HAX is a venture capital program that accelerates hardware startups through an intensive support system, operating primarily in Shenzhen and San Francisco. Founders begin their journey in Shenzhen, focusing on rapid prototyping and the development of various aspects of their business, including marketing strategies and business plans. Once they refine their products, teams transition to San Francisco, where the emphasis shifts to business development, fundraising, and establishing connections with corporates, investors, and media. HAX also offers specialized programs like HAX Growth, a seven-week bootcamp for launching B2C and B2B hardware startups, and HAX Boost, which helps selected teams enhance their sales and marketing strategies over six weeks. Founded in 2012, HAX is part of SOSV and targets technology companies that aim to create meaningful advancements in sustainability, industrial automation, and human health. The program continues to support startups beyond the initial phases, providing resources and guidance as they grow.
Developer of an industrial IoT platform designed for spray monitoring and digitization in hazardous environments. The company offers technology for industrial spray digitization, featuring an Internet of Things platform for real-time spray monitoring using unique hardware sensors and software, by leveraging a physics-based artificial intelligence system, enabling manufacturers to identify and solve product quality issues, improve sustainability, minimize material and energy waste, reduce scraps and repairs.
Tensorfield Agriculture develops and manufactures advanced agricultural machinery specifically for specialty row crops. Founded in 2018 and based in San Jose, California, the company focuses on innovative solutions to address challenges in modern farming practices. Its product lineup includes collaborative robots equipped with computer vision technology, which perform selective, non-invasive weeding without the use of herbicides. By utilizing thermal micro-dosing techniques, these robots help farmers combat herbicide resistance and support the sustainable production of safe, fresh food. Tensorfield Agriculture is supported by the HAX hardware accelerator and has received investment from the global venture capital firm SOSV.
CleanRobotics, Inc., based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, manufactures TrashBot, an autonomous system designed to streamline the recycling process. This innovative device utilizes robotics, computer vision, and artificial intelligence to effectively distinguish between landfill waste and recyclables. By automating waste sorting, TrashBot makes recycling more affordable for businesses and enhances profitability for recycling facilities. The system is equipped with cloud-connected technology that employs cameras and sensors to analyze discarded items, providing valuable data to recyclers. This approach not only reduces waste hauling costs for businesses but also offers sustainable solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
XFuel produces sustainable and net-zero road, marine and aviation drop-in fuels for distributors and consumers. The company was founded in 2010 and is based in Palma de Mallorca, Baleares. XFuel has developed technology for sustainable and cost-effective conversion of biomass waste into a clean and drop-in advanced fuel for the transport sector. Fuel is produced efficiently, at low-cost and with currently up to 90% fewer GHGs than traditional fossil fuel production, with a clear route to achieving carbon negative fuels.
Artyc specializes in cold shipping solutions for biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical goods. The company focuses on creating sustainable logistics by providing refrigerant-free, reusable, active cooling containers. These innovative containers are designed to decarbonize the cold chain, thereby promoting a more environmentally friendly logistics industry. By utilizing Artyc's containers, businesses can benefit from reduced shipping costs and enhanced temperature monitoring, ensuring that sensitive products are transported safely and efficiently.
Artyc specializes in cold shipping solutions for biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical goods. The company focuses on creating sustainable logistics by providing refrigerant-free, reusable, active cooling containers. These innovative containers are designed to decarbonize the cold chain, thereby promoting a more environmentally friendly logistics industry. By utilizing Artyc's containers, businesses can benefit from reduced shipping costs and enhanced temperature monitoring, ensuring that sensitive products are transported safely and efficiently.
Unicorn Biotechnologies is developing a fully automated manufacturing platform to enable cellular agriculture producers to seamlessly scale products from the lab bench to supermarket shelves. Our full stack platform combines hardware, software and analytics to completely automate cellular agriculture manufacturing, reducing costs and increasing product quality. By providing a clear path to scale cellular agriculture from grams to tons, we will improve human and planetary health and drive the transition to animal free agriculture.
