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Focused Energy

Austin, TX (US) / Darmstadt, Germany Energy Private

Focused Energy is a U.S.-German laser inertial fusion energy company developing commercial fusion power based on the inertial confinement fusion (ICF) approach demonstrated at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's National Ignition Facility, where net energy gain was first achieved in December 2022. Spun out of Technische Universitat Darmstadt in 2021 by laser-plasma physicists Markus Roth (TU Darmstadt) and Todd Ditmire (UT Austin), the company is building high-energy, high-repetition-rate laser systems together with high-precision fusion targets to drive direct-drive proton fast-ignition fusion reactions. Focused Energy operates from Austin, Texas, Darmstadt and Berlin, Germany, and is constructing a Bay Area laser development facility that will house two of the most powerful privately owned lasers in the world. The company is backed by Prime Movers Lab, Tony Florence, VCP Capital, Alex Rodriguez, Marc Lore and others, and has received major non-dilutive support including a 50M EUR SPRIND award from Germany's federal disruptive innovation agency and a U.S. Department of Energy Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program grant.

Overview

Company data and valuation marks are estimates and may be incomplete, stale, erroneous, or revised.

Founded

2021

Employees

51–100

Total Funding

$266M

2 rounds

Funding

Total raised $266M across 2 rounds

Funding data and valuation marks are estimates and may be incomplete, stale, erroneous, or revised.

Last updated 06-25-2026

Latest Round

Type

Series A

Date

June 22, 2023

Amount

$11M

Valuation

Lead Investors

Prime Movers Lab
DateRoundAmount RaisedValuationLead Investors
June 22, 2023 Series A $11M Prime Movers Lab
September 2021 Seed $15M Prime Movers Lab

Prominent Investors

Prime Movers Lab VCP Capital

Leadership

  • Thomas Forner

    Co-Founder & CEO

  • Markus Roth

    Co-Founder & Chief Science Officer

  • Todd Ditmire

    Co-Founder

  • Omar Biabani

    Chief Technology Officer

  • Debbie Callahan

    Chief Strategic Officer

  • Anika Stein

    Chief Operating Officer

  • Dakin Sloss

    Chairman (Prime Movers Lab)

Competitors

Competitor list is illustrative and may be incomplete, stale, or erroneous.

  • Xcimer Energy

    U.S. inertial fusion energy startup developing high-energy excimer laser drivers for direct-drive ICF, the closest peer to Focused Energy's laser-driven approach.

  • Marvel Fusion

    Munich-based laser fusion company pursuing short-pulse laser-driven inertial fusion with nanostructured targets; the closest German competitor to Focused Energy.

  • Longview Fusion Energy Systems

    U.S. company commercializing laser inertial fusion power plants based directly on the National Ignition Facility's indirect-drive ICF design.

  • Commonwealth Fusion Systems

    Best-funded private fusion company globally; pursues magnetic confinement tokamak fusion using high-temperature superconducting magnets, a different technical path but the leading commercial fusion competitor for capital and talent.

  • Helion Energy

    Pulsed magneto-inertial fusion startup backed by Sam Altman with a 2028 power-delivery deal with Microsoft; competes with Focused Energy for the title of first-to-grid commercial fusion provider.

  • TAE Technologies

    California-based aneutronic field-reversed-configuration fusion company; one of the largest and longest-running private fusion ventures competing for commercial fusion capital and customers.

Focused Energy Investment FAQ

Public status and buying access

No. Focused Energy is a private company and does not have a public stock ticker or trade on a public stock exchange. Its shares are generally held by founders, employees, investors, and other private shareholders. Buyers and sellers may be able to transact in Focused Energy shares through private secondary transactions, but any transaction depends on share availability, buyer and seller agreement, transfer restrictions, company approval rights, and any applicable right of first refusal. There is no guarantee that Focused Energy will complete an IPO or other liquidity event.

Yes, it is sometimes possible to buy Focused Energy shares pre-IPO through private secondary transactions. This depends on finding a willing seller, company approval, and satisfying any transfer restrictions or rights of first refusal.

Buyers interested in buying Focused Energy shares on the secondary market typically do so through SetterVC and other secondary-market platforms, subject to eligibility requirements, share availability, transfer restrictions, and issuer approval. Buyers may need to satisfy sophistication, accreditation, institutional, platform, regulatory, or other eligibility requirements before participating. Once eligible, buyers may be able to view listings, make bids, and work with a licensed broker through the transaction process. Buyers should ensure they have appropriate legal and financial advisors guiding them before completing any transaction.

Valuation and funding

Focused Energy's latest disclosed funding round was a Series A round in June 22, 2023. The round raised approximately $11M, with Prime Movers Lab listed as disclosed lead or major investors. Primary funding rounds are different from secondary transactions: in a primary round, capital goes to the company, while in a secondary transaction, investors buy existing shares from current shareholders. Funding-round data reflects publicly reported or collected information and may be incomplete.

Focused Energy has raised approximately $266M in disclosed funding across 2 rounds. These figures reflect primary capital raised by the company and do not include every possible secondary transaction, undisclosed round, debt facility, or private transfer. Reported funding totals can change as new rounds are announced or older round details are corrected. Eligible users can use SetterVC to track Focused Energy's funding history alongside private-market activity where available.

