Optimum Energy Secures $4.5 Million to Fuel Company Growth, Accelerate Sales of HVAC Energy Efficiency Software

SEATTLE, Wash. — June 17, 2009 — Optimum Energy, LLC, provider of Ultra High Performance HVAC software solutions that set a new standard in energy efficiency, today announced it has secured a commitment of up to $4.5 million in equity financing led by investor Columbia Pacific Advisors, LLC. Leveraging the success of OptimumHVACTM, third-generation heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) energy efficiency software introduced in October 2008, this financing will be used to respond to broad scale demand from the market. Based on current operating plans, Optimum Energy does not anticipate future funding rounds.

“Columbia Pacific invests in and operates a diversified set of businesses,” said Stan Baty, managing member, Columbia Pacific Advisors. “Optimum Energy is at the top of our portfolio on three important criteria: customer value proposition, financial model, and alignment with market trends. It offers building owners proven economic payback along with environmental credentials. Optimum Energy has succeeded in building its business efficiently and now is poised for profitable revenue growth as it rides the wave of demand-generating legislation and investment.”

Optimum Energy’s solution is based on Hartman technologies that have achieved or exceeded projected reductions in energy use in more than 60 installations across the U.S. Optimum Energy’s active pipeline of sales opportunities is currently more than $25 million, consisting of approximately 180 projects in a wide range of facilities, including: commercial high rise office towers, schools and universities, data centers, federal and state government facilities, hotels, casinos, airports and shopping centers.

“Since the company was founded in 2005, we’ve been focused on a capital efficient validation of market size and the performance of our technology,” said Nathan Rothman, CEO and founder of Optimum Energy. “Now that we’ve demonstrated the scalability and persistent results our software solution provides, we’re expanding our sales and engineering teams to respond more quickly to increasing market demand. This round of funding positions us well to serve this growing market and realize our revenue goals.”

Management Team

Today Optimum Energy announced the naming of Bert Hogue to chief financial officer, and Gary Gigot, Microsoft and Visio alumnus, to chief marketing officer. Optimum Energy’s management team also includes Nathan Rothman, B.E.P., CSDP, CEO and founder; Jim Hanna, vice president and founder; and Ben Erpelding, P.E., C.E.M., director of engineering. The company is currently recruiting a vice president of sales.

Optimum Energy is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with satellite offices in California, Texas and New York.

OptimumHVAC Solutions

Optimum Energy’s HVAC energy efficiency solutions enable commercial and public sector buildings to save money and help the environment by increasing HVAC operating efficiency up to 60 percent. Optimum Energy’s standard software solution is targeted at facilities equipped with centrifugal chiller plants and/or variable air volume HVAC systems.

For each project, Optimum Energy’s Engineering Services group provides a scope of work, projects savings and calculates return on investment, including applicable utility incentives. Payback typically falls into the 18 to 36 month range. Optimum Energy then delivers those projected savings with OptimumHVAC software, resulting in increased operating efficiency that lasts the life of the plant. OptimumHVAC also gives facility managers the ability to measure and validate HVAC performance anytime, anywhere, via a secure Web site.

About Optimum Energy, LLC

Based in Seattle, Washington, Optimum Energy’s reliable, demand-based Ultra High Performance HVAC optimization software applications are proven to reduce commercial building HVAC energy consumption and operating costs up to 60 percent. More information is available at www.optimumenergyHVAC.com.

[Click Banner To Learn More]

[Home Page]  [The Automator]  [About]  [Subscribe ]  [Contact Us]