Category: Blog

Last month, LACI shared findings and insights from its Cleantech Gaps & Opportunities Report with 37 investor partners interested in learning about LACI’s technology priorities and its portfolio companies with clean technology solutions. The Gaps & Opportunities Report builds off of LACI’s Market Landscape Report by further examining barriers associated with its technology priorities and identifying strategic opportunities to transform markets and support the commercialization of clean technologies.

The nature and landscape of cleantech and early-stage startup companies is constantly evolving. As new investment strategies are implemented, market needs change and new environmental challenges emerge, industry leaders in the energy innovation ecosystem often rely on market reports and insights from the world’s leading analyst companies. These insights paint a broad illustration of the global or national market; however, they do not always provide in-depth detail about early stage cleantech investment opportunities at the local level.

 To address the need for insights at the local level and to better assess how to accelerate early stage cleantech companies and transform markets to catalyze commercial adoption, LACI started producing its own market research reports in 2019. These reports leverage market insights related to its recruitment efforts for early stage cleantech companies. 

During this year’s briefing, LACI held three simultaneous briefing sessions on energy, transportation, and the circular economy industry solutions allowing investors to attend sessions based on their investment vertical interest. In those sessions, LACI’s Market Transformation Directors presented on the industry specific key findings from each report, the emerging technology opportunity areas, and barriers for market adoption. 

Energy
As California prepares for summer and its fire season, energy resilience and the health of the grid’s infrastructure is on everyone’s minds. To prevent the blackouts and grid strain witnessed in 2020, State energy regulators have acquired approximately an additional 3,500 megawatts of capacity. As a part of LACI’s work to support the state’s energy goals in the transition to a reliable, zero-carbon grid, LACI continues to prioritize startup companies that provide technological solutions to manage load flexibility and provide diverse battery storage systems.Companies like ElectricFish (Incubation Cohort 2) are working to integrate distributed energy resources (DERs) with EV chargers to provide clean, robust sources of power to communities. Their technology helps further validate vehicle grid integration technology as well as support opportunities to leverage similar technologies for seamless demand response dispatch with an offering that reduces grid connection costs and peak power requirements at charging sites.

Building decarbonization will play a critical role in helping the city of Los Angeles meet its 100% zero-carbon grid by 2035 and Clean and Healthy Buildings Targets: 100% of buildings becoming net zero carbon by 2050 and reducing building energy use by 44% per sq ft. by 2050. In support of this effort, LACI is working to identify companies with technology solutions that can catalyze necessary building upgrades and retrofits to achieve the net zero carbon goals. 

Transportation
With California and the Biden administration making significant commitments to zero emissions transportation in line with the bold targets the LACI-convened Transportation Electrification Partnership’s (TEP) has set for the Los Angeles region, LACI highlighted a number of relevant opportunity areas, including charging infrastructure for multi-unit dwellings and infrastructure for heavy-duty battery-electric trucks.

One LACI startup, SparkCharge (Incubation Cohort 1), is advancing the adoption of electric vehicles in Southern California with its innovative EV charging technology. SparkCharge is a scalable EV charging solution that ends range anxiety by providing charging infrastructure solutions at a fraction of the cost and rapid deployment to consumers. Its Roadie is the world’s first and only ultrafast, portable EV charging system helping EV owners charge up wherever they need. SparkCharge is helping to provide temporary solutions to multi-unit dwellers in urban areas without onsite charging capabilities.

LACI startup and TEP partner, AMPLY Power is addressing electric heavy-dutytruck and bus infrastructure by managing charging services for electric vehicle fleets, optimizing time-of-use and demand-charge pricing. AMPLY technology supports opportunities for improving microgrid management for electric fleet charging and better assisting fleet managers in balancing local power demands.Additionally, LACI has conducted site assessments of nearly a dozen properties along the heavily trafficked I-710 corridor to identify prime investment opportunities for charging infrastructure to support heavy-duty battery-electric drayage trucks serving the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Sustainable Cities
The global textile industry misses out on $500B per year due to underutilized materials, poor recycling practice and nonexistent circular infrastructure generating tons of post industrial pre-consumer textile waste. To reduce its waste generation, the city of Los Angeles has set ambitious goals to send zero waste to landfill by 2050. LACI’s Sustainable Cities work, with a focus on circular economy, supports this regional initiative by recruiting diverse startups with technologies that advance material diversion and  generate new materials or products using circular practice. LACI Startup The Hurd Co. (Innovators Cohort 5) works to reduce agricultural waste by turning it into fabric. The technology integrates into existing manufacturing supply chains and provides proof of concept for the scalability of circular and next generation materials in traditional markets.

