Read about five innovative startups that just received funding: from eco-friendly wind turbines to lab-grown meat production.
Airbnb was a startup. As was Uber, Instagram, Pinterest or Pandora. From pitch decks to pivots, from seed funding to Series A rounds, the startup world is one where anything can happen. But let’s face it, there’s a lot of hype surrounding startups these days. Every other day, you hear of some new app or platform that’s supposed to change the world. And while some of them do manage to make a splash, others simply fizzle out.
Why Startups?
So why all the hype? Well, for one thing, startups are exciting. They’re like the wild west of the business world, with entrepreneurs dreaming up new ideas and taking big risks, not to mention the potential for massive payoffs. Who doesn’t want to be the next Mark Zuckerberg?
Startups are often founded by passionate individuals who have identified a problem or gap in the market and are driven to create a solution. The startup environment fosters innovation and experimentation, with a culture that values creativity, risk-taking, and rapid iteration.
While the vast majority of startups fail, the ones that succeed can generate enormous wealth for their founders, investors, and employees. The dream of striking it rich through a successful startup has inspired countless entrepreneurs to pursue their vision, even in the face of daunting odds.
However, the hype surrounding startups can also be misleading. The media often glamorizes the world of startups, portraying it as a glamorous and exciting adventure. In reality, starting a company is grueling work that requires long hours, constant learning, and the ability to navigate a complex and ever-changing landscape. Many entrepreneurs face significant challenges along the way, including securing funding, building a team, and competing against established players in the market.
But here’s the thing: not every startup is going to be the next Facebook or Uber. In fact, most of them won’t even come close. But the following startups that just got funded might.
Modvion
Image courtesy of Modvion
Modvion is a company that is changing the wind energy industry with its innovative wooden wind turbine towers instead of the traditional steel, fibreglass and plastic ones. With their Wind of Change project, Modvion aims to revolutionize the way wind turbines are constructed and maintained, as their wooden towers are not only cost-effective and eco-friendly, but they can also be easily assembled on-site, reducing the need for heavy machinery and cranes. Their modular design also allows for easy transportation and customisation to fit the needs of any project paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Meatable
Image courtesy of Meatable
The food and beverage industry has received a funding of $172.8M from Golden Angel Investors for Meatable, an organic meat production company that sells lab-grown meat in the market. According to the company’s founders, current meat production cannot meet future demands, and it is unethical to kill animals for food. Meatable uses a single cell from animals’ bodies and develops the entire organ in labs, replicating a process that takes three years in the natural environment within three weeks. This innovative process may offer a solution for improving food security without compromising on taste, health, and the authenticity of real meat.
Cloudtalk
CloudTalk, a software and SaaS company, has secured €7.3M in funding from investors including HenQ, Point Nine Capital, and Presto Ventures. Their next-generation business calling software is designed for data-driven teams, providing advanced call quality to connect more efficiently with clients. Additionally, CloudTalk offers data intelligence, AI, and machine learning to enhance the customer experience and customize it according to each user’s unique demands. With CloudTalk, customer support and sales teams can streamline their workflows, using built-in analytics to track performance indicators in real-time and identify new growth opportunities seamlessly. The software also features a comprehensive set of native tools and dozens of integrations with CRMs, helpdesk solutions, and other tools for maximum efficiency.
Undress
The travel industry has recently received a funding of $600K from crowdfunding for Undress, an app that offers a mobile changing room for women, in the shape of a dress. If you struggle to change clothes in public spaces, this is the solution. Undress allows you to change your clothes quickly and easily, providing a worry-free experience, which allows you to do things such as exercising outdoors with peace of mind, knowing that you can change clothes safely and privately.
HqO
HqO is a mobile app that has recently received $106.9M in funding from Insight Partners. The app is designed to assist landlords in creating spaces that tenants will love through onsite retail and services, allowing landlords to receive real-time updates about any features that are not available on the premises. This enables them to take quick action and resolve issues promptly, allowing landlords to even schedule repair and renovation work with tenants through the app. Whether it’s resolving maintenance issues or providing access to on-site amenities, HqO is the app of choice for landlords looking to create an exceptional tenant experience.