Next Wave Impact

Localized, Inc. operates a platform that connects aspiring professionals with industry experts for knowledge sharing and mentorship. Founded in 2017 and based in Washington, D.C., the company focuses on early-stage talent recruitment in growth markets, catering to universities and talent hubs across the Middle East, North Africa, India, China, and the United States. Through its services, companies can access virtual career fairs and year-round recruitment opportunities, while students and alumni benefit from guidance and insights from industry professionals. The platform emphasizes personalized mentorship and group learning, allowing diaspora professionals to mentor and teach in their native languages. Localized aims to bridge the gap between emerging talent and industry opportunities in a global and online context.

Stony Creek Colors, Inc. is a manufacturer of bio-based colorants specifically designed for the textile industry. Founded in 2012 and based in Springfield, Tennessee, the company collaborates with small farmers in the Southeast U.S. to produce plant-based dyes, including indigo. Stony Creek Colors aims to provide clean and safe natural dyes that replace hazardous chemicals traditionally used in textile manufacturing. By focusing on sustainable practices, the company enables the textile and fashion industries to offer environmentally conscious premium products to consumers.

Solstice is a company dedicated to making renewable energy accessible to all Americans through community-shared solar power. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Solstice provides comprehensive customer solutions for shared solar, including subscriber aggregation and management services aimed at solar developers, utilities, and other providers. By employing community organizing techniques along with its innovative online marketplace, Solstice aggregates consumer demand to facilitate the deployment of community solar projects. This approach enables renters and homeowners with non-optimal roofs to participate in solar energy, allowing them to save on utility bills without upfront costs. Solstice is driven by a commitment to energy equity, striving to ensure that affordable renewable energy is available to every household, regardless of income or credit status. The company has been recognized with multiple awards for its contributions to clean energy and entrepreneurship.

BlocPower is an energy technology startup based in Los Angeles, California, focused on creating healthier, greener, and smarter buildings. Founded in 2014 in Brooklyn, New York, by Donnel Baird and Morris Cox, the company specializes in retrofitting urban buildings with advanced energy efficiency technologies and green heating and cooling systems. BlocPower identifies energy-wasting buildings and utilizes a proprietary machine learning platform to determine the most effective retrofits for maximizing energy savings. The company connects various stakeholders, including government agencies, utilities, building owners, and equipment providers, to facilitate these upgrades. With a mission to serve financially underserved communities, BlocPower has completed projects in nearly 1,000 buildings, helping customers save 20–40% on their annual energy bills. By leveraging data and innovative financing, BlocPower aims to reduce carbon emissions and improve health outcomes while addressing the climate crisis.

Nepris Inc. operates a cloud-based platform that links educators with industry professionals to enhance the relevance of curriculum topics for students. Founded in 2013 and based in Austin, Texas, Nepris facilitates virtual connections between professionals and classrooms, allowing for interactive discussions, project mentoring, and career exposure. The platform matches the expertise of industry professionals with specific educational requests, enabling educators to bring real-world knowledge into the classroom. This service supports K-16 classrooms, adult job seekers, and out-of-school youth by making it easier for educators to access industry insights, while also providing companies and regional organizations a means to engage effectively with future workforce talent. Through its innovative approach, Nepris aims to inspire students and increase classroom engagement by connecting them with the skills and experiences of working professionals.

Motivo Consulting, Inc., operating as Motivo, is an online platform that facilitates connections between mental health therapists and clinical supervisors. Founded in 2017 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, Motivo addresses the need for pre-licensed therapists to complete mandatory supervision hours required for licensure. The platform enables users to engage in secure video conferences, allowing therapists to access a broader range of supervisors, thereby overcoming limitations in available options. Additionally, Motivo offers resources such as peer consultations, webinars, and training, enhancing the professional development of its users. With the growth of telehealth services, Motivo has positioned itself as a leader in therapist telesupervision, ensuring that mental health professionals can find appropriate supervision in a convenient and accessible manner.

Localized, Inc. operates a platform that connects aspiring professionals with industry experts for knowledge sharing and mentorship. Founded in 2017 and based in Washington, D.C., the company focuses on early-stage talent recruitment in growth markets, catering to universities and talent hubs across the Middle East, North Africa, India, China, and the United States. Through its services, companies can access virtual career fairs and year-round recruitment opportunities, while students and alumni benefit from guidance and insights from industry professionals. The platform emphasizes personalized mentorship and group learning, allowing diaspora professionals to mentor and teach in their native languages. Localized aims to bridge the gap between emerging talent and industry opportunities in a global and online context.