Insights like these and many more found in the reports inform LACI’s partners of the local cleantech market landscape, the barriers and solutions needed to transition to a clean energy future and highlight LACI’s recruitment priorities. 

Incubation Cohort 3 & Innovators Cohort 6 Recruitment
LACI is currently seeking startup companies with clean technology solutions for both its Innovators and Incubation Programs. Technology priorities for both programs include Zero Emissions Mobility, Clean Energy, and Sustainable Cities/Circular Economy. We are also actively recruiting for mobility companies in our late stage (Series A and beyond) pilots-focused program. For more information about LACI Incubation Services and which program you should apply for contact pipeline@laci.org. Incubation applications close June 28th, Market Access applications close June 30th, and Innovators Applications close July 6th, so apply today!

To learn more about how you can partner with LACI contact development@laci.org.

Over the past nine years LACI has worked with hundreds of startup companies to help them raise outside funding and gain traction in the market – empowering startups to increase their social, economic and environmental impact in their community. 

One year ago, we launched our Market Access program – a holistic, pilots-focused program for later-stage startups deploying leading cleantech solutions in Southern California. Today, we are excited to open recruitment for our Market Access Cohort 3, launching autumn 2021.

Our Market Access program includes Envoy, Urb-E, Circuit, Automotus and Zoomo, who are partnering with us in deployments covering EV car share for low-income communities in San Pedro and Pacoima, neighborhood EV shuttles in Leimert Park, and helping us launch the nation’s first zero emissions delivery zone in Santa Monica.

To date, Market Access companies have raised an average of $16M across investors such as Maniv Mobility, Baron Davis, UBS, Building Ventures, Denso, Contrarian Ventures, and more for their Series A and B raises. 

LACI’s pilots have a proven track record in creating transformative outcomes, demonstrating (for example) the importance of curb management in shifting mobility patterns or the potential for mobility-as-an-amenity to drive community adoption of EVs. Results of LACI pilots reach far beyond the Los Angeles region, as national and global organizations look to LACI for scalable cleantech solutions. 

Cohort 3 represents a unique opportunity for a funded deployment in partnership with LACI alongside pilot partners including LA DOT and LA Metro, in collaboration with underserved, overburdened communities in the Los Angeles area in 2021 and 2022.  In particular, we are aiming to deploy leading edge micro-mobility solutions (two-, three- and four-wheeled zero emissions vehicles and solutions) across the following categories: 

• Micromobility – small, lightweight vehicles operating at speeds typically below 25 km/h and driven by users personally, including providers of e-bike adaptive micromobility, adaptive scooters, three- and four-wheeled devices for adaptive mobility, and more.
• e-bikes – providers of e-bike fleets and can include one, some or all of the following: commuter, cargo, youth, adaptive micromobility or transportation solutions for all people, especially those with disabilities, and more. 
• e-bike rental operations & maintenance – operators of e-bike hubs and libraries to provide management and maintenance of bike fleets; e-bike maintenance trainers also sought.
• e-bike infrastructure – solutions that provide supportive infrastructure for e-bikes; features sought include storage, security, charging capacity (on or off-grid), marketing, education, etc. Solutions can provide all, one or some of these options. 

For more details, please reach out to Molly Crete (molly@laci.org) and attend the information session on June 16, 10:00-11:00am. RSVP here. 

Apply here. Applications for Market Access Cohort 3 are due June 30, 2021.

Are you a cleantech startup striving to create solutions in energy, transportation, or smart cities that would benefit from hands-on support through market access, business services, and introductions to funders?

LACI has welcomed 25 startups into our ecosystem through our last two cohorts. Cohort 1 founders have raised over $6.7 million in equity, including investment from LACI’s Impact Fund,  and have deployed three pilots with seven more on the way in the first year of our Incubation Program. Cohort 2 is just getting started! LACI is eager to welcome even more startups to the community and is now taking applications for Cohort 3 until June 18.

How does LACI identify leading technologies and startup innovation?

Based on the market activity in 2020, LACI is looking for startups solving problems in Clean Energy, Zero Emissions Mobility, and Sustainable Cities. 

LACI is committed to advancing the transition of a zero-carbon, secure, and reliable grid to increase regional air quality, create more local jobs, and reduce emissions. The past year revealed community-wide vulnerabilities that have created opportunities in cybersecurity and wildfire resilience, flexible load technologies in collaboration with utilities, and integration of vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-building technologies to shorten the time when EVs use the grid. 

