MassVentures

Check out all the great sessions at Startup Boston Week. Hear from a variety of thought leaders and investors, including Stacy Swider, VP Investments at MassVentures.

At MassVentures, we are dedicated to supporting exceptional founders who are addressing critical challenges in innovative and scalable ways. One of the most pressing issues of our time is environmental pollution, particularly the threat posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals." These substances, once hailed for their utility and non-toxic properties, are now recognized as persistent carcinogens contaminating all living organisms, including humans, and even the rain. Their notorious durability makes them extremely difficult to eliminate. Traditional methods like incineration merely disperse them into the air, while deep well injection or capture and burial only temporarily delay their environmental impact. Aclarity offers a groundbreaking solution. Their low-energy technology effectively breaks the carbon-fluorine bonds that give PFAS compounds their resilience, ensuring their complete destruction. Using electrochemical oxidation (EOx), Aclarity's equipment passes an electric current through liquid to mineralize PFAS compounds at the anode surface. This process is efficient, requiring neither high pressures nor high temperatures, and avoids harsh chemical amendments. The system's elegant flow-through design integrates seamlessly with existing water treatment facilities, enhancing energy efficiency. Proven to destroy C4-C9 PFAS compounds in both raw leachate and various concentrates, Aclarity’s technology stands out as a robust solution for diverse treatment processes. As regulatory bodies such as the EPA, various US states, and European authorities tighten PFAS regulations, the demand for effective site-specific treatment solutions continues to rise. Aclarity’s system is rapidly becoming a preferred choice for wastewater management. Its low energy requirements, high destruction rates, and automated operations provide a turnkey solution for on-site PFAS elimination, adaptable to varying site conditions. Furthermore, the system enables new revenue streams for customers and mitigates the risks associated with PFAS waste transportation. Witnessing Aclarity's evolution from a UMass spinout to a leader in the domain has been immensely gratifying. Under the leadership of CEO Julie Bliss Mullen, the company has fostered a high-performance culture rooted in communication, safety, and trust. We are thrilled about the milestones Aclarity is poised to achieve this year and in the future. https://lnkd.in/ec_55vVR Charlie Hipwood Stacy Swider Vinit Nijhawan (he/him) Priya Yadav Myron Kassaraba Sienna Leis Whitney Leslie Julie Bliss Mullen Leanne Hersey Pamela Lynch Orren Schneider John Tracy Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) #PFAS #Innovation

Excited to share highlights from FY2024. Over the past year, MassVentures provided grants and venture funding to more than 50 startups and PIs to fulfill its mission of supporting the innovation economy and the economic growth initiatives of the Commonwealth. These activities, coupled with over 8200 hours of business guidance, helped deliver well-prepared founders who went on to receive more than $500M in federal non-dilutive grants, raise over $750M in venture capital, and create new jobs. We’re proud to be part of Team Massachusetts! Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) Yvonne Hao Sarah Stanton Gabriela Santana Goldstein Charlie Hipwood Vinit Nijhawan (he/him) Priya Yadav Stacy Swider Myron Kassaraba Sienna Leis Whitney Leslie #innovation #startups

This is a great opportunity to meet investors in Western Massachusetts. Startup founders can learn more about the ecosystem and hear from venture firms, including MassVentures' Priya Yadav, VP of Investments. Register in advance for the July 18th event: https://lnkd.in/gDh63GzR Charlie Hipwood Priya Yadav Vinit Nijhawan (he/him) Stacy Swider Myron Kassaraba Sienna Leis Whitney Leslie

Applications are due August 2 for the first ever Cleantech Open Northeast / NECEC Direct Air Capture (DAC) Academy this fall. It's a dedicated accelerator for #DAC #startups at TRL 3-5. This is complementary to the Cleantech Open #accelerator. We will be accepting five (5) DAC startups with promising solutions that can help keep temperature rise below 1.5 degrees C. Upon completion, each startup will receive a $10,000 #cash #award. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eYq7bkPD Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/ean2d_ew Cleantech Open Northeast was awarded the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Direct Air Capture (DAC) Pre-Commercial Energy Program for Innovation Clusters (EPIC) Prize to run this program. https://lnkd.in/eFvccj8f

Planning a road trip this summer? Add MassVentures’ Fundable Founder podcast to your playlist so you can improve your know-how while getting from point A to point B. When you’re launching a new tech business, there is a lot to learn, and if you're like many first-time founders, you may be unaware of the gaps in your knowledge. From IP strategy to sales to product management, this podcast offers tips for first-time founders in short, incisive interviews with dozens of business experts. Listen at https://lnkd.in/eGkaCCvB or find us on Apple and Spotify. Charlie Hipwood Priya Yadav Stacy Swider Vinit Nijhawan (he/him) Sienna Leis Whitney Leslie

Thanks for the shoutout C10 Labs. MassVentures is proud to support early-stage founders in Massachusetts and excited to continue participating in the climatetech innovation ecosystem.

Congratulations to Elise Strobach, Aaron Baskerville-Bridges, Kyle Wilke and the entire AeroShield Materials team on this huge achievement! MassVentures is proud to support your journey towards a more sustainable future. Charlie Hipwood Vinit Nijhawan (he/him) Priya Yadav Stacy Swider Sienna Leis Whitney Leslie

Looking to fast-track your technological innovation? The U.S. National Science Foundation has just launched a pilot initiative for startups and small businesses to develop new products and services based on prior NSF-funded research. Eligible companies can submit one proposal for more than $2 million for a "Fast-Track" award to support research and development activities that may take up to three years to complete. Learn more about the program and eligibility requirements at https://lnkd.in/gP82tGF3 Charlie Hipwood Priya Yadav Vinit Nijhawan (he/him) Stacy Swider Sienna Leis Whitney Leslie #innovation #technology #nondilutive