An international business consortium led by the Dutch green energy conglomerate Koolen Industries has made a multi-million dollar investment in Hardt Hyperloop, which is to set up Europe’s first fully operational and emission-free Hyperloop test facility.
This investment round is supported by the renowned German fund Freigeist Capital, several Dutch and Belgian investors and one of Uber’s first engineers. Several other current investors are also taking part in this investment round. The company has raised more than €10 million so far.
Major projects
“Koolen Industries not only brings in money, it also has phenomenal strategic knowledge about how to build a leading company in a new industry. This partnership will pave the way for several large projects that will guarantee a successful commercial implementation of our hyperloop solution,” says Tim Houter, CEO of Hardt Hyperloop. “Furthermore, it is great to have such a broad and international group of investors who also help us with local projects. As well as the long-term support of our original investors.”
From left to right: Founders of Hardt Hyperloop Marinus van der Meijs, Sascha Lamme, Mars Geuze, Tim Houter and the newest investor Kees Koolen Photo: Hardt Hyperloop
Sustainable
“Hardt Hyperloop fits in well with the family of sustainable energy companies at Koolen Industries,” says Kees Koolen, CEO of Koolen Industries.
Track switching technology
“With its revolutionary hyperloop track switching technology, the Hardt Hyperloop will change the way we travel. Just like Uber did for personal mobility in cities. By using high speed, emission-free hyperloops, everybody will be able to participate in the transition to clean energy without having to quit traveling. As the hyperloop which Hardt has been developing is much further than just an idea, it is already in a position to offer an affordable and sustainable alternative for the heavily-polluting aviation industry,” says Koolen. He is the former CEO of Booking.com and an early Uber investor.
Test facility
The CTO of Koolen Industries, Gerben Hilboldt, agrees. “The Hardt Hyperloop team has successfully realized Europe’s first operational hyperloop test facility. This is a major step forward for mobility. As a green energy conglomerate, we are proud to be part of this future,” Hilboldt states.
Larger test circuit
This investment round will bring hyperloop technology closer towards becoming a commercial reality. Hardt Hyperloop demonstrated the operation of Europe’s first hyperloop test facility earlier this year. The company is preparing for the next step with this investment: The creation of the European Hyperloop Center, a facility with a length of three kilometers for testing and demonstrating hyperloop technologies at high speeds.
Larger team
“It also allows us to further expand our team with talented people and attract investors for future investment rounds. And to attract even more companies in cooperation with our existing partners, e.g., EIT InnoEnergy, the Dutch and German national railways, Tata Steel, Royal IHC and the Royal BAM Group. We are making this world-changing form of mobility a reality together,” says Lamme.
European network
In the future, a European hyperloop network will need to connect all major cities. The aim is to be able to travel from one European (capital) city to another under two hours at competitive ticket prices compared to current modes of transport such as aircraft and trains. A study carried out in 2018 showed that this would reduce the travel time from Amsterdam to Frankfurt to less than 50 minutes, compared to the four hours it currently takes.
‘Market value 6 billion euros’
According to an independent study carried out by Verified Market Research, the hyperloop technology market is expected to be worth nearly €6 billion by 2026. The market is driven by growing demand as a result of rapid industrialization, a rising population and the need for shorter travel times. Hyperloop’s lower costs are also driving market growth, partly due to its scaled-down requirements for land areas and infrastructure that is easier to build, plus its resistance to natural disasters.
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