Volta Circle

MacroCycle Technologies is a company developing a chemical recycling process to convert polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyester-fiber waste into virgin-grade plastics. Their proprietary technology, based on synthesizing cyclic macromolecules, enables the production of recycled PET with lower energy use than traditional methods. This process offers a sustainable, zero-carbon, and cost-competitive solution for plastic upcycling, contributing to a circular economy.

Glowb is a solar energy company focused on providing innovative solar and battery solutions for homeowners in the United Kingdom. The company aims to simplify the transition to clean and self-sufficient home energy management by offering easy-to-install solar systems and efficient battery storage options. Glowb is committed to enhancing the customer experience through seamless integration of technology and personalized service, ensuring that clean and smart home energy solutions are accessible to all UK homeowners.

Shiru, Inc. is a food technology company based in Oakland, California, established in 2019. It specializes in the development and production of proteins aimed at replacing dairy products and eggs within the food industry. Utilizing artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and precision biology, Shiru focuses on the discovery and creation of novel, sustainable protein ingredients. By leveraging computational design, the company aims to provide enhanced protein solutions that support environmentally friendly practices while meeting consumer demands. Shiru's innovative approach positions it at the forefront of efforts to create sustainable and healthier food options.

Kukua is an edutainment company founded in 2014 and based in San Francisco, California. It specializes in developing mobile game applications aimed at children aged 5 to 10, focusing on foundational skills such as reading, writing, and math. The company operates under the brand name SEMA and creates engaging learning experiences through a universe of proprietary characters. Kukua is known for its Super Sema franchise, which encompasses animated series, games, and toys designed to seamlessly blend entertainment with educational value. By utilizing smartphones and electronic devices, Kukua strives to empower children to dream, imagine, and learn through interactive cartoons, music, and digital experiences.

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 is an integrated workflow marketplace designed for fresh food suppliers and restaurants. The company operates a web-based platform that facilitates restaurant supply management by connecting vendors with buyers of fresh ingredients. Through its marketplace and order management system, FreshKet streamlines the purchasing process, allowing clients to efficiently find vendors, buy or sell fresh products, and enhance the transparency of their transactions. This approach not only improves operational efficiency but also helps businesses increase profitability.

Novameat is a company focused on developing advanced technological solutions for creating plant-based meat substitutes. By addressing the inefficiencies and unsustainability of traditional animal agriculture, Novameat aims to provide a healthy, humane, and environmentally sustainable food supply. The company's proprietary micro-extrusion technology enables the production of plant-based products that closely replicate the texture, appearance, taste, and nutritional qualities of various animal meats, including beef steaks. This innovation seeks to meet the demands of the growing global population while offering affordable, vegan alternatives for consumers. Novameat has garnered media attention from major outlets, highlighting its role in the evolving landscape of food technology.

Optoro, Inc. is a provider of a reverse logistics platform that specializes in managing distressed inventory for retailers, manufacturers, and third-party providers. Founded in 2004 and based in Washington, D.C., with an additional location in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, the company offers asset recovery solutions that include direct-to-consumer remarketing of customer returns, overstock, discontinued products, and refurbished items through various online channels. Optoro's software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform features a returns management system that manages the entire returns lifecycle, from initiation to resale, integrating customer-facing channels with back-end operational systems. The company also provides inventory management services, which encompass warehousing, fulfillment, inspection, testing, and eco-friendly disposal, as well as asset maximization services that utilize data analytics for multi-channel remarketing and reporting. With a focus on enhancing recovery and minimizing environmental waste, Optoro serves clients both in the United States and internationally.

Cognixion, Inc. is a technology company focused on developing innovative solutions for individuals with communication disabilities. The company specializes in biosignal recognition software, particularly through its flagship product, Speakprose, which utilizes a brain-computer interface (BCI) to translate brainwaves into speech, allowing non-verbal individuals to communicate. In addition to software, Cognixion also creates hardware, including a speech-generating device and a sensory communication system that integrates eye tracking technology. Founded in 2014 and based in Santa Barbara, California, Cognixion aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with severe speech impairments and other disabilities by enabling them to express themselves and interact with their environment using thought alone.

AgBiome, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Durham, North Carolina, that focuses on the agriculture industry through the development of biological products. Founded in 2012, AgBiome leverages its expertise in plant-associated microbes and modern genomics to create innovative solutions aimed at enhancing plant health, pest resistance, and crop yields. The company addresses critical agricultural challenges, including soil-borne diseases, insects, and nematodes, by offering fungicides and a platform that identifies and screens diverse microbial strains. AgBiome collaborates with prominent agricultural partners to accelerate discovery processes and broaden the reach of its sustainable products in global markets. With a dedicated team of over 85 employees and a state-of-the-art laboratory and greenhouse facility, AgBiome is committed to improving food production responsibly.

