APRIL, 2019
Greetings from David Kenney
President & Executive Director
The Spirit of Earth Day is in Our DNA, Daily
As we approach the international observance of
Earth Day in just a few days, I'm reminded of both the incredible knowledge society has gained from scientists and environmentalists studying the natural systems on which we depend as well as the urgent crisis we face due to human impacts of the last couple hundred years. At VertueLab, we help reverse climate change by accelerating the development of new technology solutions and by catalyzing new forms of capital to support the innovators and entrepreneurs introducing those solutions to the world.
The Pacific Northwest is a natural place for global solutions to be developed and proven. As
this GeekWire article highlights, our region has been a leader in environmental policy and solutions and is continuing that leadership position with new public and private clean energy investments in transportation and the electric grid. It's exciting to work in a region that proves daily that environmental and economic goals can be achieved in harmony with each other when they are made to be complementary priorities.
While Earth Day is only officially recognized once per year, the spirit of Earth Day is embedded in our DNA here at VertueLab and guides our work
every day.
Thanks for your support,
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THE FOUNDER OF
EARTH DAY!
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Earth Day Founder Still Working for a Healthier Planet
Earth Day is now the most widely observed secular holiday in the world
This week,
David Kenney met with
Denis Hayes (
pictured above, left), the founder of Earth Day and president of the
Bullitt Foundation in Seattle. Hayes was the principal national organizer of the first Earth Day back in 1970, and Earth Day is now the most widely observed secular holiday in the world. At the Bullitt Foundation, Hayes leads an effort to mold the major cities of the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia into models of sustainability. The Foundation applies ecological principles to the design of healthy, resilient human ecosystems. Under his leadership, the foundation designed and constructed the Bullitt Center – the world’s greenest office building – which it operates as a commercial enterprise. Major focus areas of the foundation include: regional ecosystem health; energy, climate, and materials; deep green buildings; and reliant communities, healthy cities.
We wish all of our readers an excellent Earth Day this coming Monday, and every day.
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VERTUELAB IMPACT SUMMIT:
COMING SEPTEMBER 13
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Two VertueLab Impact Summit Speakers Announced
Vice presidents at Project Drawdown and Sacre-Davey
We're thrilled to announce two of the speakers for our annual
VertueLab Impact Summit
(#VIS19), the Pacific Northwest’s premier climate technology innovation conference,
on September 13:
- Crystal Chissell is Vice President of Operations and Engagement at Project Drawdown, where she fosters adoption of a solutions-based approach within the Drawdown Coalition, a global network of partners committed to reversing global warming. Chissell has an interdisciplinary background in law, environmental science, and business management and has advised a range of organizations, including small businesses, the City of Baltimore, the Maryland Environmental Service, and the Town of Highland Beach, Maryland. She holds a JD from the University of Maryland School of Law, an MS in Environmental Science from Johns Hopkins University, an MBA from the University of San Francisco, and a BA in Journalism from Howard University.
- Kirk Washington is Group Vice President of Sacre-Davey, Vice President Corporate Development at SDE3 Engineering (a Sacre-Davey Company), Principal of Washington Associates, and an advisor to W-Fund and CoMotion Innovation Fund at the University of Washington, Element 8 Angels in Seattle, and VertueLab. He was a co-founder and spent 15 years as General Partner of Yaletown Venture Partners, and spent 13 years at energy technology pioneer Ballard Power Systems, where he led development of stationary powerplants and advanced vehicle propulsion systems before going on to lead corporate development.
Apply to be Part of Eco-Capital Connections at #VIS19
A unique opportunity to connect with investors and strategic partners
Is your Pacific Northwest-based cleantech business ready to connect with investors and strategic partners?
Apply by June 26th to be considered for
Eco-Capital Connections, an annual, invitation-only matchmaking event featuring the most active cleantech investors from the Pacific Northwest, Silicon Valley, and global corporations. Eco-Capital Connections is co-located at the VertueLab Impact Summit in Portland on September 13, 2019.
Apply now to participate!
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VERTUELAB-SUPPORTED COMPANIES
IN THE NEWS
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Wheyward Spirit CEO Stars in Inc. Magazine Videos
Emily Darchuk (
pictured, above), CEO of the VertueLab-supported startup
Wheyward Spirit, producer of a new vodka from excess whey from cheese making, has become a startup star at Inc. Magazine, where three videos document her entrepreneurial journey, including advice from the founder of Stonyfield Farm, Gary Hirshberg. Watch
Episode 1, above, and see the other two episodes here:
Episode 2 and
Episode 3.
$700,000 for Safer Aircraft Engines and Artificial Hips
Ampere Scientific, the VertueLab-supported company in Albany, Ore., developing a technology that improves the quality and safety of specialty metals while cutting energy use during manufacturing, has been awarded a $704,000 Small Business Innovation Research Phase II grant from the NSF. "We are grateful to VertueLab's SBIR/STTR Assistance Program that played a key role in helping us secure this Phase II grant," said
Paul King, Ampere Scientific’s CEO.
Full story.
