ulive.gr

To preserve our environment for future generations, we have no choice but to shift towards more sustainable practices. There are five Greek startups that have managed to thrive using an eco-friendly approach in their day-to-day operations. No matter their area of expertise, they all consider their ecological footprint before putting their ideas into action. This has given them a competitive edge over their counterparts and has simultaneously aided them to grow continuously and become key players in the startup market. To understand the size of the green startup market it is critical to consider that over $13 billion were invested in climate-tech startups in the first half of 2023.

Dataphoria is a startup focusing on the integration of technology and sustainability that was founded in 2021. They utilize data analytics to track the impact of current practices and at the same time provide solutions for limiting emissions. They consult various firms from different industries guiding them towards ESG strategies while also providing dynamic performance monitoring with real-time sustainability dashboards. Furthermore, Dataphoria also conducts a carbon footprint analysis followed by a product life cycle assessment.

This helps firms adjust their products, which will prolong their presence in the market. The incorporation of green infographics allows clients to visualize their sustainability achievements and gives them a sense of what they have been doing well and what they can work towards improving. The sustainable evolution of products over time is the ultimate goal that the startup works around. By providing both general and specific data, it aims to provide its clients with a well-rounded understanding of where their product stands both on a local and global scale.

Find the latest interview here.

EV Loader is a charging management application focusing on electric vehicles since 2018. The main function of the app is to promote grid flexibility and incentivize users to charge their cars during time intervals when there is low demand in the energy grid. During periods when the renewable energy grid experiences shortages, the app will hint its users not to charge through its pricing mechanism since the price per kW will be more expensive. Undoubtedly, the app is a win-win situation both for charging station owners and EV drivers.

On the one hand, owners can list their stations and enjoy more charges per day than before which translates into more revenue. On the other hand, drivers can enjoy easy access to stations by clicking on the map feature and will be able to check price fluctuations. Moreover, the usage of blockchain technology for data exchanges and the control of the station, user, and car simultaneously has proven critical in its success. At the same time, the utilization of predictive models that forecast station occupancy makes the app user-friendly as it ensures that clients get served quickly and effectively. EV Loader also provides charging management software to companies that can utilize it to operate efficiently by developing a strategy around it. Just recently, the startup also introduced an e-shop with EV chargers that are compatible with their software and can be purchased for personal use. In the near future, the team aims at reaching 1.5 billion euros in transactions.

Find the latest interview here.

Sintali is a startup focusing on the verification of environmental performance and sustainability claims in green buildings since 2020. The team cooperates with companies to help them become successful by meeting certification standards and creating a pathway to decarbonize the environment. Sinatali also acts from an advisory standpoint by assisting in the development and implementation of new verification programs aimed at sustainable cities, sustainable finance, and green building codes.

Another key area of focus is the education and training of individuals to increase accessibility for sustainable development. More specifically, the startup closely collaborates with EDGE experts who work with clients to ensure that buildings possess eco-friendly mechanisms that increase their sustainability performance. Despite the fact that Sintali has already entered more than 80 countries, it aims to expand even further to leave its footprint on global green building development.

Find the latest interview here.

Coffeeco was founded in 2022. The startup focuses on transforming the espresso supply chain from linear to circular. To do so, they collect coffee waste and use it to maximize resources that yield infinite financial returns. As a result, the team reduces waste disposal costs for firms and simultaneously promotes sustainable product development. Noticeably enough, two cups of coffee are consumed on a daily average per capita. This translates into waste amounting to 50 grams and 93.5 grams of CO2 emissions daily.

Coffeeco uses biomass to create sustainable raw materials for the cosmetics and food industries. To be exact, they have developed a unique upcycle ecosystem through which they conduct large coffee ground orders, then transform the beans into sustainable ingredients and sell them to their client base. Their business model contains three areas of innovation. First, they have established a protected technology for ingredient production. Second, the exclusive contracts signed with suppliers allow them to control the supply and competition. Lastly, exclusive partnerships give them the chance to upcycle 100% of collected waste without any volume limits. In its effort to create a long-lasting environmental impact, Coffeeco aims to achieve a 50% increase per year in total tons of waste upcycled.

Find the latest interview here.

Phee was founded in 2015. It relies on wasted seagrass in the Mediterranean coastline and creates eco-friendly products that are competitive in the market. By conducting rigorous R&D, they have brought dead leaves back to life and have been the first company globally able to utilize them as a primary raw material. In parallel, the team closely cooperates with industry leaders, consumers, and relevant authorities to promote sustainable materials with the hope that they will soon dominate the market.

Over the years, the team has been engaging with the upcycling of unexploited natural resources and has created innovative biocomposites that are a more sustainable and healthier solution in an effort to limit conventional material presence. The startup has recorded a considerable number of sales from iPhone, iPad, and Samsung cases, as well as its Oceania racket and sunglasses all made from wasted seagrass. In the near future, Phee aims to expand commercial use borders for innovative and well-established product categories based on their unique raw material.

Find the latest interview here.

The potential in the green startup market is enormous! According to projections, the green technology and sustainability market size will be valued at $62 billion by 2030 from just $16.5 billion where it currently stands, and a share will certainly be allocated to green startups. Furthermore, statistics suggest that sustainable startups record a 120% increase in revenues for their first year, an 82% increase in revenues for their second year, and a 60% increase in revenues for their third year. Moreover, market research highlights that the green startup building material industry has a current valuation of $238 billion and by 2027 it is expected to reach $425.4 billion. Greek startups have a huge opportunity ahead of them, sky's the limit!

Startup Greece, dedicated to strengthening the Greek startup ecosystem, fostering global connectivity, and boosting the growth of green and sustainable startups in Greece, proudly presents BIFROST.

BIFROST is a visionary project meticulously designed to inform, educate, unite, and empower 50 Greek startups, through an immersive 6-week online pre-acceleration program, with a profound emphasis on sustainability and green development. BIFROST serves as the bridge connecting the vibrant Greek and Norwegian startup ecosystems, forging powerful connections.

This visionary project is co-financing from Innovation Norway, with International Development Norway SA serving as a valued partner organization.

References

1. https://www.cbinsights.com/company/dataphoria

2. https://www.dataphoria.gr/

3. https://registry.elevategreece.gov.gr/company/ev-loader/

4. https://shop.evloader.com/en/about/

5. https://www.sintali.com/

6. https://www.eu-startups.com/directory/coffe-eco/

7. https://coffe-eco.gr/about-us-new/

8. https://phee.gr/product/phee-racket/

9.https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/climatetech-finance/chart-whats-the-state-of-climatetech-startup-funding-in 2023#:~:text=Just%20over%20%2413%20billion%20was,the%20first%20half%20of%202022.

10.https://www.statista.com/statistics/1319996/green-technology-and-sustainability-market-size-worldwide/

11. https://medium.com/hackernoon/startup-growth-rate-5f0afe7d242d

12.https://startupsavant.com/fast-growing-industries-for-green-entrepreneurs