Forge Nano, Inc., a technology company focused on advancing domestic battery and semiconductor innovations, announced on April 29, 2025, the successful closure of a $40 million funding round. The investment was co-led by RockCreek, a global investment firm with over $15 billion in assets and a strong emphasis on energy innovation, critical supply chains, and advanced manufacturing, alongside Ascent Funds, a U.S.-based global energy technology fund. Additional participants in the funding round included Top Material, Orion Infrastructure Capital, and existing investors of Forge Nano.
This latest capital injection brings Forge Nano’s total investment to over $140 million. The company’s shareholder base now includes notable entities such as GM Ventures (NYSE: GM), Volkswagen (OTC: VWAGY), LG Technology Ventures (KRX: 003550), Hanwha (KRX: 000880), Mitsui Kinzoku (OTC: MMSMY), Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (OTC: SSUMF), Air Liquide (OTC: AIQUY), Catalus Capital, and SBI Investment (OTC: SBHGF).
“RockCreek’s commitment to American manufacturing, energy security and global technology leadership makes them an ideal partner as we continue to scale,” said Paul Lichty, CEO of Forge Nano. “This capital allows us to build on our momentum in two crucial industries needed for U.S. manufacturing leadership – lithium-ion batteries and semiconductors. We look forward to expanding our domestic workforce as we scale our production capabilities and grow our customer base.”
- Forge Battery: This subsidiary focuses on the design and manufacture of high-performance lithium-ion cells utilizing Forge Nano’s proprietary Atomic Armor™ technology. The batteries feature industry-leading energy density and are produced using primarily U.S.-sourced materials, catering to defense, aerospace, and specialty applications. In January 2025, Forge Battery secured a $100 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy to expand domestic cell manufacturing at its North Carolina facility.
- TEPHRA™ Platform: Launched in mid-2024, the TEPHRA™ platform is recognized as the world’s fastest single-wafer semiconductor atomic layer deposition (ALD) coating tool, capable of handling 200mm wafers. This technology enables the production of nano-coatings that enhance chip performance by increasing processing speeds by 40% and reducing power consumption by 50%, thereby addressing the growing demand for next-generation devices, sensors, and edge AI computing.
“Forge Nano’s proprietary technology demonstrates that America continues to be the leader in innovation. Forge’s Atomic Armor significantly improves most battery chemistries with higher energy density, longer cycle life, faster charge speed, and lower risk of thermal runway,” said Mark Gordon, Managing Partner of Ascent Funds. “For semiconductors, Forge’s ALD removes a bottleneck to 3D chip stacking, allowing up to a 50% reduction in energy usage by chips. More efficient batteries are critical to national security. More efficient semiconductors will amplify the American lead in AI.”
Forge Nano has recently established a new battery manufacturing line and a cleanroom facility for semiconductor ALD tool production at its Colorado headquarters. The company plans to utilize the $40 million investment to further expand its domestic manufacturing capabilities and strengthen its workforce to support its expanding network of strategic partners and customers.
Source: Forge Nano