Joylux, Inc. is a health and wellness company based in Seattle, Washington, specializing in women's health solutions. Founded in 2013, the company develops LED-focused medical devices aimed at addressing pelvic-floor issues and enhancing vaginal health. Joylux offers an at-home pelvic-floor toning and vaginal rejuvenation device that employs photobiomodulation technology to alleviate symptoms associated with genitourinary syndrome of menopause. The company is dedicated to providing noninvasive, effective, and affordable products that improve various aspects of women's intimate health, while also focusing on collecting health data to help women better predict and manage their symptoms during menopause.

ConnXus, Inc. is a provider of online services that connect diverse and small businesses with larger companies looking to enhance their supplier diversity. The company specializes in aggregating corporate purchasing demand, helping organizations locate, evaluate, and engage small, minority- or woman-owned businesses across various sectors, including construction, transportation, and information technology. ConnXus offers tools such as ConnXus Scrub, a data enrichment solution for validating supplier classifications, and TierTracker, a platform for reporting and management. Additionally, it features a diverse supplier search platform and a community marketplace that fosters networking and the sharing of best practices among supplier diversity professionals. ConnXus also assists registered suppliers in marketing their services and maintaining their certifications. Incorporated in 2010 and headquartered in Mason, Ohio, with a satellite office in Portland, Oregon, ConnXus serves Fortune 2000 and Fortune 500 companies and operates as a subsidiary of Coupa Software Incorporated.

NeedsList is a global marketplace that connects individual and corporate donors with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to enhance the efficiency and transparency of humanitarian aid. By partnering with local aid organizations, NeedsList identifies urgent needs and collaborates with local suppliers for swift and sustainable delivery of resources. The platform enables supporters to donate cash, purchase products, or volunteer, while providing real-time impact metrics that allow partner organizations to monitor activities and outcomes effectively. NeedsList generates revenue through commissions from affiliate suppliers and enterprise users of its platform, facilitating sustainable humanitarian action for communities affected by climate change, conflict, and poverty.

Aquacycl LLC is a wastewater treatment company based in San Diego, California, specializing in innovative equipment for onsite wastewater treatment plants. Founded in 2016, the company utilizes bioelectrochemical treatment technology (BETT) reactors to efficiently eliminate primary sludge and recover energy as direct electricity, avoiding methane production. Aquacycl's packaged treatment plants feature a rapid four-hour treatment time and can be scaled for various applications, including industrial, agricultural, military, and residential settings, accommodating communities of up to 2,500 individuals. The company's operations are designed to minimize energy consumption, offering potential operational cost savings for its clients. Aquacycl has established laboratories in Sorrento Valley, California, and maintains pilot installations in Escondido, California, and Tijuana, Mexico, while actively seeking strategic partners and investors to further its mission.

All Across Africa, operating as KAZI, is an online marketplace founded in 2013 and based in National City, California. The platform specializes in selling handcrafted goods, including baskets, vases, trivets, and jewelry, with a focus on fair-trade products. By investing in artisans, All Across Africa aims to enhance family incomes and promote self-sufficiency in rural communities. The company strives to restore dignity through employment opportunities and fosters genuine partnerships with artisans, helping them achieve their full potential.

Kuli Kuli, Inc. is a producer of nutritional moringa products based in Oakland, California. Founded in 2011 by Anne Tsuei, Jordan Moncharmont, Lisa Curtis, and Valerie Popelka, the company offers a range of products, including moringa bars, moringa powders, green energy shots, herbal teas, and sampler packs. Kuli Kuli markets its products through both retail stores and online channels, aiming to provide health-conscious consumers with the benefits of moringa, a nutrient-rich superfood.

Geospiza, Inc. is a technology company focused on developing climate risk assessment platforms to aid the emergency management industry in mitigating the impacts of climate-related disasters. The company provides Geospiza PATH, which allows risk managers and other stakeholders to quantify and address climate and natural hazard risks effectively. Additionally, Geospiza offers Geospiza SWIFT, a web-based decision support software that integrates various datasets and models, delivering actionable insights and enabling informed decision-making. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Geospiza leverages real-time IoT, big data, and advanced analytics to enhance crisis and emergency management processes, ultimately aiming to save lives and protect the environment.

