Ashley Vaughn, the founder of EVALV, had a frustrating experience when their Tesla died in a rural area without a compatible EV charger nearby. This inspired Vaughn to create a business solution to expand charger utility by offering rental adapters at EV charging stations. However, finding funding and mentorship for startups, especially for underrepresented entrepreneurs, can be a major challenge. In response to this, VertueLab and Tabor 100 collaborated to launch 45Camp, a climate and clean tech startup program for BIPOC, women, and other underrepresented individuals.
45 Camp hosted “Jumpstart” weekends where attendees defined their ideas, tested them through customer interviews, and built pitch decks for potential funders. Entrepreneurs were then invited to participate in a virtual pre-accelerator to further develop their ideas with mentor support. Despite the decline in venture capital funding for tech startups, particularly in the climate tech sector, 45Camp aims to support and guide entrepreneurs through the challenges of customer discovery, legal hurdles, team building, event planning, and other aspects of operating a successful business.
Keith Crossland, the founder and CEO of Carbon Negative Solutions, was one of the participants in the 45Camp program. With mentor feedback, Crossland was able to refine his startup pitch and eventually won awards for best startup and best business model. Similar startup programs like Greentown Labs, LACI, and Northwest Xcelerator offer support and resources to entrepreneurs in various regions. Mentors in the 45Camp program, such as AnnaMaria White and Angie Parker, provide valuable assistance in communication strategies and business development.
Vaughn, the founder of EVALV, discovered 45Camp while seeking resources for their startup. Despite initial reluctance, Vaughn found the program to be an empowering experience that helped them realize their potential and connect with valuable mentors and peers. EVALV is one of the finalists chosen to pitch to potential funders, alongside other innovative startups working on renewable energy, printing solar cells, and launching a virtual hub for clean tech services. The program aims to provide grant funding to support these startups in their growth and development.
45Camp was supported by funds from U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and aims to evolve and grow the ecosystem for climate tech entrepreneurs in the Pacific Northwest. The program won’t be offered again in the same format, but feedback from participants will inform future efforts to meet the unique needs and goals of entrepreneurs in the region. By providing mentorship, funding, and resources, programs like 45Camp are essential in supporting underrepresented founders in the climate tech industry and helping them bring their innovative ideas to life.
