TechCrunch Startup News Heat pump startup Quilt raises $20M Series B to expand sales ; plus, OpenAI says it’s turned off app suggestions that look like ads
Dec 8, 2025
A startup secures a hefty $20M to boost sales and expand into new markets in North America. Quilt's innovative software-first approach is enhancing their products' performance. Meanwhile, OpenAI faces backlash over promotional messages in ChatGPT, as executives clarify that there are currently no ads. After acknowledging past missteps, OpenAI has decided to turn off these suggestions, focusing instead on improving the platform's quality. A notable shift in company priorities is also under discussion.
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Software-First Heat Pump Disruption
- Quilt uses a software-and-design-first strategy to challenge entrenched heat pump incumbents.
- A firmware update improved performance of installed units by over 20%, showing software can materially boost hardware ROI.
Series B Signals Industry Credibility
- Quilt raised $20 million in a Series B led by Energy Impact Partners and Galvanize to scale.
- New board additions include Viri Maxwell and former Nest CFO Tom van Reichbauer, signaling industry credibility and talent ties.
Nearly 1,000 Units Deployed
- Quilt has installed nearly 1,000 units across 16 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces.
- The new $20M Series B will fund expansion of sales operations to more states and provinces.