XFuel produces sustainable and net-zero road, marine and aviation drop-in fuels for distributors and consumers. The company was founded in 2010 and is based in Palma de Mallorca, Baleares. XFuel has developed technology for sustainable and cost-effective conversion of biomass waste into a clean and drop-in advanced fuel for the transport sector. Fuel is produced efficiently, at low-cost and with currently up to 90% fewer GHGs than traditional fossil fuel production, with a clear route to achieving carbon negative fuels.
Clarity Movement is a team of passionate engineers and scientists focused on making a positive impact in the world by tackling the global air pollution crisis. They leverage their expertise in air sensing technology, IoT devices, and data analytics to create solutions that empower communities to make more informed decisions and improve the quality of life. Having successfully developed the world’s most accurate low-cost particulate matter sensor, Clarity is now deploying the next generation of dense air quality monitoring networks around the world to build smarter cities through smarter data.
Green Li-ion is a deep clean technology that solves the existential risk to the precious metals industry and the environment. Its patented deep technology is Cleaner, Faster, and 4x more profitable than current Lithium-Ion Battery recycling and the only technology to fully Rejuvenate the battery cathode. It was founded in 2020 and is based in Singapore.
NeuPeak Robotics is an artificial intelligence and robotics company focused on automating farm labor, particularly in the area of fruit and vegetable harvesting. The company develops autonomous robotic harvesters that provide farmers with on-demand, 24/7 automated fruit-picking services. By equipping farms with these robots, NeuPeak addresses chronic labor shortages and helps improve industry profit margins. Additionally, the harvesters gather data analytics for precision plant health monitoring and deliver live reports, enhancing operational efficiency for farmers.
Drip.ai is on a mission to develop a revolutionary technology capable of producing water out of thin air at utility scales, 100% sustainably, and affordably. By taping into our planet's atmosphere, we can safely and sustainably harvest the humidity naturally present in the air, allowing us to produce unlimited quantities of water completely sustainably, and thanks to our technology, without emitting any grams of C02 in the atmosphere.
Tensorfield Agriculture develops and manufactures advanced agricultural machinery specifically for specialty row crops. Founded in 2018 and based in San Jose, California, the company focuses on innovative solutions to address challenges in modern farming practices. Its product lineup includes collaborative robots equipped with computer vision technology, which perform selective, non-invasive weeding without the use of herbicides. By utilizing thermal micro-dosing techniques, these robots help farmers combat herbicide resistance and support the sustainable production of safe, fresh food. Tensorfield Agriculture is supported by the HAX hardware accelerator and has received investment from the global venture capital firm SOSV.
Unicorn Biotechnologies is developing a fully automated manufacturing platform to enable cellular agriculture producers to seamlessly scale products from the lab bench to supermarket shelves. Our full stack platform combines hardware, software and analytics to completely automate cellular agriculture manufacturing, reducing costs and increasing product quality. By providing a clear path to scale cellular agriculture from grams to tons, we will improve human and planetary health and drive the transition to animal free agriculture.
Green Li-ion is a deep clean technology that solves the existential risk to the precious metals industry and the environment. Its patented deep technology is Cleaner, Faster, and 4x more profitable than current Lithium-Ion Battery recycling and the only technology to fully Rejuvenate the battery cathode. It was founded in 2020 and is based in Singapore.
SunGreenH2 is a Singapore-based company founded in 2020 that specializes in developing innovative modular green hydrogen technology aimed at revolutionizing hydrogen production. The company has created a high-efficiency electrolyzer system that operates without the use of platinum group metals, relying solely on sunlight and water to generate zero-emission hydrogen. This patented technology facilitates on-site hydrogen generation, making it scalable for various industries, including transportation, building, and specialty chemicals. By focusing on sustainable methods of hydrogen production, SunGreenH2 aims to contribute to global decarbonization efforts and provide accessible energy solutions.
Tensorfield Agriculture develops and manufactures advanced agricultural machinery specifically for specialty row crops. Founded in 2018 and based in San Jose, California, the company focuses on innovative solutions to address challenges in modern farming practices. Its product lineup includes collaborative robots equipped with computer vision technology, which perform selective, non-invasive weeding without the use of herbicides. By utilizing thermal micro-dosing techniques, these robots help farmers combat herbicide resistance and support the sustainable production of safe, fresh food. Tensorfield Agriculture is supported by the HAX hardware accelerator and has received investment from the global venture capital firm SOSV.
