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What's Happening in our Cleantech Economy?
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From Our Chairman
With two meetups behind us, we’re on our way to rebuilding a community of cleantech enthusiasts! These meetups are like mini-TEDx talks, with lots of food for thought, and excitement around the success companies are having here. Collectively, the presenting companies represented over $150M in investment that has been brought into our community. None did this fast--it required patience, persistence, and a willingness to change course when necessary.

Our next Cleantech Meetup on March 29 will focus on batteries, energy storage, and the integration of the emerging Internet of Energy Things. We now see utilities evolving into organizations which manage a multi-million-point network of web-enabled controls to match supply and demand efficiently. There is opportunity for those who understand network control, and can be creative with it, to build some substantial businesses. Even just the topic of battery technology is exciting--there are announcements of significant advances every week. Can you believe that EV battery packs providing over 600 mile ranges are now being discussed? Better batteries will make many other advances in renewables possible.

On March 20, we’re organizing a class for mid-stage startups on managing the relationships with their investors. Keeping your investors informed and, on your side, could be the key to getting through some rough patches. 

In April, we’re bringing back Michael Zeligs to teach his popular crowdfunding workshop. Rewards-based crowdfunding can provide a crucial injection of capital without giving up any equity.

We hope you can get involved in one of these events. Momentum is really starting to pick up! Read a longer version of my monthly letter on our blog.


Gary Simon, Chairman of the Board
 
Upcoming Events
Leveraging Investors Relationships to Benefit Your Startup Business
March 20, 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Impact VC, 801 K St., Sacramento
Featuring presentations from Weintraub Tobin and a panel of investors and funded startups.
Register here

Cleantech Meetup: Energy Storage &  Efficiency
March 29, 5:30 - 8:30 pm
TBD, Sacramento
Free to attend. RSVP here.

SAVE THE DATE!
Crowdfunding

April 12,  5:30 - 8:00 pm
Featuring rewards-based crowdfunding expert Michael Zeligs. Registration opening soon!
Featured Company: Solar Roof Dynamics
Solar Roof Dynamics

What is the most important characteristic of a successful venture? Many believe it is the team’s fit. Being able to work together to build a successful business is key, and Solar Roof Dynamics is building a team to handle the roller coaster of solar. Home solar is an industry that has had many ups and downs but is here to stay. In a conversation with Aaron Nitzkin, CEO and Founder at Solar Roof Dynamics, we enjoyed hearing the stories about his entrepreneurial journey and how he started the company from an idea. During his decade of professional experience, Aaron discovered an opportunity in the solar roofing space and jumped at the chance to found Solar Roof Dynamics in Davis, California in 2013. .read more

Impact Global Venture Summit
The Impact Global Venture Summit is a day of exhibition focused on the innovation and regulation of emerging tech. Attendees will gain insights on the potential impact of foundation technologies, hands-on demonstrations of early applications, and access to the real innovators and policymakers shaping their adoption in our markets and communities.

We've secured a 50% off discount code for the CleanStart community -- enter "cleanstart" in the promo code field to redeem.
The Blog
Grant Funding
Grant Workshop Highlights New Funding Opportunities
Participants learned strategies for applying for grant funding ....continue reading
Waste Conversion
Waste Conversion Technologies
February's Cleantech meetup included 4 presentations on waste converstion technologies ...continue reading

CalSEED offers up to $600,000 to early stage startups 
CalCEF began accepting applications for the CalSEED program in February.....continue reading

Our Greatest Challenges & Opportunities – EPIC 2018
EPIC tackled a number of clean energy innovation topics at their conference in February....continue reading
News
Pacific Ethanol signs partnership deal with Airgas
Sacramento Business Journal

Davis solar company Blue Oak Energy shines with big-name projects
Davis Enterprise

Electric motor company Highlands Power Inc. moving from Fremont to Sacramento
Sacramento Business Journal

Driverless cars are expected on California streets in April. What does it mean for you?
The Sacramento Bee

West Sacramento considers LimeBike electric scooter-share program
Sacramento Business Journal

Sacramento's Pacific Ethanol reports quarterly, annual losses
The Sacramento Bee

How Sacramento-based RagingWire is getting greener
Sacramento Business Journal

Self-driving vehicles without any human backups could be on California roads as soon as April
Sacramento Business Journal

Federal solar tariffs not a disincentive for Davis
Davis Enterprise


Events

Mar 13-14, Venture Summit | West, Santa Clara Convention Center

Mar 15, Urban Sustainability Happy Hour Meetup, Revival Bar


March 22, TechEdge, McClellan Park

 
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CleanStart Sponsors
SMUD
Ernst and Young Weintraub | Tobin Impact Venture Capital
  Magpite Studios  

For more information about our sponsors, visit cleanstart.org

Thank You to Our Valuable Partners
AgStart, Area 52, BlueTechValley, California State University, Sacramento
Davis Root, Entrepreneurs Showcase, The Grant Farm, MedStart,
StartupSac, Sierra Energy Research Park, Startup Grind Sacramento,
UC Davis Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship,
UC Davis Engineering Student Startup Center, UC Davis Venture Catalyst

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