NemaMetrix Relocates to Larger Headquarters/Lab Space
NemaMetrix
, the Eugene, Ore., startup that uses tiny nematode worms for biomedical research and environmental testing, is on the grow, moving to larger headquarters this month as it continues to hire new employees. Read this
Register-Guard article
on the company's success and cofounder,
Janice Weeks
, a University of Oregon professor whose scientific research is having a global impact, especially in Africa.
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THERE'S STILL TIME TO APPLY FOR
THE 2019 COHORT
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Application Deadline Extended to April 24
Opportunity for cleantech startups to tap a wide range of support
The
Cascadia CleanTech Accelerator – powered by VertueLab and CleanTech Alliance – is a 15-week program that delivers powerful, cleantech-specific training in business modeling, customer discovery, manufacturing and sustainability planning, prototyping, financing, customer delivery, branding, and more to entrepreneurs and early-stage startups in the Pacific Northwest.
The application deadline has been extended until April 24.
Not sure your startup qualifies as cleantech? Contact
Vanessa Margolis at VertueLab or
Rachelle Ames at CleanTech Alliance to find out and to discuss the program benefits and application process.
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STORIES, NEWS, & TIPS ABOUT
IMPACT INVESTING
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Distribution of Foundation Funding
by U.N. Sustainable Development Goals 2016+
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How Foundations Can Scale Climate Change Solutions
With the climate crisis spiraling, philanthropic capital can play a key role
Climate philanthropy is one way to fund climate change solutions more rapidly and effectively. Historically, however, it is estimated that only about two percent of global philanthropic funding is used for climate-related initiatives.
At VertueLab, we’re working hard to change that. In the graph above, the two largest areas of funding are the UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 4, “Health” and “Education,” which command the lion’s share of foundation resources. The black arrow points out the minuscule amount allocated to the SDG Goal 13, “Climate Action.” Imagine the global impact if more foundations funded this goal. The
VertueLab Climate Impact Fund offers an avenue for just that.
Read full story.
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EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES,
AND FUNDING
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES & UPCOMING EVENTS
NOTE: Application deadline extended to April 24
Powered by VertueLab and CleanTech Alliance, this 15-week accelerator program delivers mentorship, curriculum, connections, and funding opportunities designed specifically for early-stage cleantech startups. "[The accelerator] was an invaluable opportunity for our company to refine our strategy, overhaul our pitch, and network with mentors," said Christof Krumm of Sironix Renewables, a member of the 2018 cohort.
Apply by April 24 to be part of the 2019 cohort.
VertueLab is hosting this FREE, 1-hour webinar delivered by a national SBIR/STTR consulting expert who will cover SBIR/STTR basics, including eligibility requirements, size and ownership rules, the difference between SBIR and STTR, and contracts vs. grants.
Register here.
Application deadline: May 17
Entrepreneurs seeking investment capital can present their early-stage businesses to Cascade Angels. Typical investments are made in early-stage companies from any industry, and investments are anticipated to range from $150,000 to $250,000 per company.
Apply here.
Last year, the nation's best regional solar conference attracted more than 430 attendees representing 170 companies and featured a range of exhibitors and sessions. Engage with industry leaders and others at this year's conference. Portland, OR
Calling entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, investors, and ecosystem builders who want to learn about funding and resources available to propel entrepreneurship and technology commercialization and connect with others who can help you reach your innovation impact goals. Free but seating is limited.
Register here. Corvallis, OR
The forum showcases innovative technologies and disruptive business solutions, while convening a collaborative community of thought leaders, cleantech startups, investors, industry, startup support organizations, and NREL experts. Use the code NETWORK100 for $100 off the price of registration!
The Roadmap Conference is the nation's largest and most advanced annual conference on electric and smart mobility. Hear from 100+ national and international speakers, dozens of exhibits, regional smart mobility tours, and high-energy interactive sessions.
Ongoing grants from a wide range of federal agencies that support small business startups and research innovations. Get assistance from VertueLab's SBIR/STTR experts!
The U.S. Dept. of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office seeks feedback from industry, academia, research labs, government agencies, and others to identify challenges and opportunities for the American solar industry appropriate for federal government funding.
An opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking investment capital to present their early stage businesses to Willamette Valley Capital for capital investment.
RocketSpace and BP have teamed up on this accelerator to shape the future movement of people, goods, and services. Up to 21 startups are selected to participate.
If your product or service is “Made in America,” your company could qualify for this matching grant funding from the Northwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center.
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SUPPORT OUR WORK
TO REVERSE THE CLIMATE CRISIS
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Stopping Climate Change Will Take All of Us, Now
Your donation helps fund, support, and advance climate solutions
VertueLab helps the innovators and entrepreneurs developing critical climate solutions. As climate disruption continues to unfold, it's more critical than ever to ensure these solutions reach the marketplace and achieve scalable impact as soon as possible. Your donation makes a real difference in achieving a sustainable climate future, and we thank you for it. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
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Let's Collaborate and Make an Impact!
Resources and expertise for innovators and investors
At
VertueLab
, we support great ideas from entrepreneurs and help donors and investors ensure that their dollars are making a positive impact on the planet by slowing the climate crisis. We collaborate to help transform ideas into successful enterprises and measure the impact all along the way.
Contact us and let's see what we can create
!
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