Dutch watertech startup HULO has secured €2.3 million in seed funding to expand its innovative approach to detecting water leaks using AI. Established in 2021 by Robbert Lodewijks and Frank van der Hulst, the company aims to tackle a significant global issue: water loss in distribution networks. With a global water scarcity crisis looming, addressing inefficiencies in water infrastructure offers potential solutions. The funds promise to boost technology development and global reach, providing a hopeful outlook for water conservation efforts.
HULO’s recent financing serves as a progression from its previous €800,000 pre-seed round in December 2023, led by LUMO Labs. The company’s strategic approach leverages AI to maximize the efficiency of existing water networks, thus offering a practical solution to a growing environmental concern. The startup gained recognition in October 2024 by winning the VDS Startup Competition during the Valencia Digital Summit, showcasing its capacity for impactful innovation.
How Does HULO’s Technology Work?
The core of HULO’s innovation lies in its AI-powered software that analyzes pressure and flow data from existing water utilities. This software identifies leaks and provides actionable insights into operational decisions. The platform’s capability to localize leaks rapidly, turning previously weeks-long processes into mere minutes, is pivotal to its approach.
“What used to take weeks now takes minutes,” HULO asserts in highlighting its platform’s added value.
Utilizing a blend of AI and physics-based modeling, HULO addresses up to 30% of annual global water wastage. Its SaaS model integrates seamlessly with utility systems, alleviating the need for additional hardware.
“Our vision is simple but urgent: to save millions of litres of water and build more resilient communities,”
the company reveals, emphasizing its strategic mission.
What Lies Ahead for HULO’s Expansion?
HULO plans to broaden its operational footprint from its current European base to Latin America. The seed funding will support this geographical expansion while enhancing its AI and analytics capabilities. The expanded mission aligns with an increasing emphasis on sustainability through efficient resource management. According to co-founder Robbert Lodewijks, integrating digital innovation with today’s operational realities is vital for future-ready water infrastructure solutions.
The backing from various investors, including VP Capital and LUMO Labs, emphasizes trust in HULO’s potential to pioneer efforts in sustainable water management. Support from institutions like the Frisian Development Fund highlights the importance of advancing water technology as a regional and global priority.
HULO’s story is a testament to the power of leveraging digital technology in enhancing efficiency in critical infrastructure. As a deep tech firm, Vanagon has expressed strong confidence in HULO’s potential to revolutionise Europe’s approach to infrastructure management. A focus on employing cutting-edge digital tools aligns with the increasing global emphasis on AI-driven resource management techniques.
The expanded collaborations indicate a promising trajectory for HULO’s growth, highlighting the ongoing need for innovation in water conservation. The emphasis on using existing data for actionable insights underscores how technology can significantly cut operational costs and environmental impact without major infrastructure overhauls. Human and environmental factors remain central, with innovative solutions becoming increasingly necessary for sustainable futures.