Opentrons is a company focused on developing pipetting robot technology to automate laboratory experiments. By utilizing open-source principles and programming in Python, Opentrons creates automated lab equipment that streamlines various scientific processes. Their product offerings encompass lab robots, workstations, hardware modules, consumables, reagents, and labware, all designed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of research. This automation helps scientific researchers reduce human error and expedite their experimental workflows, making lab work faster and less labor-intensive.
NeuPeak Robotics is an artificial intelligence and robotics company focused on automating farm labor, particularly in the area of fruit and vegetable harvesting. The company develops autonomous robotic harvesters that provide farmers with on-demand, 24/7 automated fruit-picking services. By equipping farms with these robots, NeuPeak addresses chronic labor shortages and helps improve industry profit margins. Additionally, the harvesters gather data analytics for precision plant health monitoring and deliver live reports, enhancing operational efficiency for farmers.
Clarity Movement is a team of passionate engineers and scientists focused on making a positive impact in the world by tackling the global air pollution crisis. They leverage their expertise in air sensing technology, IoT devices, and data analytics to create solutions that empower communities to make more informed decisions and improve the quality of life. Having successfully developed the world’s most accurate low-cost particulate matter sensor, Clarity is now deploying the next generation of dense air quality monitoring networks around the world to build smarter cities through smarter data.
VoltStorage GmbH is a company based in Olching, Germany, specializing in the development and production of solar energy storage systems. Utilizing eco-friendly vanadium redox flow technology, VoltStorage creates power storage devices that capture surplus solar energy during the day for use at night. This innovative approach allows homeowners to maximize the efficiency of their solar panel systems, ensuring a consistent supply of renewable energy even during periods of low sunlight. In addition to its products, VoltStorage offers installation and technical support services, facilitating a seamless transition to sustainable energy solutions. The company's mission is to promote 100 percent renewable energy availability, contributing to a cleaner and fairer world for future generations.
Shenzhen Oasis
Convertible Note in 2020
Shenzhen Oasis is a solution provider of waste paper recycling. Our solution is a network of machines that increases the efficiency of the recycling industry and empowers workers to gain access to market transparency and fair wages.
Tensorfield Agriculture develops and manufactures advanced agricultural machinery specifically for specialty row crops. Founded in 2018 and based in San Jose, California, the company focuses on innovative solutions to address challenges in modern farming practices. Its product lineup includes collaborative robots equipped with computer vision technology, which perform selective, non-invasive weeding without the use of herbicides. By utilizing thermal micro-dosing techniques, these robots help farmers combat herbicide resistance and support the sustainable production of safe, fresh food. Tensorfield Agriculture is supported by the HAX hardware accelerator and has received investment from the global venture capital firm SOSV.
Opentrons is a company focused on developing pipetting robot technology to automate laboratory experiments. By utilizing open-source principles and programming in Python, Opentrons creates automated lab equipment that streamlines various scientific processes. Their product offerings encompass lab robots, workstations, hardware modules, consumables, reagents, and labware, all designed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of research. This automation helps scientific researchers reduce human error and expedite their experimental workflows, making lab work faster and less labor-intensive.
Smartex focuses on addressing significant challenges in the textile industry by leveraging advanced AI technology, specifically machine learning and computer vision. The company has developed a hardware-enabled software solution that detects textile defects and irregularities in real time. By implementing this innovative system, Smartex can halt production when defects are identified, thereby minimizing defective output and reducing textile waste. This proactive approach not only enhances production efficiency but also contributes to sustainability by lowering carbon dioxide emissions, energy consumption, and water usage. Moreover, Smartex provides factories with a user interface to monitor production statistics, further improving operational insights and decision-making capabilities.
Grobo specializes in developing fully automated grow boxes designed for home use, utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology to facilitate smart gardening. Their systems employ artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize plant growth, enhancing yields while reducing growth times. The automated grow boxes feature personalized, app-controlled automatic watering and LED lighting systems, enabling users to cultivate high-quality food and medicinal plants in a virtual indoor environment. By integrating technology into the growing process, Grobo empowers individuals to take control of their health by simplifying the cultivation of safe and fresh plants at home.
