Probus, a Deeptech Startup, Raises $5 Million Led by Unicorn India

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$5 Million in Series A1 funding has been secured by Probus Smart Things, a deep-tech startup focused on revolutionizing smart grid applications. Unicorn India Ventures led this significant investment round. Furthermore, the round saw participation from prominent US-based and Indian family offices. This funding, a blend of equity and debt, brings Probus’s total funding to over $8 million. This infusion of capital will propel Probus’s mission to digitize India’s electricity distribution grid and drive the nation toward its Net Zero targets. The company will use the funds to scale its communication technology, integrate AI into its solutions, and expand its smart metering technology.

1. Introduction: Probus’s Vision for a Smarter Grid

Probus Smart Things is at the forefront of transforming India’s electricity distribution landscape. They offer integrated hardware and software solutions that empower utility providers to digitize their distribution grids. Consequently, utilities gain clear visibility and control over their networks through Probus’s end-to-end IoT platform. This platform provides a powerful IoT solution for electricity distribution utilities. It enables them to achieve distribution grid analytics and automation. This, in turn, facilitates more efficient electricity distribution. Additionally, it ensures quicker restoration after power disturbances. Ultimately, Probus helps reduce operational costs for utilities and lowers power costs for consumers.

2. Probus’s Working Model and Offerings

Probus operates by providing a comprehensive suite of hardware and software solutions. These solutions address the critical needs of electricity distribution utilities. The company’s core offering revolves around its integrated IoT platform. This platform enables utilities to monitor, analyze, and automate their grids. Moreover, Probus offers smart metering solutions that enhance grid visibility and efficiency. Their revenue model is based on the sale and implementation of these solutions to utility providers.

3. Funding Background and Growth Trajectory

Probus has raised over $8 million in funding to date, including the latest $5 million Series A1 round. This funding reflects investor confidence in Probus’s vision and technology. The company’s last funding round was in 2023. Since then, Probus has witnessed remarkable growth. It has built an order pipeline of Rs 400 crore. This translates to a 10X increase in revenues. Additionally, the company has grown 3X year-on-year. Probus has also filed for four patents, tripled its team size, and opened a state-of-the-art Innovation Center in Noida. Furthermore, they have established project offices in Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

4. Founders and Their Background

Anand Singh is the Co-founder and CEO of Probus Smart Things. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in the company’s growth. While detailed background information on all founders isn’t readily available, their combined expertise in technology and the energy sector is evident in Probus’s innovative solutions.

5. Services and Products Offered

Probus offers a range of products and services designed to modernize electricity distribution. These include:

• Integrated IoT Platform: A comprehensive platform for grid monitoring, analysis, and automation.
• Smart Metering Solutions: Advanced smart meters that provide real-time data and improve grid management.
• Dual Communications Network Interface Modules: Innovative modules for smart metering that enhance connectivity and reliability.
• Substation Automation: Solutions to automate and optimize substation operations.

6. Background Story and Industry Insights

The need for smart grid solutions has never been greater. India’s rapidly growing economy and increasing energy demands require a modern and efficient electricity infrastructure. Probus recognized this need and set out to develop cutting-edge solutions. The company’s focus on deep tech and AI has allowed it to create innovative products that address the challenges faced by utility providers. Consequently, Probus is playing a vital role in India’s transition to a smart and sustainable energy future. The smart grid market is experiencing rapid growth. This growth is driven by factors such as increasing energy demand, the need for grid modernization, and the rise of renewable energy sources. Probus is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth.

7. Purpose of Fundraising and Future Plans

Probus will utilize the $5 million raised in this Series A1 round to further its mission. The funds will be used for several key initiatives:

• Scaling Communication Tech Stack: Expanding the current technology to encompass multiple smart grid and renewable applications.
• AI Integration: Developing existing expertise in AI and integrating it with patented communication and networking technologies.
• Smart Metering Expansion: Scaling the deployment of dual communication network interface modules for smart metering across India.
• Team Expansion: Expanding the core technology teams to support growth and innovation.

8. Investor Confidence and Market Validation

Unicorn India Ventures’ continued investment in Probus underscores their confidence in the company’s potential. Anil Joshi, Managing Partner at Unicorn India Ventures, said, “This is our fourth round of investment in Probus. We believe that the company has emerged as a disruptor in the last-mile power distribution ecosystem. With the order book standing at Rs 400 crore, it is clear that their understanding of the problem, their ability to provide a tech-backed solution that can be rolled out at scale and AI integration is now a proven approach.” This statement highlights the strong market validation that Probus has received.

9. Technological Innovations and Competitive Advantages

Probus has introduced several game-changing innovations. One such innovation is the Dual Communications Network Interface Card for smart metering. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the smart metering industry. It significantly lowers the total cost of ownership for utilities and drives greater customer adoption. Additionally, Probus has redesigned its product portfolio for Substation Automation. They have also developed and patented dual communication technology for smart meters. This technology provides a guaranteed 100% downlink SLA. It combines cellular and Bluetooth technologies into one communication module. This benefits end-consumers and results in larger adoption of smart meters.

10. Partnerships and Customer Base

Probus has established partnerships with key utility companies. These include Adani, Torrent, and Tata Power. These partnerships provide Probus with access to a large customer base and facilitate the implementation of its solutions.

11. Probus’s Vision for a Sustainable Future

Probus is committed to enabling the last-mile digitization of India’s electricity distribution grid. This transformation is significantly reducing distribution losses at scale. It is also propelling the country toward its Net Zero targets. Probus’s cutting-edge communication technologies and data analytics are at the heart of this transformation.

12. $5 Million Investment: A Catalyst for Growth

The $5 million investment in Probus represents a significant milestone in the company’s journey. It provides the necessary capital to scale its operations, expand its product offerings, and solidify its position as a leader in the smart grid market. This funding will enable Probus to further innovate and contribute to the development of a more sustainable energy ecosystem in India.

13. Probus’s Continued Innovation and Expansion

Probus plans to vertically integrate dual communication technology. This will enhance its expertise in the domain of communications. Additionally, the company aims to disrupt the consumer segment of the energy market using AI and first-hand data availability through its communications technology. With AMI (Automatic Metering Infrastructure) at its peak and RDSS -2 (Revamp Distribution Sector Scheme) gaining momentum, Probus plans to grow 10X in revenues in the next 12 months.

14. Conclusion: Probus’s Impact on the Smart Grid Landscape

Probus Smart Things is a deep-tech startup making significant strides in the smart grid domain. The $5 million in Series A1 funding will fuel its growth and innovation. Probus’s solutions are helping to modernize India’s electricity infrastructure. They are also contributing to a more sustainable energy future. The company’s focus on AI, IoT, and cutting-edge communication technologies positions it as a key player in the smart grid revolution. With its strong leadership, innovative products, and strategic partnerships, Probus is poised for continued success.

Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs

• Focus on a Niche: Probus’s success demonstrates the importance of focusing on a specific niche within a larger market. Their focus on smart grid applications has allowed them to develop deep expertise and become a leader in this area.
• Invest in R&D: Probus’s commitment to research and development has resulted in innovative products and technologies. This investment has been crucial to their growth and competitive advantage.
• Build Strong Partnerships: Probus’s partnerships with key utility companies have been essential for their market penetration and success. Building strong relationships with industry players is crucial for startups.
• Embrace Innovation: Probus’s continuous innovation has allowed them to stay ahead of the curve and meet the evolving needs of the market. Startups must embrace innovation to remain competitive.
• Secure Funding Strategically: Probus has secured funding strategically to support its growth plans. Raising capital at the right time and from the right investors is crucial for startups.

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