Singapore, September 11th, 2025 – UntroD Capital Asia Global Fund, alongside corporate partner Yamada Shokai, today announced a seed-stage investment in Blue Whale Energy (BWE), a pioneering Virtual Power Plant (VPP) developer and operator in Singapore.

Globally, the VPP sector is one of the fastest-growing categories in the energy transition, projected to expand at over 20% CAGR this decade. The surge in renewable penetration, electrification of end-use sectors like EVs and data centers, and the push for grid modernization are driving demand for flexible, distributed solutions. VPPs are emerging as the critical infrastructure layer that enables renewables to scale without compromising reliability.

In October 2024, Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) released its Future Grid Capabilities Roadmap, formally recognizing VPPs as a strategic capability for grid resilience and sustainability. Against this policy backdrop, Blue Whale is positioned as a first mover to commercialize VPP solutions and shape the future of Singapore’s digital grid.

Started in July 2024 by serial entrepreneur Gabriel Lim, Blue Whale Energy is building Southeast Asia’s first full-stack VPP platform. The company combines proprietary sodium-ion battery hardware with an intelligent software orchestration engine to aggregate distributed rooftop solar and storage assets into a flexible, grid-interactive network. This approach enables real-time balancing of supply and demand, enhances grid resilience, and creates new revenue streams for commercial and industrial (C&I) customers.

“Blue Whale represents the future of distributed energy in Southeast Asia. By reimagining grid flexibility with modular rooftop battery packs, they are enabling a more resilient and decarbonized energy system for Singapore and beyond,” said Henry Tao, Director at UntroD Capital. “We are excited to back Gabriel and the team at this early stage and support their mission to build the region’s first Virtual Power Plant.”

“We see Blue Whale’s battery technology and energy management system as a game-changer for how renewable energy is integrated into power systems,” said Mr. Yamada, CEO of Yamada Shokai. “Their approach to distributed, modular storage is highly relevant not only for Singapore but also for other fast-growing Asian markets. We are proud to support them on this journey and look forward to helping accelerate their impact. Yamada Shokai Holdings, together with Blue Whale Energy, is committed to enhancing the resilience of energy systems.”

Blue Whale has already received significant interest since its founding—developing its proprietary 2 kWh rooftop battery pack, securing a growing list of customer commitments, and completing pilot deployments across C&I sites. The company is preparing for integration with the Energy Market Authority’s (EMA) Demand Response and Interruptible Load programs, which will open participation in wholesale and ancillary electricity markets.

The seed-stage investment from UntroD Capital and Yamada Shokai will be used to fund working capital and the first wave of battery pack deployments, laying the foundation for larger-scale rollouts across Singapore and future expansion into ASEAN and Japan markets. In 2025, Blue Whale Energy joined the Global Innovation Alliance program organized by Leave a Nest to explore business expansion opportunities.

Blue Whale Energy, is a Singapore-based startup building a battery-powered virtual power plant for commercial and industrial (C&I) customers. The company designs and manufactures fire-safe, modular sodium-ion battery packs that integrate seamlessly with rooftop solar, eliminating the complexity and upfront costs that have slowed energy storage adoption. By aggregating these distributed assets into a virtual power plant, Blue Whale Energy provides grid services, participates in wholesale energy markets, and shares savings with its customers.
HP：https://www.yamada-hd.co.jp/

Founded in 1906 in Japan, Yamada Shokai has grown from its origins in gas piping into a diversified infrastructure group. Today, the company’s activities span water supply, electricity, air conditioning, and telecommunications, supporting critical infrastructure across Japan. With over a century of expertise, Yamada Shokai is also recognized for its rapid disaster-response capabilities—mobilizing teams nationwide to restore vital services when communities are most in need.
HP：https://www.yamada-hd.co.jp/

UntroD Capital Asia is a leading deep-tech VC firm dedicated to fostering impactful technologies that drive sustainable growth. As the manager of the Real Tech Global Fund, UntroD Capital Asia partners with innovative startups and businesses addressing global challenges in sectors such as energy transition, sustainable agri-food, and industrial manufacturing. UntroD’s hands-on approach and industry network provide portfolio companies with the resources and expertise needed to scale their operations and achieve lasting impact.
HP：https://untrod.inc

UntroD Capital Asia Pte Ltd
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