Tobe Energy, a company focused on water electrolysis technology, has received funding from Hurricane Ventures to accelerate the industrial development of its membrane-free system. The startup, co-founded by two University of Tulsa alumni, aims to cut clean hydrogen production costs by up to 75% through its simplified process. The amount of the investment was not disclosed but aligns with the fund’s strategy of backing early-stage companies with ties to the university ecosystem.
A simplified technology targeting heavy industry
Tobe Energy’s system is based on a membrane-free electrolyser that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen with zero emissions. This design reduces both capital and operational costs, while lowering heat loss. The modular system is intended for large-scale deployment in high-demand sectors such as energy generation, industrial manufacturing and heavy transport. The company aims to integrate its technology into major energy platforms requiring high volumes of hydrogen.
A team combining engineering and biotechnology
Tobe Energy is led by Colby DeWeese, a chemical engineering graduate who has overseen over $75mn in energy infrastructure projects. He is joined by Caleb Lareau, a computational biology PhD from Harvard University and co-founder of Cartography Biosciences, a biotech firm that has raised over $50mn in venture capital. Their partnership blends engineering expertise with scientific innovation to accelerate clean hydrogen development.
Hurricane Ventures portfolio reaches eleven companies
Hurricane Ventures was launched in April 2023 by the University of Tulsa through its Collins College of Business and the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. The fund targets startups with direct connections to the university, supporting their growth and regional impact. With the addition of Tobe Energy, Hurricane Ventures now holds stakes in eleven early-stage companies.
Chris Wright, director of the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, said the investment aligns with the mission of the fund. He stated that the Tobe Energy founders represent the entrepreneurial drive that the University of Tulsa aims to foster through its innovation programme.
