Imagine
energy as a given

We are transforming energy storage technology from today’s limitations into an effortlessly available and abundant energy resource. Built on a foundation of groundbreaking innovation and a profitable core business, we are scaling up rapidly to enable the world’s leading mobility providers to fast-track the transition to sustainable electric mobility.

We innovate and industrialize customer-centric premium battery technology and power the global energy transition for a better future. 

CustomCells operates at the intersection of groundbreaking innovation and high-performance volume manufacturing, enabling customers to realize their most technologically ambitious projects. With our combined strengths in these domains, we are uniquely positioned to deliver customer-centric premium battery technology at scale, driving transformative change in the energy and mobility landscape and making a tangible impact in the world.

10+ years
experience in cell & process innovation, design, and production
200+
dedicated and highly skilled professionals
2,000+ projects
in automotive, aviation, maritime and beyond
2,500+
tested materials and slurries
620,000+ meters
of electrodes produced

CustomCells' story

Since its establishment in 2012 as a spin-off from the Fraunhofer Institute, CustomCells has pioneered the field of lithium-ion technology, significantly advancing battery cell development and production through German engineering. Our story is one of transformation, evolving from an ambitious startup to a full-service provider and a leading company in the development and series production of advanced premium battery cells. We have navigated the path from ideation to realization alongside over 500 customers, steering projects from initial concepts through to the commissioning of series production facilities.

Ready for the next leap in growth

Investments at both locations, expansion of digital expertise with research projects in the field of digital twins and artificial intelligence.

Diversifying the customer base

With a strong foundation in the automotive sector, we innovate to meet today's demands and anticipate tomorrow's needs.

Advancing electrification in aviation

Eco-friendly short-haul flights: Collaboration with Vaeridion to jointly develop cylindrical cells that meet certification requirements for use in electrically powered aircraft.

Accelerating strategy

Talent surge: CustomCells recruits top executives and expertise from renowned companies like Continental, Rimac, BMW, Magna, and Kion.

Gearing up for global impact

More innovation, more patents:
CustomCells massively expands its development capacities.

Our new CEO leads the way

Dr. Dirk Abendroth joins as the new CEO of the CustomCells Group, bringing international experience from Continental, BMW, and Byton.

Sustainable cutting-edge technology from Germany

Successful completion of the Series-A financing round: Europe's leading climate-tech venture capital firm World Fund, along with Hamburg-based family office Abacon Capital, becomes the lead investor.

Off to new heights

Start of serial production of battery cells for Lilium Air Mobility. Formation of the joint venture Cellforce Group with Porsche AG for the development of high-performance cells in Germany.

Production capacity boost

Significant increase in production capacities; a second coating plant goes into operation in Itzehoe (Schleswig-Holstein).

Strategic expansion

New CustomCells location in Tübingen (Baden-Württemberg) for serial production and manufacturing of cells for electric aviation.

Powered by success

CustomCells becomes a renowned development and production partner in the automotive industry for electric mobility.

Silicon breakthrough

First silicon cells manufactured as part of the "Silicon Graphite goes Industry" project.

The founding year

Co-founded by Leopold König and Torge Thönnessen, CustomCells launches as a spin-off from the German Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology (ISIT). Established in Itzehoe (Schleswig-Holstein), CustomCells has been a leading force in elevating Germany's battery cell production to a competitive and innovative industry.

2023
Ready for the next leap in growth

Investments at both locations, expansion of digital expertise with research projects in the field of digital twins and artificial intelligence.

Diversifying the customer base
With a strong foundation in the automotive sector, we innovate to meet today's demands and anticipate tomorrow's needs.

Advancing electrification in aviation
Eco-friendly short-haul flights: Collaboration with VÆRIDION to jointly develop cylindrical cells that meet certification requirements for use in electrically powered aircraft.

Accelerating strategy
Talent surge: CustomCells recruits top executives and expertise from renowned companies like Continental, Rimac, BMW, Magna, and Kion.

2022
Gearing up for global impact

More innovation, more patents: CustomCells massively expands its development capacities.

Our new CEO leads the way
Dr. Dirk Abendroth joins as the new CEO of the CustomCells Group, bringing international experience from Continental, BMW, and Byton.

Sustainable cutting-edge technology from Germany
Successful completion of the Series-A financing round: Europe's leading climate-tech venture capital firm World Fund, along with Hamburg-based family office Abacon Capital, becomes the lead investor.

