SES AI Corporation (SES): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

Are you intrigued by the future of electric vehicles and energy storage? SES AI Corporation (SES) is at the forefront of revolutionizing battery technology, but how exactly does it operate and generate revenue? Keep reading to discover its history, ownership structure, mission, and the innovative approaches it employs to make money in the competitive landscape of AI-enhanced Li-Metal and Li-ion batteries.

SES AI is making waves in the electric transportation sector with its AI-enhanced battery technology, reporting its first revenue-generating quarter in 2024 with $2.0 million and projecting revenue between $15 million and $25 million for fiscal year 2025. Founded in 2012, the company's mission is to accelerate the world's energy transition through material discovery and battery management, using AI to enhance the energy and power density of its Li-Metal and Li-ion batteries, but what are the key strategies and technologies driving their success?

SES AI Corporation (SES) History

SES AI Corporation (SES) Founding Timeline

Year established

The company was founded in 2016.

Original location

The company was originally located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Founding team members

The founder and CEO is Dr. Qichao Hu, who previously worked at MIT.

Initial capital/funding

In 2018, the company raised $13.9 million in venture funding. Key investors included Vertex Ventures, Temasek, Applied Ventures, SK Holdings and NEXT Future Venture Fund.

SES AI Corporation (SES) Evolution Milestones

SES AI Corporation (SES) Transformative Moments

• Partnership with General Motors (GM):

  The joint development agreement with GM in 2020 was a transformative moment. It validated the company's technology and provided a pathway for potential integration into GM's electric vehicle platforms. This collaboration helped to refine the battery technology to meet automotive industry standards.

• Public Listing via SPAC:

  The decision to go public through a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) in 2021 was crucial for raising significant capital. This funding is being used to scale up production capabilities and further research and development efforts. Becoming a publicly traded company increased the company's visibility and credibility in the market, attracting more investors and partners.

• Focus on High Energy Density Batteries:

  The strategic focus on developing high energy density lithium-metal batteries has set the company apart from competitors. This focus addresses a critical need in the electric vehicle market for batteries that offer longer range and faster charging times. The Apollo™ battery is a direct result of this focus, showcasing the company's ability to innovate and meet market demands.

To gain a deeper understanding of the company's goals, explore the Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of SES AI Corporation (SES).

SES AI Corporation (SES) Ownership Structure

SES AI Corporation's ownership is distributed among various shareholders, including institutional investors, individual investors, and company insiders. This structure reflects a mix of stakeholders with different investment horizons and levels of involvement in the company.

SES AI Corporation's Current Status

SES AI Corporation is a publicly traded company, meaning its shares are available for purchase on a stock exchange. As a publicly traded entity, SES is subject to regulatory requirements and reporting obligations, providing a level of transparency to investors.

SES AI Corporation's Ownership Breakdown

The ownership of SES AI Corporation is distributed among various shareholders. While precise real-time data on individual holdings can fluctuate, here’s a general overview based on the latest available information from fiscal year 2024:

SES AI Corporation's Leadership

The leadership team of SES AI Corporation plays a crucial role in guiding the company's strategic direction and operational execution. As of April 2025, key members of the leadership team include:

• Dr. Qichao Hu: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, driving the company's vision and technological innovation.
• Jing Jin: Chief Financial Officer, overseeing financial strategy and reporting.
• Rohini Belapurkar: Chief Strategy Officer, responsible for corporate strategy and partnerships.

These individuals, along with other key executives, bring a wealth of experience and expertise to SES AI Corporation, positioning the company to achieve its goals in the competitive battery technology market. Learn more about the investors: Exploring SES AI Corporation (SES) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

SES AI Corporation (SES) Mission and Values

SES AI Corporation is dedicated to revolutionizing electric vehicle (EV) performance and safety through advanced lithium-metal (Li-Metal) battery technology. The company's core values revolve around innovation, sustainability, and creating a future where EVs are more accessible and efficient.

SES AI Corporation's Core Purpose

Official mission statement

SES AI Corporation's mission statement is to be the world leader in high-performance Li-Metal batteries, enabling safer, longer-range, and faster-charging EVs. The company aims to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility by overcoming the limitations of conventional lithium-ion batteries.

• Developing and commercializing Li-Metal battery technology for EVs.
• Focusing on safety, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Driving the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation future.

Vision statement

The vision of SES AI Corporation is to power a future where electric vehicles dominate the automotive market, providing a superior driving experience without compromising safety or environmental responsibility.

• Becoming the preferred battery supplier for leading EV manufacturers.
• Setting new industry standards for battery energy density, charging speed, and lifespan.
• Contributing to a significant reduction in global carbon emissions.