Focused Energy's disclosed investors include Prime Movers Lab and VCP Capital. Investor lists are based on public reporting, company announcements, and collected funding-round data, and may be incomplete. Participation in a prior funding round does not mean those investors are currently buying or selling shares. On SetterVC, eligible users can review Focused Energy's funding history, valuation history, and private-market activity alongside other venture-backed companies.

Market context

Focused Energy's most-cited competitors include Xcimer Energy, Marvel Fusion, Longview Fusion Energy Systems, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Helion Energy and TAE Technologies. Investors often compare these companies by sector, product focus, valuation, funding raised, growth signals, investor base, and private-market activity.

Secondary-market demand for Focused Energy shares can be affected by company performance, revenue growth, profitability, funding history, valuation, investor interest, sector momentum, public-market conditions, expected timing of a liquidity event, and the availability of shares for sale. Demand can also be affected by transfer restrictions, company approval rights, right of first refusal processes, limited information, and the price expectations of buyers and sellers. Strong demand does not guarantee strong pricing, liquidity, or investment returns. Weak demand does not necessarily reflect the company's long-term prospects. Demand signals should not be treated as a recommendation or prediction of investment performance. Buyers and sellers should treat demand signals as informational and conduct their own diligence before transacting.

Selling and transaction mechanics

Sellers often rely on intermediaries and platforms, such as SetterVC and other secondary-market platforms, to identify potential buyers. The exact process varies by company and transaction, but sellers often begin by confirming their ownership, desired price, transferability, and any company approval or notice requirements. If the seller agrees with a buyer on acceptable price and terms, the company may need to be notified through a share transfer notice or similar process. If a right of first refusal, company approval right, or other transfer restriction applies, the seller may need to wait until that process is completed. The parties may then execute a purchase and sale agreement, complete required transfer documentation, and close if all required conditions are satisfied. Sellers should always seek proper legal and financial advice before completing the transaction.

Yes, current and former Focused Energy employees, early investors, and other existing shareholders may be able to sell vested shares before an IPO through a private secondary sale. This is not automatic; it depends on whether the shareholder has transferable shares, whether there is buyer demand, and whether the company's governing documents permit the transfer. Many companies require prior notice, company approval, or a right of first refusal before shares can be sold. Sellers should also seek proper legal and financial advice before proceeding.

A Focused Energy secondary transaction usually involves an existing shareholder selling shares to a buyer before a public listing. The buyer and seller typically agree on price, number of shares, share class, and closing conditions. The seller may then need to notify Focused Energy through a share transfer notice or similar process. If Focused Energy or existing investors have approval rights, transfer restrictions, or a right of first refusal, those steps may need to be completed before the transfer can close. The parties typically enter into a purchase and sale agreement, complete any required transfer documentation, and close only if the necessary conditions are satisfied. Timing and certainty can vary by company and transaction.

In most private secondary transactions, parties commonly use a purchase and sale agreement that outlines price, terms, and conditions. They may also use share transfer documentation, often a stock transfer notice, share transfer notice, transfer instruction, or similar document, along with any required company approval or right of first refusal materials. Proof of ownership, such as a cap table entry, share certificate, brokerage statement, issuer confirmation, or administrator confirmation, may also be important. Buyers often request recent company financials, but private companies may limit disclosure. Since every deal varies, buyers and sellers should consult legal and financial advisors to understand which documents are needed.

Risk, diligence, and investor caution

Buying Focused Energy shares pre-IPO is risky. Shares are illiquid, no IPO or liquidity event is guaranteed, valuations can change, transfers may require company approval, and private companies may provide limited financial disclosure. Be prepared for total loss. SetterVC and Setter Capital do not provide due diligence, legal, tax, accounting, valuation, or investment advice. Buyers must conduct their own due diligence, verify information, and seek independent legal and investment advice before proceeding.

Private secondary shares are typically illiquid. Unlike public stocks, there is no active public market, so selling them can be difficult and time-consuming. Sales depend on finding a willing buyer and often require company approval. Investors should be prepared to hold the shares for an extended period, with no guarantee of a future sale. Always assess your need for liquidity before investing.

SetterVC and Setter Capital do not provide due diligence, legal, tax, accounting, valuation, or investment advice. Buyers must conduct their own due diligence, including verifying ownership, transferability, legal structure, company approval, and assessing the company's prospects. SetterVC and Setter Capital do not provide advice on whether an investment is good, what price to pay, or what the best bid or ask is. SetterVC and Setter Capital may share documents in some circumstances, but it does not guarantee their accuracy or completeness. Due diligence is essential. Seek legal and investment advice as needed.

Before buying Focused Energy shares, a buyer should try to review the share class, price per share, implied valuation, transfer restrictions, ROFR process, company approval rights, seller ownership evidence, recent financing or tender-offer information, available financial information, information rights, resale restrictions, tax considerations, and expected liquidity paths. Not all information may be available for a private company. Buyers should confirm available diligence, process details, and information needs with their own legal, tax, and investment advisers.

SPVs carry risks. Examples include the need to confirm the company allows SPV-based transfers, verify that the SPV truly owns the shares or interests it claims to own, and ensure it has not sold more interests than it holds. Due diligence is essential. Seek legal and investment advice as needed.

Forward contracts carry risks. Examples include the seller refusing to transfer the shares at the future date, even if the seller owns them, the seller going bankrupt with creditors claiming the shares, or the seller committing the same shares to multiple parties. Due diligence is essential. Seek legal and investment advice as needed.

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Data collected with AI, which can make mistakes. Please double-check this information.