2021
Off to new heights
Start of serial production of battery cells for Lilium Air Mobility. Formation of the joint venture Cellforce Group with Porsche AG for the development of high-performance cells in Germany.
2020
Production capacity boost
Significant increase in production capacities; a second coating plant goes into operation in Itzehoe (Schleswig-Holstein).
2019
Strategic expansion
New CustomCells location in Tübingen (Baden-Württemberg) for serial production and manufacturing of cells for electric aviation.
2018
Powered by success
CustomCells becomes a renowned development and production partner in the automotive industry for electric mobility.
2016
Silicon breakthrough
First silicon cells manufactured as part of the "Silicon Graphite goes Industry" project.
2012
The founding year
Co-founded by Leopold König and Torge Thönnessen, CustomCells launches as a spin-off from the German Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology (ISIT). Established in Itzehoe (Schleswig-Holstein), CustomCells has been a leading force in elevating Germany's battery cell production to a competitive and innovative industry.

Executive board of CustomCells

Dr. Dirk Abendroth

Chief Executive Officer

Dirk serves as the CEO of CustomCells with the mission to substantially grow the business and elevate the organization to the next level. Leveraging his extensive background in sustainable mobility, IT, and automotive sectors, he has previously served as CTO at Continental, was a founding member of BYTON, and was a key executive in the launch of BMW's i3 and i8 programs. Dirk holds a PhD in Digital Communication Networks and owns over 12 international patents in smart mobility solutions.
Dr. Amir Ghoreishi

Chief Financial Officer

Amir serves as the CFO at CustomCells, bringing with him an impressive 30-year track record in C-level roles spanning CEO, CFO, and MD positions. Amir's expertise extends beyond traditional CFO duties, encompassing strategic areas like IPOs, M&A, and ESG. His global acumen is shaped by executive roles across diverse industries and regions.
Dr. Christoph Falk

Chief Operating Officer

Christoph is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at CustomCells, responsible for the development, industrialization, and marketing of premium high-performance battery cells. A mechatronics engineer with a PhD in computer science, he has held pivotal roles at Bosch, Valeo, MBtech, Alten, and served as Managing Director at Continental Engineering Services. Additionally, he serves on CustomCells' Executive Board and is a member of the prestigious 'Senate of Economy,' including his engagement in the Senate's Commission for Mobility.

Dr. Amir Ghoreishi

Chief Financial Officer

Amir serves as the CFO at CustomCells, bringing with him an impressive 30-year track record in C-level roles spanning CEO, CFO, and MD positions. Amir's expertise extends beyond traditional CFO duties, encompassing strategic areas like IPOs, M&A, and ESG. His global acumen is shaped by executive roles across diverse industries and regions.

Chairman of the advisory board

Dr. Reinhard Ploss

Advisory Board Chair

Dr. Reinhard Ploss serves as the Board Chair of CustomCells, bringing his extensive experience as a DAX executive to help the company expand into international markets. Formerly the CEO and CTO of Infineon Technologies AG, Ploss has been instrumental in operations and innovation in the semiconductor industry. He holds a degree in process engineering and a doctorate in engineering.
Dr. Reinhard Ploss

Advisory Board Chair

Dr. Reinhard Ploss serves as the Board Chair of CustomCells, bringing his extensive experience as a DAX executive to help the company expand into international markets. Formerly the CEO and CTO of Infineon Technologies AG, Ploss has been instrumental in operations and innovation in the semiconductor industry. He holds a degree in process engineering and a doctorate in engineering.

Founders of CustomCells

Leopold König

Co-Founder

Leopold serves as a Co-Founder of CustomCells and is currently spearheading the establishment of a new branch focused on battery systems. He played a pivotal role in swiftly establishing and growing a profitable business shortly after the company's inception, uniquely positioning CustomCells between laboratory research and mass production of battery cells. Leopold is recognized in the industry for his pragmatic and efficient pioneering work. He is actively engaged as a business angel in various companies throughout the battery value chain.
Torge Thönnessen

Co-Founder and
Member of the Advisory Board

Torge is a Co-Founder and Member of the Advisory Board of CustomCells, combining his profound chemistry knowledge from Philipps University Marburg and Lund University with a passion for innovative battery technology. His professional career as a scientist began at Fraunhofer ISIT, where he worked on scaling lithium battery cell manufacturing from laboratory experiments to industrial production. Beyond CustomCells, Torge served as the CTO of Cellforce Group. He supports numerous startups in the battery technology ecosystem as both a co-founder and business angel.

CustomCells' values

Innovation

We are passionate about cutting-edge technologies and have a laser focus on customer’s voice and market demands. Based on strong Intellectual Property, an excellent partnership network, and continuously improved processes we are first to market with outstanding technology and pioneering solutions. We are willing to fail in order to learn fast. We precisely analyze our positioning, anticipate future trends and develop cost-competitive solutions.