MeliBio, Inc. is a technology-driven company based in Oakland, California, founded in 2020 by Aaron M. Schaller, PhD, and Darko Mandich. The company specializes in producing vegan nectar products that serve as a molecularly identical alternative to traditional honey. By employing advancements in plant biology, precision fermentation, and synthetic biology, MeliBio creates honey without the involvement of bees, aiming to mitigate the negative impact of commercial bee farming on biodiversity. In 2023, MeliBio launched its consumer-facing brand, Mellody, further expanding its market presence. Recognized by TIME as one of the Best Inventions of 2021, MeliBio is committed to providing sustainable and innovative solutions in the food industry.

Arborea Ltd. is a biochemical technology company based in London, United Kingdom, founded in 2015 by CEO Julian Melchiorri. The company specializes in developing innovative bio-based products utilizing carbon bio-converter cell technology, particularly focusing on urban environments and wastewater treatment. Arborea has created the BioSolar Leaf system, a tiling solution that mimics the natural processes of photosynthesis, enabling the growth of microscopic plants to produce healthy food ingredients. This system sequesters carbon dioxide, generates breathable oxygen, and purifies the air, thereby addressing environmental concerns while enhancing food production. By offering a scalable and cost-effective platform, Arborea aims to make sustainable and nutritious food accessible to all, significantly reducing the costs associated with traditional fermentation methods. Through its unique approach, the company is committed to harmonizing food production with ecological sustainability.

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 based in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel, that focuses on leveraging gut microbiome analysis to provide tailored health solutions for metabolic diseases such as diabetes, prediabetes, clinical obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Founded in 2015, DayTwo utilizes a web-based platform that offers personalized dietary recommendations through its innovative Food Prescriptions™, which are designed to help individuals manage their blood sugar levels and improve overall health. By sequencing gut microbiomes, the company identifies how different foods affect each person, allowing for customized nutrition plans. DayTwo's virtual care model is supported by Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists and Registered Dietitians, who engage with patients through a smartphone application to track progress and ensure adherence to the dietary recommendations.

Rediv is an e-commerce company based in southwest France that operates an online marketplace specializing in the buying and selling of second-hand clothing for all age groups and genders. Established in 2013, the company has positioned itself as a trusted provider in the niche of second-hand apparel, allowing users to renew their wardrobes while saving money. Customers can send in their quality clothing through a prepaid system and receive payment for selected items. In return, they can shop for various brands at significantly reduced prices, fostering a sustainable approach to fashion.

Algramo is a Chilean company founded in 2013 that specializes in the retail of consumer products through automated dispensing machines utilizing returnable containers. Its business model focuses on providing basic necessity items, such as detergents, rice, and oil, in bulk to address affordability issues faced by low-income families, often referred to as the "poverty tax." By establishing wholesale relationships with manufacturers, Algramo purchases products in larger quantities, thereby reducing packaging costs without compromising quality. This innovative approach not only lowers prices for consumers but also minimizes the environmental impact of packaging waste. Algramo's automated dispensing platform enables customers to buy the precise amount of products they need at competitive prices, promoting a sustainable and cost-effective distribution system.

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 specializes in manufacturing renewed apparel and upcycled materials from discarded textiles. Founded in 2014, it partners with well-known brands and retailers to transform unsellable returns and excess inventory into a range of products, including jackets, sweatshirts, pants, and swimwear, as well as accessories like luggage packs and gift cards. By integrating resale and renewal services, the company aims to reduce waste in the fashion industry and promote sustainable practices. Through its initiatives, The Renewal Workshop enables clothing brands to enhance their revenue while minimizing their environmental footprint. Its products are available for purchase both online and in physical stores.

Cervest Limited is a London-based company that specializes in climate intelligence through its AI-powered machine learning platform. Established in 2015, Cervest focuses on translating complex Earth Science data to forecast risks and opportunities for sustainable growth. Its key product, EarthScan, empowers decision-makers across various sectors, including food and beverage, insurance, and government, to quantify and manage climate-related risks at an asset level. The platform provides open and independent tools that help users understand the potential impacts of climate events such as flooding, droughts, and extreme temperatures on their assets. As a Certified B Corporation, Cervest is committed to democratizing access to climate intelligence and promoting shared responsibility in safeguarding critical assets against climate change.

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 that specializes in creating consciously designed technical clothing with a focus on sustainability. Founded by Nina Faulhaber and Meg He, the company operates from New York and London, offering an e-commerce platform that emphasizes the concept of capsule wardrobes. By combining seasonless design with high-quality technical fabrics, ADAY aims to provide versatile clothing options that encourage outfit repetition and reduce consumption. The brand's commitment to a sustainable supply chain underlines its mission to deliver clever styles that bring energy and joy to customers while promoting a more mindful approach to fashion.

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.