HULO: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

HULO is a cutting-edge Dutch water technology startup that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to detect leaks in water infrastructure. Founded in 2021 and based in Leeuwarden, the company addresses the critical global challenge of water scarcity by focusing on reducing losses in drinking water distribution systems. Around 30% of treated water worldwide is lost, often due to leaks in aging infrastructure. By combining AI with physics-based models, HULO’s software platform transforms existing utility data into actionable insights that help utilities detect and localize leaks faster and more efficiently. This innovation not only conserves water but also enhances operational decision-making for water providers. This article explores 10 essential facts about HULO, highlighting its impact, technology, funding, and vision for the future.

1. Origin and Foundation

HULO was founded in 2021 by Robbert Lodewijks and Frank van der Hulst with a mission to save millions of liters of water and build more resilient water networks worldwide. The startup grew out of collaborations with Wetsus, the Dutch research institute for sustainable water technology. From its inception, HULO aimed to develop a scalable and practical solution to the pervasive problem of inefficient water distribution and leakage, which affects communities globally. The founders recognized the opportunity to use AI and data analytics to revolutionize traditional leak detection methods that often relied on costly physical inspections.

2. The Water Scarcity Challenge

Water scarcity has become one of the most urgent environmental issues globally, and infrastructure leaks exacerbate this crisis. Nearly 30% of treated drinking water is lost before it reaches consumers, primarily in aging networks. HULO confronts this issue head-on by providing utilities with early detection capabilities that can significantly reduce unaccounted-for water losses. Their innovative AI-driven approach makes it possible not only to detect leaks but also to prioritize repair efforts based on real-time data, which is crucial for resource conservation and sustainability.

3. AI and Physics-Based Leak Detection Technology

What sets HULO apart is its proprietary technology that integrates AI with physics-based hydraulic models to analyze existing pressure and flow data collected by water utilities. Unlike traditional methods requiring new hardware or district metered areas (DMAs), HULO’s software platform operates as a SaaS solution that fits seamlessly into utilities’ current systems. By learning the dynamic behavior of each unique network in real time, the system rapidly identifies leaks and anomalies, turning raw data into actionable insights for faster, more accurate leak localization.

4. The SaaS Platform and Operational Integration

HULO delivers its solution through a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, allowing easy integration without the need for capital-intensive hardware installations. This approach dramatically reduces deployment time and costs, enabling utilities worldwide to adopt the technology swiftly. Furthermore, since HULO’s analytics work with the pressure and flow data utilities already collect, there is no disruption to current operational processes. This design enables utilities to enhance leak detection capabilities without overhauling infrastructure.

5. Funding and Investment

In 2023 and 2024, HULO secured significant funding rounds to accelerate its growth and technology development. Most notably, it raised €2.3 million in a seed funding round led by VP Capital, co-led by LUMO Labs, with additional contributions from Vanagon, Rabobank, the Frisian Development Fund, and the NEW-TTT program. Prior to this, HULO successfully completed a €800,000 pre-seed round led by LUMO Labs. This financial backing fuels the company’s expansion into new international markets, including Latin America, and strengthens its AI, network analytics, cybersecurity, and customer success capabilities.

6. Environmental Impact and Water Savings

HULO is positioned to make a measurable environmental impact. By helping water utilities detect leaks early and reduce water loss, the company is on track to save the equivalent of more than four million Olympic-size swimming pools of water annually by 2030. This scale of conservation represents a crucial step in combating water scarcity, lowering operational costs for utilities, and promoting water sustainability globally.

7. Geographic Reach and Market Expansion

Currently active primarily in Europe, HULO is expanding into Latin America and other regions where water scarcity and aging infrastructure are pressing challenges. The company’s scalable SaaS model and hardware-independent technology make it adaptable to a diverse range of water systems worldwide. This expansion is supported by its strong investor backing and focused strategy to address global water management challenges through innovative AI solutions.

8. Strategic Partnerships and Industry Collaboration

HULO’s success is partly attributed to its strong relationships with research institutions, venture capital firms, and development agencies. The startup emerged from Wetsus, renowned for water technology research, and has cultivated partnerships with leading investors like VP Capital and Rabobank. These collaborations provide technical, financial, and strategic support, allowing HULO to maintain technological leadership and scale its operations efficiently.

9. Challenges and Technological Innovation

Despite its innovative approach, HULO faces challenges typical for startups in deep tech and water infrastructure sectors. These include integrating with diverse utility systems, overcoming regulatory barriers, and addressing cybersecurity concerns related to critical infrastructure. Nevertheless, the company’s focus on practical and powerful AI solutions that align with operational realities ensures it remains agile in overcoming these hurdles and continuing to deliver effective leak detection.

10. Vision for the Future

HULO envisions a future where water infrastructure is smart, resilient, and sustainable. The founders emphasize the importance of digital innovation that fits existing operational settings, ensuring utilities can act swiftly without extensive system overhauls. By advancing AI and data analytics for real-time water management, HULO aims to be a global leader in tackling water loss and supporting sustainable water usage in communities around the world.

Conclusion

HULO exemplifies how innovative technology can address one of the planet’s most critical resources—water. Through its AI-driven leak detection platform, the Dutch startup is redefining how water utilities manage infrastructure, enabling faster detection and repair of leaks, which significantly reduces water waste. Supported by strong investments and a vision grounded in sustainability, HULO is positioning itself as a crucial player in global water conservation efforts. As water scarcity intensifies globally, HULO’s technology prompts us to consider: how else can innovation help secure vital natural resources for future generations?