Climate Tech Startup Program Empowers Underrepresented Founders

Finding success as an entrepreneur is never easy, but for underrepresented founders in the tech industry, the barriers can be especially high. Climate tech startups, in particular, face unique challenges in securing funding and building sustainable businesses. In response, a new initiative is aiming to help bridge that gap for underrepresented entrepreneurs.

Ashley Vaughn’s Journey to EVALV

Ashley Vaughn, like many electric vehicle (EV) drivers, found themselves stranded in a rural area near Seattle when their Tesla ran out of battery. Frustrated by the lack of compatible chargers at nearby stations, Vaughn turned this experience into an idea—offering rental adapters at EV charging stations to expand charger utility for all EV drivers. Vaughn’s startup, EVALV, had promise but needed support to take off.

This is where 45Camp, a climate and clean tech startup program designed for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), women, and other underrepresented groups, came in. Vaughn, an accountant by trade, found the mentorship and resources offered by 45Camp instrumental in shaping their business idea into a tangible startup.

The 45Camp Initiative

Launched by Pacific Northwest nonprofit VertueLab in collaboration with Tabor 100, a nonprofit based in Tukwila, Washington, 45Camp provides a unique opportunity for climate tech entrepreneurs. The free program offers underrepresented founders access to mentorship, workshops, and resources, aiming to level the playing field in an industry that can often feel inaccessible to those without established networks.

Earlier this year, 45Camp hosted “Jumpstart” weekends in Washington and Oregon, where 33 participants spent three days refining their ideas, conducting customer interviews, and building pitch decks to present to potential investors. Entrepreneurs with the most promising ideas were then invited to join a pre-accelerator program where they could further develop their business models with mentor support.

The program has helped founders like Vaughn gain confidence and connections. Vaughn, initially hesitant to participate, found the experience both empowering and transformative, saying, “It reminded me that I am confident, and I do have great ideas.”

Funding and Support for Underrepresented Climate Tech Founders

The funding landscape for climate tech startups is challenging, with many products combining hardware and software, which increases costs and development time. On top of that, venture capital has slowed across the tech sector. However, a recent report by Crunchbase found that despite the broader slowdown, funding to startups founded by Black entrepreneurs has remained more resilient than the overall market.

At the end of the accelerator program, 45Camp narrowed its pool of participants to 15 finalists. Among them, Vaughn’s startup, EVALV, was chosen to pitch to potential investors. The Washington finalists, including Vaughn, will receive $25,000 in grant funding, giving their startups a much-needed boost to take the next steps toward growth.

Other finalists include:

• Geb Mengistu, developing renewable energy alternatives to fossil-fuel-powered backup generators.

• James Mutitu, whose startup is focused on printing solar cells from a sustainable material called perovskite.

• Rafael Ellison, creating a virtual hub to connect service providers and technicians with clean tech expertise.

These entrepreneurs are part of a broader movement that aims to bring diverse perspectives and solutions to the climate tech sector, where innovation is essential to tackling climate change.

Mentorship: The Heart of 45Camp

Mentorship plays a key role in 45Camp’s success. Participants had access to mentors from diverse backgrounds with deep expertise in climate tech, communication, and business development. For instance, AnnaMaria White, who previously worked at Amazon and with aerospace engineers, helps founders articulate their complex ideas to investors and customers. Angie Parker, a former Air Force radar technician, supports founders by helping them zero in on customer needs and next steps in their business development.

Vaughn credits the program with helping EVALV find a chief technology officer, Harley Rosnow, a former Microsoft programmer. This new partnership was a crucial step toward refining the technical aspects of Vaughn’s EV charger adapter rental service.

Looking Ahead: The Future of 45Camp

Though 45Camp will not return in its current form, the feedback from participants has shaped future programming aimed at supporting climate tech founders. As 45Camp accelerator manager Leo Ochoa puts it, “The more Pacific Northwest climate tech entrepreneurs we meet, the more we discover their unique needs and goals.”

With continued backing from supporters like U.S. Senator Patty Murray, who helped secure funding for the program, 45Camp and similar initiatives will evolve to foster innovation and diversity in climate tech.

The climate tech industry needs diverse voices and ideas to tackle the complex challenges of climate change. Initiatives like 45Camp provide a critical platform for underrepresented entrepreneurs to bring their solutions to life. By offering mentorship, funding, and a supportive community, 45Camp helps level the playing field for BIPOC founders and others who have historically been underrepresented in tech and business. Programs like this are essential to building a more inclusive and resilient future for climate tech innovation.

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