Group1 Company Profile

Background

Group1 is a materials engineering company founded in 2021 in Austin, Texas. Originating from the laboratory of Professor John B. Goodenough, a 2019 Chemistry Nobel laureate and co-inventor of lithium-ion batteries, Group1 specializes in developing sustainable potassium-ion batteries. These batteries aim to provide a critical-mineral-free alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries, offering enhanced safety and performance. The company's mission is to revolutionize the energy storage sector by commercializing potassium-ion battery technology, thereby reducing reliance on scarce and geopolitically sensitive materials. Their vision is to establish potassium-ion batteries as a viable and sustainable solution for various energy storage applications.

Key Strategic Focus

Group1's strategic focus centers on the development and commercialization of potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) that utilize their proprietary Kristonite™ cathode material. This technology enables fast charging, enhanced safety, and compatibility with existing lithium-ion manufacturing infrastructure. The company targets applications in heavy-duty vehicles and stationary storage, aiming to provide a sustainable and efficient alternative to lithium-ion batteries. Their approach emphasizes the elimination of critical minerals such as nickel, cobalt, copper, and lithium, addressing supply chain vulnerabilities and promoting domestic resilience.

Financials and Funding

As of November 2025, Group1 has secured approximately $5.9 million in funding through various rounds:

September 2021: Angel Round – $325,000 from founder Alexander Girau.

August 2022: Pre-Seed Round – $1 million from undisclosed investors.

August 2023: Pre-Seed Round – $250,000 from Discovery to Impact at The University of Texas at Austin’s Seed Fund.

January 2024: Grant – $275,000 from the National Science Foundation's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.

The capital raised is intended to support the development and commercialization of their potassium-ion battery technology, including research and development, scaling manufacturing capabilities, and expanding market reach.

Pipeline Development

Group1's key pipeline development includes the Kristonite™ cathode material, which is central to their potassium-ion battery technology. In August 2024, the company introduced the world's first 18650-format potassium-ion battery featuring the Kristonite™ cathode. Sample batches were delivered to major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and cell manufacturers to facilitate industry adoption. In June 2023, Group1 secured an exclusive technology license agreement with Sharp Corporation for potassium-based cathode materials, strengthening their intellectual property position and enhancing their capabilities in developing sustainable KIB solutions.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Group1's technological platform is centered around the Kristonite™ cathode material, a 4V potassium Prussian White (K2MnFe(CN)6) compound. This innovation enables the production of potassium-ion batteries that offer fast charging, enhanced safety, and compatibility with existing lithium-ion manufacturing infrastructure. The technology is designed to be "drop-in," allowing seamless integration into current lithium-ion battery production lines without significant modifications. This approach facilitates a smoother transition to sustainable energy storage solutions and addresses supply chain vulnerabilities associated with critical minerals.

Leadership Team

Alexander L. Girau, M.S.: Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder. Girau has over 15 years of experience in materials science, energy storage, and technology commercialization. He has been involved in the development of silicon anodes for lithium-ion batteries and has consulted for major energy companies, including Shell. Girau holds a B.S. in Chemistry and Mathematics from Loyola University New Orleans and an M.S. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Tulane University.

Yakov Kutsovsky, Ph.D.: Chief Science Officer & Co-Founder. Kutsovsky is a globally recognized expert in materials development, having led efforts in material R&D, scale-up, and commercialization. He previously served as CTO and Chief Scientific Officer at Cabot Corporation, where he advanced technology platforms in elastomeric composites, inkjet colorants, and materials for next-generation batteries. Kutsovsky earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota.

Leigang Xue, Ph.D.: Chief Product Officer & Co-Founder. Xue is credited with inventing the 4V potassium Prussian White cathode and dendrite-free room-temperature liquid Na-K anode technology, both of which have made sustainable, safe, and fast-charging potassium-ion batteries possible. He has authored over 70 journal papers and holds 12 granted battery material patents. Xue obtained his Ph.D. in Electrochemistry from Fudan University.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The energy storage market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and efficient energy solutions. Potassium-ion batteries are emerging as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries, offering advantages such as the use of abundant and non-critical materials, potentially lower costs, and reduced supply chain risks. The market for potassium-ion batteries is still in its nascent stages, with ongoing research and development efforts focused on improving performance, scalability, and integration with existing manufacturing processes.

Competitor Analysis

In the potassium-ion battery sector, Group1 faces competition from other startups and research institutions aiming to develop similar technologies. However, Group1's unique position stems from its exclusive license agreement with Sharp Corporation for potassium-based cathode materials, providing a competitive edge in terms of intellectual property and technological development. Additionally, the company's focus on seamless integration with existing lithium-ion manufacturing infrastructure positions it favorably in the market.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

A significant strategic collaboration for Group1 is the exclusive technology license agreement with Sharp Corporation for potassium-based cathode materials. This partnership enhances Group1's intellectual property portfolio and accelerates the development of sustainable potassium-ion battery solutions. The collaboration with Sharp Corporation is expected to strengthen Group1's position in the market and facilitate the commercialization of their technology.

Operational Insights

Group1's operational strategy focuses on leveraging its proprietary technology to develop potassium-ion batteries that are compatible with existing lithium-ion manufacturing processes. This approach minimizes the need for significant infrastructure changes, reducing barriers to adoption for manufacturers. By addressing supply chain vulnerabilities associated with critical minerals and offering a sustainable alternative, Group1 aims to establish itself as a leader in the energy storage industry.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, Group1 plans to expand its research and development efforts to further enhance the performance and scalability of its potassium-ion battery technology. The company aims to establish strategic partnerships with additional OEMs and cell manufacturers to facilitate widespread adoption of its technology. By focusing on continuous innovation and market expansion, Group1 seeks to contribute significantly to the transition towards sustainable energy storage solutions.