# Keeling Labs **Source:** https://geo.sig.ai/brands/keeling-labs **Vertical:** Climate & Energy **Subcategory:** General **Tier:** Emerging **Website:** keelinglabs.com **Last Updated:** 2026-04-14 ## Summary LA battery AI using reinforcement learning for grid-scale BESS optimization with CAISO certification; YC $3M seed from Rivian battery data science team competing with Stem for intelligent energy storage dispatch. ## Company Overview Keeling Labs is a Los Angeles-based battery AI company — backed by Y Combinator with $3 million in seed funding from YC, GMO Venture Partners, FoundersX Ventures, and Climate Capital — developing reinforcement learning platforms for grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) optimization, enabling operators of large battery installations to maximize revenue from energy arbitrage, frequency regulation, and capacity markets through AI that continuously learns optimal dispatch strategies. Founded in 2022 by Jack O'Grady with a team from Rivian's battery data science group, Keeling Labs achieved California CAISO regulatory certification in fall 2023 and deployed its ML model to actively trade energy in California markets in 2024. Keeling Labs' reinforcement learning approach to battery dispatch differs from rule-based and model predictive control (MPC) methods that most battery management systems use: RL agents learn dispatch strategies from historical market data and continuously improve through live market participation, adapting to seasonal price patterns, grid events, and regulatory structure changes without manual rule updates. The risk-aware system calibrates dispatch decisions to the operator's risk tolerance — maximizing expected revenue while constraining the probability of adverse outcomes (over-cycling that degrades battery lifetime, market positions that expose to settlement risk). CAISO certification required demonstrating compliance with California's complex market rules for battery resources — a significant technical and regulatory milestone. In 2025, Keeling Labs competes in the grid-scale battery optimization and energy trading market with AutoGrid (energy flexibility platform, acquired by Enel in 2022), Stem (NASDAQ: STEM, AI-driven energy storage optimization), and FlexGen (battery energy storage system management, $100M raised) for battery asset management software. The US grid-scale battery market has grown explosively — 2024 installations exceeded 20 GW of new BESS capacity — driven by IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) investment tax credits and utility procurement for renewable energy integration. Keeling Labs' RL-native approach positions it as the intelligent dispatch layer for the next generation of batteries entering markets in Texas (ERCOT), California (CAISO), and PJM. The 2025 strategy focuses on expanding market deployments beyond California, building the multi-asset portfolio optimization for operators with multiple battery sites, and growing through partnerships with battery developers and IPPs. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is Keeling Labs? Keeling Labs is a Los Angeles-based battery AI company founded in 2022 that builds reinforcement learning platforms for grid-scale batteries. The company participated in Y Combinator's Winter 2023 batch and uses machine learning to optimize battery performance and energy trading revenue. ### What products and services does Keeling Labs offer? Keeling Labs offers a battery grid AI platform that uses reinforcement learning to create self-optimizing, risk-aware systems for grid-scale battery operators. The platform enables ML optimization for maximizing battery performance and energy trading revenue on the California grid. ### Who are Keeling Labs' target customers? Keeling Labs targets grid-scale battery operators who need ML optimization for their energy storage systems. The company focuses on operators participating in energy markets like California's CAISO. ### When was Keeling Labs founded? Keeling Labs was founded in 2022. The company participated in Y Combinator's Winter 2023 batch. ### Where is Keeling Labs located? Keeling Labs is based in Los Angeles, California. The company currently operates on the California grid through CAISO. ### How much funding has Keeling Labs raised? Keeling Labs raised $3 million in seed funding from Y Combinator, GMO Venture Partners, FoundersX Ventures, and Climate Capital. This seed round supported their development and regulatory certification efforts. ### What are Keeling Labs' key achievements? Keeling Labs achieved regulatory certification from California CAISO in fall 2023 and went live on the California grid in 2024. The company is now earning revenue from energy trading using their machine learning model, and California represents 1 of 7 ISOs in the market. ### What technology does Keeling Labs use? Keeling Labs uses reinforcement learning and machine learning to create self-optimizing, risk-aware systems for grid-scale batteries. The platform enables continuous learning to maximize battery performance and energy trading revenue. ### Who founded Keeling Labs? Keeling Labs was founded by Jack O'Grady, who previously worked in Battery Data Science at Rivian. The team includes other members with experience from Rivian's Battery Data Science division. ### What are Keeling Labs' recent developments? Keeling Labs went live on the California grid in 2024 and is currently earning revenue from energy trading using their ML model. The company is now focused on scaling to more grids beyond California's CAISO market. ## Tags b2b, energy, startup --- *Data from geo.sig.ai Brand Intelligence Database. Updated 2026-04-14.*