Bluecore Energy Raises $50M Seed to Develop Floating Nuclear Power Systems

Bluecore Energy, a Long Beach-based nuclear energy startup, has raised $50 million in seed funding to develop compact nuclear reactors mounted on floating barges for ports, critical infrastructure and potentially AI data centres.

The round was led by Silverton Partners, with existing investor Slauson & Co. returning alongside Harlem Capital, Precursor Ventures, LMNT, Visible Hands, Karman Ventures, Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen, Capital Factory, Share Ventures, X&, Markham Valley Ventures and Kevin Hart's HartBeat Ventures. New investors include MaC Ventures, among others.

The latest financing brings Bluecore Energy's disclosed funding to $60 million across two rounds since the company emerged from stealth in July 2026.

From Uber to floating nuclear power

Bluecore was founded by Kofi Asante, who previously worked at Uber's Advanced Technology Group, Uber Freight and its Powerloop spinout. He later worked at Elroy Air and on an electric-boat programme at the Port of Long Beach.

His experience across transportation, logistics and maritime technology ultimately led him toward nuclear power - but with a different delivery model.

Rather than building a conventional nuclear facility on land, Bluecore is developing reactors that can be installed on floating platforms and moved closer to where electricity is needed.

The company has assembled a team combining former U.S. Navy nuclear submarine officers with engineers who have worked at companies including SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, Toyota, Rivian and Uber.

A 10 MWe reactor built for the water

Bluecore's first planned product is a 10 MWe water-cooled nuclear reactor designed to operate for years between refuelling cycles.

The company's approach relies on established light-water reactor technology, rather than more experimental reactor concepts such as molten-salt or gas-cooled designs.

The modular architecture is intended to allow power capacity to grow by adding additional units rather than rebuilding an entire facility.

Bluecore believes the floating format could eventually support ports, coastal infrastructure and AI data centres. However, these applications would still require site-specific regulatory and safety approvals.

A changing regulatory environment

The company's fundraising comes as U.S. regulators are taking a fresh look at civilian maritime nuclear projects.

In June 2026, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Coast Guard signed a new memorandum of understanding covering coordination on commercial maritime nuclear projects. The agreement replaced a framework that had been in place since 1973.

Bluecore's licensing and safety lead Megan Moyette, a former Navy submarine officer, said both agencies have been involved with the company from its early discussions.

For Bluecore, regulatory coordination could become one of the most important factors determining how quickly the technology can move from development to deployment.

Bringing nuclear power to the demand

Bluecore is entering a growing market for small modular reactors, with companies such as Last Energy pursuing land-based microreactors and X-energy developing larger advanced nuclear systems.

Bluecore's differentiator is mobility.

Instead of waiting for a large power plant to be constructed near an industrial or digital infrastructure project, the company's vision is to transport a reactor to the location where additional power is required.

The opportunity is particularly relevant for ports and AI infrastructure, both of which are facing rising electricity demand and pressure to reduce emissions.

The Port of Long Beach has welcomed Bluecore as it works toward its long-term electrification goals, which are expected to require hundreds of additional megawatts.

Funding the next stage

Bluecore plans to use the new capital to continue developing its reactor technology, build hardware and advance its regulatory pathway toward commercial deployment.

The company still faces significant challenges, including regulatory approvals, nuclear safety requirements, manufacturing and the economics of floating nuclear infrastructure.

But with $50 million in new capital and a rapidly growing team, Bluecore is betting that the future of nuclear power may not always be tied to a fixed site on land.