Hamburg-based climate tech startup 1Komma5 is reportedly considering pushing its long-anticipated IPO to 2028, according to sources familiar with the company’s plans. Originally targeting a 2025 public debut, the green energy company delayed its listing following severe market volatility caused by U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy.
Trump’s recent wave of tariffs against key global trading partners has rattled public markets, prompting several private companies to reconsider or postpone their IPOs. In response, sources say some of 1Komma5’s investors have advised the company to hold off on listing until after the next U.S. election, due to concerns over continued unpredictability in global financial markets.
IPO Delay Comes After €150M Pre-IPO Funding Round
Founded in 2021, 1Komma5 has rapidly scaled its green energy platform by acquiring smaller solar panel and heat pump installers across Europe. The company offers a range of clean energy solutions for consumers, including rooftop solar panels, energy storage batteries, electric vehicle chargers, and heat pumps—all aimed at creating a decentralized, carbon-free power grid.
In December 2023, the startup raised €150 million in a pre-IPO financing round co-led by California pension giant CalSTRS and climate-focused G2 Venture Partners. At the time, 1Komma5 indicated it was targeting a public listing in 2026.
However, that plan has since been reconsidered. The idea of a 2026 IPO remains under review, with internal discussions now leaning toward waiting until after the 2028 U.S. presidential election to reassess market conditions.
This isn’t an isolated case. Several high-profile European tech firms, including Swedish fintech Klarna, have recently delayed their own IPOs due to heightened market uncertainty following Trump’s tariff announcements. In April, Klarna was expected to go public but chose to hold off amid the same volatility.
Strategic Acquisitions Drive Growth, But IPO Outlook Clouded
A significant part of 1Komma5’s growth has been powered by acquisitions, using a unique structure where acquired companies receive rights to participate in future funding rounds. This model aligns incentives and gives the acquired founders and teams a potential upside in a future IPO.
CEO and founder Philipp Schröder has emphasized how crucial a public listing could be to the company’s future expansion strategy. “If we are listed, it’s much easier for us to do asset deals,” he said, indicating that an IPO would make future acquisitions and strategic partnerships more seamless.
Still, with the political climate in the U.S. sending shockwaves through global trade and finance, going public now may be seen as too risky. Investors and founders alike are weighing the benefits of accessing capital markets against the downside of unpredictable valuations, unstable investor sentiment, and volatile public trading conditions.
Despite the delay, 1Komma5 continues to grow and expand its clean energy footprint across Europe. The company remains one of the continent’s most closely watched climate tech startups, and investor interest appears strong.
By biding its time and waiting for a more favorable market, 1Komma5 may position itself to go public under better circumstances—potentially reaping greater returns for early backers and strengthening its long-term strategic goals.
