HULO, a Dutch WaterTech startup specialising in AI-driven leak detection for water infrastructure, has successfully raised €2.3 million in a seed funding round. The investment was led by VP Capital and LUMO Labs, with participation from Vanagon, Rabobank, the Frisian Development Fund (FOM), and the Netherlands Enabling Water Technology fund (NEW).
Founded in 2021 by Robbert Lodewijks and Frank van der Hulst, HULO leverages existing pressure and flow data from utility systems to detect, localize, and prioritize leaks and anomalies. By integrating AI with physics-based models, the platform provides real-time insights into the dynamic behavior of water networks, enabling utilities to address issues proactively. This approach eliminates the need for new hardware or district metered areas, offering a scalable and cost-effective solution.
The newly acquired funds will accelerate HULO’s expansion into key markets, including the Netherlands, the EU, the UK, and Latin America. The company aims to enhance its capabilities in AI, network analytics, cybersecurity, and customer success to increase its global impact.
HULO’s technology addresses the critical issue of water loss, with approximately 30% of treated water lost globally due to aging infrastructure. By detecting leaks early, HULO’s platform is projected to save the equivalent of over 4 million Olympic-size swimming pools of water annually by 2030.
The investment from VP Capital and LUMO Labs underscores the growing confidence in HULO’s innovative approach to water management. Erica van Eeghen, Senior Manager Ventures at VP Capital, highlighted the urgency of addressing water scarcity and commended HULO’s scalable solution.
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