Volta Circle

MacroCycle is developing a technology to curb the usage of fossil fuel derived plastic through a circular, sustainable and zero-carbon plastic upcycling process. The company's proprietary process based on the synthesis of cyclic macromolecules enables us to produce virgin-grade recycled PET from plastic waste at lower energy use than traditional processes.

Glowb is a solar energy company focused on providing solar and battery solutions to homeowners in the United Kingdom. The company aims to simplify the adoption of clean energy by making home energy management more accessible and efficient. Glowb's mission is to deliver a seamless experience for UK homeowners through the installation of solar panels and battery systems, thereby promoting self-sufficiency and sustainability in energy use. The company emphasizes the importance of integrating technology with customer service to enhance user experience and facilitate the transition to cleaner energy solutions.

Shiru, Inc. is a food technology company based in Oakland, California, established in 2019. The company specializes in developing and producing edible proteins aimed at replacing dairy products and eggs in the food industry. By leveraging artificial intelligence and computational design, Shiru creates enhanced proteins that contribute to sustainable food production. The company's focus on using bioinformatics and precision biology allows it to discover novel natural proteins, thereby enabling clients to replace harmful ingredients with healthier alternatives.

Kukua is an edutainment company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2014. It specializes in designing and developing mobile game applications aimed at children aged 5 to 10 years. Under the brand name SEMA, Kukua creates engaging learning experiences that combine entertainment and education, focusing on essential skills such as reading, writing, and math. The company is known for its Super Sema franchise, which includes animated series, games, and toys featuring proprietary characters. By utilizing smartphones and electronic devices, Kukua aims to empower children through game-based learning, enabling them to dream, imagine, and acquire new skills in an enjoyable format.

Clarity Movement transforms how governments, communities, and businesses understand and respond to air pollution with IoT-based air quality monitoring technology. Our turn-key air quality monitoring solution supplements existing regulatory monitors with networks of hundreds to thousands of continuously-calibrated air quality sensors, making air quality management more accessible, cost-effective, and actionable than ever before. Founded in 2014, we have now deployed our next-generation, highly-accurate indicative air quality monitoring networks in more than 60 countries around the world — empowering our customers to build healthier communities with better data.

Freshket operates a web-based platform designed to streamline the supply chain for fresh food suppliers and restaurants. It serves as an integrated marketplace where clients can efficiently find vendors and manage orders for fresh ingredients. By facilitating effortless transactions, Freshket enhances business efficiency and promotes transparency in information exchange. This approach helps clients improve profitability and effectively manage their restaurant supply needs.

Novameat is a company focused on developing innovative technological solutions for producing plant-based foods to address the challenges posed by conventional animal agriculture. Through its proprietary micro-extrusion technology, Novameat creates vegan meat substitutes that closely mimic the texture, appearance, taste, and nutritional properties of various animal meat products, including beef steaks. The company's mission is to support a sustainable and efficient food supply system that meets the needs of the growing global population while promoting health and humane practices. By providing affordable and healthy plant-based meat options, Novameat aims to contribute to a more sustainable future in food production.

Optoro, Inc. operates a robust reverse logistics platform aimed at managing distressed inventory for retailers, manufacturers, and third-party providers. Established in 2004 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., with an additional location in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Optoro specializes in asset recovery solutions, facilitating the remarketing of customer returns, overstock, and refurbished products through various online channels. The company offers a comprehensive returns management system that encompasses the entire returns lifecycle, from initiation to resale, while also providing inventory management services including warehousing, fulfillment, and eco-friendly disposal. By leveraging data analytics and multi-channel marketing, Optoro enables clients to optimize the recovery of returned and excess inventory, thereby minimizing environmental waste and enhancing operational efficiency. The company serves a diverse clientele both in the United States and internationally.

Cognixion, Inc. is a technology company focused on improving communication for individuals with disabilities through innovative neurotechnology. The company develops a biosignal recognition software called Speakprose, which utilizes a brain-computer interface (BCI) to translate brainwave signals into spoken language, facilitating communication for non-verbal individuals. In addition to its software, Cognixion creates assistive devices, including a speech-generating and eye-tracking system, designed to aid those with severe speech impairments. Founded in 2014 and based in Santa Barbara, California, Cognixion aims to empower users by enabling them to express themselves and interact with their environment through thought alone. The company has also expanded its presence with an office in Toronto, Canada.

