Setting out to start a company is a daunting task. Setting out to not only start a company, but to start a company that is meant to literally save the planet, is even more daunting. Yet, as those in the D.C. metro area know, local entrepreneurs aren't adverse to tackling difficult problems.
This Earth Day, we're setting out to celebrate the entrepreneurs who are taking on this not-so-easy task, one idea at a time.
Here's a look at 10 D.C. metro area companies out to save the planet, whether through clean energy solutions, solar energy or low-cost delivery systems.
D.C. newcomer Hydroviv has made waves by donating its water filtration systems to Flint, Michigan in January 2016 and as the winner of TechCrunch Disrupt's D.C. Pitch-off back in February. Founder Eric Roy is a chemist by trade and his startup works to create customizable water filtration systems and shower heads that are easy to install and filter the water based on the water quality in the city that the customer lives in.
D.C. darling Aquicore brings energy data measuring hardware and management analytics software to more than 500 companies. In the last year, the company's software was even integrated with Toronto-based Angus Systems, one of the largest commercial real estate property management software companies, with the hopes of helping the company manage its utility costs amongst tenants. Since launching in 2012, the company has raised $9.1 million, including a $5 million round closed last June and led by Kiddar Capital.
Another D.C. newcomer, Arcadia Power hopes to make solar energy more accessible to those who might not be able to install solar panels on their homes (Looking at you, D.C. residents). For instance, one of its models allows residents to connect its energy supply to a solar panel in a neighboring town or area without switching utility companies. So far, since its founding in 2014, Arcadia Power has raised $4 million, including a $3.5 million venture round that closed in August.
Founded by former Opower executives, mobile gasoline app Upside aims to help people find low-cost gasoline without having to drive aimless around their town or cities to price compare. Only available in D.C. and Baltimore right now, Upside works with member gas stations to provide a cheaper, discounted price-per-gallon to Upside app users—both saving costs at the pumps and creating repeat customers for gas stations.
SparkFund models itself after Salesforce and Netflix in that it works with energy vendors to provide businesses with efficient technology systems for a single monthly payment. The company recently raised a $7 million Series B round led by Energy Impact Partners and with additional funding from existing investors like Visions Ridge Partners.
Formerly known as Ethical Energy, the D.C.-based CleanChoice Energy works with companies to connect them to renewable energy sources, like wind power, without having to change utility companies. Since its founding in 2011, the startup has raised a $11 million Series A round, which closed in 2014.
Newcomer everblume is working to revamp how people approach gardening despite what plants they grow and where they live. The company developed a "grow box," which looks like a stainless steel refrigerator, that can be adjusted to suit the needs of the plant you're growing. Everything from oxygen levels, lighting and temperature can be modified within the locking box.
Co-founded by American University student Maria Rose Belding and George Washington University Law alum Grant Nelson, the MEANS Database works to repurpose your old food waste. When restaurants have extra food, instead of tossing it, they can look to the database to see which food banks in the region need more food supplies—and vice versa.
Another startup founded by an Opower vet, D.C.-based Energicity works to bring solar energy to African communities. Energicity considers itself an alternative, micro-power grid startup that hopes to change the way rural African communities access and pay for energy usage. At the end of 2015, the company launched an Indiegogo campaign where the team raised $22,269 from 180 backers.
Recent newcomer Schlep is working to reinvent the way that people get their items delivered—by using tricycles. The trikes, which came on the D.C. scene in March, can lug up to 550 lbs of cargo through its electric assist motor. Its first client is a farm-to-table produce provider.
Image used via CC0 Public Domain — credit Maxpixel
