UK-based battery developer TaiSan has secured £4.65 million in a funding round to accelerate the commercialization of its solid-state sodium-ion batteries for electric mobility and power tool applications. The financing was co-led by Eos Advisory and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through Mercia Ventures, with participation from AFI Ventures, EverQuest Capital Partners, Adeline Arts & Science, Techmind, angel investor François Badelon and existing backers InnoEnergy, TSP Ventures, Exergon and Heartfelt. Innovate UK contributed £700,000 in grant funding via its Investor Partnerships Programme, matching part of the private investment.
The proceeds will enable TaiSan to advance its proprietary solid-state electrolyte technology and begin pilot testing with leading manufacturers in the e-bike, scooter, vehicle and power tool sectors. The company has already executed letters of intent with several prospective customers, demonstrating strong interest in a more compact, lighter and safer sodium-ion architecture.
Sodium-ion batteries offer an alternative to lithium-ion by leveraging one of the Earth’s most abundant elements, addressing concerns around lithium cost and supply constraints. Traditional sodium-ion designs have been large and heavy, limiting them to stationary energy storage. TaiSan’s approach reduces cell size and weight compared with both existing sodium-ion and lithium-ion alternatives, while eliminating flammable liquid electrolytes. The solid-state chemistry also supports long cycle life and enhanced safety, making the technology suitable for a broader range of mobile applications.
Founded by electrochemist Sanzhar Taizhan, a former researcher at Jaguar Land Rover and fellow at the Faraday Institution, TaiSan has a track record that includes leading an England-based team to three consecutive finals in SpaceX’s international Hyperloop competition. Prior to this round, the company raised £1.3 million in pre-seed funding and secured multiple innovation grants. Following the latest investment, TaiSan plans to expand its laboratory facilities in Cambridge and establish an operational base in Coventry. This growth strategy is underpinned by a capital-efficient business model aimed at rapid scaling of production and market entry.
Source: TaiSan Press Release
