TechCrunch Startup News X-energy rides nuclear wave, raises $700M Series D
Nov 25, 2025
A startup specializing in small modular reactors is making waves with a $700 million funding round. They're set to enhance their supply chain and meet demand from tech giants and data centers. With 144 orders from customers like Amazon, X-Energy is pushing forward with its revolutionary XE-100 reactors, which use innovative pebble fuel technology. The growing interest from tech companies highlights a shift toward nuclear energy, despite challenges in the SMR industry.
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Nuclear Startup Scales Rapidly
- X-Energy raised $700M in a Series D, adding to a recent $1.4B haul that fuels rapid SMR scaling.
- The company already has orders for 144 small modular reactors totaling 11 GW and strong industry demand.
Funding Targets Supply Chain Buildout
- The $700M will build supply chains for X-Energy's high-temperature gas-cooled SMRs to meet customer demand.
- Major customers include Amazon, Dowell, and Centrica, signaling commercial interest from tech and energy firms.
Pebble-Bed Reactor Design
- X-Energy's XE-100 uses pebble-bed, high-temperature gas-cooled reactor tech that circulates helium over uranium-coated pebbles.
- Each XE-100 produces 80 MW and transfers heat to steam turbines for electricity generation.