4QT

4QT is a Swiss startup that aims to revolutionize the heavy equipment industry with its high-power electric drives. The company's slogan, "High power electric drives for heavy equipment," encapsulates its mission to address the environmental impact of heavy polluters like excavators and dozers, which currently run on diesel engines and produce 3.2 gigatons of CO2. 4QT identifies a significant gap in the market, as manufacturers face pressure to electrify their fleets but lack the necessary experience and powertrain components. The startup's key differentiator lies in its specialized focus on developing high-power electric drives tailored to the heavy equipment sector. They hold patents on the motors and batteries, giving them a competitive edge. Additionally, 4QT has gained traction with defense and heavy equipment OEMs, demonstrating their technology on their vehicles. This validation from industry players reinforces the potential impact of their solution. The founding team's expertise is a notable strength of the company. The CEO, a powertrain expert from MIT, brings invaluable knowledge to the table. The CTO, an ETH Zurich PhD, has a background in leading teams in the construction of rockets and heavy machining equipment, with experience at renowned organizations like Rolls-Royce Aerospace and Roketsan. Furthermore, the CCO's previous role leading product globally at construction equipment giant Hilti adds to the team's credibility and industry insight. The company's vision of an active fleet of 20M electric heavy equipment vehicles reflects their ambitious yet impactful long-term goal. Their recent Fr.1.90M Pre Seed Round investment on 11th December 2023, led by Climate Capital, Tiny VC, Unruly Capital, and Ciri Ventures, further signifies the investors' confidence in 4QT and demonstrates a promising trajectory for the startup. With a strong foundation, a compelling solution, and backing from reputable investors, 4QT is poised to make a meaningful contribution to the transformation of the heavy equipment industry.