Reservoir has raised $8 million in seed funding to scale a new generation of water heaters designed to be more efficient, intelligent, and grid-friendly. The round was led by Asymmetric Capital Partners, with participation from Founder Collective and MCJ.
Founded by Luke Winston-Almanzar, Gabriel Parisi-Amon, and Jake Felser, the Boston-based startup is building heat pump water heaters that do more than deliver hot water. The system learns household usage patterns during its first month, then schedules heating for times when electricity is cheaper and demand is lower.
That approach turns stored hot water into a form of energy storage, helping reduce pressure on local power networks. Reservoir says its heat pump technology is nearly four times more efficient than a standard electric water heater and five times more efficient than a natural gas model.
The company has already installed about 100 units and aims to reach roughly 1,000 installations by the end of next year in the Boston area. Beyond efficiency, the product includes leak detection through an ultrasonic flow sensor, instant hot water features in the Max version, and app-based controls for added convenience.
Reservoir has also launched its own plumbing service to simplify installation and accelerate adoption. Pricing starts at $5,000 for the Core model and $6,500 for the Max version, with Massachusetts rebates helping lower the final cost for eligible buyers.
By combining smart software, home comfort, and energy storage, Reservoir is positioning the water heater as a connected appliance with broader value. If the model scales, it could help shape a future where everyday devices actively support cleaner, more resilient energy systems.
