Applied Computing, a London-based artificial intelligence company focused on the energy sector, has raised €17.4 million ($20 million) in a Series A funding round led by industrial services firm KBR, with participation from Databricks Ventures.
The funding represents a significant growth milestone for the company, which was founded in 2023 and has now accumulated €28.1 million in total funding. The investment coincides with Applied Computing’s formal market entry into the United States, marked by the opening of a new office in Houston, Texas.
Targeting the Energy Sector
Applied Computing builds foundation models specifically designed for energy operators, addressing a growing need for artificial intelligence solutions tailored to the sector’s unique challenges. The company’s technology aims to help operators improve operational efficiency, enhance safety outcomes, and reduce carbon emissions across their operations.
Callum Adamson, CEO and co-founder of Applied Computing, outlined the strategic importance of the partnership. “It’s our mission to provide operators with a foundation model that unlocks advantage at scale while delivering pathways to production that are safer, more efficient and far less carbon-intensive,” Adamson stated. “KBR is a natural partner for that mission. Their decades of data, industry domain knowledge and global reach mean we can now accelerate deployment of Orbital across the sector,” he added, referring to the company’s flagship product.
Expansion and Deployment Plans
The fresh capital will be deployed across three primary areas: supporting the company’s international expansion efforts, accelerating commercial deployment partnerships with energy operators globally, and deepening the company’s investment in artificial intelligence research capabilities.
KBR’s involvement appears strategically significant given the company’s established position in the energy and engineering sectors. The investor’s extensive experience in the industry, combined with its global operational footprint, positions it well to facilitate Applied Computing’s growth and market penetration among major energy operators.
Databricks Ventures, the investment arm of the data and AI platform company, brings complementary expertise in machine learning infrastructure and enterprise AI adoption, reflecting the technical nature of Applied Computing’s work.
European AI Momentum
Applied Computing’s latest funding round and US expansion reflect broader momentum in the European artificial intelligence startup ecosystem. While many European AI companies have historically faced challenges in scaling internationally, an increasing number are securing significant capital and establishing operations in key global markets. The energy sector, in particular, has emerged as a focal point for AI investment as operators worldwide seek technology solutions to navigate the energy transition and improve operational performance.
The company’s growth trajectory demonstrates investor confidence in specialized AI applications for established industrial sectors, suggesting that the energy industry may become an increasingly important vertical for European AI innovation in coming years.