Cala Systems, a Boston-based company specializing in intelligent heat pump water heaters, has raised $5.6 million in Seed funding.
The round was led by Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and Clean Energy Venture Group, with participation from Burnt Island Ventures, Leap Forward Ventures, CapeVista Capital, Collaborative Fund, and Climate Capital.
The funds will be used to expand Cala Systems’ operations and development efforts.
CEO Michael Rigney leads Cala Systems in designing and building advanced heat pump water heaters that combine sensors, hardware, and predictive technology. The intelligent heat pump system heats water based on household usage patterns and homeowner preferences. This allows Cala to improve hot water availability during high demand periods and minimize costs. Homeowners can customize water heating to sync with their solar power output, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by coordinating heating with clean electricity, lower costs with variable electric rates, and preheat water before potential power disruptions.
Cala’s predictive controls use a blend of artificial intelligence and physics-based techniques to plan for future hot water use and other inputs like home solar output and electricity prices. The system features a variable speed compressor and an integrated mixing valve, enhancing water heating efficiency and increasing hot water production when needed.
The company is preparing to launch its heat pump water heater (HPWH), now available for preorder on its website, with initial deliveries expected in the first half of 2025. This innovative product promises to revolutionize home water heating by offering a more efficient and eco-friendly solution tailored to modern energy needs.
