For Startups

STARTUPS PORTFOLIO

No fees. No equity. No distractions.

Complimentary entrepreneur support designed to start and scale your energy technology solution

Instead of a rigid curriculum, we provide direct 1:1 mentorship from industry experts focused on setting and achieving your business development milestones. Whether you’re looking for your first prototype, patent, customer, investor, or grant, the BRITE team is here to help.

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Membership

BRITE Members are plugged into our network of mentors, advisors, and partners who are dedicated to their success. Rather than focusing on a rigid, time-intensive curriculum or cohort, we are here to help you set and achieve your business goals. By providing 1:1 coaching, programming, and resourcing, we aim to support you in launching and scaling your energy technologies. 


There are no fees or equity associated with BRITE Membership, just a bi-annual survey. Connect with us to learn more about becoming a Member.

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Coaching

Milestone setting with a dedicated coach, insight and mentorship from BRITE Experts in Residence, and access to our strategic client roadmap. On a recent survey, 100% of BRITE clients indicated that they would recommend BRITE’s services to another entrepreneur.

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Network

Join the dynamic BRITE network of startups and founders, get connected to program and funding opportunities, and access a global network of mentors. BRITE’s robust community includes powerful people from academia, government, utilities, and innovative companies large and small.
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Marketing

Gain publicity through BRITE and our partners including highlights on our website, BRITElights newsletter and video, social media channels, and more. Reach thousands of stakeholders to fundraise, hire, sell, and celebrate.

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Perks

Access over $1M in perks including discounted rates on essential services like AWS, Microsoft, HubSpot, Zendesk, and more. Get access and support for tools to help you scale your company.
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Events

Connect with founders and industry experts at virtual and in-person events including BRITEside Chat, Pitch Practice, workshops, and our annual conference. Visit our Events page to see more.

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Funding

Get connected to funding opportunities and receive pitch coaching and grant support. Connect with the resources you need to fund your project. In 2021, BRITE raised nearly $29M.

Eligibility

Membership is complimentary for startups which are:

  • Tech-enabled with an energy component
  • Based in Ohio or Appalachia
  • Aligned with BRITE’s core values and mission
  • Able to complete a bi-annual survey with some company metrics

BRITEbase: Now launched, more details coming soon

This 12-week intensive training program helps members develop their individual roadmaps to become funding ready.  Participants will gain a solid business foundation and refine their development needs through guided learning sessions, small group activities and hands on mentor support.  

Key Areas Covered

  • Company/Team
  • Funding
  • Landscape
  • Product Development
  • Go-to-Market
  • Communication
 

Commitment: dedicating up to 10 hours a week 

Graduation: accepted as a portfolio company with 60 hours of dedicated EIR time over 6 months

REGISTER HERE – rolling application, cohort starts every 2 weeks

BRITE Portfolio | Launching Soon

BRITE’s portfolio of energy technology companies receive intensive advisory from Experts in Residence in addition to access to other direct services. Portfolio companies are typically later-stage and focused in three main verticals:

  • Electric Mobility
  • Energy Storage & Fuel Cells
  • Grid Resilience & Distributed Energy Resources (DER)