Shenzhen Oasis
Seed Round in 2019
Shenzhen Oasis is a solution provider of waste paper recycling. Our solution is a network of machines that increases the efficiency of the recycling industry and empowers workers to gain access to market transparency and fair wages.
LIVIN farms is a technology company in the alternative protein sector. It empowers everyone to start a food revolution out of their kitchen.
Nanopath
Seed Round in 2019
Nanopath is a bi-tech startup.
Shenzhen Oasis
Angel Round in 2019
Shenzhen Oasis is a solution provider of waste paper recycling. Our solution is a network of machines that increases the efficiency of the recycling industry and empowers workers to gain access to market transparency and fair wages.
Up to 15% of the world’s total energy is spent on industrial-scale chemical separations. This is economically and environmentally inefficient. SEPPURE is disrupting the energy-intensive chemical separation processes, such as distillation and evaporation, through the introduction of novel chemical-resistant nanofiltration membranes. SEPPURE’s sustainable process does not use heat, thus lowering global energy use, emissions, and pollution substantially.
Tensorfield Agriculture develops and manufactures advanced agricultural machinery specifically for specialty row crops. Founded in 2018 and based in San Jose, California, the company focuses on innovative solutions to address challenges in modern farming practices. Its product lineup includes collaborative robots equipped with computer vision technology, which perform selective, non-invasive weeding without the use of herbicides. By utilizing thermal micro-dosing techniques, these robots help farmers combat herbicide resistance and support the sustainable production of safe, fresh food. Tensorfield Agriculture is supported by the HAX hardware accelerator and has received investment from the global venture capital firm SOSV.
New Factory Technology is a K12 Maker Education Institute that provides STEAM education services for children aged 5-12, combined with the attributes of STEAM education and Maker education, to provide users with a high level of awareness and acceptance of toys with STEAM attributes. Use fragmentation time to help children develop self-learning and inquiry skills and habits in play.
Hitch Tech Inc. is an educational technology company based in Kitchener, Canada, founded in 2018. The company develops a video platform tailored for African schools, which includes a battery-powered video hotspot that stores educational videos offline. This platform enables students and teachers to access a curated selection of videos aligned with local curricula and textbooks through WiFi or local networks. By providing unrestricted access to high-quality educational resources, Hitch Tech addresses challenges related to technology literacy, power, and internet infrastructure in underserved communities. The company's innovative approach aims to enhance learning opportunities and support the educational needs of Africa's emerging markets.
Hitch Tech Inc. is an educational technology company based in Kitchener, Canada, founded in 2018. The company develops a video platform tailored for African schools, which includes a battery-powered video hotspot that stores educational videos offline. This platform enables students and teachers to access a curated selection of videos aligned with local curricula and textbooks through WiFi or local networks. By providing unrestricted access to high-quality educational resources, Hitch Tech addresses challenges related to technology literacy, power, and internet infrastructure in underserved communities. The company's innovative approach aims to enhance learning opportunities and support the educational needs of Africa's emerging markets.
VoltStorage GmbH is a company based in Olching, Germany, specializing in the development and production of solar energy storage systems. Utilizing eco-friendly vanadium redox flow technology, VoltStorage creates power storage devices that capture surplus solar energy during the day for use at night. This innovative approach allows homeowners to maximize the efficiency of their solar panel systems, ensuring a consistent supply of renewable energy even during periods of low sunlight. In addition to its products, VoltStorage offers installation and technical support services, facilitating a seamless transition to sustainable energy solutions. The company's mission is to promote 100 percent renewable energy availability, contributing to a cleaner and fairer world for future generations.
Opentrons is a company focused on developing pipetting robot technology to automate laboratory experiments. By utilizing open-source principles and programming in Python, Opentrons creates automated lab equipment that streamlines various scientific processes. Their product offerings encompass lab robots, workstations, hardware modules, consumables, reagents, and labware, all designed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of research. This automation helps scientific researchers reduce human error and expedite their experimental workflows, making lab work faster and less labor-intensive.
