Drew Baglino, Ex-Tesla Exec, Rethinks Transformers With Startup
Drew Baglino, a former senior executive at Tesla, is now leading a bold venture into grid innovation. His new startup, Heron Power, is focused on developing solid-state transformers—technology that could reshape how electricity moves through modern infrastructure. According to Axios, the company is currently raising between $30 million and $50 million in a Series A round, with Capricorn Investment Group reportedly taking the lead.
Baglino’s career at Tesla began in 2006, predating Elon Musk’s official rise to CEO. Over the years, he played a key role in engineering the Model S powertrain and overseeing the company’s energy storage solutions. His tenure culminated in his role as senior vice president of powertrain and energy. He exited the company in April 2024, coinciding with Tesla’s decision to cut 10% of its workforce.
Modernising a Century-Old Component
Transformers, crucial yet long-overlooked components of the power grid, haven’t seen meaningful innovation in over 100 years. That’s exactly the problem Heron Power intends to solve. While traditional transformers have become commoditized and are mostly manufactured overseas, solid-state transformers offer enhanced functionality.
Unlike their aging counterparts, solid-state models can manage voltage fluctuations caused by renewable energy sources. Furthermore, they are smaller, more agile, and capable of switching between power inputs quickly. These features make them ideal for today’s increasingly complex and dynamic grids. As renewable energy expands, the need for smarter grid infrastructure grows—making Heron Power’s timing particularly relevant.
A Competitive Field Emerges
Despite the promise of Heron’s technology, it’s not alone in the race. Singapore-based Amperesand is also targeting transformer innovation. In fact, it recently closed a $12.5 million seed round and is now pursuing its own Series A funding. Interestingly, like Heron, Amperesand also includes Tesla alumni on its executive team.
Although competition is heating up, the market for modern transformers remains vast and largely untapped. If Heron Power delivers on its vision, Baglino’s second act could prove just as impactful as his first.
