Three final investees selected for 2021 Decarbon8-US
It’s official! Our panels of judges have selected three final investees for 2021 Decarbon8-US. We invite E8 members, climate champions, and investors and donors of all shapes and sizes to discover C-Motive, Automotus, and GoPower EV.
These deals are only possible thanks to the summer effort of our judges: Amy Bann, Kathleen Hebert, John McGarry, Ramez Naam. Molly Shor, Jeff Thiel and Ken Vaughn. We also thank our sponsors and the Stolte Family Foundation for helping E8 meet today's opportunity to advance innovation and resources to climatetech companies.
Questions or want to make a personal or philanthropic investment? Contact Mike.
RSVP to hear from these three finalists this Wednesday at 3 PM PT.
C-Motive: Disruptive ultra-high efficiency and high torque motors for e-mobility, industry, renewables generation and more
We see the potential in “the world’s first commercially available electrostatic machine" that delivers high torque and ultra-high efficiency all without any rare earth metals.
Why we’re investing
Technological advantages in electrostatic motors, outperforming electromagnetic ones on torque per unit mass, without use of rare earth metals
High potential impact on energy efficiency, reduced heat generation, lower maintenance, reduced weight and renewable generation efficiency
Strong intellectual property portfolio
Early relationships with automotive manufacturers and US shipping and retailer
Good company with investors such as the PRIME Impact Fund and Clean Energy Trust
What we're watching
Demonstration applications and validation test data
Ramping commercialization efforts
Continued product development
Competitors and substitutes
GoPower EV: A new solution for multi-unit dwellings to speed and democratize the booming EV charging market
With the Biden administration pushing the accelerator on EV adoption and the need for infrastructure to support this historic transition is massive. We like easily overlooked, but critical solutions like combined Level 1 and Level 2 outlets to help property owners quickly and cost-effectively offer EV options to more tenants with less hassle.
Why we’re investing
The opportunity to ramp quickly andspeed EV adoption in this window of opportunity and consumer awareness
A clear and focused value proposition for their customers (i.e. property managers) in a booming market segment
To also make EVs accessible sooner to middle income buildings and tenants
Patents pending that support ramping into their niche, including for ease of hardware installation and charging management software
Confidence in the founder, John Reister, with prior scaling and IPO experience
Pending pilot installations in Northern California and positive customer interviews
What we're watching
Initial field and customer results, with product certification expected in Nov.
The competition in this hot market
The evolution of their business model as they execute and work with clients
Automotus: Curb management solutions for cities and fleets, using video capture with image processing and machine learning
This space is ready for a real upgrade and a shift toward sustainability, jumping from pay meters to tools, data and systems that allow for a new level of access, enforcement and reservations. You can read more in Forbes and Tech Crunch about why Automotus is poised for growth.
Why we’re investing
We want to be a part of this nascent industry, where new tech allows for new city policies that can drive emissions reduction via EV adoption and reduced congestion
One early proof point: Automotus’ central role in the Santa Monica Zero Emissions Delivery Zone
They’re a major part of a new Dept. of Energy grant to support zero emissions curb management, together with the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI), NREL, PNNL, Carnegie Mellon and others.
Realizing revenue and estimates >$1M in 2022
We’re in good company, joining Quake Capital Partners and their High Confidence Fund, Techstar Ventures, EFO Ventures, Baron Davis and Ben Bear.
What we're watching
Results from the zero emissions Santa Monica and DOE programs
How their value prop and use cases evolve, hopefully becoming a dynamic enabler of pro-EV and micro-mobility city policies nationwide and beyond
Competition and competitive advantage: competitors exist and we’ll see how their product roadmap and IP develops, including with input from clients and pilots