Union Square Ventures

Presto is a software platform to power magical charging experiences for fleets, mobility providers, and businesses.We believe that access to reliable and affordable charging is the key to unlocking mass electrification and fighting climate change.

Cactos specializes in smart energy storage systems that enhance the efficient use of renewable energy on a global scale. The company develops distributed energy storage solutions that provide local backup power, ensuring a stable supply during outages. Additionally, Cactos supports the electrification of transportation by facilitating the end-of-life use of electric vehicle batteries, contributing to power grid stability. Its services are particularly beneficial for building owners and tenants in sectors such as manufacturing, industry, hospitality, and retail, enabling them to secure a critical power supply.

Bolt.Earth specializes in providing charging products and comprehensive solutions for electric vehicles, aiming to advance cleaner mobility in emerging markets. As the leading provider of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in India, Bolt.Earth has established a network of over 20,000 charging points. The company operates a platform that facilitates the discovery of nearby charging locations and offers over-the-air updates to enhance user experience. This platform supports fleets, vehicle owners, and automobile businesses in adopting smart and sustainable services, contributing to a greener future. Through its innovative approach, Bolt.Earth is committed to promoting electric vehicle adoption and transforming transportation in regions with growing demand for eco-friendly mobility solutions.

Radiant is a clean energy startup based in Los Angeles, California, that specializes in the development of portable nuclear microreactors. Founded in 2019, the company aims to provide an alternative to fossil fuels through its innovative microreactor technology. Designed to fit within a shipping container, these reactors can be easily transported by air, ship, or road, making them suitable for both military and commercial applications. The Kaleidos microreactor, in particular, is notable for offering a zero-emissions power source, ideal for remote locations and critical power needs.

Solar farms on the Glow network are paid with GLW tokens for electricity output and stablecoins for carbon credits. According to the business, their incentive model prioritizes incentives for solar farms with the greatest environmental benefit, focusing on places where clean energy can best balance high carbon emissions.

David Energy is an innovative energy company focused on transforming electricity consumption and management through advanced technology. It develops an energy management platform that assists customers in optimizing their energy usage by selecting the most suitable mix of behind-the-meter (BTM) assets tailored to specific building and consumption profiles. By leveraging sophisticated machine learning, David Energy enables businesses to design, install, and finance various BTM solutions, effectively lowering energy bills and enhancing control over energy usage. With a commitment to integrating renewable energy sources and promoting smart energy management, David Energy contributes to a more sustainable and efficient energy landscape.

UNIGRID develops sustainable and affordable sodium-based batteries using abundant materials. They aim to put a battery into every home, the grid, and other distributed energy storage applications. They use dense Na-alloy and a non-flammable electrolyte, which led to high energy density and improved safety.

Zanskar is a geothermal exploration and technology company focused on accelerating the discovery and development of geothermal energy resources. The company utilizes a predictive platform that leverages extensive data sets and advanced subsurface characterization technology. By integrating artificial intelligence and sophisticated sensing techniques, Zanskar enhances the exploration process, allowing clients to uncover previously unknown geothermal resources while minimizing associated risks. Through its innovative approach, Zanskar aims to contribute to the growth and sustainability of geothermal energy as a viable alternative energy source.

Blixt specializes in the development of semiconductor-based circuit breakers and household fuses, aimed at enhancing smart metering and smart grid solutions. Founded in February 2018, the company has secured funding totaling two million euros, primarily from BayWa re Energy Ventures, which was established shortly after Blixt's inception. Blixt's innovative solid-state technology platform provides a more reliable and efficient electricity infrastructure, allowing for real-time control of currents and voltages. This technology supports energy service providers and households, facilitating advancements in all-electric technology and software-defined power management.

