
First Mode
Founded Year
2018Stage
Asset Sale | AssetsPurchasedTotal Raised
$208.5MAbout First Mode
First Mode develops and manufactures decarbonization solutions for heavy industry, focusing on the transition to clean energy. The company offers vehicle retrofits that integrate diesel hybrid, battery electric, and hydrogen fuel cell systems to assist mining and rail fleets in reducing emissions. First Mode's solutions include infrastructure that demonstrates the feasibility of decarbonization. First Mode was formerly known as Synchronous. It was founded in 2018 and is based in Seattle, Washington. In December 2024, First Mode filed for bankruptcy.
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Expert Collections containing First Mode
Expert Collections are analyst-curated lists that highlight the companies you need to know in the most important technology spaces.
First Mode is included in 3 Expert Collections, including Unicorns- Billion Dollar Startups.
Unicorns- Billion Dollar Startups
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Hydrogen Energy Tech
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Energy Storage
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First Mode Patents
First Mode has filed 9 patents.
The 3 most popular patent topics include:
- renewable energy
- electric power conversion
- energy conversion

Application Date | Grant Date | Title | Related Topics | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
10/24/2023 | 4/16/2024 | Grant |
Application Date | 10/24/2023 |
---|---|
Grant Date | 4/16/2024 |
Title | |
Related Topics | |
Status | Grant |
Latest First Mode News
Mar 11, 2025
Cummins Inc. announced the acquisition of assets of First Mode, a leader in retrofit hybrid solutions for mining and rail operations. The acquisition includes hybrid mining and rail product lines, and the full IP portfolio which includes hydrogen and battery powertrain solutions. This technology represents the first commercially available retrofit hybrid system for mining equipment, significantly reducing total cost of ownership (TCO) while advancing decarbonization in operations. In addition, Cummins is acquiring First Mode’s commercial portfolio, manufacturing and technical teams in Australia, the United States and Chile. First Mode will continue to serve customers through the transition and is dedicated to meeting customers’ needs by shipping product in Q1. This acquisition reinforces Cummins’ commitment to providing innovative and effective decarbonization solutions and will allow the company to elevate our product portfolio while meeting the needs of our customers on their transition to a lower-carbon future. First Mode will operate within the Power Systems industrial segment. “This acquisition is an important step forward in our goal to lead our Power Systems customers through the energy transition,” said Jenny Bush, President of Power Systems at Cummins. “With First Mode’s hybrid retrofit technology, we are accelerating our ability to provide decarbonization solutions that meet miners’ need to drive down operating costs today.” A broader commitment to carbon reduction Cummins is at the forefront of developing multiple technology pathways to help the mining industry transition to a sustainable future. Through product hybridization and clean fuels such as ethanol and methanol, Cummins is developing bridge technologies that enable miners to maximize the life of existing fleets while reducing carbon emissions. “Cummins’ dedication to partnering with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and miners ensures that these technologies are developed and tested in real-world environments,” Bush added. “With hybrid retrofit kits, modular component upgrades and scalable solutions, we are bringing miners the flexibility and confidence they need to decarbonize operations while adapting to evolving technologies and infrastructure.” With its vast global service network, Cummins is prepared to support newly developed bridge technologies, ensuring seamless integration and ongoing support for mining and rail applications. Media Contact
First Mode Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When was First Mode founded?
First Mode was founded in 2018.
Where is First Mode's headquarters?
First Mode's headquarters is located at 3417 1st Avenue South, Seattle.
What is First Mode's latest funding round?
First Mode's latest funding round is Asset Sale.
How much did First Mode raise?
First Mode raised a total of $208.5M.
Who are the investors of First Mode?
Investors of First Mode include Cummins and Anglo American.
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