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6K secures $82M in Series E funding to expand its production of sustainable materials for lithium-ion batteries and additive manufacturing. The investment will help scale its UniMelt microwave plasma technology and complete the construction of its PlusCAM plant in Tennessee. The company also undergoes a leadership transition, with Dr. Saurabh Ullal becoming the new CEO.
How 6K’s $82M Series E Funding Fuels Ambitious Expansion Plans
6K, a key player in sustainable material production, has announced the successful closure of $82M in Series E funding. The capital comes from investors like Anzu Partners, Energy Impact Partners, LaunchCapital, Material Impact, and Volta Energy Technologies. The funding is crucial for expanding the production of battery cathode active materials (CAM) and additive manufacturing powders. With increased production capabilities, 6K plans to meet the growing global demand for critical materials, particularly in sectors such as electric vehicles and energy storage.
This investment represents the first close of the Series E round, with a second close expected later in the year. The influx of capital will enable 6K to complete its PlusCAM battery material plant in Jackson, TN, enhancing its ability to supply high-quality, IRA-compliant CAM at scale.
The Role of UniMelt Technology in 6K’s Sustainable Growth
6K’s UniMelt technology plays a pivotal role in sustainable material production. UniMelt, a microwave plasma technology, allows 6K to manufacture materials efficiently while reducing carbon emissions, conserving energy, and utilizing recycled content. This closed-loop approach helps create a circular economy by lowering production costs and minimizing the environmental impact of manufacturing processes.
With this Series E funding, 6K aims to scale up its UniMelt platform, which currently produces materials for additive manufacturing and energy storage. The PlusCAM facility in Jackson, TN, will significantly boost 6K’s ability to produce CAM, supporting the growing electric vehicle market and broader energy transition efforts.
The Battery Center of Excellence, located at 6K’s headquarters in North Andover, MA, is also a key asset in its expansion plans. The center currently produces up to one ton of CAM per month, helping 6K secure critical customer qualifications.
Strategic Leadership Changes and Their Impact
The Series E funding coincides with a significant leadership transition within 6K. Dr. Aaron Bent, the company’s former CEO, has stepped down, with Chief Operating Officer Dr. Saurabh Ullal assuming the role of CEO. Dr. Ullal brings a wealth of technical and operational experience to the company, which is crucial as 6K navigates the complexities of scaling production and meeting growing customer demands.
In addition to the leadership change, two new board members have joined the company: Beda Bolzenius and Dr. Jeff Chamberlain. Bolzenius, with over 30 years of experience in the global automotive industry, will bring expertise in engineering, logistics, and manufacturing. His background includes leadership roles at Bosch and Johnson Controls. Dr. Chamberlain, the CEO of Volta Energy Technologies, adds deep expertise in energy storage and battery technology, having led advanced battery initiatives at Argonne National Laboratory.
These changes in leadership and governance align with 6K’s vision for accelerated growth and expanded market presence across industries.
Investor Confidence in 6K’s Vision for the Future
The successful completion of the Series E funding round reflects strong investor confidence in 6K’s innovative approach and market potential. The backing from established firms like Energy Impact Partners and Volta Energy Technologies signals the investors’ belief in 6K’s ability to drive sustainable growth and its strategic positioning within the energy and manufacturing sectors.
6K’s mission to create a more sustainable production process aligns well with global trends toward reducing carbon footprints and enhancing domestic supply chains. Investors are supporting 6K’s approach to material production, which promises to deliver not only economic value but also significant environmental benefits.
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The Growing Importance of Sustainable Battery and Material Production
Demand for lithium-ion batteries has surged in recent years, driven largely by the adoption of electric vehicles and the growth of renewable energy storage solutions. 6K’s production of high-performance CAM is essential to meeting this demand. The company’s materials are IRA-compliant, meaning they are produced domestically in a sustainable manner, reducing reliance on foreign supply chains and ensuring greater resilience in critical sectors.
Additive manufacturing also plays a critical role in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and healthcare. 6K’s production of metal powders enables manufacturers to create high-performance parts with reduced material waste. As more industries turn to additive manufacturing, the need for reliable, high-quality materials continues to grow, positioning 6K to capitalize on this trend.
What’s Next for 6K: Scaling Up for Global Impact
With the Series E funding, 6K is well-positioned to complete the construction of its PlusCAM battery material plant, significantly boosting production capacity. This facility will enable 6K to scale to full production, meeting the rising demand for lithium-ion battery materials and additive manufacturing powders.
As the company expands its production capabilities, it expects to hit key milestones in the coming months, including the second close of its Series E funding round and further advancements at the Battery Center of Excellence. These developments will allow 6K to solidify its role as a leader in sustainable material production.
Why 6K Leads in Sustainable Material Innovation
6K stands at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing, combining advanced technology with a commitment to reducing environmental impact. Its UniMelt platform provides a scalable, efficient solution for producing critical materials in a sustainable manner. With strong leadership, investor backing, and the ability to scale production, 6K is well-positioned to meet the growing global demand for high-performance materials across various industries.
The company’s focus on reducing carbon emissions, promoting circularity, and securing domestic supply chains makes it a key player in the future of both energy storage and advanced manufacturing.
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