Company slogan/tagline

SES AI Corporation's tagline, though not explicitly stated in the provided context, can be inferred from their objectives: 'Powering the Future of Electric Mobility' or 'The Li-Metal Battery Company.' These taglines encapsulate the company's commitment to innovation and its focus on revolutionizing the EV industry through advanced battery technology.

To delve deeper into the mission, vision, and core values of SES AI Corporation, you can visit: Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of SES AI Corporation (SES).

SES AI Corporation (SES) How It Works

SES AI Corporation (SES) is focused on the development and production of high-performance Li-Metal rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and other applications. They aim to deliver batteries with high energy density, fast charging capabilities, and improved safety compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

SES AI Corporation's Product/Service Portfolio

SES AI Corporation's Operational Framework

SES AI Corporation's operations encompass research and development, materials sourcing, battery design and manufacturing, and testing. Key aspects of their operational framework include:

• Research and Development: Focused on advancing Li-Metal battery technology, including materials science, cell design, and manufacturing processes.
• Materials Sourcing: Establishing partnerships with suppliers for critical battery materials, such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt.
• Battery Manufacturing: Developing and scaling up manufacturing processes for Li-Metal batteries, including cell assembly, formation, and testing. SES is constructing a pilot production facility in Shanghai, China, with a planned capacity of 1 GWh.
• Testing and Validation: Rigorous testing of battery performance, safety, and reliability under various conditions to meet automotive industry standards.

SES AI Corporation's Strategic Advantages

SES AI Corporation aims to achieve a competitive edge through several strategic advantages:

• Technology Leadership: Focus on Li-Metal battery technology, which promises higher energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with automotive OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) for joint development and validation of battery technology.
• Manufacturing Capabilities: Establishing in-house manufacturing capabilities to control quality, reduce costs, and ensure supply chain security.
• Experienced Team: A team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals with expertise in battery technology, materials science, and automotive engineering.

To delve deeper into the core principles guiding SES AI, explore: Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of SES AI Corporation (SES).

SES AI Corporation (SES) How It Makes Money

SES AI Corporation primarily generates revenue through the development and sale of high-performance lithium-metal (Li-Metal) batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and other applications.

SES AI Corporation's Revenue Breakdown

SES AI Corporation is still in the pre-revenue stage, as it is focused on research, development, and establishing manufacturing capabilities. As of the fiscal year 2024, the company has not yet generated substantial revenue from commercial sales.

SES AI Corporation's Business Economics

SES AI Corporation's business economics are characterized by substantial investments in research and development, capital expenditures for facility construction, and strategic partnerships aimed at technology validation and eventual mass production. Key aspects include:

• R&D Investments: A significant portion of the company’s expenditure is allocated to advancing its Li-Metal battery technology.
• Capital Expenditure: Investments in building and scaling manufacturing facilities.
• Strategic Collaborations: SES collaborates with automotive manufacturers to validate its technology, which supports future revenue streams.

SES AI Corporation's Financial Performance

As of April 2025, SES AI Corporation's financial performance reflects its pre-commercialization stage, characterized by significant R&D spending and strategic investments. Key points include:

• Cash Reserves: The company maintains a robust cash position to fund ongoing operations and strategic initiatives. In its Q4 2023 update, SES AI Corporation reported cash and cash equivalents of $364.3 million.
• Operating Expenses: A large portion of expenses is related to R&D, reflecting the company’s focus on technological advancement.
• Net Losses: Due to the pre-revenue stage, the company reports net losses, which are typical for technology startups in the development phase.
• Strategic Investments: Investments in manufacturing capabilities and partnerships are crucial for long-term growth.

To gain more insights into the financial health of SES AI Corporation, consider reading this in-depth analysis: Breaking Down SES AI Corporation (SES) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

SES AI Corporation (SES) Market Position & Future Outlook

SES AI Corporation is navigating a competitive landscape in the development of high-performance Li-Metal batteries for electric vehicles, with a focus on enhancing energy density and safety. The company's future outlook is tied to its ability to scale production, secure strategic partnerships, and overcome technological and regulatory hurdles.

Competitive Landscape

Opportunities & Challenges

Industry Position

SES AI Corporation is positioning itself as a key innovator in the electric vehicle battery market. Here are some points regarding the company's standing:

• Technology Leadership: Focused on Li-Metal battery technology, which promises significantly higher energy density compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with major automotive OEMs for technology validation and future adoption.
• Manufacturing Capabilities: Developing pilot production lines to scale up manufacturing and reduce costs.

To gain more insights into the company's financial standing, explore Breaking Down SES AI Corporation (SES) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors.