JUCR

JUCR, a Berlin-based deep-tech startup established in 2020, is strategically positioning itself within the European electric vehicle (EV) charging market. The company was founded by Richard Birich (CEO), Max Grollmann (Software CTO), and Lukas Puls (Hardware CTO). Birich, a serial entrepreneur with a background in finance and accounting, previously founded a sustainable products company that gained national recognition on Germany's version of "Shark Tank." This experience in building a consumer-facing brand, combined with his financial acumen, informs his leadership at JUCR.

Initially, JUCR entered the market with a mobile application that aggregated over 330,000 charging points across Europe, simplifying the search and payment process for EV drivers. This service operates on a monthly subscription model, aiming to provide a more accessible and streamlined user experience compared to the fragmented network of providers with varying payment systems. This app-based approach allowed the company to rapidly build a user base and become Germany's fastest-growing EV charging platform shortly after its launch.

The company's long-term strategy involves a significant pivot from a purely software-based aggregator to a vertically integrated hardware and software provider. JUCR is currently developing its own proprietary charging hardware and the software ecosystem to manage it. The firm's stated ambition is to build, install, and manage its own pan-European charging network, targeting the installation of at least 100,000 of its own charging points by 2025. This strategic shift addresses what the company identifies as a critical need for more reliable and scalable charging infrastructure to support the growth of e-mobility.

To finance this capital-intensive expansion, JUCR has secured significant funding. In November 2022, the company announced a combined funding of €31.2 million, consisting of a €6.2 million seed investment round and €25 million in debt financing. Key investors include Vector Venture Capital, 2bX, and German Media Pool (GMPVC), who were joined by existing investors from a prior €1.5 million pre-seed round. This capital is being deployed to advance the development of its in-house charging solutions and to begin the rollout of its own charging parks. The company's business model for its proprietary network focuses on offering a comprehensive, hassle-free package to clients, managing everything from installation and financing to marketing and administration of the charging points.

Keywords: electric vehicle charging, EV charging network, e-mobility, cleantech, deep-tech, EV charging app, subscription charging service, charging infrastructure, hardware development, software development, vertical integration, European EV market, Berlin startup, Richard Birich, Max Grollmann, Lukas Puls, Vector Venture Capital, e-mobility solutions, sustainable transport, charging station management