Solstice is an innovation and emerging technology firm based in Chicago that focuses on helping enterprises harness new opportunities through digital solutions. The company specializes in mobile-first digital product design and engineering services, creating strategies and digital experiences tailored to the needs of organizations worldwide. Solstice collaborates with a diverse range of clients, including well-known brands, to advise on the implementation of emerging technologies that enhance interactions with employees, customers, and partners. Additionally, the firm designs and develops customized solutions aimed at improving user engagement, increasing productivity, and driving revenue growth. Founded in 2001 by J Schwan, Solstice has established itself as a leader in the digital consultancy space.

Kuli Kuli, Inc. is a producer of nutritional moringa products based in Oakland, California. Founded in 2011 by Anne Tsuei, Jordan Moncharmont, Lisa Curtis, and Valerie Popelka, the company offers a range of products, including moringa bars, moringa powders, green energy shots, herbal teas, and sampler packs. Kuli Kuli markets its products through both retail stores and online channels, aiming to provide health-conscious consumers with the benefits of moringa, a nutrient-rich superfood.

Aquacycl LLC is a wastewater treatment company based in San Diego, California, specializing in innovative equipment for onsite wastewater treatment plants. Founded in 2016, the company utilizes bioelectrochemical treatment technology (BETT) reactors to efficiently eliminate primary sludge and recover energy as direct electricity, avoiding methane production. Aquacycl's packaged treatment plants feature a rapid four-hour treatment time and can be scaled for various applications, including industrial, agricultural, military, and residential settings, accommodating communities of up to 2,500 individuals. The company's operations are designed to minimize energy consumption, offering potential operational cost savings for its clients. Aquacycl has established laboratories in Sorrento Valley, California, and maintains pilot installations in Escondido, California, and Tijuana, Mexico, while actively seeking strategic partners and investors to further its mission.

Resilia is a technology company that offers a business management platform specifically designed for nonprofit organizations. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, Resilia aims to enhance the operational capacity of nonprofits and improve their outcomes. The platform provides various services, including technical assistance, coaching, and capacity-building support, helping organizations focus on their core missions while maximizing the efficiency of their funding. Additionally, Resilia assists funders, such as corporations, cities, and private foundations, in measuring and scaling the impact of their grant initiatives beyond traditional funding methods. Through its software solutions, Resilia empowers nonprofits to become high-performing entities in their respective fields.

NeedsList is a global marketplace that connects individual and corporate donors with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to enhance the efficiency and transparency of humanitarian aid. By partnering with local aid organizations, NeedsList identifies urgent needs and collaborates with local suppliers for swift and sustainable delivery of resources. The platform enables supporters to donate cash, purchase products, or volunteer, while providing real-time impact metrics that allow partner organizations to monitor activities and outcomes effectively. NeedsList generates revenue through commissions from affiliate suppliers and enterprise users of its platform, facilitating sustainable humanitarian action for communities affected by climate change, conflict, and poverty.

StormSensor, Inc. is a company based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in stormwater management solutions aimed at tracking and preventing flooding, sewage overflows, and other stormwater issues. Founded in 2015, it develops Scute sensors that provide real-time monitoring of stormwater systems. Additionally, StormSensor offers Terrapin, a cloud-based software platform that allows users to visualize data on maps and time-series, correlate it with real-time weather information, and receive alerts for significant flow events. This system automates workflow for inspections, data monitoring, and regulatory reporting, thereby helping clients streamline compliance processes in a complex regulatory environment. By providing critical insights into urban flooding, illicit discharges, and the impacts of climate change, StormSensor enables its clients to respond effectively to climate-driven risks and make informed decisions regarding infrastructure maintenance and improvements.

Localized, Inc. operates a platform that connects aspiring professionals with industry experts for knowledge sharing and mentorship. Founded in 2017 and based in Washington, D.C., the company focuses on early-stage talent recruitment in growth markets, catering to universities and talent hubs across the Middle East, North Africa, India, China, and the United States. Through its services, companies can access virtual career fairs and year-round recruitment opportunities, while students and alumni benefit from guidance and insights from industry professionals. The platform emphasizes personalized mentorship and group learning, allowing diaspora professionals to mentor and teach in their native languages. Localized aims to bridge the gap between emerging talent and industry opportunities in a global and online context.

