In this initial funding round, the scale-up is backed by the public fund Wallonie Entreprendre (WE) alongside the Paris-based infrastructure fund Andera Partners. Having achieved profitability in 2022, Skysun’s new growth plan aims to ultimately cover the equivalent of the annual consumption of 200,000 households in France and the Benelux. The transaction was mediated by Natixis Partners.
Skysun is an independent energy production company specializing in the development, installation, and management of solar panels for businesses (third-party investor). In 2020, the company had already secured €5 million in subordinated debt to finance its projects with AG Real Estate (AGEAS group). This €16.85 million Series A round aims to support Skysun’s growth and promote sustainable development through renewable photovoltaic energy parks for SMEs, industry, and the real estate sector.
Léopold Coppieters, co-founder and Chief Solar Officer of Skysun, states, “We are very proud and happy to have strategic investors on board, each based in our initial target markets, Belgium and France. We will strengthen our presence in Wallonia and Brussels while expanding in Flanders and across French territory. Financing the energy transition in Europe is both crucial and exciting work.”
Founded in 2017 by Arthur Dawans and Léopold Coppieters, Skysun stands out for its innovative business model, allowing companies to install photovoltaic panels on their roofs, parking lots, land, and facades without having to invest in the installations themselves. Targeted surfaces are larger than 1,500 m². The generated electricity is used for the companies’ self-consumption, and any surplus is sold to an energy community or on the grid, enabling a low-cost energy supply. Furthermore, Skysun provides monitoring and maintenance of its installations for up to 20 years, ensuring high-quality service and peace of mind for its various commercial, industrial, and real estate partners. As part of its growth, the company intends to expand its team and further develop its expertise.
“What is unique about Skysun’s value proposition is the zero CAPEX, zero OPEX service offered to its B2B clients, along with an exceptional track record, including the Anderlecht Abattoir Hall project in 2021,” says Guy Auger, partner at Andera Partners.
A Strong and Well-Supported Team
With its headquarters in Genappe and offices in Brussels, Paris, and Strasbourg, Skysun is experiencing rapid growth. To support this expansion, the company has recently strengthened its management team with recognized experts in the energy sector. Alexis Stoffels, appointed CEO of Skysun Belgium in 2024, brings nearly 20 years of experience, notably with Engie and Luminus. Pierre Carlier, CFO since August 2023, has a solid background in transactional services and financial consulting gained at Deloitte. More recently, Sophie Coster (formerly of Engie) joined as Commercial Director.
A top-tier Advisory Board has been established, composed of prominent figures such as Chris Peeters, CEO of BPost and former CEO of ELIA, the federal electricity grid operator; Sandrine Dixson, co-president of the Club of Rome; and Michael Sachedev, former Chief Product Officer of SUNRUN, a San Francisco-based company that achieved exceptional results in the solar sector (NASDAQ: RUN). The board will provide strategic expertise to guide Skysun in its mission to finance the European energy transition.
“The solid management team we entrust with the Belgian market, coupled with the expertise of our advisory board, should enable us to double our portfolio each year over the coming months. We also have great confidence in the entire historic team and are very grateful for the work accomplished to date,” emphasizes Arthur Dawans, cofounder and CEO of the group.
Wallonie Entreprendre is proud to support Skysun in this new stage of growth. This Series A is the first professional opening of Skysun’s capital and represents an important step towards green and sustainable energy production in Wallonia, in line with its commitment to the energy transition.
Anne Vereecke, Member of the Executive Committee of WE, states: “This investment in a third-party investor like Skysun further expands our range of financing solutions for decarbonizing businesses. It also aligns with our desire to support Walloon companies that create and develop expertise to address low-carbontransition challenges.”