[Closed for Investment] Powur, with a valuation of $100 million, is raising funds on Wefunder. It is a solar company in the cloud that aims to provide sustainable essential services at low costs. Powur’s technology will be used in storage, energy, food, water, materials, transportation, and housing. The company has over 4,500 active platform users and has achieved more than $1.1 billion in total revenue, with $359 million in revenue for 2023. Jonathan Budd founded Powur in January 2014. The current crowdfunding campaign has a minimum target of $250,000 and a maximum target of $5 million. The campaign proceeds will be used to develop software applications to advance the scalability of Powur, including solar fulfilment processes, hiring more staff, and advanced operational initiatives.
Investment Overview
Raised: $773,883
Deal Terms
Company & Team
Company
- Year Founded
- 2014
- Industry
- Energy, Power, & Natural Resources
- Tech Sector
- Distribution Model
- B2B/B2C
- Margin
- Low
- Capital Intensity
- High
Financials
- Revenue +10% YoY
- $360,844,239
- Monthly Burn
- $735,117
-
Runway
- 16.6 months
- Gross Margin
- 31%
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Synopsis
Powur is a cloud-based solar company dedicated to revolutionizing the residential solar and storage market in America. The company focuses on providing affordable and scalable solar solutions to residential homeowners who are environmentally conscious and seek to reduce their energy costs. With over 4,500 active platform users, Powur has generated more than $1.1 billion in total revenue, including $360.8 million in the most recent fiscal year.
The primary problem Powur addresses is the high cost and complexity of adopting solar energy for residential use. Many homeowners are deterred by the upfront expenses and logistical challenges associated with traditional solar installations. Powur's solution is to simplify the process through its cloud-based platform, offering cost-effective solar solutions that are accessible and easy to implement. This approach reduces barriers to entry for homeowners, enabling them to transition to renewable energy more easily.
In everyday terms, Powur makes it feasible for homeowners to harness solar power without the typical hassle and financial burden. By leveraging its platform, Powur streamlines the solar installation process, making it as straightforward as arranging a home service. This ease of access encourages more homeowners to consider solar energy as a viable and practical option for reducing their reliance on conventional energy sources.
Price
Powur is offering Common Equity in its current funding round. The pre-money valuation is approximately $100 million, with a price per share set at $3.83. Investing in common equity provides shareholders with ownership stakes and typically includes voting rights. However, common equity holders are last in line to receive any proceeds in the event of liquidation, after debt holders and preferred equity holders are paid.
In terms of exit potential, for investors to achieve a 10X return, Powur would need to reach a valuation of approximately $1 billion at the time of exit. This scenario assumes no dilution, which is a common occurrence in startup funding rounds. Achieving such a valuation could involve significant growth in revenue, market share, or strategic acquisitions.
Powur's revenue multiple is approximately 0.28x based on its most recent annual revenue of $360.8 million. This relatively low multiple suggests that the current valuation is reasonable given the company's revenue scale. However, it is essential to consider industry growth rates and competitive dynamics when evaluating whether the deal terms are favorable.
Market
Powur operates in the U.S. residential solar photovoltaic market, which is valued at approximately $7.45 billion. This sector is experiencing a growth rate of 14.4%, driven by increasing consumer interest in sustainable energy solutions and the rising costs of traditional energy sources. Government incentives and policies promoting renewable energy further contribute to the market's expansion, encouraging homeowners to shift towards solar energy installations.
The market trends indicate a growing demand for affordable and efficient solar solutions. However, these trends also suggest increased competition as more companies enter the space to capitalize on the expanding opportunity. For Powur, this means maintaining competitive pricing and continually enhancing its platform to meet consumer needs will be key to capturing a significant market share.
Powur's product offerings appeal to the broader residential market due to their focus on reducing energy costs and providing sustainable solutions. While the company can target the entire market, its approach particularly resonates with environmentally conscious consumers seeking to lower their carbon footprint and energy expenses. This alignment with market trends positions Powur to leverage its platform effectively across a wide customer base.
Team
Powur's leadership is spearheaded by CEO Jonathan Budd, who brings over 11 years of relevant industry experience. His background includes significant expertise in developing and scaling technology-driven solutions within the energy sector. Budd's strategic vision and managerial skills are instrumental in guiding Powur's growth and aligning its operations with industry trends.
The team is comprised of 207 members, indicating a robust organizational structure capable of supporting Powur's expansion goals. While detailed information on other key team members is not specified, the company's growth phase suggests a focus on strengthening its technical, operational, and marketing capabilities to drive platform adoption and market penetration.
Differentiation
Powur operates in a competitive landscape alongside established players such as Sunrun and Tesla Energy. Sunrun, a leading residential solar company, offers a comprehensive range of solar energy solutions and has a substantial market presence. Tesla Energy, part of Tesla, Inc., provides solar products integrated with energy storage solutions, leveraging its brand strength and technological expertise.
In terms of company size, Sunrun and Tesla Energy are larger entities with extensive resources and broader market reach compared to Powur. These competitors have established brand recognition and significant marketing capabilities, which can influence consumer choice. However, Powur differentiates itself through its cloud-based platform, which focuses on cost-effective solar solutions and scalability, appealing to price-sensitive consumers.
Powur targets a diverse demographic of residential homeowners who are environmentally conscious and interested in reducing their energy costs. This includes middle to upper-income households that are motivated by sustainability and long-term financial savings. The company's emphasis on affordability and access to solar energy aligns well with the needs of these consumers, who seek reliable and economically viable renewable energy options.
While Powur may not match the scale of its larger competitors, its platform-centric approach and focus on affordability provide a distinct value proposition. This strategy enables Powur to effectively cater to a segment of the market that prioritizes cost savings and environmental impact, setting it apart in the residential solar industry.
