23 days ago
- Leonhard Soenke cofounded Throne, a creator economy startup, in 2021, but later cofounded TAR, an energy startup focused on data center power efficiency.
- TAR raised a $27 million seed round at a $500 million valuation from an undisclosed strategic investor.
- Soenke and his cofounder transitioned from the creator economy to data centers due to a desire for new challenges and larger impact in growing fields like AI infrastructure.
- Key transferable skills include solving difficult problems and adapting to market demand, similar to their experience with Throne.
- TAR builds modular, scalable energy systems using solar, batteries, wind, and natural gas to reduce time-to-token for AI data centers.
- The shift involves more capital-intensive operations and working with legacy energy players, requiring on-site engagement with contractors and crews.
- Soenke and his cofounder handed over Throne to trusted team members over six months but remain involved in advisory roles.