Updated
Updated · AfroTech · Jul 21
Bluecore Energy Secures $10 Million Pre-Seed for Floating Nuclear Reactors
Updated
Updated · AfroTech · Jul 21

Bluecore Energy Secures $10 Million Pre-Seed for Floating Nuclear Reactors

3 articles · Updated · AfroTech · Jul 21

Summary

  • $10 million in oversubscribed pre-seed funding will back Bluecore Energy’s plan to build small, modular water-cooled reactors on floating barges for ports, critical infrastructure and cargo ship propulsion.
  • Founded in 2026 by Kofi Asante, the Long Beach-based startup says its first system could power about 15,000 homes and be deployed to demand centers in days rather than waiting years for grid expansion.
  • Slauson & Co. led the round alongside investors including Chris Larsen, Hartbeat Ventures, Harlem Capital and Precursor Ventures, with Bluecore intentionally bringing in Black-owned and Black-led venture firms.
  • Bluecore says it has already secured a test pressure vessel and delivered its first barge and electric test reactor to the Port of Long Beach, where Asante says the idea grew from work on zero-emission port infrastructure.

Insights

As floating nuclear reactors prepare to power ports, what prevents a seaside disaster from a tsunami or terrorist attack?
With no global laws for mobile reactors, who is liable if a nuclear barge has an accident in international waters?