Sam: I talked yesterday about how D.C. is low-key struggling to figure out how to brand itself and about how part of the “problem” is that so many different companies are finding success in the region. (*humble brag*)

That goes for clean tech companies, too! With Earth Day right around the corner, I took a look at the slate of D.C. metro area companies that are aiming to try and save the planet. You know, it’s a casual goal.

Of course, we all know about Opower, which was acquired by Oracle about a year ago (so you won’t find them on my roundup today), but the formerly publicly traded company isn’t the only clean tech startup in the region.

We have D.C. darlings like Aquicore, which helps commercial real estate managers manage and save money on utilities, or the group of startups founded by former Opower executives.

Then we have newcomers like Arcadia Power, which already have venture backing and are just getting their toes wet still in the space. Or even Hydroviv, which won TechCrunch’s D.C. pitch competition back in February.

Take some time to cherish the planet and the companies aimed at preserving it in some way, shape or form. (Ya know, while we still have a planet. Ż_(?)_/Ż)

Erin: I got the lowdown on Foodhini, a new D.C.-based meal delivery service offering authentic multi-cultural cuisines made by refugee and immigrant chefs. Foodhini started as the brainchild of founder Noobstaa Phillip Vang while he was studying at Georgetown’s business school. Eventually, while he was at D.C.’s Halcyon Incubator, it grew, and now the service operates out of Union Kitchen’s food incubator, the commercial kitchen space for food startups. Talk about a being a D.C. startup through-and-through.

Sam: Also, this is Erin’s LAST story with DC Inno right now as her internship ends this week 🙁 She is the literal best, and everyone should be on the lookout for all the great things she’s most definitely going to do in the future!!!

Ok, hold on, give me a moment so I’m not so sappy anymore…

Alright, all good. (For now.)

In more moves: D.C. edtech company EverFi has acquired Austin-based Workplace Answers, an online compliance training developer for an undisclosed amount, according to a press release. The acquisition includes Workplace Answers’ Campus Answers brand, which provided online faculty and staff training on campus issues like sexual harassment prevention training. The now combined companies will serve over 1,700 campuses. Prior to being acquired, Workplace Answers raised venture funding from the likes of RHV Capital and The Operand Group.

Lastly, FUN ARTS & MONEY NEWS! (As a product of public arts school in North Carolina, I have a soft spot for arts funding stories, tbh.) CulturalDC announced its first annual Art Tank event, which as you can guess is inspired by ABC’s “Shark Tank” show. The event will be a part of the D.C. nonprofit’s arts and urban innovation summit aimed at connecting local artists with real estate developers. The pitch competition invites artists to share ideas they have that could work with commercial and residential developments. WBJ has more on the story.

Sam: Heads up, Maryland-based companies! The Maryland Technology Development Corp. is launching a $1M fund to fill in the gap between seed funding and venture funding. The TEDCO fund will provide up to $500K in what they’re calling “gap funding” to Maryland startups to help with hiring,  tech expansions, scaling products and increasing market reach. The fund was a part of Gov. Larry Hogan’s 2018 fiscal year budget. The Baltimore Business Journal has more. 

Sam: “Wow wow wow, how did Friday get here so fast?” so no one, ever. Rejoice in the end of the work week and celebrate all of your hard work with the slew of Inno Approved events we have on deck for y’all. The new Inclusive Innovation Incubator is hosting its pitch competition tonight, or if that’s not your thing, maybe check out Optoro’s Earth Day Swap Shop tomorrow afternoon or an annual garden party Sunday! All the details and more events in this week’s Inno Approved. 

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Staff Writer: Sam Sabin, ssabin@americaninno.com

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