Circular Economy Startups

ATRenew operates a business focused on pre-owned consumer electronic devices, including recycling and redistribution, and runs charitable initiatives such as donating refurbished devices to support education. The company is based in China and engages in circular economy activities around used electronics.

1 investor

Aukro is a Czech online marketplace for buying and selling new and second-hand goods, including electronics, clothing, home items, and vehicles. It also hosts specialized categories for collectors and investors, such as numismatics, art, philately, and antiques.

1 investor

Austin Elements recovers high-specification battery precursors and critical minerals from spent lithium-ion batteries through recycling processes. The company serves manufacturers and producers in the energy transition and battery supply chain industries.

1 investor

AustroCel processes wood and forestry by-products, using the material through cascading use to produce cellulose-based and CO₂-neutral products rather than burning residuals. The company positions itself around circular economy and sustainable use of natural resources.

1 investor

Manufacture of materials made from leather powder for design, crafts, and composite applications as sustainable alternatives to virgin plastics.

1 investor

Autocirc operates an ecosystem that recovers original auto parts from total loss vehicles so they can be reused, remanufactured, or recycled, connecting insurers and repair workshops to reintroduce these parts to the spare parts market. The company also handles dismantling, testing, and resale of reusable EV parts and batteries, with a focus on the Nordic automotive aftermarket.

1 investor

Auum makes a connected cleaning machine (Auum-S) and a reusable double-walled glass that use dry steam heated above 140°C to clean and disinfect drinkware in seconds, providing an alternative to disposable cups in workplace break areas. It targets companies across Europe looking to reduce single-use waste and support corporate sustainability (RSE) goals.

1 investor

AUX Mobility operates an online auction platform (AUX Board) for buying and selling used and accident/salvage vehicles, aiming to maximize resale value and reuse for its customers. The company also develops cloud services and handles transaction data acquisition and analysis as part of building a circular-economy platform, operating across Japan.

1 investor

AWSM is a condiment brand that delivers sauce and seasoning ingredients in powder form that customers mix with water at home, reducing single-use plastic packaging. The company serves home cooks and families seeking sustainable, convenient alternatives to bottled condiments.

1 investor

Axil is a single-provider waste management partner for manufacturers, handling total waste management on-site including material recovery, hazardous waste, recycling, collection route optimisation, and carbon and compliance reporting. It embeds operatives within client teams and offers volume-based pricing, a client data portal, and CIWM-certified training to cut costs and reduce environmental impact.

1 investor

Axipolymer is an innovation partner in the polymer industry, developing advanced sustainable solutions for the plastics sector. The company focuses on scientifically driven materials aimed at transforming the global plastics industry.

1 investor

Azura Runway is an online retailer of luxury fashion, selling new and pre-owned designer clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories from brands such as Chanel, Gucci, and Brunello Cucinelli. It targets consumers seeking high-end and pre-loved designer apparel and accessories.

1 investor

BacAlt uses fermentation to convert agricultural waste into fully natural bacterial biopolymers that replace synthetic ingredients. It supplies these functional biopolymers to formulators across sectors including home care, cosmetics, oral care, agri-chem, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals.

1 investor

Back Market operates an online marketplace for refurbished consumer electronics such as smartphones, computers, and gadgets sold by vetted refurbishers, with buyer protections and trade-in options. It also offers device protection plans and financing, positioning refurbished tech as a lower-cost, more sustainable alternative to buying new.

1 investor

Badili Kenya sells certified refurbished smartphones such as the Apple iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro, each passing quality checks and backed by a 12-month warranty and 7-day replacement guarantee. It operates as an online consumer electronics retailer offering nationwide delivery across Kenya.

1 investor

BAIE Minerals develops technology to reclaim and repurpose abandoned mine tailings, detoxifying contaminated waste such as asbestos tailings while extracting industrial and critical minerals and sequestering CO2 through carbon mineralization. The company serves the mining and resource extraction sectors, focusing on former mine sites in Newfoundland, Canada.</parameter> <parameter name="founders">[]

1 investor

BAKE Inc. is a Japanese confectionery company that manufactures and sells baked sweets through specialty retail brands such as BAKE CHEESE TART, PRESS BUTTER SAND, and RINGO, and also runs e-commerce shops and web media. It operates 88 stores across Japan and overseas markets including Singapore, China, the US, and Taiwan.

1 investor

Banksmeadow Recycling is an independent recycling facility accepting building demolition waste, concrete, garden waste, wood, and asphalt from construction companies, waste collectors, and the public in Sydney. The facility operates 24 hours with fast turnaround service near Sydney's CBD.

1 investor

Bardee uses insects to convert commercial food waste into insect protein ingredients and fertilisers, sold in bulk and retail. It also offers a waste advisory service to help businesses cut waste management costs and reduce Scope 3 emissions.

1 investor

Bast Fibre Tech develops engineered technical natural fibres, such as hemp, designed to replace plastic in consumer fabrics and nonwoven products. It works with partners across the growing, manufacturing, and consumer goods supply chain to reduce plastic use.

1 investor

Renewance provides lifecycle management services and software for industrial batteries, including battery energy storage systems and EV batteries, covering deployment, operational performance, and compliant end-of-life management. It serves industrial battery applications with a focus on safety, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

1 investor

TERREPOWER remanufactures essential products to extend their life cycle, reduce waste, and provide sustainable manufacturing solutions to industrial customers. The company operates in the circular economy with business across 90+ countries and manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe.

1 investor

BC Biocarbon uses proprietary pyrolysis technology to convert residual biomass into Black Bear Biochar, a high-carbon soil input that improves water retention, supports microbial activity, and stores carbon for horticultural and agricultural use as well as carbon removal. It operates a commercial facility in Saskatchewan and supplies biochar for professional and retail soil mixes through partners such as Sun Gro.

1 investor

Bcomp develops bio-based composite materials, including its ampliTex flax fibre technical fabrics and powerRibs reinforcement grids, as lightweight, lower-carbon alternatives to carbon and glass fibre reinforcements. Its products serve OEMs and manufacturers across automotive, mass transportation, motorsports, marine, sports, infrastructure, and lifestyle applications.

1 investor