To build an inclusive green economy, LACI is also looking to support startup-led innovation focused on zero emissions mobility of people and goods. LACI’s Transportation Electrification Partnership (TEP) for example, works together with policymakers, corporate partners, and other private-public collaboration to help achieve the following goals in Los Angeles by the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games: 

• Accelerate the adoption of electric light duty vehicles to be 30% of all vehicles on the road and 80% of those sold
• Shift at least 20% of all single passenger vehicle trips to zero emissions public and active transportation
• Ensure that 100% of all public investments in goods movement will advance zero emissions solutions

Using this roadmap, LACI wants to work with companies that can help utilize innovative technologies and solutions to make the movement of people and goods connected, shared, and electric. Some examples of these solutions include: Real-time data reliability and multi-modality, low-cost, high visibility mobility hubs for first/last mile mobility, zero emissions last mile urban goods delivery, and more.

LA’s New Green Deal of zero waste to landfill by 2050 is another example of the regional initiatives LACI supports through our startup leadership in our Sustainable Cities Program. Some solutions we’re focused on include digital tools and new business models to create equitable and circular value chains, next generation products and materials to reduce waste, zero waste goals and waste diversion. 

Apply now, scale later

LACI’s Incubation Program startups pave the way for climate innovation in Southern California. Companies like ChargerHelp! are training the next generation of tech engineers through LACI’s Workforce Development Program to move the needle forward on EV adoption, gaining interest from investors to close an oversubscribed seed round. FreeWire, which also supports easier EV adoption just closed a $50M Series C to continue scaling infrastructure. 

FreeWire was one of eight portfolio companies that received investments from LACI’s Impact Fund and we’ve also been able to support pilot demonstrations by our startups across the state. In the first three months, Cohort 2 startups have already taken advantage of presenting in front of TEP working groups, connecting with our partners at LADWP, meeting dozens of investors, and actively engaging in curriculum sessions to better support each other. 

Beyond the investment team, LACI’s Incubation Program Cohort model provides a community with hands-on curriculum, impact driven resources, industry connections and partnership pipeline, as well as direct feedback from individual Executive in Residence coaches and expert mentors. 

For Cohort 3, we’re looking for startups in our main technology priorities that are dedicated to making a positive impact on Southern California environmentally, socially, and economically. 

Founders who have built a novel technology that has deployed or is ready to be deployed in pilots should apply. Teams should include two or more members dedicated to incorporating diversity and inclusion through impact and creation of new jobs in the region.

Apply now and join LACI to scale faster and increase your impact in your community. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Pipeline Team at pipeline@alaincubator.org.

Blog by LACI Portfolio Company CERO Bikes 

The reimagined CERO One launches for preorders today at cero.bike after winning the coveted EUROBIKE Gold Award for electric cargo bikes.

Through a continued partnership with veteran cycling industry engineers Forrest Yelverton and Zach Krapfl, CERO Bikes updated the original, groundbreaking CERO One with improved components and features.

One Bike, All Your Daily Needs
The CERO One is for anyone who wants a bike that can do a bit of everything: commuting, light errands, dropping kids off at school, and leisure riding. It is the ultimate compact electric cargo bike, striking a perfect balance between nimble size and wide-ranging capabilities. And it’s fun to ride!

Made to Carry Cargo
Groceries? Backpacks? Pizza boxes? Children? Carry it all, up to 77 pounds, with the convenient LODEN modular cargo rack system, designed specifically for CERO bicycles. Three sturdy aluminum baskets mount on both the front and rear racks so you can customize the bike to your needs.

Smooth and Powerful
Never arrive sweaty at your destination again. The efficient Shimano E6100 motor
system boosts your pedaling up to 20 mph and gives you up to 105 miles of range on
a single charge. And with the Gates Carbon Drive™ belt and Shimano Inter-5E internal
hub gears, your bike will be smooth, silent, and nearly maintenance-free.

Easy to Ride
The CERO One’s unique design makes it easy for anyone to ride. Getting on and off is
a breeze thanks to the low-step frame, even when the bike is loaded with cargo. The
small front wheel gives you more stopping power and keeps the weight lower for a
more balanced ride.

Built to Last
The custom aluminum frame is strong and sturdy, but we don’t stop there. All CERO bicycles come equipped with top components from brands like Shimano, ABUS, Schwalbe, Ergon, and Gates. This gives you superior ride quality and a reliable, low-maintenance bike.

Tech Specs
At just over 68 inches long, the new CERO One is the same length as a standard bicycle. All bikes come with top tier components including the Shimano e-bike
system, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, custom rear and front racks, Schwalbe tires,
Satori adjustable stem, Ergon handlebar grips and saddle, ABUS frame lock, double
kickstand, custom fenders, and lights in the front and back. See the full specs here.