Nepris Inc. operates a cloud-based platform that links educators with industry professionals to enhance the relevance of curriculum topics for students. Founded in 2013 and based in Austin, Texas, Nepris facilitates virtual connections between professionals and classrooms, allowing for interactive discussions, project mentoring, and career exposure. The platform matches the expertise of industry professionals with specific educational requests, enabling educators to bring real-world knowledge into the classroom. This service supports K-16 classrooms, adult job seekers, and out-of-school youth by making it easier for educators to access industry insights, while also providing companies and regional organizations a means to engage effectively with future workforce talent. Through its innovative approach, Nepris aims to inspire students and increase classroom engagement by connecting them with the skills and experiences of working professionals.

Envoy is the trusted Family Concierge service for seniors and their families. Thousands have already turned to Envoy for lightweight help and support to stay in their homes longer, maintain their independence, and live life to the fullest. The heart of our service is our wonderful community of Family Concierge assistants, whom we call our Envoys, serving clients in their local neighborhoods. Each and every day, our Envoys enjoy the freedom to earn flexible income they need, as they build trusted relationships with their clients, while being out and about doing something they love - helping others. Whether it’s simply for grocery shopping from favorite local stores or as a compelling alternative to traditional in-home care or assisted living, our software and apps make managing everything just a tap away. Families have a trusted, 1:1 relationship with their Envoy while enjoying full transparency and peace of mind like never before - with notifications, photos, and receipts documenting every visit.

UnaliWear Inc., based in Austin, Texas, develops the Kanega watch, a multipurpose wearable designed for seniors to maintain independence and dignity. This discreet device offers features such as fall detection, medication reminders, and assistance for individuals who may wander, all through a voice-activated interface. The Kanega watch is equipped with various technologies, including cellular, Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth, allowing it to provide emergency support anywhere without the need for a smartphone. Its patented battery system ensures that the watch remains charged without requiring removal. Additionally, the device incorporates data-driven artificial intelligence to learn the user’s lifestyle, enabling it to offer predictive and preemptive assistance tailored to individual needs.

Tenacity provides innovative employee engagement tools aimed at enhancing the workplace experience within contact centers. By addressing fundamental issues that hinder employee well-being, Tenacity employs automated social engineering techniques to foster meaningful connections among agents. The platform reduces stress and promotes a positive work atmosphere, contributing to higher retention rates and improved performance among customer service employees. Ultimately, Tenacity focuses on creating healthier corporate environments that not only boost productivity but also enrich the overall employee experience.

Statflo Inc. is a technology company that specializes in a one-to-one business text messaging platform designed for customer-facing teams, primarily in the retail sector. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with an additional office in San Francisco, Statflo's platform utilizes data and analytics to enhance customer engagement and loyalty. By integrating with point-of-sale systems, it enables retailers to effectively communicate with past customers, helping to turn idle time into productive interactions. The platform offers features such as real-time dashboard reporting, monthly commissions data, NPS surveys via SMS, and secure data storage. Customers using Statflo have reported significant increases in sales, in-store appointments, and customer lifetime value within a short time frame.

RenovoRx, Inc. is a medical device company based in Los Altos, California, established in 2012. It focuses on developing innovative solutions for the targeted delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents to specific sites within the peripheral vascular system. The company's flagship product, the RenovoCath, is designed for use in the visceral and peripheral vascular systems and has received FDA clearance for clinical use. RenovoRx aims to enhance therapeutic outcomes for cancer patients through its proprietary Trans-Arterial Micro-Perfusion therapy platform, which allows for precise delivery of treatments directly to tumors while potentially reducing systemic side effects. The company is supported by a dedicated management team and an advisory board composed of experts in interventional radiology, surgical oncology, and gastroenterology, providing guidance for its clinical development strategies.

Poshly Inc. is a consumer intelligence company based in New York that specializes in marketing and analytics for the beauty industry. Founded in 2011, Poshly develops personalization technologies designed to connect beauty brands with consumers. Its offerings include Poshly Precision, which facilitates sample and product trial campaigns; Poshly Insights, a real-time data platform that gathers information on consumers' physical attributes, lifestyle characteristics, and product preferences; and Poshly Giveaways, which allows brands to engage with Poshly's members through beauty product giveaways. The company's focus is on leveraging data to inform decision-making within the beauty sector.