Idle Smart earns $125K in national clean energy program
December 1, 2016 | Bobby Burch
Idle Smart recently was dubbed a top clean-energy firm and won some substantial investment capital for its technology.
Based in Kansas City, Kan., the company was voted by its peers as the top firm in the Energy: US 2016 program, nabbing $125,000 for its smart thermostat device for fleet vehicles, such as semi-trucks. The company’s device only kicks the truck on when necessary to maintain the temperature of the cabin, recharge batteries or create engine warmth, thus saving fuel and mitigating environmental impact.
To win the program, nine startups ranked each other in a peer-selection process and named Idle Smart as the top firm. The Autonomous Tractor Corporation won second prize and $100,000.
Village Capital, the New Belgium Family Foundation and Sustainable America awarded Idle Smart the funds. As part of the program, Idle Smart also received mentoring from industry experts and potential investors.
Founded by CEO Jeff Lynch in 2012, Idle Smart is based in the Kansas City Startup Village and owns a patent on its smart thermostat tech. In July, Startland News named the company as one of its top under-the-radar startups in Kansas City.
2016 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Efficiency, innovative home construction are cornerstones for Prairie Design Build
David Schleicher was just looking for something to get back on track. In 2012, the president of Prairie Design Build, a house building company located in Kansas City, had watched his then six-year-old business begin to suffer because of the recent recession. Schleicher was desperately seeking a way to keep his head above water, not…
Listen: When the grind gets gloomy, experts discuss mental health challenges and entrepreneurship
About 72 percent of entrepreneurs have self-reported mental health concerns, according to a study done by the University of California San Francisco. More specifically, about 30 percent of entrepreneurs experience depression and about 30 percent experience ADHD, the same study found. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Startland News and Think Big’s May Innovation…
6 tips and tricks to stay sane while scaling fast
Frequently taking on more demands and shirking personal care, entrepreneurs’ work-life balance often skews toward work. Deadlines, finding clients, making payroll and dozens of other stressors can put entrepreneurs at risk of mental illness or compound existing challenges. Furthermore, entrepreneurs are disproportionately affected by such issues as ADHD, bipolar disorder and depression, according to studies…
Video: How to use the lean model canvas for fun and profit
Editor’s note: Continuing our mission to help area entrepreneurs and startups grow, we’re happy to share with you a video from our friends at Kansas City-based tech agency Crema. Learn more about the agency here. Starting a business, or launching a product is really hard. Most people will tell you to first come up with…