South 8 Technologies Inc.

Based in California and founded in 2015 by CEO Cyrus Rustomji, and CTO Jungwoo Lee, South 8 Technologies, Inc. develops electrolyte formulations for next-generation lithium batteries for a variety of transportation, grid storage, aerospace, and more applications. In December 2025, South 8 Technologies Inc. raised USD 11 million in venture funding co-led by new investor W.

L. Gore & Associates, Inc. and returning investor Lockheed Martin Ventures, with participation from other returning investors Anzu Partners, LG Technology Ventures, Porsche Ventures, and Foothill Ventures. New investors Alumni Ventures Group, In-Q-Tel, and Galvion also participated in the round.

South 8 Technologies provides its patented Liquefied Gas Electrolyte (LiGas) technology, offering a novel approach to next-generation lithium batteries, as well as addressing problems faced by solid-state and liquid electrolytes batteries. The company’s technology uses solvents, which are gaseous at room temperature and standard pressure, but gets liquified under pressure so used as electrolyte within the battery cell. The firm offers an energy solution primarily for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, defense, industrial, energy storage, and marine applications. The company plans to utilize the December 2025 funding to expand manufacturing in San Diego, qualify with defense and aerospace customers, and fulfill multi-year supply agreements.