Floating nuclear reactor startup secures $50M seed funding shortly after debut
Bluecore Energy, which builds small nuclear reactors on floating barges, raised an oversubscribed $50 million seed round led by Silverton Partners. The company emerged from stealth in July and is working with regulators to certify its design. The funds will support product development, regulatory work, and hiring.
The seed round was finalized within eight weeks, drawing repeat investments from early backers like Slauson & Co. and Harlem Capital, plus new participation from Kevin Hart's HartBeat Ventures and individual investors affiliated with Tesla, Uber, and Amazon. The company has already stationed two floating barges at the Port of Long Beach, where it is headquartered.
Bluecore formally initiated regulatory discussions with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Coast Guard in August. The company is now preparing to acquire nuclear fuel for a national laboratory partner, while navigating hardware supply chain constraints as it scales its portable power infrastructure.
This funding could accelerate the deployment of mobile nuclear power for ports, data centers, and coastal communities lacking reliable grid access. If certification succeeds, floating reactors may offer a flexible, low-carbon alternative to diesel generators for maritime hubs and disaster recovery. However, public acceptance and rigorous safety oversight will likely determine whether this technology achieves widespread societal adoption, as its benefits hinge on successful regulatory approval and cost competitiveness.