AgBiome, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Durham, North Carolina, that focuses on developing biological products to address significant challenges in agriculture, particularly soil-borne diseases affecting greenhouse and major row crops. Utilizing advanced genomics and screening technologies, AgBiome identifies plant-associated microbes that can enhance plant health, improve pest resistance, and increase crop yields. The company operates a state-of-the-art laboratory and greenhouse facility and collaborates with prominent agricultural firms to expedite its research and product development. AgBiome's offerings include fungicides that protect crops from various diseases and a platform for capturing and screening diverse microbes for agricultural applications. Established in 2012, AgBiome aims to provide sustainable solutions that support global food production and address critical agricultural issues such as insect and nematode control.

MeliBio, Inc. is a technology-driven company that focuses on producing vegan nectar products as a sustainable alternative to traditional honey. Founded in 2020 by Aaron M. Schaller, PhD, and Darko Mandich, MeliBio utilizes advancements in plant biology, precision fermentation, and synthetic biology to create honey without the involvement of bees, thereby addressing concerns related to biodiversity and the environmental impact of commercial beekeeping. The company, headquartered in Oakland, California, aims to provide food producers with molecularly identical nectar alternatives that are healthier and do not rely on bee farming. In 2023, MeliBio expanded its offerings by launching its consumer brand, Mellody, further promoting its innovative approach to honey production. TIME recognized MeliBio's pioneering methodology as one of the Best Inventions of 2021.

Arborea Ltd. is a biochemical technology company based in London, United Kingdom, which focuses on developing bio-based products aimed at enhancing urban living and improving wastewater treatment. Founded in 2015 by CEO Julian Melchiorri, Arborea has pioneered the BioSolar Leaf system, an innovative tiling technology that mimics the natural processes of photosynthesis. This system not only sequesters carbon dioxide and generates breathable oxygen but also reduces energy consumption for climate control in buildings and purifies the air. By cultivating microscopic plants, Arborea aims to create a sustainable source of healthy food ingredients and proteins, offering a scalable solution that minimizes production costs while addressing the growing demand for nutritious and environmentally friendly food options.

Lizee is a logistics and managed services provider specializing in rental business solutions aimed at enhancing the environmental sustainability of the retail sector. The company has developed a rental logistics platform that streamlines various aspects of the rental process, including e-commerce site optimization, packing, shipping, and payment processing for rented products. Additionally, Lizee's services encompass quality checks for returned items, allowing organizations to effectively transition to a circular rental model that aligns with evolving consumer preferences.

DayTwo Ltd. is a precision nutrition company headquartered in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel, that focuses on leveraging gut microbiome insights to improve health outcomes and prevent diseases such as diabetes, prediabetes, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Founded in 2015, DayTwo employs microbiome sequencing to create personalized dietary recommendations, known as Food Prescriptions™, tailored to individual responses to food. This approach helps manage blood sugar levels, enhance energy, control hunger, and promote weight loss. DayTwo delivers its services through a digital platform and mobile application, enabling users to track their progress and communicate with certified diabetes care specialists and registered dietitians. By emphasizing personalized nutrition based on scientific research, DayTwo aims to empower patients to lead healthier lives through informed dietary choices.

Rediv operates an e-commerce platform that facilitates the buying and selling of second-hand clothing for all age groups and genders. Based in the southwest of France, the platform allows users to renew their wardrobes by purchasing like-new clothing at significantly reduced prices. Customers can send quality used clothing in a prepaid bag, earning cash for items selected for resale. This model not only promotes sustainable fashion but also offers parents an affordable way to shop for their children's clothing. Launched in 2013, Rediv has established itself as a trusted marketplace for second-hand apparel. The company benefits from the guidance of prominent investors and industry experts.

Algramo is a Chilean company founded in 2013 that focuses on retailing consumer products through automated dispensing machines. The business model centers on providing basic necessity items, such as detergents, rice, and oil, in returnable containers, thereby allowing customers to purchase products in bulk at reduced prices. This approach addresses the issue of financial accessibility for low-income families, who often cannot afford larger quantities due to liquidity constraints. By establishing wholesale relationships with manufacturers, Algramo is able to source products in bulk and eliminate packaging costs, while maintaining product quality. The company's innovative platform not only minimizes waste associated with traditional packaging but also promotes a more sustainable approach to consumer goods. Through its unique distribution system, Algramo aims to significantly impact both economic and environmental challenges in the retail sector.