Transmutex is a Swiss company founded in 2019 that specializes in advanced nuclear technology aimed at significantly reducing the stockpile of existing nuclear waste. The company utilizes particle accelerators to transmute long-lived nuclear waste, transforming it into less harmful materials while simultaneously generating carbon-free energy. This innovative approach offers a solution to the challenges faced by traditional nuclear power plants, allowing for scalable energy production that can either be reintegrated into the energy grid or utilized for green hydrogen production. The team at Transmutex comprises physicists, computer scientists, and environmentalists, and builds upon technologies previously tested at CERN and the Paul Scherrer Institute.

Ostrom is an energy platform focused on facilitating the transition to renewable energy by making it more accessible and inclusive for consumers. The company provides a digital platform that allows users to effortlessly switch to green energy, manage their electricity consumption, and track usage through automated meter readings. Ostrom offers a flexible monthly billing system that emphasizes transparency and stores contract details, ensuring a user-friendly experience. Additionally, the platform features a multilingual interface, enabling a diverse range of customers to engage with green energy options at competitive rates without the burden of monthly lock-ins.

Lydian aims to accelerate the decarbonization of the chemical industry by electrifying the chemical production process. Founded in 2021 by Branko Zugic, Lydian is headquartered in

Leap is a marketplace for Distributed Energy Resources to participate in the energy market. It allows every connected device to help balance the grid, and get paid for it and access wholesale markets through a single API and help build the flexible, renewable grid of the future. Leap aims to make global energy markets accessible to anyone, starting with demand response and expanding into generation and ancillary services. Leap was founded by Thomas Folker and Remco Van Den Elzen.

Odyssey Energy Solutions, founded in 2017 and based in Boulder, Colorado, offers a web-based data platform designed to streamline the development and deployment of mini-grids in emerging markets. The platform enables project developers to effectively manage and analyze mini-grid data through various software tools and data analytics. By facilitating communication and connection among developers, financiers, vendors, and governmental and donor organizations, Odyssey enhances collaboration within the mini-grid sector, ultimately supporting sustainable energy solutions in underserved regions.

Noya is focused on addressing climate change by retrofitting existing industrial equipment to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The company's innovative technology utilizes a non-toxic chemical blend that is added to the cooling towers of various industries without requiring any structural modifications. This approach allows for effective CO2 capture while enabling businesses to contribute to environmental sustainability. By selling the captured carbon dioxide to companies that utilize it as a raw material, Noya facilitates a practical and scalable solution for reducing carbon emissions and promoting a transition towards a carbon-negative future.

Ostrom is an energy platform focused on facilitating the transition to renewable energy by making it more accessible and inclusive for consumers. The company provides a digital platform that allows users to effortlessly switch to green energy, manage their electricity consumption, and track usage through automated meter readings. Ostrom offers a flexible monthly billing system that emphasizes transparency and stores contract details, ensuring a user-friendly experience. Additionally, the platform features a multilingual interface, enabling a diverse range of customers to engage with green energy options at competitive rates without the burden of monthly lock-ins.

Lithos Carbon is an agricultural carbon removal company focused on developing innovative carbon capture technology for farms. Founded in March 2022 by experienced entrepreneurs and experts in atmospheric geochemistry, the company aims to transform farmland into carbon capture centers, with a goal of removing one billion tons of CO2 from the atmosphere this decade while enhancing crop yields. Lithos Carbon's technology includes an optimization platform tailored to individual fields and crops, designed to improve agricultural productivity and soil health. The company's approach employs isotope dilution technology and novel soil models, utilizing machine learning to enhance mineral weathering through the application of basalt on croplands. This method not only fosters the removal of carbon dioxide but also supports farmers in increasing crop growth. Lithos Carbon's solutions are cost-effective and scalable, with a focus on empirical measurement to ensure effectiveness.

Molten Industries focuses on developing clean technology aimed at decarbonizing the hydrogen market. The company provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method for hydrogen production, which allows chemical and heavy industries to significantly reduce their carbon emissions. Through its innovative solutions, Molten Industries contributes to the transition towards sustainable energy practices.

