Battery innovation, semiconductor manufacturing, energy technology, lithium-ion cells, and atomic layer deposition converge as Forge Nano secures $40 million in fresh funding to accelerate US battery innovation and bolster domestic tech infrastructure.

The Denver-based company, known for its pioneering work in semiconductor manufacturing and energy solutions, plans to channel the capital into expanding its manufacturing footprint and strengthening its workforce.

With the latest round, Forge Nano has raised over $140 million in capital. The new investment was co-led by RockCreek—a global investment firm championing energy technology, critical supply chains, and semiconductor manufacturing—and Ascent Funds, a key player in the energy technology landscape.

“RockCreek’s commitment to American manufacturing, energy security and global technology leadership makes them an ideal partner as we continue to scale,” said Paul Lichty, CEO of Forge Nano.

The raise attracted notable backers, including Top Material (KRX: 360070), Orion Infrastructure Capital, and Forge Nano’s earlier investors like GM Ventures, Volkswagen, LG Technology Ventures, and Hanwha.

Atomic Armor and High-Density Lithium-Ion Batteries

At the core of Forge Nano’s strategy lies battery innovation. Its subsidiary, Forge Battery, builds lithium-ion cells with best-in-class energy density. These batteries integrate critical materials enhanced with Atomic Armor, the company’s proprietary nano-coating technology. This coating process improves longevity and reinforces supply chain security—especially for the defense and aerospace sectors.

In January 2025, the US Department of Energy awarded $100 million to Forge Battery to expand its North Carolina plant—underscoring the federal commitment to battery innovation and energy technology rooted in domestic soil.

“Forge Nano’s proprietary technology demonstrates that America continues to be the leader in innovation. Forge’s Atomic Armor significantly improves most battery chemistries with higher energy density, longer cycle life, faster charge speed, and lower risk of thermal runway,” said Mark Gordon, Managing Partner of Ascent Funds.

TEPHRA: The Future of Semiconductor Tools

Forge Nano’s ALDx-powered TEPHRA platform is rewriting industry standards in semiconductor manufacturing. Launched in mid-2024, this single-wafer atomic layer deposition tool achieves unprecedented speeds for coating 200mm wafers. The results? Chips that process 40 percent faster and consume 50 percent less power—key benchmarks for next-generation edge AI and sensor technologies.

As global demand for smarter, faster chips surges, TEPHRA puts Forge Nano at the center of semiconductor manufacturing innovation.

“This capital allows us to build on our momentum in two crucial industries needed for US manufacturing leadership – lithium-ion batteries and semiconductors. We look forward to expanding our domestic workforce as we scale our production capabilities and grow our customer base,” said Mark Gordon, Managing Partner of Ascent Funds.

Expanding Facilities and Workforce in Colorado

Forge Nano operates advanced facilities in Colorado, where it recently installed a state-of-the-art battery production line and a cleanroom for semiconductor tool manufacturing. With the $40 million funding, the company will further enhance these capabilities and hire new talent to support its expanding customer and partner ecosystem.

Its team remains committed to pushing the limits of battery innovation, energy technology, and ALDx processes to strengthen America’s high-tech manufacturing independence.

“For semiconductors, Forge’s ALD removes a bottleneck to 3D chip stacking, allowing up to a 50 percent reduction in energy usage by chips. More efficient batteries are critical to national security. More efficient semiconductors will amplify the American lead in AI,” said Mark Gordon.

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