Breezi.io, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing and manufacturing wireless devices designed to monitor the health of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Founded in 2016 and based in Pittsboro, North Carolina, Breezi offers products such as AirPulse, which tracks the condition of air filters and other HVAC equipment. The company's solutions cater to both residential and commercial property owners, enabling them to detect potential issues with their HVAC systems before they escalate into more significant problems. Through its innovative approach, Breezi aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of smart home technologies.
Opentrons is a company focused on developing pipetting robot technology to automate laboratory experiments. By utilizing open-source principles and programming in Python, Opentrons creates automated lab equipment that streamlines various scientific processes. Their product offerings encompass lab robots, workstations, hardware modules, consumables, reagents, and labware, all designed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of research. This automation helps scientific researchers reduce human error and expedite their experimental workflows, making lab work faster and less labor-intensive.
Niwa offers a smartphone-controlled platform designed to simplify and automate the process of growing plants, making it accessible and engaging for users. The system consists of four main components: an extensive repository of growing programs, an intuitive software interface for tracking plant progress and managing tasks, a set of smart sensors and actuators to optimize the growing environment, and a community platform for sharing data and enhancing growing techniques. By allowing users to manage their plant production from any internet-connected device, Niwa empowers individuals to take control of their food production, enabling them to achieve larger harvests and maximize yields effortlessly. This innovative approach combines technology with gardening, catering to both novice and experienced growers.
Opentrons is a company focused on developing pipetting robot technology to automate laboratory experiments. By utilizing open-source principles and programming in Python, Opentrons creates automated lab equipment that streamlines various scientific processes. Their product offerings encompass lab robots, workstations, hardware modules, consumables, reagents, and labware, all designed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of research. This automation helps scientific researchers reduce human error and expedite their experimental workflows, making lab work faster and less labor-intensive.
GardenSpace offers an innovative solution for both small and large farms by providing a digital platform that simplifies crop management. Their primary product is a static robot designed to automate the watering of plants, seamlessly connected to a water supply and Wi-Fi. This system includes a user-friendly app that serves as a garden command center, allowing users to input plant details and monitor essential health metrics such as chlorophyll levels, temperature, and soil conditions. The robot is solar-powered, eliminating the need for batteries or external power sources. By facilitating the collection and utilization of crop data, GardenSpace enables farmers to focus on the enjoyment of growing their own food or flowers while effectively managing their agricultural operations.
VoltStorage GmbH is a company based in Olching, Germany, specializing in the development and production of solar energy storage systems. Utilizing eco-friendly vanadium redox flow technology, VoltStorage creates power storage devices that capture surplus solar energy during the day for use at night. This innovative approach allows homeowners to maximize the efficiency of their solar panel systems, ensuring a consistent supply of renewable energy even during periods of low sunlight. In addition to its products, VoltStorage offers installation and technical support services, facilitating a seamless transition to sustainable energy solutions. The company's mission is to promote 100 percent renewable energy availability, contributing to a cleaner and fairer world for future generations.
VoltStorage GmbH is a company based in Olching, Germany, specializing in the development and production of solar energy storage systems. Utilizing eco-friendly vanadium redox flow technology, VoltStorage creates power storage devices that capture surplus solar energy during the day for use at night. This innovative approach allows homeowners to maximize the efficiency of their solar panel systems, ensuring a consistent supply of renewable energy even during periods of low sunlight. In addition to its products, VoltStorage offers installation and technical support services, facilitating a seamless transition to sustainable energy solutions. The company's mission is to promote 100 percent renewable energy availability, contributing to a cleaner and fairer world for future generations.
Grobo specializes in developing fully automated grow boxes designed for home use, utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology to facilitate smart gardening. Their systems employ artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize plant growth, enhancing yields while reducing growth times. The automated grow boxes feature personalized, app-controlled automatic watering and LED lighting systems, enabling users to cultivate high-quality food and medicinal plants in a virtual indoor environment. By integrating technology into the growing process, Grobo empowers individuals to take control of their health by simplifying the cultivation of safe and fresh plants at home.
