At CleanStart, we don’t just cheer from the sidelines. We roll up our sleeves and get to work. Over the years, we’ve delivered 160+ strategic advisory sessions, helped 45 startups graduate from our accelerator programs, and coached 100+ clean tech companies through the messy, exciting, hard work of building something real — from investor introductions to commercialization strategy.
And the results? Pretty incredible. Our companies have collectively locked in nearly $50 million in funding, contracts, and grants. Three of them — LiCAP Technologies, XeroHome, and Wind Harvest Energy — have leveled up to growth-stage funding and are now scaling across national and international markets. That’s not luck. That’s what happens when founders have a real community behind them.
Double Your Donation Before Time Runs Out!
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Let’s be honest — the headwinds are real. Shifts in federal priorities have shrunk funding opportunities, spooked investors, and cast a chill over the exact sector where innovation matters most. Programs that used to be lifelines for early-stage founders? Being cut. The gap left behind is significant, and someone has to step up.
CleanStart isn’t stepping back. We’re doubling down — chasing new funding streams and doing everything we can to keep the pipeline of clean energy companies alive and moving. But we can’t do it alone, and that’s where you come in.
Our Accomplishments
Over the past two decades, CleanStart, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit has:
- Coached over 150 startups, helping them secure funding and scale their innovations.
- Hosted 168 events connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and clean tech leaders.
- Published 500 articles about the latest clean technologies in the region.
- Graduated 45 founders from our accelerator programs.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, partners, and sponsors like you, every dollar has and will contribute directly to this mission, helping entrepreneurs develop technologies that reduce emissions, create jobs, and transform our communities for the better.
Become a Champion Supporter ($500), a Patron Supporter ($250), or simply buy us a cup of coffee. Every little bit helps us continue our mission of making Sacramento a Cleantech hub.
Our community has always been for everyone — students, seasoned founders, investors, policymakers, and anyone who believes clean energy is worth fighting for. Our MeetUps, accelerators, webcasts, and showcases have brought together 1,000+ attendees and grown into a network of 1,500+ engaged folks across the region.
When Washington turns its back on clean tech, we don’t. And with your support, neither do you.
Testimonials
Thank You For Donating!
GENERAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Jeff Greef, Mohammed Tajparast, Laura Good, JD Stack, Roger Johnson, Christie Black-Davis,
Kevin Wolf, Mark Humbert, Al Rich, Guy Hall, Cynthia Shallit, Richard Foreman, George David Suarez, Brandon Rose, Pam Marrone,
Kula Addy, Brandon Warren, John Jaggers, Jeffry Olyniec, Linda Zhong, LiCap Technologies, Wind Harvest, Michelle Hallsten,
Jesse Hernandez, Dan Koellen, Dennis Schuetzle, Farid Ismayilzada, Kiara Reed, Greg McParland, Dennis Schuetzle, Mark Henwood,
Dan Sperlingh, Ezra Beeman, Jeff Bush, Gary Simon, Steven Mills, Ash Roughani, Elven Technologies, Susan Herre
Patron Supporters
Al Rich, Roger Johnson, Ezra Beeman, Kula Addy, Brandon Warren, Mark Humbert, Kevin Wolf, Wind Harvest, Steven Mills, Farid, Ismayizada, Elven Technologies
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