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§ Private Profile · Somerville, MA, USA
Transaera is a technology company.
Transaera develops energy-efficient cooling systems, focusing on residential air conditioners. The company utilizes proprietary Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) to precisely separate humidity from air, drastically reducing traditional dehumidification's energy demand. This approach yields a sustainable, affordable climate control, minimizing environmental impact.
Founded in 2017 by Sorin Grama, Mircea Dinca, Ross Bonner, and Matthew Dorson, Transaera addresses the energy inefficiencies of conventional air conditioning. Mircea Dinca, a Professor of Energy, provided key MOF material expertise, forming the scientific bedrock for their novel cooling technology designed to reduce energy consumption.
Transaera targets residential consumers and specialized commercial sectors via strategic partnerships. The company envisions universally accessible, environmentally responsible cooling technologies. Its mission transforms the global cooling landscape, enabling comfortable living while reducing infrastructure strain and protecting the planet.
Transaera has raised $23.0M across 3 funding rounds.
Transaera has raised $23.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Transaera has raised $23.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Transaera's investors include Clean Energy Ventures, Energy Impact Partners, Picus Capital.
Transaera is a climate tech company developing energy-efficient HVAC systems that use novel metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and desiccant materials to dehumidify air before cooling, slashing energy use by 30-40% compared to conventional systems.[1][2][3] Targeting commercial buildings initially with its Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS)—a fully electric, rooftop-compatible heat pump for cooling, heating, and 100% outdoor air supply—it serves owners seeking lower costs, emissions, and better comfort in humid climates.[2][4] The company has raised $16.38M total, with recent funding including a $10.5M round and $250K accelerator support, achieving early traction like its first DOAS installation in a Florida commercial kitchen.[1][4][5]
Originally focused on residential AC for emerging markets like India and China, Transaera has pivoted to commercial applications, earning recognition as a Global Cooling Prize finalist and NSF award winner while addressing surging global cooling demand.[1][3][6]
Transaera spun out from MIT around 2017-2018, founded by CEO Sorin Grama, CTO Ross Bonner (MIT mechanical engineering alum and lead inventor with GE Aviation experience), Matthew Dorson, and advisor Mircea Dincă (MIT Professor of Energy).[2][3][5] Grama, a serial entrepreneur, previously commercialized refrigeration tech for rural India’s unreliable grids, inspiring Transaera’s focus on efficient cooling amid rising heat and humidity.[2]
The idea emerged from MIT research on MOFs—crystalline, sponge-like materials that selectively adsorb water—applied as coatings in HVAC for superior dehumidification.[2][3][7] Early milestones include Global Cooling Prize finalist status, a $4.5M seed led by Energy Impact Partners (with Carrier Ventures and others), and lab-to-rooftop commercialization under Grama’s leadership.[2][3][5]
Transaera rides the exploding demand for efficient cooling, projected to be buildings' top electricity use by 2050, driven by climate change, urbanization, and middle-class growth in humid emerging economies.[1][6] Its timing aligns with global pushes for electrification and decarbonization—e.g., heat pumps over gas HVAC—amid policies favoring low-emission tech and rising energy costs.[2][4]
Market tailwinds include smart cities expansion (Transaera in CB Insights' collection) and investor interest in climate-resilient buildings, with competitors in desiccant cooling but few matching MOF efficiency.[1][5] It influences the ecosystem by proving MOF scalability, partnering with incumbents like Carrier, and enabling hybrid RTU setups that cut unit counts and grid strain.[2][4]
Transaera's momentum—from lab spinout to real-world installs—positions it to capture share in the $100B+ HVAC market as trials scale to broader commercial rollout.[1][4] Next steps likely include expanding DOAS production, residential pilots, and international pushes into humid markets, fueled by recent funding.[1][3]
Shaping trends: AI-optimized buildings, stricter emissions regs, and MOF maturation will amplify its edge, potentially evolving Transaera into a sustainability standard-setter like early heat pump pioneers—delivering comfort without climate compromise.[2][6][7]
Transaera has raised $23.0M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $10.5M Grant / Seed in November 2024.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 4, 2024 | $10.5M Grant | — | — | Announced |
| Nov 1, 2024 | $8M Seed | — | Clean Energy Ventures, Energy Impact Partners, Picus Capital | Announced |
| Sep 15, 2022 | $4.5M Seed | Energy Impact Partners | — | Announced |