Performance
Powur has demonstrated notable growth, with its annual revenue increasing from $328.4 million in the prior fiscal year to $360.8 million, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of approximately 9.9%. This growth indicates a positive trajectory in the company's sales and market reach within the residential solar sector.
Financially, Powur's most recent monthly burn rate stands at $735k, with cash on hand amounting to $12.2 million. This level of cash provides a buffer for ongoing operations, although the high burn rate suggests the need for careful financial management to ensure sustainability and support further growth initiatives.
Despite the revenue growth, Powur reported a net loss of $4 million for the most recent fiscal year, compared to a net income of $4.8 million in the previous year. This shift highlights potential challenges in managing expenses or scaling operations efficiently. Addressing these issues will be crucial for improving profitability and long-term financial health.
Risk
Powur faces several specific risks that investors should consider. The company operates a two-sided marketplace, which inherently presents challenges such as the need for significant capital to attract both customers and service providers. This type of platform often results in a winner-takes-all scenario, where only a few competitors can dominate the market, making it difficult for new entrants or smaller players to succeed.
While Powur has reported substantial revenue figures, there has been a noticeable drop in net income, moving from a positive $4.8 million in the previous year to a loss of approximately $4 million in 2023. This shift suggests potential operational inefficiencies or increased costs, which could affect future profitability and stability if not addressed.
Additionally, Powur's reliance on a multi-level marketing (MLM) sales model could pose regulatory and reputational risks. MLM structures often face scrutiny and require careful management to ensure compliance with legal standards and maintain public trust. This risk could be particularly impactful if regulatory environments change or if there are negative perceptions from the public.
Bullish Outlook
Powur benefits from several factors that contribute to a bullish outlook. The residential solar market offers significant growth potential, driven by increasing consumer demand for sustainable energy solutions and government incentives promoting renewable energy. The market's growth rate of 14.4% highlights the expanding opportunity for Powur to capture a larger customer base.
Powur distinguishes itself through its cloud-based platform, providing scalable and cost-effective solar solutions. This approach enables the company to target price-sensitive consumers seeking affordable access to solar energy. The platform-centric model supports efficient service delivery and scalability, positioning Powur well to capitalize on market expansion.
Growth drivers for Powur include leveraging emerging trends in renewable energy adoption and exploring new markets. The company's emphasis on affordability and scalability sets it apart, appealing to a broad demographic of environmentally conscious homeowners. As solar technology advances, Powur can benefit from reduced costs and increased efficiency, enhancing its competitive position.
Financially, Powur's revenue growth from $328.4 million to $360.8 million demonstrates its ability to capture market demand. While managing its burn rate remains crucial, the company's cash on hand provides some stability for ongoing operations. The valuation of approximately $100 million offers an entry point that may be attractive compared to larger industry benchmarks.
Bearish Outlook
Powur faces several challenges that contribute to a bearish outlook. A primary concern is the highly competitive landscape of the residential solar market, with established players like Sunrun and Tesla Energy possessing greater resources and brand recognition. These competitors can leverage their size to offer competitive pricing and comprehensive energy solutions, potentially overshadowing Powur's offerings.
Market adoption also poses a challenge. Although the solar market is growing, Powur's reliance on a multi-level marketing model could limit its reach and efficiency in customer acquisition compared to traditional sales channels. This model may not scale as effectively as needed to capture significant market share.
Regulatory hurdles present additional obstacles. Changes in solar incentives and potential scrutiny of multi-level marketing practices could impact Powur's operations and market strategy. Navigating these regulatory landscapes will require significant resources and strategic adjustments.
Financially, Powur's recent net losses and high burn rate suggest potential sustainability issues. The cash on hand may not be sufficient to cover operating expenses and support growth initiatives without additional funding. This scenario could lead to unfavorable financing terms or dilution risks for current investors.
Executive Summary
Powur is a cloud-based solar company focused on providing cost-effective solar solutions to residential homeowners. Its core customers are environmentally conscious individuals seeking to reduce energy costs and carbon footprints. The company operates in a growing residential solar market, valued at $7.45 billion with a 14.4% growth rate, positioning itself as a competitive player by offering scalable and affordable solar services.
From a financial perspective, Powur is valued at approximately $100 million, offering common equity at $3.83 per share. The company has shown revenue growth, from $328.4 million to $360.8 million, despite a net loss of $4 million in the most recent fiscal year. With a monthly burn rate of $735k and $12.2 million in cash on hand, Powur's financial health reflects both growth potential and the need for efficient cost management.
Powur differentiates itself through its platform-centric approach, targeting a broad demographic of price-sensitive, sustainability-focused homeowners. Competitors like Sunrun and Tesla Energy are larger, yet Powur's emphasis on affordability and its cloud-based model provide a unique market position. The company's ability to capture a segment of the market focused on cost savings and sustainability is a key differentiator.
In terms of outlook, bullish factors include the expanding solar market and Powur's revenue growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for sustainable energy solutions. Bearish considerations involve the company's recent financial losses and the competitive pressures from larger players. The ability to maintain growth while managing costs and regulatory challenges will be critical.
Overall, Powur presents a balanced investment opportunity. Its growth potential in a burgeoning market is attractive, yet the company must address financial and operational challenges to fully capitalize on its market position. Investors should weigh the potential for revenue expansion against the inherent risks in the competitive solar industry.
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Company Funding & Growth
Funding history
- Total Prior Capital Raised
- $13,000,889
- VC Backed?
- Yes
Growth Charts
Revenue History
Note: Revenue data points reflect the latest of either the most recent fiscal year's financials, or updated revenues directly from the founder, at each raise's close date.
Valuation History
Price per Share History
Note: Share prices shown in earlier rounds may not be indicative of any stock splits.