ALFADAN, Inc.

ALFADAN has created a patented engine for powerboats.

It provides 50% more horsepower, while using 50% fewer parts than competing engines. The result is an efficient unit that creates better performance, less fuel consumption, and a lower cost of operation.

This company’s Founder, Alberto Araujo, is an FAA-certified turbine engine mechanic. He holds a degree from Embry Riddle, a prestigious university specializing in aviation and aerospace technologies.

ALFADAN’s engine is a type of “outboard” motor. This describes engines, propellers, and jets that are affixed to the back — or outside — of a boat. (In contrast to bigger engines that aren’t visible and are used to power yachts.)

By 2025, the outboard engine market is projected to reach $17 billion.

This market is ripe for disruption. 80% is taken up by large companies like Yamaha and Mercury. These companies produce engines that provide between 420 and 450 horsepower.

The remaining 20% of the market consists of smaller companies that manufacture engines in the 250 to 350 horsepower range.

ALFADAN's engine delivers more power than those sold by smaller companies, and offers better fuel efficiency than engines sold by the bigger ones.

ALFADAN’s engine is unique because it solves a growing problem in the boating industry.

Traditionally, boating engines have largely mimicked the design of automotive engines. As outboard-powered boats have increased in size, these designs can’t keep up with the increased power requirements. As a result, boaters have had to place multiple outboard engines on the back of their boats.

More engines increases the weight of the boat. This causes more drag, which affects performance and increases fuel consumption.

ALFADAN’s engine, meanwhile, delivers the power of multiple engines while being 50% lighter. The company believes its engine enables any boat ranging from 35 to 75 feet to be powered with either two or three engines, vs. four to six engines typically required.

ALFADAN’s engine is based on a four-cylinder design. Similar engines have been created in the past. But none have been widely adopted. That’s because this four-cylinder design has been hindered by an inherent design problem referred to as secondary imbalance.

This issue is caused by the speed variation of the engine’s piston as it reaches the top of the cylinder vs. the bottom.

The piston moves slightly faster at the top, and slightly slower at the bottom. This causes a difference in inertia which results in engine imbalance.

ALFADAN has solved this problem with its re-design of this type of engine. This has enabled the company to create the first high displacement inline four-cylinder engine.

ALFADAN has developed a prototype of its initial engine, the A654, and completed a feasibility study.

The company received a patent for a two-cylinder engine which it used to test proprietary materials used for its four-cylinder design. It has since applied for patents for its four-cylinder engine.

ALFADAN has partnerships with notable engineering and manufacturing companies. These include:

• Mahle Powertrain: This global engineering and manufacturing firm specializes in designing and developing engines and powertrain systems. ALFADAN is under contract with Mahle to test its prototype. Once tests have been completed, ALFADAN can begin manufacturing and sales.

• FREEVALVE: This is a leader in the cylinder head and engine performance market. This company has patented several innovations using freevalve technology that enables engine performance increases. ALFADAN plans to contract FREEVALVE to develop the cylinder heads that will be used to create the company’s line of engines.

• ZF Marine: This company designs propulsion systems. ALFADAN plans to work with ZF to develop the transmission, lower unit, and systems integration hardware for its engines.

Within five years, ALFADAN aims to release a line of outboard engines.

In addition to offering fuel efficiency and increased power, this company’s engines will be easy to service.

ALFADAN plans to use similar parts to create its entire line of engines. In addition, all customers will be issued a waterproof sealed case that includes all of the parts needed to fix any issues on the water.

As engines are created, all essential parts will be available through Amazon. This will enable boaters to easily purchase items they need and replenish their cases.

Team Background

Omar Jimenez - President & COO

Omar has extensive experience building private companies.

Prior to ALFADAN, he was Chief Operating Officer of Monaker Group, a travel and hospitality company. Before that, he was President of Marmel International, a sporting goods business.

He spent five years as Chief Financial Officer of American Leisure Holdings, a company providing products related to the eSports industry. Prior to that, he held the same position with Onyx Group, an architecture and planning company.

Earlier in his career, Omar was CFO of 21st Century Holding Company, which is now the Federated National Holding Company (Nasdaq: FNHC).

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Miami and an MBA from Florida International University.

Alberto Araujo - Founder & CEO

Alberto founded ALFADAN in October 2017.

Prior to that, he was President of Amtech Industries, a company that manufactures and sells natural stone products. He founded this company in 1989 and led its efforts until starting ALFADAN.

Between 1993 and 2002, he also served as Vice President of R.A. Microjets, a company designing turbine engines. While there, he headed R&D for the first miniature gas turbines used in military vehicles, and oversaw all design and manufacturing efforts.

Earlier in his career, Alberto was a maintenance manager for Eastern Airlines, where he oversaw standardized checks on commercial aircraft. He also founded a company specializing in non-destructive testing of commercial aircraft engines.

He is an FAA certified aircraft turbine engine mechanic and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

Co-Investors