GEW: Investor Spotlight Event with CleanStart

GEW: Investor Spotlight Event with CleanStart

Oct 18, 2023

Get ready to shine at Spotlight Pitch, where aspiring entrepreneurs showcase their ideas, talents, and innovations in a lively and engaging

Spotlight Pitch

These events shine a spotlight on the kinds of companies poised on the edge of significant growth, ones that could have a real impact on our regional economy, and ones that have substantially mitigated their risks.  The confirmed companies so far are:

  • XeroHome—an AI-based product for making tailored recommendations to homeowners on what clean energy investments to make, all without the need for site visits and labor-intensive audits.  The algorithm uses utility billing data, building records, satellite photos and more to analyze hundreds of thousands of homes in a few minutes, then put the results in a database the homeowners can query on their own.  Now multiple utilities across the country are using this software.
  • LiCAP Technologies—has a better way to make batteries.  It is less expensive, it requires fewer steps, it avoids using toxic solvents, it creates thinner electrodes, it boosts the energy and power density, and extends cycle life.  EV battery-makers are salivating over the technology, and have seen all the claims are valid.  What they want to see is a high-speed manufacturing process to confirm it is fully compatible their current processes.  
  • AscentOs—has developed software to optimize and simplify the process of selling solar and storage systems to homeowners and small businesses, getting the required permits, and scheduling the crews and materials, all to cut the cost of installations.  It is getting rave reviews from early users. 
  • JAPA—has the solution to avoid wasting time and fuel in trying to find a parking space by installing sensors and using software to tell drivers where the empty spots are.  They have some big hospitals as anchor customers who love the app.

Join us for an exciting in-person event at the Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Sacramento, CA, USA. Get ready to showcase your ideas and network with fellow entrepreneurs! At Spotlight Pitch, you’ll have the chance to present your business concepts to a captivated audience, including potential investors and industry experts. This is your opportunity to shine and gain valuable feedback. Don’t miss out on this amazing chance to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level. See you there!

Mark Henwood – Founding CleanStart

Aug 20, 2020

Help CleanStart

I founded CleanStart with Gary Simon and have been a board member for CleanStart from its beginning in 2005. Now I have enjoyed being part of the revitalized CleanStart. I have witnessed CleanStart set the example on how to help entrepreneurs and startups succeed and invigorate the community around clean tech. During this period, the Sacramento Region clean tech community has grown to over 5100 jobs and $3.2 billion revenue. Since CleanStart’s reboot in 2016, CleanStart has diligently worked to place companies in front of funding sources, resulting in successful raises of over $200 million.

CleanStart has contributed to the community through a series of meetups that have spawned new relationships, new companies and new ideas. With the elimination of in-person meetings, CleanStart has offered over three dozen video events with increased participation. While the majority of the participants are local, we are now seeing participants from the rest of the US and Europe. This is solidifying Sacramento’s image of being a leading clean tech community.

Like many companies and nonprofits, COVID has impacted CleanStart. They need to raise $10k from our community to continue their work and allow its reach and engagement to continue to grow. To make the funding go even further, a donor has committed to match each donation dollar for dollar.

So please join me in donating to CleanStart. A contribution of $500 or more will give you the privilege of having your name added near my name on the CleanStart Wall of Fame.

Thank you, Hero Sponsors, for helping Build our Wall of Fame:

Your Name Here

Patron Supporters 

Dr. Eric Cummings, Robert Gregoire, Larry Kellerman, Curtis Rocca,

Ingrid Rosten, Frederick Tornatore, Mark Humbert, Bill Westerfield,

Michael Carroll, Peter Bell, Al Rich, Kian Nobari, Bob Guimarin,

Steven Mills, John Jaggers, Farid Ismayilzada, Bing Gu

THANK-YOU: Brian Hoblit, Dan Sperling, Jack Crawford, Mike Hart, Mike Terzo, Roger Akers, Al Rich, Chris White, Noam Lotan, Bob Guimarin, Linghong Li, Sergey Vasylyev, Mark Henwood, Dan Koellen, Daniel Clark, Aaron Shaw, Laura Good, Sandra Hall, Thomas Paddon, Ezra Beeman, Peter Zullo, Diana Eastman, Alex Chompff, Brandon Rose, Lorenzo Smith, Ryan Barr, Robert Gregoire, Frederic Tornatore, Curtis Rocca, Christina Borsum, Weintraub Tobin, Kian Nobari, Lynne Goldsmith, Michelle Wong, Antonio Yung, Mark Berman, Andy Roth, Bill Westerfield, Yuliya Semak, Musole Buhendwa, Eva Shepherd, Mariah Lichtenstern, Eric Cummings, Steven Mills, Larry Kellerman, John Selep, Doug Linney, John Peters, Alain Poivet, Michael Carroll, Terry Carlone, Robert Wilson, Kyle Kaneshiro, John Jaggers, Robert Gregory, Glenn Meeks, Roger Johnson, Matt Roberts, Evolution Accelerator, Peter Bell, Ingrid Rosten, Bing Gu, Kathleen Collins, Kiara Reed, Guy Hall, Michelle Wong, Robert Willson 

Follow us on Social Media to keep upto date!

Dan Koellen – Support CleanStart

Aug 20, 2020

Help CleanStart

I have been a board member for CleanStart from its beginning in 2005 and have enjoyed being part of the revitalized CleanStart. I have witnessed CleanStart set the example on how to help entrepreneurs and startups succeed and invigorate the community around clean tech. During this period, the Sacramento Region clean tech community has grown to over 5100 jobs and $3.2 billion revenue. Since CleanStart’s reboot in 2016, CleanStart has diligently worked to place companies in front of funding sources, resulting in successful raises of over $200 million.

CleanStart has contributed to the community through a series of meetups that have spawned new relationships, new companies and new ideas. With the elimination of in-person meetings, CleanStart has offered over three dozen video events with increased participation. While the majority of the participants are local, we are now seeing participants from the rest of the US and Europe. This is solidifying Sacramento’s image of being a leading clean tech community.

They have also recently run two very successful clean tech startup bootcamps with 26 companies graduating. Leveraging what was learned during the bootcamp, some of these companies have already received funding.

Like many companies and nonprofits, COVID has impacted CleanStart. They need to raise $10k from our community to continue their work and allow its reach and engagement to continue to grow. To make the funding go even further, a donor has committed to match each donation dollar for dollar.

So please join me in donating to CleanStart. A contribution of $500 or more will give you the privilege of having your name added near my name on the CleanStart Wall of Fame.

Thank you, Hero Sponsors, for helping Build our Wall of Fame:

