Second Foundation is a leader in algorithmic energy trading and one of the highest-grossing intraday traders in Germany. We leverage mathematics, cutting-edge information technology, and energy market expertise to optimize the performance of flexible power plants and storage systems in the electricity market. With our scientific approach, we are setting new standards for the future of energy trading.
A team of 300 experts – including mathematicians, computer scientists, traders, meteorologists, and engineers – drives our technological development. By combining mathematical optimization, AI, and fundamental market analysis, we maximize revenues, stabilize the grid, and actively support the energy transition.
Second Foundation was founded in Prague in 2019 with a clear vision: to transfer advanced trading strategies from the financial sector to energy markets. As a market maker, we apply quantitative methods from derivatives and equity trading to provide liquidity and unlock systematic trading opportunities. This not only enhances investor returns but also supports the integration of renewable energy and grid stability. From our offices in Prague, Berlin, Zug (CH), Charlotte (US), and Tokyo (JP), we trade electricity in 26 countries across three continents. With over 2 GW under management and rapid growth, Second Foundation is establishing itself as one of the leading providers of technology-driven energy trading.
SOPHON, our in-house developed trading platform, processes over 2 million data points and executes more than 100,000 automated trades daily. It integrates an internal weather model with pricing models and mathematical optimization to trade simultaneously across 22 European markets. Continuously analyzing real-time market data, technical constraints, asset opportunity costs, and price developments, SOPHON identifies the most profitable trading opportunities within seconds. It then executes trades automatically – 24/7, on every trading day.
Second Foundation maximizes the returns of power plants and storage assets through a fully integrated multi-market approach. Our algorithm optimizes trading across all market segments in their sequential order – from ancillary services (FCR, aFRR) to day-ahead and intraday auctions, all the way to continuous intraday trading. Capacity allocation per market segment is dynamically adjusted based on the marginal costs of our portfolio and real-time market conditions. When designing the bidding strategy for each segment, we always consider the opportunity costs of other market segments. Any unallocated capacity is automatically offered in subsequent markets to maximize overall returns.
Our integrated algorithm considers the technical characteristics and constraints of different asset classes, ensuring an optimized operation that maximizes profitability while maintaining the technical integrity of the assets. For battery storage systems (BESS), we ensure compliance with daily and annual cycle limits, downtime requirements, and state-of-charge (SoC) management to extend battery lifespan. For combined heat and power (CHP) plants, our optimization takes into account seasonal heat demand profiles, thermal storage capacities, minimum loads, and marginal costs. For flexible biogas plants, we factor in the ratio of installed capacity to rated capacity to ensure optimal performance. This precise, market- and regulation-compliant optimization is conducted with strict adherence to guarantees and SLA conditions, ensuring seamless and efficient asset management."
At Second Foundation, we don’t rely solely on algorithms – we combine the best of both worlds: human expertise and cutting-edge technology. Our trading systems are monitored 24/7 by experienced traders who can intervene in extraordinary market situations. During extreme price phases – whether strongly positive or negative – individual trading hours can significantly impact monthly trading results. By combining algorithmic precision in normal operations with human expertise in exceptional scenarios, we ensure optimal performance even in highly volatile market conditions.
At Second Foundation, we leverage asset-backed trading, where flexible generation assets and storage systems serve as a strategic hedge for trading activities. The marginal costs of physical delivery from the power plant act as a natural limit to price risk, allowing us to apply more aggressive trading strategies without a proportional increase in exposure. This approach optimizes the risk-return profile of our portfolio, enabling us to generate sustainable additional profits, particularly in continuous intraday trading.
Second Foundation offers FlexDesk, a web-based platform designed for the efficient management of your energy assets. FlexDesk provides a clear real-time overview of your asset status and transparently displays how your assets are traded on the electricity market. As an asset operator, you can conveniently report unavailabilities or operational constraints directly through the platform. Alternatively, our team is always available via phone or email. Combining intuitive usability with full transparency, FlexDesk is optimized for Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone, ensuring that you have access to your assets anytime, anywhere.
Second Foundation ensures a structured and efficient onboarding process, seamlessly integrating your energy asset into our systems. Our experienced team guides you step by step – from technical setup to final commissioning – ensuring that every phase is communicated clearly and transparently. With standardized workflows and cutting-edge technology, we minimize downtime and enable a fast, smooth integration without unnecessary disruptions to ongoing operations. Throughout the process, our team is always available via phone or email to answer any questions or provide support. Our goal: A hassle-free start, maximum efficiency from day one, and full transparency at every step. With Second Foundation, marketing your energy asset becomes stress-free and reliable.
Countries Where We Trade Electricity
Power Plant Capacity Under Management Worldwide
Automated Trades Per Day
Employees Worldwide
Since we're aiming high and growing fast, we're always on the lookout for ambitious talents who thrive on challenges and love solving complex puzzles. We work hard, learn fast, and grow together. We believe that the best ideas can come from anywhere, and our international team is proof of that philosophy. Ambition is welcome, and innovation defines us. Working with us means unlimited growth opportunities and the chance to tackle exciting problems as part of a team. We're looking for top performers across various roles and experience levels to join our expanding presence in Europe, the U.S., and Japan.