Circular Economy Startups

Spoiler Alert helps businesses with global supply chains reduce food waste and sell surplus inventory, addressing food insecurity and environmental sustainability challenges. The company uses data-driven analytics to maximize profitability while diverting organic waste from landfills.

8 investors

Sun Metalon develops sustainable metal manufacturing processes to reduce the environmental impact of metal production. The company serves the metal manufacturing industry with technologies designed to fundamentally change conventional production methods.

8 investors

ToZero Solutions develops a proprietary process to recover critical raw materials like lithium and graphite from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries for reintroduction into the supply chain.

8 investors

Aepnus is developing a sulfate recycling process that regenerates chemicals on-site from sodium sulfate waste, with a planned demonstration-scale plant designed to process over 500 tonnes of sodium sulfate annually. The technology targets industrial customers seeking on-site chemical regeneration and waste valorization.

7 investors

Algenesis Labs develops plant-based, biodegradable polyurethanes and polymers designed to replace petroleum-based materials while retaining durability. Its two chemical systems target manufacturers seeking non-toxic, compostable alternatives for their products.

7 investors

Arda engineers plastic-free materials from spent grain sourced from brewers and distillers, using protein hierarchies and nontoxic chemistry. The company produces performance materials for fashion, beauty, automotive, and other industries while enabling circular supply chains.

7 investors

Arka makes custom, eco-friendly corrugated shipping boxes and packaging for businesses across industries such as beauty, apparel, and consumer goods, with an online 3D design studio and instant proofs. Its products use FSC-certified paper and are manufactured in the USA.

7 investors

BatterySmart operates a marketplace connecting battery buyers and sellers in India, facilitating transactions for second-hand batteries and energy storage solutions. The platform serves consumers, retailers, and businesses looking to purchase or trade batteries.

7 investors

bitBiome provides contract analysis and collaborative research using single-cell genome sequencing technology for microbial samples. The company serves clients in biotech and related manufacturing sectors in Japan and the U.S.

7 investors

Carbon Cell is a team of designers, engineers, and scientists developing sustainable materials aimed at reducing plastic use and carbon emissions. The company operates in the sustainable materials and climate space.

7 investors

Cycle.eco builds emission-free local transportation solutions for urban areas, focusing on decarbonizing city transport and replacing polluting vehicles and congestion. The company serves businesses and individuals needing sustainable goods and passenger transport with reduced environmental impact.

7 investors

Cyclic Materials recovers rare earth elements and other critical minerals from end-of-life products through proprietary magnet separation and refining technologies. The company produces high-purity rare earth oxides and metals for use in AI infrastructure, robotics, defense systems, automotive, and renewable energy applications.

7 investors

cylib recovers lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, and manganese from used batteries through an advanced recycling process. The company serves the battery and sustainable energy industries, operating pilot and commercial-scale facilities in Germany.

7 investors

DEScycle operates a circular technology platform focused on critical minerals processing, with a demonstration facility in Teesside, UK. The company supports the recovery and processing of critical minerals through circular economy methods.

7 investors

Dust Identity develops physical identity solutions using diamond-based technology to authenticate and trace high-value products and components across supply chains. The company serves customers requiring product authentication and anti-counterfeiting capabilities in defense, aerospace, semiconductor, and industrial sectors.

7 investors

Earthodic develops bio-based coatings for the paper industry that can be applied using existing equipment, helping companies transition to circular production models. Its customers include paper manufacturers, paper coaters, packaging companies, and consumer brands.

7 investors

Fable makes plant-based meat alternatives from shiitake mushrooms, using stems grown on hardwood logs that are sun-dried, boiled, shredded, and mixed with natural ingredients to create a whole-food center-of-plate protein. The company targets consumers seeking healthier and more sustainable meat substitutes.

7 investors

For Days is a fashion recycling company that helps consumers recycle used clothing through a branded take-back program in exchange for rewards. The company focuses on diverting textiles from landfills through convenient collection and circular economy practices.

7 investors

iMicrobes uses synthetic biology to develop cost-effective sustainable materials and replace conventional manufacturing processes. The company focuses on circular economy principles, converting waste streams into value through biotechnology.

7 investors

Kubik operates a circular economy model that turns urban waste, including plastic, into low-carbon building materials for industries such as cement, working with cities and municipalities to improve waste management. It runs in Ethiopian cities including Harar and Dire Dawa, with a focus on African cities.

7 investors

LanzaTech converts carbon-rich gases from industrial sources like steel mills and landfills into fuels and chemicals using synthetic biology. The company serves heavy industries seeking to reduce emissions and create value from waste streams.

7 investors

LimeLoop offers reusable shipping packages aimed at reducing single-use packaging waste from shipping and deliveries. It serves businesses with high shipping volumes (10,000+ orders per month) in the reusable packaging and sustainability space.

7 investors

LiquiDonate provides a donation-based disposition service that matches retailers' and brands' warehouse overstock and unsellable returns to a vetted network of 501(c)(3) nonprofits, handling fulfillment, tax documentation, and impact reporting. It positions donation as an alternative to liquidation and landfill disposal for retail excess inventory, offering products WarehouseDirect for bulk overstock and ReturnsDirect for intercepting unsellable returns.

7 investors

Mint develops a chemistry-based process to recover critical minerals from electronic waste, avoiding high-temperature smelting. Founded in New Zealand, it works with technology manufacturers to supply responsibly sourced critical metals for manufacturing supply chains.

7 investors