The future of batteries needs more than venture capital

W
elcome to the TechCrunch Exchange, a weekly startups-and-markets newsletter. It’s inspired by the daily TechCrunch+ column where it gets its name. Want it in your inbox every Saturday? Sign up here.

Today I look at where funding for Verkor’s gigafactory is coming from. I also have some thoughts on developer portals, 3D-printed prefabs and quick delivery. — Anna

The future of batteries

French battery maker Verkor secured more than €2 billion (around $2.1 billion) to build its Dunkirk gigafactory, which is set to be operational by 2025, with an initial production capacity of 16 GWh/year.

There’s a lot to be discussed about gigafactories, the future of batteries and the green transition. For instance, that demand isn’t due to just EVs. Or how recycling might look. But what struck me the most about Verkor’s announcement is where its funding is coming from.