H2Ok Innovations, the exclusive provider of patented inline sensors combining science and artificial intelligence for more efficient industrial operations, has announced the closing of a $12.42 million Series A funding round. Greycroft led the round, with additional participation from 2048 Ventures and Construct Capital.
The capital injection follows significant traction in the global CPG and hyperscale data center markets, where the platform is currently used to increase throughput and eliminate unplanned downtime. The new investment will drive rapid expansion by converting breakthrough technology into a plug-and-play solution that enables faster Clean-in-Place (CIP) processes and seamless product changeovers.
Launched in 2021 by sibling founders Annie and David Lu, H2Ok Innovations empowers manufacturers to streamline operations by identifying inefficiencies and faults early. Through continuous monitoring and closed-loop PLC integration, the system integrates seamlessly into existing piping and instrumentation infrastructure, delivering immediate and quantifiable value.
The proprietary technology captures up to one million data points per second, offering real-time insights that help customers such as Unilever, AB InBev, The Coca-Cola Company, and Danone recover lost production time while reducing resource consumption. AB InBev, the largest global brewing company, is actively scaling the system across six geographic zones and all breweries worldwide, driven by fast returns on investment.
“Post-COVID food and beverage manufacturers are besieged by supply chain constraints, rising costs, evolving safety standards, and shifting consumer demands,” said Annie Lu, CEO of H2Ok Innovations. “Our turnkey solution gives manufacturers production time back to address these macro challenges and still drive innovation. We're excited to bring science-backed sensors and industry-focused AI that delivers both the sustainability and speed that manufacturers need to thrive in today's environment.”
“Instead of reacting to waste, manufacturers use our technology to proactively perfect their processes, which in turn generates less waste,” said David Lu, CTO of H2Ok Innovations. “Our customers leverage our technology to routinely cut CIP and production changeover time by 15 percent and reduce water, energy, and chemical usage between 10 to 20 percent. With H2Ok's game-changing technology, manufacturers build the next generation of sustainable factories that simultaneously save them time and money.”
Operating out of Greentown Labs in Somerville, MA — North America's leading cleantech incubator — H2Ok Innovations stands out as a woman-founded company backed by premier investors, including Greycroft, Construct Capital, 2048 Ventures, and Flybridge Capital. Recognition includes Unilever’s 2023 Startup of the Year award and AB InBev’s 2024 Cheers Award, acknowledging exceptional contributions to sustainability and innovation in global supply chains.