborating with our new investors, and continuing to work with Innovation Endeavors, as we build the necessary financial tools to support increased investment in clean energy and grid modernization,” said Mr. Tegel.
When approved by the CFTC to operate as a regulated derivatives exchange, ElectronX will offer granular derivatives products, featuring fully collateralized and centrally cleared contracts, that allow electricity market participants of all sizes to more precisely hedge intraday price risk on a highly accessible platform.
“We are thrilled to invest in ElectronX and partner with Sam and the leadership team to accelerate the expansion of intraday power trading,” said Irena Spazzapan, managing partner of Systemiq Capital. “Over the past few years, intraday power markets in Europe have seen remarkable growth, revolutionizing energy trading and enhancing market flexibility and responsiveness. By optimizing the integration of renewable energy and storage, intraday trading is pivotal to building a cleaner, more efficient energy grid. We are proud to support a platform driving this transformation in the U.S., unlocking innovative opportunities for the future of green energy.”
Katherine Peachey, head of Equinor Ventures, commented, “Equinor Ventures is pleased to make a new investment in ElectronX. We look forward to supporting the team in commercializing critical trading infrastructure and delivering liquidity amid increasing volatility to strengthen growing renewables portfolios.”
Quennie Co, managing partner of Shell Ventures, said, “Shell Ventures aims to accelerate the energy and mobility transformation by investing in companies that electrify our energy system. We are excited to support ElectronX as they aim to address key challenges in the U.S. power market. With the increased price volatility and the growth of intermittent renewable energy sources, we believe that ElectronX offers an innovative building block for the future energy system.”
Mr. Giancarlo, who served as a CFTC commissioner from 2014 to 2019, and as chairman from 2017 to 2019, joins ElectronX’s roster of industry veterans appointed to help guide the exchange in markets, regulatory and corporate matters. Mr. Tegel commented, “I’m very pleased to welcome Chris to our advisory board, where his respected tenure in regulated markets will no doubt make a material impact.”
“The energy and climate industry interest in ElectronX’s premise reflects the ongoing need for innovation in regulated financial derivatives markets that I’ve long championed,” said Mr. Giancarlo. “Sam and his team are addressing an acute and growing concern with electricity pricing that affects millions of American businesses and individuals. I look forward to working with ElectronX through the regulatory process and beyond as they build an exchange that not only serves current energy traders, but also brings participants to derivatives markets.”
Upon regulatory approval, ElectronX will offer intraday bounded futures and binary options for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market, with additional geographies pending.
About ElectronX
ElectronX (EXI) is the electricity exchange for the energy transition, providing power market participants with innovative trading products to manage price risk against short-term volatility. With offices in Chicago and New York, ElectronX is building the U.S.-regulated financial infrastructure necessary to support increased investment in clean energy development.
