January Week 2, 2024: In this weekly series, we highlight 5 climate tech startups to watch by featuring the incredible startups, companies, or projects that are leading the fight against the climate crisis.
Each month, we add these startups to our running list, which we have categorized based on fuel emission sector data from the most detailed, recent data SBC could identify from the World Resource Institute in 2016.
This initiative from Startup Basecamp aims to support founders by giving them access to networking and exposure opportunities that help them to scale and finance their climate tech solutions.
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With care,
Guillaume and the SBC TEAM
Energy use in Transport
1. SparkCharge
Founded: 2017 – Somerville, MA, USA
Founder: Joshua Aviv
Elevator Pitch: EV Charging Made Mobile, Fast, and Convenient.
Problem they solve: The transition to electric vehicles has been hampered by the limitations of fixed-location charging infrastructure, posing significant challenges for businesses and EV users requiring more mobility and flexibility. SparkCharge addresses this by offering grid-free, mobile charging solutions, liberating EV users from the constraints of stationary charging stations. Their approach revolutionizes how businesses and individuals think about EV charging, transforming it from a stationary activity to a dynamic, integrated part of daily operations and travel.
Impact: By making EV charging more accessible and adaptable, they are crucial in facilitating the wider adoption of electric vehicles, directly contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and pollution associated with traditional combustion engine vehicles. As mobile charging becomes a standard, it encourages a broader shift to electric vehicles, bolstering efforts to create a cleaner, more sustainable transportation sector.
Stage: Series A.
Interested in SparkCharge?
To learn more about their technology or get in touch, see here.
Energy use in Transport
2. NÜWIEL
Founded: 2016 – Hamburg, DE
Founders: Natalia Tomiyama & Fahad Khan
Elevator Pitch: NÜWIEL provides innovative solutions for the last mile logistics to move goods in a sustainable and cost-efficient way. NÜWIEL’s eTrailer is the world’s first electric trailer with patented technology to use with any (e)bike and to walk in pedestrian zones.
Problem they solve: Urban transportation and delivery of goods are often challenged by traffic congestion, limited parking, and environmental concerns. Traditional motorized vehicles contribute to pollution and are not always efficient in densely populated areas. NÜWIEL addresses these challenges by offering an innovative eTrailer that transforms any bike into a smart cargo solution. Their technology eliminates the strain of carrying heavy loads on bicycles, making it easier and more practical for individuals and businesses to opt for a bicycle as a primary mode of transport for goods in cities.
Impact: By making it easier and more efficient to transport goods by bike, it reduces reliance on motor vehicles, thereby decreasing urban traffic congestion and air pollution. The zero-force sensor technology not only promotes cleaner transportation but also encourages a shift in urban logistics towards more eco-friendly practices.
Stage: Series A.
Interested in NÜWIEL?
If you are interested in learning more, see here.
GHG Capture, Use, and Storage
3. Vesta
Founded: 2019 – San Francisco, CA, USA
Founders: Kelly Erhart and Tom Green
Elevator Pitch: Coastal Carbon Capture is a way to harness the power of the oceans to accelerate the Earth’s natural long-term carbon dioxide removal process and enhance coastal resilience.
Problem they solve: Coastal areas worldwide are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and ocean acidification. Traditional methods of coastal protection and carbon dioxide removal are often limited in scope and effectiveness. Vesta’s approach addresses these challenges by enhancing the Earth’s natural long-term carbon dioxide removal process, using olivine to not only capture and store carbon but also improve ocean health and coastal resilience.
Impact: By harnessing the oceans’ natural ability to remove carbon dioxide and counteract acidity, Vesta’s approach contributes to the restoration of marine habitats and helps protect coastal infrastructure. Their work, supported by the Coastal Carbon Capture Impact Fund, demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation.
Stage: Series A.
Want to learn more about Vesta?
To learn more about their technology or get in touch see here.
Agriculture, Forestry and Land Use
4. NitroVolt
Founded: 2023 – Lyngby, DK
Founders: Suzanne Zamany Andersen and Mattia Saccoccio
Problem they solve: Farmers currently face challenges with the high costs and environmental impact of nitrogen-based fertilizer production, as well as vulnerabilities to supply chain disruptions and geopolitical factors. NitroVolt addresses these issues by enabling on-site fertilizer production, which cuts down on transportation emissions and costs, and reduces dependence on external suppliers. Their technology offers a more sustainable, efficient, and self-reliant approach to fertilizer production, directly tackling the environmental and logistical challenges in the agricultural industry.
Impact: By decarbonizing the production of nitrogen-based fertilizers, they are directly contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector. Additionally, localizing fertilizer production reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and logistics. This shift towards more sustainable and self-sufficient farming practices not only benefits the environment but also ensures a more resilient agricultural industry, capable of adapting to and withstanding various external pressures.
Stage: Seed.
Interested in NitroVolt?
To learn more about this company, see here.
Cross-cutting enablers
5. Thermulon
Founded: 2019 – London, UK
Founders: Sam Cryer & Alexander D. Murdock
Elevator Pitch: Novel process chemistry for non-flammable insulation materials.
Problem they solve: The production of traditional aerogels has long been hindered by complex and costly manufacturing processes, limiting their widespread application. Furthermore, the insulation market is in dire need of materials that combine high insulation efficiency with fire safety, especially in high-risk environments. Thermulon addresses these challenges by offering a streamlined, cost-effective method to produce aerogels, thereby making this super-insulating material more accessible. Their products meet the critical demand for high-performance insulation that is both fire-resistant and environmentally friendly.
Impact: By providing an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-derived insulation, Thermulon helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lowers the carbon footprint of insulated products. Their aerogels’ high insulating efficiency contributes to energy savings in buildings and electric vehicles, further reducing overall energy consumption and associated emissions.
Stage: Seed.
Interested in Thermulon?
If you are interested in learning more, see here.
Do you know of other startups we should include in our Startups to Watch Series? Submit to our list!
How do these startups fit in with all the others we have looked at?
Check out our running list of the 400+ climate tech startups to watch we have featured.