VoltStorage GmbH is a company based in Olching, Germany, specializing in the development and production of solar energy storage systems. Utilizing eco-friendly vanadium redox flow technology, VoltStorage creates power storage devices that capture surplus solar energy during the day for use at night. This innovative approach allows homeowners to maximize the efficiency of their solar panel systems, ensuring a consistent supply of renewable energy even during periods of low sunlight. In addition to its products, VoltStorage offers installation and technical support services, facilitating a seamless transition to sustainable energy solutions. The company's mission is to promote 100 percent renewable energy availability, contributing to a cleaner and fairer world for future generations.
Developer of a cleaning robot designed for building facades, curtain walls, and windows. The company has developed high-altitude curtain wall cleaning robots and brick-laying robots using module decomposition and system integration that can replace people working in high-risk and heavy physical environments, helping businesses to solve safety problems and increasing efficiency.
Grobo specializes in developing fully automated grow boxes designed for home use, utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology to facilitate smart gardening. Their systems employ artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize plant growth, enhancing yields while reducing growth times. The automated grow boxes feature personalized, app-controlled automatic watering and LED lighting systems, enabling users to cultivate high-quality food and medicinal plants in a virtual indoor environment. By integrating technology into the growing process, Grobo empowers individuals to take control of their health by simplifying the cultivation of safe and fresh plants at home.
Opentrons is a company focused on developing pipetting robot technology to automate laboratory experiments. By utilizing open-source principles and programming in Python, Opentrons creates automated lab equipment that streamlines various scientific processes. Their product offerings encompass lab robots, workstations, hardware modules, consumables, reagents, and labware, all designed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of research. This automation helps scientific researchers reduce human error and expedite their experimental workflows, making lab work faster and less labor-intensive.
Greentech radically changed the grid edge and most of the devices behind the meter. Rooftop energy sources, local storage, and electronic lights are the new normal. LumenCache connects these technologies together using modern structured wiring, and adds reliable Internet of Things control features.
Grobo specializes in developing fully automated grow boxes designed for home use, utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology to facilitate smart gardening. Their systems employ artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize plant growth, enhancing yields while reducing growth times. The automated grow boxes feature personalized, app-controlled automatic watering and LED lighting systems, enabling users to cultivate high-quality food and medicinal plants in a virtual indoor environment. By integrating technology into the growing process, Grobo empowers individuals to take control of their health by simplifying the cultivation of safe and fresh plants at home.
VST Technology
Seed Round in 2016
VST Technology provides access to motion metrics and real-time motion that captures its users’ waist, legs, and feet. Its product STEPP, is a revolutionary wearable device that lets runners perfect their running form and also empowers them with ability to prevent injuries. The company equips the casual runners with technology and scientific data analysis services. VST Technology is a U.S.-based company.
FlickTek specializes in advanced human-machine interface (HMI) solutions that enhance user experience through innovative technology. The company has developed sensor technology designed to accurately read and interpret finger movements and gestures, specifically for wrist devices such as smartwatches. By utilizing biometric signals generated from the tension and movement dynamics of tendons and body tissues, FlickTek's sensors transform these signals into electrical outputs. This enables users to manage notifications and calls through intuitive gestures, facilitating seamless interaction with electronic devices. With a strong foundation in biomedicine and engineering, FlickTek remains committed to pioneering advancements in biotechnology and improving quality of life through its technological innovations.
Opentrons is a company focused on developing pipetting robot technology to automate laboratory experiments. By utilizing open-source principles and programming in Python, Opentrons creates automated lab equipment that streamlines various scientific processes. Their product offerings encompass lab robots, workstations, hardware modules, consumables, reagents, and labware, all designed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of research. This automation helps scientific researchers reduce human error and expedite their experimental workflows, making lab work faster and less labor-intensive.
Niwa offers a smartphone-controlled platform designed to simplify and automate the process of growing plants, making it accessible and engaging for users. The system consists of four main components: an extensive repository of growing programs, an intuitive software interface for tracking plant progress and managing tasks, a set of smart sensors and actuators to optimize the growing environment, and a community platform for sharing data and enhancing growing techniques. By allowing users to manage their plant production from any internet-connected device, Niwa empowers individuals to take control of their food production, enabling them to achieve larger harvests and maximize yields effortlessly. This innovative approach combines technology with gardening, catering to both novice and experienced growers.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.