Revolutionizing Computational Fluid Dynamics: Dive's Innovative Approach
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are often intricate, costly, and not the primary focus for many startups. However, Dive, a dynamic company based in both Boston and Berlin, is challenging the status quo. With the integration of modern mathematical techniques and cloud computing, Dive seeks to transform how manufacturers leverage computer simulations, aiming to disrupt a market traditionally dominated by established giants.
Dive's impressive clientele includes major players such as BMW, BSH, Kärcher, Siemens, and ZF.
Recently, Dive announced a $10 million Series A funding round, led by D.E. Shaw Group. Originally spun out of the German multinational Bosch in 2018, Dive's journey began when co-founder and CEO Pierre Sabrowski started at Bosch during his PhD studies, initially focused on simulating washing machines.
“The washing machine appears small at first glance, but currently, Bosch has around 700 to 800 engineers in Berlin dedicated to developing these appliances. It's a massive market, and our early work involved simulating that complex environment. Unfortunately, we initially struggled,” Sabrowski explained.
The existing techniques were insufficient for accurately simulating fluid dynamics within washing machines. However, after extensive experimentation, the team discovered an astrophysicist's method that modeled fluids as particles rather than interconnected meshes, a significant advancement over traditional methods.
The Bosch team then enhanced an open-source tool tailored for their needs while delving into the underlying science. “In 2017, our department lead recognized the team's expansive size and limited applications within Bosch. It was time to spin off,” Sabrowski recollected.
Initially, Dive focused on client projects, as their software wasn't yet accessible to external users. By 2021, however, Dive began selling software licenses, raising its seed round even before establishing a comprehensive 3D user interface to visualize outputs.
Some of Dive's first clients were in the automotive sector, making sense given their expertise in simulating fluids in confined, dynamic systems. While they continue to target manufacturers of household appliances, they also cater to companies designing dispensing systems.
Offering superior simulation capabilities is a key attraction for Dive’s clients. Nonetheless, Sabrowski emphasizes the importance of a seamless delivery method. Ultimately, Dive opted for a cloud-enabled solution, with an interface accessible from desktop systems.
Led by D.E. Shaw, Dive's Series A round was also supported by First Momentum Ventures, Segenia Capital, and Senovo Capital. This new funding will allow Dive to broaden its simulation portfolio, addressing a diverse range of use cases, while enhancing its data analytics and governance initiatives. With clients already utilizing their cloud platform for engineering data storage, optimizing data analysis and usage is a natural progression.
“We are thrilled about Dive’s potential to revolutionize manufacturing and computer-aided engineering sectors,” remarked Jean Nations from D.E. Shaw Group. “Dive’s cloud-native, mesh-free methodology empowers engineers to create simulations that minimize industrial production timelines and costs, ultimately driving greater efficiency in the engineering process.”
Ranking
