#Netherlands #Amsterdam #Water Technology #HULO #AI leak detection

HULO Secures Seed Funding to Tackle Global Water Loss

In a significant development for environmental technology, HULO, a pioneering Dutch startup, has announced the successful completion of a €2.3 million seed funding round. This infusion of capital aims to accelerate the company’s efforts in combating the alarming issue of global water loss through innovative artificial intelligence (AI) solutions.

Founded with the mission to leverage technology for a sustainable future, HULO specializes in using AI-driven tools to detect leaks in water infrastructure across the globe. The recent funding round was predominantly led by VP Capital and LUMO Labs, with contributions from notable investors including Vanagon, Rabobank, and other entities committed to advancing water technology.

The startup’s AI-powered platform takes advantage of existing pressure and flow data from utility systems to efficiently pinpoint and prioritize leaks and anomalies. This approach is not only eco-conscious but also economically viable, eliminating the need for expensive new hardware or the establishment of district metered areas (DMAs). As water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing environmental issue—attributed to approximately 30% of treated water being lost due to deteriorating infrastructures—HULO's timely innovation promises to have a substantial impact on global water conservation efforts.

According to Erica van Eeghen, Senior Manager Ventures at VP Capital, “HULO's early detection capabilities using advanced AI technology represent a lean and scalable solution to water loss, which aligns perfectly with our investment philosophy focused on measurable environmental impact and efficiency.” This significant investment will enable HULO to accelerate its market deployment, enhance capabilities in AI, network analysis, cybersecurity, and improve customer success efforts to broaden its global footprint.

HULO is already operational in the Netherlands, the EU, and the UK, with plans to venture into Latin American markets. With this funding, the company aims to expand its services in regions where water management is critically needed, contributing to estimates that their technology may save enough water annually to fill over 4 million Olympic-sized swimming pools by 2030.

One of HULO's defining features is its hardware-agnostic framework that capitalizes on the data already being collected by utilities. This not only accelerates the implementation of their leak detection systems but also makes it a cost-effective alternative compared to traditional methods involving physical inspections or broad hydraulic modeling. HULO’s platform continuously adjusts based on real-time data from flow and pressure signals, offering actionable insights that drive proactive water management strategies.

While the Netherlands is already well-known for its commitment to effective water management practices, HULO’s expansion into international markets underscores the global urgency for innovative water technology. Investors like Axel Roitzsch, Co-Founder and General Partner of Vanagon, emphasize the universality of the need for AI-powered monitoring, stating, “HULO exemplifies how digital innovation can address one of Europe’s most pressing infrastructure challenges.”

This pioneering venture not only addresses water conservation but also sets a precedent for other tech companies to harness digital tools toward similar environmental challenges. With existing partnerships and its foundation rooted in the renowned Wetsus Institute for Sustainable Water Technology in Leeuwarden, HULO aims to be at the forefront of the next wave of innovations in water technology.

With the pressure on global water systems increasing, the arrival of HULO’s technology could be vital in ensuring that essential resources are managed sensibly and sustainably. By merging operational realities with innovative technology, HULO represents a significant shift towards a more effective and future-proof approach to water management.