Martin Fengler possesses extensive knowledge about meteorology. He obtained his Ph.D. in mathematics, specialising in numerical weather prediction, and later joined Meteomedia AG, a network of weather stations operating in Switzerland and Germany. However, it was during his pursuit of a pilot’s licence in 2011 that he recognised significant gaps in how weather information is consumed.
Fengler expressed that his experiences gave him valuable insights into weather forecasting from a user’s standpoint. He noted that it differs considerably from a mathematically focused perspective aimed at minimising errors. He recalled a specific instance at an airstrip where he was unable to fly due to fog or an inaccurate forecast, which was a realisation for him.
In 2012, Fengler took the initiative to establish his own weather company, creating Meteomatics. Based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, the company integrates weather data from over 110 sources while also collecting information via its autonomous weather drones. This multifaceted approach enables Meteomatics to refresh its weather predictions every hour and provide accurate forecasts for regions as small as one square kilometre.
Meteomatics consolidates all relevant data for its users and has developed an API to enable customer-driven utilisation of this information, including the implementation of their own AI algorithms. The CEO, Fengler, pointed out that the ability of Meteomatics to convert weather data into a standardised format, although seemingly straightforward, is a significant achievement.
He further explained that working with vast, intricate data files, along with specific industry data formats that lack standardization, posed a challenge. Introducing APIs into this sector was tantamount to enlightening individuals who previously operated in the dark.
This unique focus on serving enterprise clients distinguishes Meteomatics from other weather companies, which often target singular sectors or audiences.
Fengler remarked that the majority of weather firms concentrate on the media sector, which does not align with his vision. He noted that there is an immense demand from industries spanning beyond just TV and radio, and he has always been fascinated by the challenges faced by these customers.
Currently, Meteomatics collaborates with over 600 clients, including major corporations like Tesla, CVS Health, and Swiss Re. Fengler indicated that while some applications of Meteomatics within enterprises are evident, such as renewable energy firms utilising weather forecasts to optimise operations at wind or solar sites, many applications are less apparent. He mentioned learning about a new enterprise application for weather data nearly every week.
With the escalating effects of climate change, businesses are likely to increasingly seek this type of data. Climate-related disasters incur costs of $150 billion annually, in the United States alone, with a portion of these expenses falling on businesses.
Meteomatics recently secured $22 million in a Series C funding round, spearheaded by Armira Growth, with contributions from Alantra’s energy transition fund, Klima, and Fortyone Group, among others. Fengler noted that the company has consistently reinvested its earnings back into the business over the past 12 years, which has enabled the startup to avoid excessive capital raises.
He added that new funding rounds are typically initiated when there is a specific project or initiative that requires financial backing. The current Series C funding will be allocated towards expansion efforts in the U.S., including the establishment of a dedicated sales and marketing team for that region.
A portion of the new funding will also be directed towards enhancing the company’s technology. Fengler envisions achieving precision weather forecasting—defined as predictions accurate to a one-square-kilometre area—on a global scale. Currently, this level of detail is accessible throughout Europe and is expected to extend to the United States by the end of the first quarter.
He stated that this objective remains the guiding principle for Meteomatics, motivating him daily, and he firmly believes that delivering a global one-kilometre weather model will one day become a reality.
