As demand grows for safer, more affordable and resource-resilient battery technologies, sodium-ion is emerging as a promising complement to lithium-ion across a growing range of applications. Realising that potential, however, requires overcoming one of the chemistry’s longstanding limitations: delivering the performance needed for a much broader range of mass market applications.
TaiSan is tackling that challenge with a proprietary battery technology designed to make sodium-ion batteries lighter and more compact, opening the door to applications ranging from e-bikes and scooters to light electric vehicles and power tools.
Supporting the next phase of development, TaiSan has secured a £4.65 million seed round co-led by Eos Advisory and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through Mercia Ventures. InnoEnergy renewed its investment in the round, alongside existing investors TSP Ventures, Exergon and Heartfelt, while AFI Ventures, EverQuest Capital Partners, Adeline Arts & Science, Techmind and François Badelon joined as new investors.
Overcoming one of sodium-ion’s biggest challenges
Sodium-ion batteries offer several compelling advantages over conventional lithium-ion technologies. Sodium is one of the most abundant elements on Earth, helping reduce dependence on critical raw materials while offering an attractive combination of safety, affordability and long service life.
Historically, however, sodium-ion batteries have been heavier and less energy-dense than lithium-ion alternatives, limiting their use primarily to stationary energy storage.
TaiSan is addressing this challenge through a proprietary solid-state electrolyte that is compatible with high-voltage and high-capacity electrode materials. In practical terms, this enables lighter and more compact sodium-ion batteries while retaining the chemistry’s inherent safety advantages. By overcoming one of sodium-ion’s key performance limitations, the technology opens the door for the chemistry to be used in a much broader range of commercial applications.
Moving from innovation to commercial validation
TaiSan is already seeing early commercial traction, particularly in the e-bike and light electric vehicle markets, where safety, weight and cost are critical. The company has signed several memoranda of understanding with OEMs and suppliers and is preparing to launch pilot programmes with industry partners.
The funding will support the next phase of development, including pilot testing with OEM partners, integrated battery pack demonstrations, and expanded precursor manufacturing in collaboration with chemical producers.
“This investment marks an important milestone as we move from technology development towards industrial validation,” says Sanzhar Taizhan, Founder and CEO of TaiSan. “Our ambition is to unlock the full potential of sodium-ion batteries for mass market applications. We’re already seeing strong interest from manufacturers looking for safer and more affordable battery solutions, and this funding gives us the opportunity to demonstrate how our technology can help bring sodium-ion to applications where lithium-ion has traditionally been the preferred choice.”
Backing the next generation of batteries
InnoEnergy first invested in TaiSan in 2024 and has renewed its support in this latest funding round, reflecting continued confidence in the company’s technology and its progress towards industrial validation.
Beyond investment, InnoEnergy has supported TaiSan through strategic introductions, technical validation and access to its industrial and investor ecosystem, helping accelerate both technology development and commercial engagement.
“Europe’s future battery ecosystem will not be built on a single chemistry. Different applications require different technologies, each optimised for performance, safety, cost and resource availability. Sodium-ion has the potential to become an important complement to lithium-ion as the market continues to diversify,” says Johan Söderbom, Thematic Leader Energy Storage at InnoEnergy.
“What makes TaiSan particularly exciting is its ambition to overcome one of the historical barriers to wider sodium-ion adoption. By combining the chemistry’s intrinsic advantages with a novel solid-state approach that improves performance, the company is helping expand the range of applications where sodium-ion technology can create value. This is exactly the type of innovation Europe needs to build a stronger, more resilient battery value chain, and we are pleased to continue supporting TaiSan on its journey.”