Zanskar is a geothermal exploration and technology company focused on accelerating the discovery and development of geothermal energy resources. The company utilizes a predictive platform that leverages extensive data sets and advanced subsurface characterization technology. By integrating artificial intelligence and sophisticated sensing techniques, Zanskar enhances the exploration process, allowing clients to uncover previously unknown geothermal resources while minimizing associated risks. Through its innovative approach, Zanskar aims to contribute to the growth and sustainability of geothermal energy as a viable alternative energy source.

XFuel is a company that specializes in producing sustainable and net-zero drop-in fuels for road, marine, and aviation applications. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with a presence in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, XFuel has developed innovative technology for the efficient and cost-effective conversion of biomass waste into low-carbon fuels. The company’s advanced fuels generate up to 85% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fossil fuel production, positioning them as a cleaner alternative in the transport sector. By providing decentralized and sustainable fuel solutions, XFuel aims to support distributors and consumers globally in reducing reliance on fossil fuels while working towards carbon-neutral and even carbon-negative fuel options.

Shift EV is an electric mobility technology startup focused on developing electric vehicle batteries specifically for commercial vehicles. The company aims to facilitate the transition to electric fleets, particularly in emerging markets. Shift EV equips fleet owners, operators, and financiers with essential data regarding electric vehicle operations, including potential savings, electricity consumption, emissions reduction, available battery range, and mileage. Additionally, Shift EV employs proprietary electro-fitting technology, which allows the conversion of conventional vehicles into electric-run vehicles, contributing to reduced environmental pollution and conservation of natural resources.

Brilliant Planet focuses on the production of algal biomass as a sustainable solution for carbon sequestration at a gigaton scale. The company utilizes open-air pond-based systems to cultivate extensive quantities of microalgae on coastal desert land, employing a natural growth process that does not require fresh water. This innovative approach not only contributes to ocean and air health but also addresses the increasing demand for protein. By leveraging the potential of algae, Brilliant Planet offers an affordable and effective method for permanently and quantifiably removing carbon from the atmosphere.

David Energy is an innovative energy company focused on transforming electricity consumption and management through advanced technology. It develops an energy management platform that assists customers in optimizing their energy usage by selecting the most suitable mix of behind-the-meter (BTM) assets tailored to specific building and consumption profiles. By leveraging sophisticated machine learning, David Energy enables businesses to design, install, and finance various BTM solutions, effectively lowering energy bills and enhancing control over energy usage. With a commitment to integrating renewable energy sources and promoting smart energy management, David Energy contributes to a more sustainable and efficient energy landscape.

Radiant is a clean energy startup based in Los Angeles, California, that specializes in the development of portable nuclear microreactors. Founded in 2019, the company aims to provide an alternative to fossil fuels through its innovative microreactor technology. Designed to fit within a shipping container, these reactors can be easily transported by air, ship, or road, making them suitable for both military and commercial applications. The Kaleidos microreactor, in particular, is notable for offering a zero-emissions power source, ideal for remote locations and critical power needs.

Leap is a marketplace for Distributed Energy Resources to participate in the energy market. It allows every connected device to help balance the grid, and get paid for it and access wholesale markets through a single API and help build the flexible, renewable grid of the future. Leap aims to make global energy markets accessible to anyone, starting with demand response and expanding into generation and ancillary services. Leap was founded by Thomas Folker and Remco Van Den Elzen.

Bolt.Earth specializes in providing charging products and comprehensive solutions for electric vehicles, aiming to advance cleaner mobility in emerging markets. As the leading provider of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in India, Bolt.Earth has established a network of over 20,000 charging points. The company operates a platform that facilitates the discovery of nearby charging locations and offers over-the-air updates to enhance user experience. This platform supports fleets, vehicle owners, and automobile businesses in adopting smart and sustainable services, contributing to a greener future. Through its innovative approach, Bolt.Earth is committed to promoting electric vehicle adoption and transforming transportation in regions with growing demand for eco-friendly mobility solutions.