Performance

We are committed to deliver—at quality, time and costs, no matter what it takes. We are customer-centric and strive for premium results. We understand that “done to requirements” overrides perfection. Our attitude is to keep it simple, yet highly professional, that is our understanding of efficient excellence.

Leadership

We are accountable, foster open communication, and grow a culture of learning and trust. We empower our people, encourage entrepreneurial thinking, and welcome smart risk-taking. Decisions are made swiftly, considering the entire company's well-being, while feedback propels continuous improvement.

Collaboration

We foster a working environment where each individual's contribution is valued and acknowledged, and diverse perspectives are cherished. We believe in the power of collective and interdisciplinary effort – with mutual respect, openness, trust, loyalty and fairness. We work together to create moments of joy and shared success. We make our best contribution, complaisantly appreciate results – even if not yet perfect – and jointly strive for better solutions.

Responsibility

We live up to the values of our society and hold ourselves to the highest standards of ESG & EHS, ensuring the well-being of our planet and our people. We take ownership of delivering superior quality in all that we do. We embrace change, empower people and encourage a proactive approach to personal growth and development. We are reliable and sincerely care for each other. This makes us the preferred choice for both our team members and stakeholders.

Innovation
We are passionate about cutting-edge technologies and have a laser focus on customer’s voice and market demands. Based on strong Intellectual Property, an excellent partnership network, and continuously improved processes we are first to market with outstanding technology and pioneering solutions. We are willing to fail in order to learn fast. We precisely analyze our positioning, anticipate future trends and develop cost-competitive solutions.
Performance
We are committed to deliver—at quality, time and costs, no matter what it takes. We are customer-centric and strive for premium results. We understand that “done to requirements” overrides perfection. Our attitude is to keep it simple, yet highly professional, that is our understanding of efficient excellence.
Leadership
We are accountable, foster open communication, and grow a culture of learning and trust. We empower our people, encourage entrepreneurial thinking, and welcome smart risk-taking. Decisions are made swiftly, considering the entire company's well-being, while feedback propels continuous improvement.
Collaboration
We foster a working environment where each individual's contribution is valued and acknowledged, and diverse perspectives are cherished. We believe in the power of collective and interdisciplinary effort – with mutual respect, openness, trust, loyalty and fairness. We work together to create moments of joy and shared success. We make our best contribution, complaisantly appreciate results – even if not yet perfect – and jointly strive for better solutions.
Responsibility
We live up to the values of our society and hold ourselves to the highest standards of ESG & EHS, ensuring the well-being of our planet and our people. We take ownership of delivering superior quality in all that we do. We embrace change, empower people and encourage a proactive approach to personal growth and development. We are reliable and sincerely care for each other. This makes us the preferred choice for both our team members and stakeholders.

Redefining battery technology
on a global scale

Custom solutions and prototyping

Our Itzehoe location is a focal point for pioneering research and small-scale mass production in the battery technology sector. With state-of-the-art process technologies and a flexible production environment, our experienced R&D team in Itzehoe develops and industrializes customized cell concepts. To maintain its leading edge in innovation, the site is continuously enhanced and rigorously updated with advanced process and plant technology. Founded in Schleswig-Holstein, we are an integral part of the #Energieküste in Northern Germany, reflecting our deep connection to our local roots.

 Next-generation cell production

At our CustomCells location in Tübingen (Baden-Württemberg), we operate one of Europe’s most advanced cell production lines, offering specialized production of lithium-ion battery pouch cells at the highest technical level. Our use of cutting-edge laser technologies allows for unparalleled flexibility in meeting our customers’ challenges. Leveraging our expertise and technology, we provide tailored solutions, producing custom battery cells in small to medium runs. Specialized applications are our standard, all delivered with precision-engineered quality.

Expanding horizons

Our vision is not confined to one continent. As we set our sights on the global stage, our expansion into the US marks a significant milestone. We are in the process of establishing our first pilot/demonstration plant, aiming to showcase a 1GWh cylindrical cell manufacturing capability by 2026. This move is not just about increasing capacity; it is about planting our flag, building up a robust US team, and expanding our horizons in development, industrialization, and commercialization. Combining rigorous engineering with forward-thinking innovation, we are poised to redefine battery technology on a global scale.

Contact us

Interested in learning more about CustomCells and how we are powering the future of sustainable mobility? We would love to hear from you. Reach out to us today to discuss your project, ask questions, or explore partnership opportunities. Let us shape the future of energy together.

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CustomCells Holding GmbH

Fraunhoferstraße 1D
25524 Itzehoe
Germany

contact@customcells.com 
+49 4821-133 92 00

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