Your Name Here

Patron Supporters 

Dr. Eric Cummings, Robert Gregoire, Larry Kellerman, Curtis Rocca,

Ingrid Rosten, Frederick Tornatore, Mark Humbert, Bill Westerfield,

Michael Carroll, Peter Bell, Al Rich, Kian Nobari, Bob Guimarin,

Steven Mills, John Jaggers, Farid Ismayilzada, Bing Gu

THANK-YOU: Brian Hoblit, Dan Sperling, Jack Crawford, Mike Hart, Mike Terzo, Roger Akers, Al Rich, Chris White, Noam Lotan, Bob Guimarin, Linghong Li, Sergey Vasylyev, Mark Henwood, Dan Koellen, Daniel Clark, Aaron Shaw, Laura Good, Sandra Hall, Thomas Paddon, Ezra Beeman, Peter Zullo, Diana Eastman, Alex Chompff, Brandon Rose, Lorenzo Smith, Ryan Barr, Robert Gregoire, Frederic Tornatore, Curtis Rocca, Christina Borsum, Weintraub Tobin, Kian Nobari, Lynne Goldsmith, Michelle Wong, Antonio Yung, Mark Berman, Andy Roth, Bill Westerfield, Yuliya Semak, Musole Buhendwa, Eva Shepherd, Mariah Lichtenstern, Eric Cummings, Steven Mills, Larry Kellerman, John Selep, Doug Linney, John Peters, Alain Poivet, Michael Carroll, Terry Carlone, Robert Wilson, Kyle Kaneshiro, John Jaggers, Robert Gregory, Glenn Meeks, Roger Johnson, Matt Roberts, Evolution Accelerator, Peter Bell, Ingrid Rosten, Bing Gu, Kathleen Collins, Kiara Reed, Guy Hall, Michelle Wong, Robert Willson 

Follow us on Social Media to keep upto date!

Welcome Osato

Welcome Osato

Sep 3, 2019

CleanStart has a new face supporting the region’s Entrepreneurs.  Osato Evbuomwan is a CSU Sacramento Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student who is the newest associate at CleanStart. Growing up in Nigeria with smog from backup diesel/ gasoline generators inspired Osato to work towards building a sustainable future for the world. 

Osato is looking forward to connecting with as many cleantech startups as possible and understanding each of their value propositions. Some of Osato’s responsibilities at cleanstart will include confirming and updating the information from companies on the CleanStart Clean Tech Map, Writing investment profiles, Meeting the Startup Community, Visiting cleantech businesses, Immersing himself in the region’s entrepreneurship culture.

Why Do StartUps Fail?

Why Do StartUps Fail?

Jul 9, 2019

Analytic firm CB Insights just published its study of 101 failed startups to uncover why they didn’t make it.  It’s a revealing list. Here’s a summary of their Top Twenty Reason:

Reason

Percent

Reason

Percent

1.   No Market Need

42%

11.  Lost Focus

13%

2.   Ran Out of Cash

29%

12.  Disharmony Among Team/Investors

13%

3.   Not the Right Team

23%

13.  Pivot Went Poorly

10%

4.   Got Outcompeted

19%

14.  Lacked Passion

9%

5.   Pricing/Cost Issues

18%

15.  Failed Geographic Expansion

9%

6.   User Un-friendly Product

17%

16.  No Investor/Financing Interest

8%

7.   Product Without a Business Model

17%

17.  Legal Challenges

8%

8.   Poor Marketing

14%

18.  Didn’t Use network

8%

9.   Ignored Customers

14%

19.  Burn Out

8%

10. Product Mistimed

13%

20.  Failure to Pivot

7%

 

This is like a checklist of issues you should be sure to avoid.  It seems surprising that the top reason for failure was that there was no market need.  This really reinforces the need for startups to go out and interview customers to validate interest in their proposed product.  Apparently, doing so is not so common. 

Inability to raise money is not the problem (#16), but pricing the product unprofitably (#5) and running out of cash (#2) are bigger ones. 

There are a lot more details in the full 25-page report you can download here.  

If you want to learn quickly how to be a good startup CEO and avoid these problems, apply for our summer Crash Course to be held August 16, 23 and September 6.  You can find out more about our course here.

Apply Now! Spaces are limited!

The course will provide you with an understanding of the key components necessary for drafting a business model. We will have concentrations in CEO fundamentals such as how to pitch an idea, the legalities of business, marketing, leadership, team building and more! By the end of the course, you will have developed concrete skills that will aid in advancing your venture.

Attendees will learn

  • essential knowledge and skills required to develop their ventures
  • individualized mentoring
  • benefit from networking opportunities to connect with other companies and domain experts
  • be provided with opportunities to publicize their companies and ideas

This kind of deal doesn’t come around often so act now! It is FREE but a limited number of seats are available!

Thomas Hall

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gary Simon is the Chair of CleanStarts Board. A seasoned energy executive and entrepreneur with 45 years of experience in business, government, and non-profits.