W. L. Gore & Associates and Lockheed Martin Ventures co-lead investment to accelerate deployment of LiGas battery cells for soldier power, unmanned aerial systems, and space platforms

South 8 Technologies, the developer of LiGas®, the world’s first liquefied gas electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries, today announced an $11 million follow-on funding round co-led by the venture arm of W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) and Lockheed Martin Ventures. The capital will accelerate commercialization of South 8’s LiGas battery cells for aerospace and defense applications that require reliable energy in the harshest environments.

The round included participation from Anzu Partners, IQT, LG Technology Ventures, Porsche Ventures, Foothill Ventures, Alumni Ventures, and Galvion, a key South 8 business partner focused on intelligent soldier power and data systems.

LiGas batteries replace conventional liquid electrolytes with a patented blend of liquefied, non-toxic gases that operate over an unprecedented temperature range from –60 °C to +60 °C (-76 °F to 140 °F). This gas-based chemistry maintains high capacity and allows charging in freezing conditions, alleviating the risk of cold-weather failure in critical equipment including soldier radios, battery packs, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). In addition, LiGas batteries employ a thermal fuse to rapidly remove the electrolyte from the battery during abuse, reducing the risk of a larger battery fire. The proprietary gas formulation also enables fast charging and longer battery lifetimes.

With this new funding, South 8 will expand its manufacturing capability in San Diego to produce LiGas-based cylindrical cells to complete qualification with leading defense and aerospace customers and deliver on multi-year supply agreements.

“LiGas unlocks performance that conventional lithium-ion simply cannot match at low temperatures or high altitudes,” said Jungwoo Lee, PhD, Co-Founder and CEO of South 8 Technologies. “With this investment, we’re accelerating commercialization and building the manufacturing capacity needed to support our customers’ most advanced systems.”

LiGas is an enabling technology for next generation defense and aerospace products and platforms. South 8 recently announced a strategic collaboration with LG Energy Solution to co-develop space-rated LiGas batteries for missions that require reliable operation down to minus -60 °C, in partnership with KULR Technology Group and NASA. Two other strategic partnerships are outlined in Letters of Intent that South 8 recently signed with innovative battery pack manufacturers. The first, with Galvion, focuses on integrating LiGas cells into soldier power solutions for use in extreme cold environments. The second, with CTNS, with the goal of developing LiGas-based battery packs specifically for defense and aerospace clients in North America and allied markets.

“South 8 is addressing one of the most critical challenges in energy storage: delivering dependable performance in extreme environments,” said Ed Rubin, Leader of W. L. Gore & Associates’ venture funds. “LiGas introduces transformative capabilities for advanced aerospace platforms, and we’re proud to support South 8 as it scales production.”

“Defense and aerospace customers are demanding power solutions that work at -40 °C, at altitude, and beyond,” said Chris Moran, VP/GM of Lockheed Martin Ventures. “South 8’s LiGas chemistry fills a critical capability gap for high-performance systems. Our continued investment reflects the continued market pull we see as the technology moves toward commercialization.”

In addition to strategic investors from the aerospace and automotive sectors, the round includes support from IQT, the not-for-profit strategic investor for the U.S. and allied national security communities. “Advanced energy storage is foundational to the future of strategic applications. South 8’s LiGas technology represents a major advancement with the potential to deliver safer, higher-performing storage for mission-critical systems,” said Andrew Schwab, Principal at IQT.

South 8 has already secured more than $32 million in non-dilutive funding and joint development agreements from organizations including the United States Army, the United States Department of Energy, the California Energy Commission, and major industrial partners. The company has shipped thousands of LiGas-based cells to a mix of defense primes, system integrators, and cell manufacturers for evaluation across various applications, building a pipeline of qualified opportunities that extends through the decade.

About South 8 Technologies

www.south8.com

Based in San Diego, California, South 8 Technologies is pioneering the world’s first liquefied gas electrolyte (LiGas®) for lithium-ion batteries. LiGas cells enable high-performance operation across an unprecedented temperature range (-60 to +60 °C), unlocking applications in defense, aerospace, and electrified transportation. South 8 offers both finished cells and electrolyte integration kits for partners seeking to advance their systems with cutting-edge electrochemical performance. With superior reliability, unmatched versatility, and the ability to operate where conventional batteries cannot, South 8 is redefining the standards of lithium-ion technology and opening new frontiers for industries in the most demanding environments.

About Gore

ventures.gore.com

W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Since 1958, Gore has solved complex technical challenges in demanding environments — from outer space to the world’s highest peaks to the inner workings of the human body. With approximately 13,000 Associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $5.3 billion. gore.com

Gore’s venture funds accelerate innovation through investments in promising technologies that address society’s most complex technology challenges, primarily focused in healthcare and sustainability. Learn more at ventures.gore.com

About Lockheed Martin Ventures

www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/who-we-are/lockheed-martin-ventures.html

Lockheed Martin Ventures is the corporate venture capital fund of Lockheed Martin Corporation. The fund invests in early and growth stage companies that are developing technologies to support the future needs of aerospace, defense, and national security, with focus areas that include advanced manufacturing, autonomy, artificial intelligence, and energy storage.

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With this new funding, South 8 will expand its manufacturing capability in San Diego to produce LiGas-based cylindrical cells to complete qualification with leading defense and aerospace customers and deliver on multi-year supply agreements.