Transmutex is a Swiss company founded in 2019 that specializes in advanced nuclear technology aimed at significantly reducing the stockpile of existing nuclear waste. The company utilizes particle accelerators to transmute long-lived nuclear waste, transforming it into less harmful materials while simultaneously generating carbon-free energy. This innovative approach offers a solution to the challenges faced by traditional nuclear power plants, allowing for scalable energy production that can either be reintegrated into the energy grid or utilized for green hydrogen production. The team at Transmutex comprises physicists, computer scientists, and environmentalists, and builds upon technologies previously tested at CERN and the Paul Scherrer Institute.

Remora is a company that develops an emission-controlling device for semi-trucks, designed to capture at least 80% of carbon emissions directly from the tailpipe. The device is mounted between the cab and trailer, utilizing a solid sorbent that selectively binds with carbon dioxide molecules in the exhaust stream. This technology regenerates using exhaust heat, ensuring efficient operation without clogging. By capturing carbon emissions, Remora enables companies to meet their climate commitments and earn credits for the carbon dioxide collected. The captured CO2 is sold to end-users for long-term storage, and the revenue generated is shared with customers, allowing the device to pay for itself within a few years.

NCX operates a forest carbon marketplace that facilitates the connection between landowners and carbon credit buyers. By measuring every acre of American forests annually through advanced technologies such as remote sensing and artificial intelligence, NCX generates reliable carbon credits. This approach allows landowners of all sizes, from family-owned to larger institutional forests, to participate in natural capital markets. The company's commitment to rigorous data practices ensures that carbon buyers can make tangible progress toward their sustainability goals. By democratizing access to carbon markets, NCX drives meaningful climate action and supports both community and environmental benefits.

David Energy is an innovative energy company focused on transforming electricity consumption and management through advanced technology. It develops an energy management platform that assists customers in optimizing their energy usage by selecting the most suitable mix of behind-the-meter (BTM) assets tailored to specific building and consumption profiles. By leveraging sophisticated machine learning, David Energy enables businesses to design, install, and finance various BTM solutions, effectively lowering energy bills and enhancing control over energy usage. With a commitment to integrating renewable energy sources and promoting smart energy management, David Energy contributes to a more sustainable and efficient energy landscape.

Leap is a marketplace for Distributed Energy Resources to participate in the energy market. It allows every connected device to help balance the grid, and get paid for it and access wholesale markets through a single API and help build the flexible, renewable grid of the future. Leap aims to make global energy markets accessible to anyone, starting with demand response and expanding into generation and ancillary services. Leap was founded by Thomas Folker and Remco Van Den Elzen.

Mombak is a carbon removal company dedicated to reforesting the Amazon. It specializes in cultivating native, biodiverse forests that effectively remove carbon from the atmosphere while ensuring high integrity in its projects. The company's initiatives are designed to achieve significant additionality and durability, with minimal leakage, thus enhancing biodiversity and supporting socioeconomic development in local communities. Mombak's team consists of experts in science, technology, forestry, and carbon markets, all working together to improve forestry practices and contribute to a sustainable future.

Volteras is a developer of software focused on electric vehicles and connected car technology. The company collects, standardizes, and optimizes data from various energy devices, including chargers, heat pumps, home batteries, and solar inverters, into a unified data model. Through its platform, Volteras Connect, businesses can leverage this data to gain insights into electric vehicle performance under real-world conditions. The software facilitates the creation of new revenue streams, cost reduction, and the development of innovative business models. Volteras aims to serve as a vital link between electric vehicles and the broader ecosystem of energy suppliers and related technologies.

Bolt.Earth specializes in providing charging products and comprehensive solutions for electric vehicles, aiming to advance cleaner mobility in emerging markets. As the leading provider of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in India, Bolt.Earth has established a network of over 20,000 charging points. The company operates a platform that facilitates the discovery of nearby charging locations and offers over-the-air updates to enhance user experience. This platform supports fleets, vehicle owners, and automobile businesses in adopting smart and sustainable services, contributing to a greener future. Through its innovative approach, Bolt.Earth is committed to promoting electric vehicle adoption and transforming transportation in regions with growing demand for eco-friendly mobility solutions.