Two entrepreneurs launch energy startup to supply data centers

Leonhard Soenke and Patrice Becker, who previously ran a creator-economy startup called Throne, have started a new company called TAR to develop power systems for data centers. The pair met in university and spent several years operating Throne before deciding last summer to pursue a different venture. They completed a six-month transition process before fully shifting focus.

Background on the new company TAR, which stands for Transformative American Resources, plans to build modular, behind-the-meter energy systems that combine solar, batteries, wind, and natural gas. The company states it is not developing new generation technology but rather assembling existing sources at scale.

The founders report that the new project requires more capital expenditure than software development, including equipment purchases, warehouse construction, and land development. They maintain an engineering office in San Francisco and recently relocated operations to Austin.

Skills transfer between sectors Soenke said the problem-solving experience gained in the creator economy applies to the data-center energy work. The company plans to send staff on-site to coordinate with contractors and construction crews. The founders indicated they remain available to advise on Throne matters through Slack while focusing on TAR's development.