In Production Now
The new CERO One is in production in Taiwan and is expected to ship to customers
in August or September. Customers can choose between a Platform, Small Basket,
and Big Basket which can be placed on the front or rear rack of the bicycle. The
starting price (including a front platform) is $3,799.

Blog by LACI Portfolio Company Xeal 

In the dot com era, we used to hear about garage startups running local servers to deploy services and products by having to spend significant amounts of capital to just test out their ideas. On the other hand, large companies would spend extraneous amounts of time and resources managing on-premise data centers in a closed environment to operate all business processes. Every file and click was processed or accessed by large computers dedicated for this in isolated, well cooled, and dimly lit rooms on the premises of the business.

However, in the late 2000s we started seeing a massive migration to public servers far away from the users with AWS launching their cloud services to allow businesses of all sizes to scale as they needed without having to worry about operating the servers. In fact, salesforce was one of the first successful early adopters of cloud computing. The onset of cloud computing allowed for remote access via the internet to shared or dedicated servers thousands of miles away for the purpose of accessing computation power at lower costs with the ability to scale with growth as needed so businesses could focus on their core product while the cloud providers took advantage of the arbitrage opportunities made available by pure economies of scale. This model has and will continue to work for traditional SaaS based and modern day applications where data is processed and accessed over the internet.

While the cloud computing use case was getting the spotlight a new technology was evolving in the 90s; the internet of things with connected devices and equipment that allowed for remote monitoring, tracking, and predictive analytics. One of the first demonstrations of the Internet of Things was a Coca-Cola vending machine in 1989 that reported temperature and availability of cans to a far away computer in Carnegie Mellon University. With billions of connected devices emerging over the last decade, generating copious amounts of data that needed fast decision making, people started seeing gaps in the pure cloud computing model. The gaps could be summarized as limited bandwidth availability, poor latency where real time processing was needed by these devices, and a requirement for highly reliable and available internet connection for processing wherever the smart devices were deployed.

To counter this or support a more balanced approach, edge computing started rising. Edge computing is a model where information is processed and managed right where the devices are deployed and data is produced. This can be achieved with edge gateways or intelligent embedded systems where decisions are made in real time and only the necessary data is shipped back to the cloud or an on-site local server. This solves the problem of latency and reduces costs by processing data and only storing useful information on the cloud. This hybrid approach allows for the best of both worlds with distributed and local edge computing for real time applications and utilization of the cloud for larger data intensive operations and storage of data as there is only so much data that can be stored and processed on the edge device. An example of this is an autonomous car where the real time decisions of object/accident avoidance sensory data is processed locally but for instance an error or new anomaly is sent to the cloud for further big data analysis.

It is obvious that the future for connected devices is in utilizing an edge to cloud platform where decisions and data are processed locally and the cloud is only utilized for data warehousing and other actions like firmware updates. This is typically achieved by deploying an internet connected device, establishing a network via wifi, cellular, ethernet or more advanced protocols like Zigbee and mesh networks and installing IoT gateways and access points. However, the power of this edge to cloud model is often lost when it comes to shared and consumer facing connected devices that are truly deployed on the edge like smart locks, shared package lockers, shared mobility, electric vehicle chargers, and more. This is because processes like authentication, authorization, payment processing etc. are typically only done in the cloud and edge processing is unavailable due to constraints in computation and memory in devices. As a result, the strength of edge computing where decisions are made locally is lost and uptime becomes a risk due to its dependence on a reliable, fast, and available internet connection to the cloud. Furthermore, when the connected devices are deployed truly at the edge then the availability of an internet connection or extension of it to where the devices are becomes a barrier of entry into markets and can be cost-prohibitive. Biden’s $100B plan to bring the internet to over 30 million people provides further evidence to the lack of coverage from a geographical perspective.

Xeal has developed a new patent pending protocol codenamed NIFT (“No Internet for Things”) to overcome these challenges and to bring the world of shared connected devices to take advantage of edge computing in all environments both online and offline. Functions like access control, data transfer, firmware updates, and payment processing can be done entirely offline with no active internet connection needed and entirely on the edge. The protocol leverages highly secure short range communication technologies to make decisions offline on the edge paired with the power of distributed and portable smartphones that act as the gateway to bring the data back to the cloud after being processed for storage. The protocol has already been commercialized for the electric vehicle charging industry where these devices are deployed in subterranean garages, remote areas, and the data needs are so significant that cellular plans eat away all the margins. You can watch the demonstration video here.

The protocol can be adopted by other industries to go from edge to cloud with connected devices especially if high speed processing, reliability, and optimal experience is critical. Xeal offers an end-to-end platform from hardware to cloud leveraging to go from zero to NIFT in weeks.

To learn more about NIFT and Xeal you can contact us at info@xealenergy.com