Bluecore Energy Raises $10 Million in Pre-Seed Funding
Bluecore Energy, a startup focused on maritime nuclear energy, announced on July 21, 2026, that it has secured $10 million in a pre-seed funding round. This round was led by Slauson, Co, with participation from Harlem Capital, Precursor Ventures, Chris Larsen, and Kevin Hart's HartBeat Ventures. Founded just seven months ago by Kofi Asante, who serves as CEO, the company aims to revolutionize clean energy production through portable nuclear reactors.
Developing Portable Nuclear Reactors
Bluecore Energy is innovating in the field of small modular reactors (SMRs) by constructing them on floating barges. These reactors are designed to provide clean power to ports and nearby infrastructure. The system operates by heating water to produce steam, which then powers a generator to create electricity. Asante explains, "We are able to utilize existing water-cooled nuclear technology that has been operating for over 70 years."
The company’s portable reactors are intended to be mobile, allowing them to be transported by ship with zero emissions. These barges can be docked near communities and have the capability to connect to power grids via subsea cables. According to Asante, each barge could power approximately 15,000 homes or scale to meet the energy requirements of a major port.
Strategic Use of Funds
The recently acquired capital will be used to deploy Bluecore Energy’s innovative product. The company has already secured essential components, including a port terminal, barge, and a test reactor pressure vessel. "The test vessel allows us to simulate flow with water, which is the cooling source of the system," Asante noted. This setup will enable the company to combine hardware with software testing to validate and verify their design.
Additionally, Bluecore Energy is collaborating with regulatory agencies to ensure the safety of its design, aiming to embed the safest design decisions into its first product. The funding will support these regulatory efforts and further product development.
Investors and Market Potential
The pre-seed round was led by Slauson, Co and included prominent investors such as Harlem Capital and Precursor Ventures. Individual investors like Chris Larsen and comedian Kevin Hart’s HartBeat Ventures also participated. This diverse group of investors reflects growing interest in sustainable and innovative energy solutions.
Bluecore Energy's approach could potentially transform how clean energy is delivered to maritime and remote areas, offering a scalable solution for reducing carbon emissions. With its ambitious plans and strategic backing, the company is positioning itself to make significant advancements in the clean energy sector.