Behdad Bahrami’s Vision for Sustainable Energy at Edgecom Energy

Edgecom Energy, a client of Altitude Accelerator, has recently secured $2.5 million in seed funding, led by GreenSky Ventures with participation from ABB Electrification Ventures. This funding highlights the company's innovative energy management solutions aimed at helping large energy consumers optimize their usage through sustainable methods. Utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology and artificial intelligence (AI), Edgecom provides a platform that integrates energy data to deliver insights, enabling clients to manage their energy consumption efficiently without needing an on-site expert. A significant enhancement to their platform is the introduction of a "virtual energy manager" powered by AI and machine learning, which facilitates large-scale energy optimization across multiple facilities worldwide.

Founded in 2016 by Behdad Bahrami, Edgecom Energy emerged from Bahrami's vision to treat energy management as a controllable cost. Inspired by his entrepreneurial spirit, he recognized a gap in the consulting industry for scalable energy management solutions. The pivotal change for the company occurred during an Earth Day conference, where he met a professor discussing future energy trends involving AI and data analytics. This meeting linked him with a co-founder, a PhD student specializing in power systems and energy microgrid optimization, resulting in a partnership that blended expertise in energy management and software development. This collaboration allowed the company to transition from consulting to developing energy management software.

Bahrami emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities and remaining adaptable. He encourages entrepreneurs to maintain a firm vision while being flexible in strategy, suggesting that rapid iteration is essential for business evolution. He also discusses the challenge of talent acquisition; painting a compelling vision of the company has helped attract top talent, particularly following their recent funding success, which provided a "stamp of credibility."

During his journey of scaling the business, Bahrami acknowledged the importance of rapid expansion to remain competitive. His shift in mindset from creating a self-sustaining business to embracing venture capital marked a significant turning point. As market competition intensified in early 2023, he recognized that raising capital was more of a necessity than an option, prompting him to pivot and seek the investment that would elevate Edgecom Energy to new heights.

Edgecom Energy has formed partnerships with some of North America's largest energy consumers, including Alamo School, Sobeys, and Cadillac Fairview. Notably, the company achieved a record capacity in the Ontario IESO 2024 Capacity Auction, securing 59.3 MW for the Summer 2025 period and 60.7 MW for the Winter 2025/2026 period, thus contributing to a more reliable and sustainable energy grid in Ontario.

As Edgecom Energy continues to scale, Bahrami's experiences offer valuable lessons for fellow entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of growth. His willingness to pivot in response to changing market conditions and his strategic understanding of when to leverage venture capital have established Edgecom Energy as an emerging leader in sustainable energy management. For founders seeking to scale their operations, opportunities such as those at Altitude Accelerator offer connections to investors, expert mentorship, and essential resources.