Impulse Labs, Trojan Horse for Battery-Powered Homes
Backed by Lux Capital w/ $25M Raised to Date
Today we have Sam D'Amico, founder of Impulse Labs, discussing Impulse’s innovative approach to home electrification through next-generation appliances, starting with a powerful battery-integrated stove.
Impulse Labs has raised $25M in total funding to date, with their last round, a $20M Series A, led by Josh Wolfe of Lux Capital in 2022. Sam discusses the vision behind Impulse Labs, the importance of energy efficiency in homes, and how their products can revolutionize cooking while contributing to a decentralized energy future.
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The conversation touches on Sam's background in consumer electronics from working on Google Glasses to Oculus, the current landscape of home energy usage, and the potential for resilience in energy consumption through battery technology.
We go deeper into the evolution of battery technology, particularly the advancements made by the U.S., Tesla, and Chinese manufacturers, with lithium iron phosphate batteries. As well as the ongoing shifts in global battery manufacturing and the potential for increased U.S. production.
Learn how Impulse Labs aims to be a "Trojan horse" for decentralized battery-powered homes, potentially revolutionizing home energy management and grid stability, all the while, delivering a premium performance cooktop fit for Michelin-star chefs and pancake fanatics.
Special thank you to Minn Kim of Lighthouse for the introduction, and Anna-Sofia Lesiv of Contrary Research for help with research on batteries & the grid (linked below).
Highlights
(02:22) Early Influences: Oculus & Google Glass
(15:13) The Advantage of Battery Integration: Faster Cooking & Efficiency
(27:47) The Science of Pancakes: Temperature Control & UI/UX
(31:08) The 20-Year Vision: Decentralized Energy & Home Self-Sufficiency
(34:57) Decentralized Grid & Emergency Power Solutions
(41:12) The Battery Revolution: Technological Advancements & China's Influence
(48:03) Lithium Mining & the Future of Battery Manufacturing
$25M in Total Funding
$20M Series A funding led by Lux Capital, and joined by Fifth Wall, Lachy Groom and Construct Capital
$5M seed round in 2021 led by Lux Capital, Construct and Lachy Groom
Product
Specs
Dimensions: 30” cooktop.
Performance: up to 10 kW with exact temperature control starting at room temperature (approx. 5x more powerful than gas and 3x normal induction).
Pan compatibility: works with induction-compatible pans.
Power requirements: 120V / 15A (NEMA 5-15P plug) or 240V circuit.
Battery: 3 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate.
Inverter: grid-tied, up to 2.2 kW, 220-250V 50-60 Hz AC.
Depth: fits in standard drop-in countertops (compatible with typical drawer clearances).
Resources
Interviews
Sam D'Amico: Secretly Electrifying the Grid with Stoves [S3]
World's Most Powerful Stove: Boils Water in Seconds | Impulse [S3]
Sam D’Amico | Impulse Labs [Wharton Launch Pod]
Foundations & Frontiers
The Challenge of Building Better Batteries - A deep dive into the science of battery power. [Anna-Sofia Lesiv]
Modernizing the Electric Grid - A deep dive into what it will take to modernize America's grid. [Anna-Sofia Lesiv]
How Much Energy Will It Take To Power AI? - Napkin math estimates on AI energy usage. [Anna-Sofia Lesiv]
The New Era of Mining - The efforts bringing mining into the 21st century. [Anna-Sofia Lesiv]
The Past and Future of Metallurgy [Anna-Sofia Lesiv]
More
Base Power Company - Building the Modern Power Company of the Electric Era [Not Boring]
Timestamps
(00:00) Intro
(01:04) Sam's Journey: From Pizza Ovens to Battery-Powered Homes
(02:22) Early Influences: Oculus & Google Glass
(08:14) Funding & the Landscape of Home Energy Usage
(10:20) Energy Usage Trends & Appliance Distribution
(12:08) Innovation in the Stove: Power, Precision, and Efficiency
(15:13) The Advantage of Battery Integration: Faster Cooking & Efficiency
(20:18) Integrating Battery-Powered Stoves into Homes
(22:54) Pricing & Market Positioning: Premium Performance & Incentives
(27:47) The Science of Pancakes: Temperature Control & UI/UX
(31:08) The 20-Year Vision: Decentralized Energy & Home Self-Sufficiency
(34:57) Decentralized Grid & Emergency Power Solutions
(38:39) Marketing & Distribution: Targeting Various Markets
(41:12) The Battery Revolution: Technological Advancements & China's Influence
(48:03) Lithium Mining & the Future of Battery Manufacturing
(52:57) A New Economy & the Everyday Appliance Revolution
(53:54) The Path Ahead: Shipping the Product & Scaling the Vision
(54:29) Looking Ahead: Exciting Times for Impulse Labs
(55:07) Wrap