BYJU'S is a prominent global ed-tech company founded in India in 2011, dedicated to providing adaptive and engaging learning solutions to over 150 million students worldwide. The company aims to make high-quality education accessible to learners of all ages through its flagship product, BYJU's: The Learning App, and a diverse portfolio that includes brands such as Disney-BYJU's Early Learn, BYJU's FutureSchool, and WhiteHat Jr. BYJU'S employs personalized learning methodologies that cater to individual learning styles and paces, supported by a network of over 12,000 teachers. The platform utilizes original content, watch-and-learn videos, animations, and interactive simulations to create a contextual and practical learning experience. Additionally, BYJU'S has formed innovative partnerships with major companies like Disney and Google to enhance engagement. Headquartered in India, BYJU'S operates in more than 21 countries and offers programs in over 8 languages, further solidifying its position as a leader in the education technology sector.

The Renewal Workshop Inc. is a company based in Cascade Locks, Oregon, that focuses on manufacturing renewed apparel and upcycled materials from discarded textiles. Founded in 2014, it partners with leading brands and retailers to transform unsellable returns and excess inventory into viable products. The company offers a diverse range of items, including jackets, hoodies, dresses, and swimwear, as well as luggage and gift cards. By integrating renewal services for apparel and home goods, The Renewal Workshop aims to minimize waste and promote sustainable practices within the fashion industry. Its operations not only generate revenue for clothing brands through resale but also contribute to reducing environmental impacts associated with textile waste. The products are available through both physical stores and online platforms.

Cervest Limited is a London-based company that has developed an AI-powered climate intelligence platform designed to assess and forecast risks and opportunities related to climate change on an asset level. Founded in 2015, Cervest's platform, including its EarthScan product, translates complex Earth Science data into actionable insights for various sectors, including food and beverage, insurance, and government entities. The platform empowers decision-makers to understand how climate events such as flooding, droughts, and extreme temperatures can affect their assets. Cervest operates with a mission to democratize access to climate intelligence and is recognized as a Certified B Corporation. The company is supported by investors committed to its mission, enabling it to provide open, independent tools for effective climate risk management.

Perfect Day, Inc. is a pioneering company based in Emeryville, California, that specializes in producing animal-free dairy products. Founded in 2014, the company creates milk, cheese, yogurt, milk proteins, and ice cream that are nutritionally identical to traditional dairy but are made through a fermentation process using plant-based sugars. This innovative approach allows Perfect Day to deliver products that retain the taste, texture, and nutrition of conventional dairy while eliminating concerns related to food safety, environmental impact, and animal welfare. The company's commitment to sustainability and compassion results in nutrient-dense alternatives that are vegan, free from antibiotics, cholesterol, and lactose, catering to a growing market for healthier and more ethical food options.

Lizee is a logistics and managed services provider specializing in rental business solutions aimed at enhancing the environmental sustainability of the retail sector. The company has developed a rental logistics platform that streamlines various aspects of the rental process, including e-commerce site optimization, packing, shipping, and payment processing for rented products. Additionally, Lizee's services encompass quality checks for returned items, allowing organizations to effectively transition to a circular rental model that aligns with evolving consumer preferences.

ADAY is a direct-to-consumer brand specializing in consciously designed technical clothing. Founded by Nina Faulhaber and Meg He, the company operates from New York and London, focusing on creating capsule wardrobes that promote outfit repetition. By combining seasonless design with technical fabrics, ADAY aims to offer high-quality and versatile clothing that maximizes utility while minimizing consumption. The brand emphasizes a sustainable supply chain, allowing customers to enjoy clever styles that enhance their energy and joy. Through its e-commerce platform, ADAY seeks to redefine modern wardrobes by encouraging thoughtful and sustainable fashion choices.

Livekindly is a Canadian company that operates a news and media platform focused on sustainable living, food, health, and cruelty-free beauty. It publishes informative and thought-provoking content, including news stories, vegan recipes, and expert advice, to promote a more compassionate and sustainable lifestyle. Additionally, Livekindly runs a subscription-based service, Kindmind, offering plant-based meal plans, shopping guides, and expert sessions. The company also produces and distributes plant-based food products, partnering with forward-looking poultry production companies to transition towards more sustainable options. Livekindly's portfolio includes brands like The Fry Family Food Co. and LikeMeat, and it aims to transform the global food system by embracing plant-based alternatives.

Vestiaire Collective is a social commerce platform specializing in the buying and selling of luxury pre-owned fashion items. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Paris, the company promotes sustainable fashion by encouraging the circular fashion movement, which aims to reduce overproduction and waste in the industry. Vestiaire Collective boasts a unique inventory of approximately 3 million items, with around 140,000 new listings added weekly, catering to a community of over 7.5 million fashion enthusiasts across 50 countries. The platform offers a curated selection of vintage and luxury clothing, jewelry, accessories, and footwear, enhancing the shopping experience through verified and desirable products. By fostering a highly engaged community, Vestiaire Collective empowers its members to actively participate in a more sustainable fashion economy.