Bluecore Energy, a maritime startup founded by former Uber Freight executive Kofi Asante, has raised $10 million in pre-seed funding to build floating small modular reactors (SMRs) aimed at delivering clean, portable nuclear power to coastal infrastructure.
- Raised $10M pre-seed funding led by Slauson & Co.
- Builds floating water-cooled SMRs to power ports and communities
- Focus on safety with layered uranium containment and redundancy
What happened
Bluecore Energy announced a successful $10 million pre-seed funding round led by Slauson & Co., with participation from Harlem Capital, Precursor Ventures, and notable angel investors including Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen and Kevin Hart’s HartBeat Ventures. Founded seven months ago by Kofi Asante, the startup is developing small modular nuclear reactors mounted on barges to provide clean energy for coastal regions and port infrastructure.
The reactors operate by heating water in a closed-loop system to produce steam that drives turbines to generate electricity. Bluecore’s barges can be moved by ship to different locations, allowing flexible deployment without emissions tied to transportation. The company has already secured a port terminal, barge, and a test reactor pressure vessel to validate their design, combining hardware and software testing to ensure performance and safety.
Why it matters
Bluecore’s approach addresses growing energy demands in maritime and coastal zones, including large ports and nearby communities, which often face power challenges and environmental concerns. Leveraging established water-cooled nuclear technology with over seven decades of operational history, the startup aims to deliver a scalable, clean energy solution that refuels only once every few years. This could significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels in critical infrastructure.
The startup also targets emerging markets like data centers, where executives have expressed interest in secure, independent power sources that don’t draw on local water or electricity grids. Bluecore’s nuclear barges could thus support expanding AI and cloud infrastructure while reducing strain on neighboring communities, aligning with global decarbonization efforts.
What to watch next
As the company scales, key indicators will include the completion of initial barge deployments, expanded partnerships with port operators or data centers, and successful grid integration via subsea cables. Observers should also watch for broader industry adoption trends around small modular reactors as portable, emission-free power solutions for maritime and coastal applications.