DEC Energy launches its platform and secures first corporate clients

DEC Energy, a Ticino-based startup incubated at USI Startup Centre, has successfully launched its B2B platform designed to enable companies to rent photovoltaic assets and self-produce renewable energy certificates (Guarantees of Origin, GOs).

Instead of relying on the traditional method of purchasing GOs from energy providers to make their electricity consumption renewable, companies using DEC's platform directly participate in renewable energy generation, granting a 10-year production of certificates accompanied by a recurrent positive cash flow from the sold electricity. This approach not only helps reduce reliance on traditional markets but also enables companies to cut their energy procurement costs by up to 20%, all while meeting the highest regulatory and sustainability targets.

“Our platform offers companies a direct and efficient way to reduce their Scope 2 emissions and comply with European sustainability regulations,” said Nicola Scarinzi, Co-Founder and CEO of DEC Energy. “Our motto is ‘Profitable Sustainability’. By leasing solar assets, companies can generate their own certificates, aligning their financial efficiency with their environmental goals.”

Following a development phase that involved engagement with over 150 corporate prospects, DEC Energy announced commercial and strategic partnerships with Tier 1 market operators and launched the platform earlier this month. The startup is securing its first corporate clients: a Swiss financial institution is leasing a solar installation with an annual production of 117 MWh, while an Italian fashion company expressed the willingness to finalize a 10’000 MWh per year agreement by Q2 2025.

Seed funding to support growth

To support the next phase of its growth, the startup has opened a CHF 1.2 million seed round. The round is primarily targeted at strategic investors, who can not only provide capital but also help facilitate DEC's market entry. “We are specifically looking for investors who will help us access solar plant providers and guide us towards corporate clients,” Scarinzi explained. “This is a great opportunity, as it gives investors the chance to connect us with utility companies, energy producers, and key players in the energy supply chain, as well as with banks, private equity firms, and consultancy groups who can help us access the corporate market.”

With more than 30 investors currently in the data room and CHF 300’000 already committed by existing investors and a strategic partner, DEC Energy plans to close the Seed round by June 30^th to expand its team to five full-time employees by the end of 2025, focusing on technology development and business acquisition activities. Part of the investment will also go towards optimizing platform processes, including speeding up the onboarding of new solar assets and improving the service delivery for corporate clients. “We are aiming for a structured growth phase based on operational excellence and responsiveness to client needs,” said Scarinzi. “With these resources, we will be able to consolidate our position and extend our reach across the European corporate market.”

A new market space with no direct competitors

DEC Energy positions itself in a new market space, one that does not have direct competitors. Its business model differs from traditional solutions by offering companies direct access to renewable energy generation, which makes conventional certificate-only approaches less relevant. “Our solution addresses a demand that was not previously covered by existing models,” Scarinzi added. “By providing direct access to production, companies can leverage their real impact and sustainability communication. All of it, while transforming decarbonization from a liability to a revenue source.”

Currently, DEC Energy is managing a growing pipeline of 22 corporate clients and 18 solar asset providers, with particular emphasis on Switzerland and Italy, where market conditions are favourable for renewable energy initiatives. These partnerships will help the startup accelerate its market entry and scale its operations.

(Luca Calderara)