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Clean energy financing software startup CapeZero has closed a $2.6 million seed round, the company tells Axios exclusively. 

Why it matters: The markets for solar and storage are booming, and efficient software can help continue to lower clean energy costs. 

Zoom in: CapeZero, founded in 2023, said the round was led by Oakland, Calif.-based digital climate investors Powerhouse Ventures. 

Climactic, Avesta Fund, Virta Ventures, and Stepchange also participated in the deal. 

How it works: CapeZero's software helps solar, wind and storage firms manage financial decisions about capital planning, buying and selling and fundraising.

The software has tools for tax equity, transferability, debt and equity. 

CapeZero co-founder and CEO Manish Hebbar, a long-time banking executive, says the startup is working with global independent power producers and developers of clean energy projects but declined to name the customers. 

The intrigue: Wind developers are expected to face challenges under the Trump administration, thanks to the new executive order to halt leasing and permitting for wind projects in federal lands and waters.

Hebbar says about the new policy changes: "I've been through the ups and downs of clean energy. I think the only constant is that things are changing and that you have to adapt."

The big picture: Investments in solar and storage projects continue to grow rapidly. 

Global investment in low-carbon energy projects will overtake spending on upstream oil and gas production for the first time this year, according to a report from S&P.

Solar energy alone is expected to generate half of this year's green energy investment.

So-called solar soft costs, which are costs not associated with hardware, can still come down with better software for permitting, financing and installing. 

What's next: Kingston, N.Y.-based CapeZero plans to expand its software to offer tools to manage clean energy projects over the life of a 30- to 40-year project as well as tools for investors and advisers. 

Exclusive: CapeZero raises $2.6M seed for clean energy capital software

Solar and storage are booming and software can keep it going

Illustration of a calculator surrounded by clean energy imagery, abstract shapes, and money elements.

Clean energy financing software startup CapeZero has closed a $2.6 million seed round, the company tells Axios exclusively. Why it matters: The markets for solar and storage are booming, and efficient software can help continue to lower clean energy costs.

Exclusive: CapeZero raises $2.6M seed for clean energy capital software

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