VertueLab
VertueLab is a non-profit organization based in Portland, Oregon, focused on catalyzing climate solutions through technology-based economic development and impact investing. Founded in 2007, it supports cleantech startups and promotes sustainable innovations while fostering entrepreneurship to address environmental challenges.
History
VertueLab was founded in 2007, originally under the name Oregon BEST. The organization rebranded to VertueLab to better reflect its evolved mission and expanded services. Over the past 15 years, it has focused on catalyzing climate solutions and supporting cleantech innovators.
Mission and Objectives
The mission of VertueLab is to unleash innovation and entrepreneurship to address environmental challenges and promote shared economic prosperity. The organization aims to bridge the gap between cleantech innovators and funders, providing essential support and funding to accelerate growth.
Programs and Services
VertueLab offers several programs, including a ten-week pre-accelerator and a ten-week accelerator as part of the 45Camp program. This program is specifically designed to assist cleantech companies in growing and attracting capital. Additionally, the organization runs the Cascadia CleanTech Accelerator and the Just Future Climate Labs initiative.
Funding and Impact
VertueLab has secured over $21 million in federal grants for companies and has invested more than $9.5 million through its Climate Impact Fund. This fund has the potential to reduce emissions by 6.4 gigatons and has successfully secured over $600 million in follow-on funding for cleantech startups.
Specialties
VertueLab specializes in technology-based economic development, cleantech commercialization, sustainable built environment innovation, renewable energy innovation, industry/university collaborative research, catalytic capital, and impact investing. The organization focuses on supporting cleantech startups and measuring their environmental and social impact.