The Future of Energy is Powered by Our Generation

SAN FRANCISCO, July 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Powerhouse Circle
Elena Lucas, Co-Founder and CEO of UtilityAPI, a solar startup that automates the customer-to-solar data connection, walks into Ballroom C on the Second Floor of the Moscone Center with her 60 second elevator pitch memorized down to the syllables, determined to find the right investors. A minute before the first pitch, she looks around at the other 29 founders and CEO's of solar software and fintech startups and takes a generous gulp of water knowing that the next hour will be a non-stop pitching marathon. The bell rings and structured chaos ensues.

Andrew Beebe, Managing Director of Obvious Ventures, a venture fund focused on world positive investments, joins 29 other investors eager to find the next billion dollar startup. Andrew readies his business cards from his jacket pocket and handkerchief for sweat in the other. He notices the first founder in front of him, Elena Lucas, ready to pitch. The bell rings the pitch race is on.

These are the experiences of a startup founder and an investor at Powerhouse Circle, the nation's first solar-specific speed dating event for investors, executives and entrepreneurs.

Last year, Powerhouse Circle was an experiment with just one sponsor: SunPower. This year, Powerhouse Circle is one of Intersolar's most sought after events and sponsorship for the event is already fully booked by MOFO, Sunpower, PwC, Wilson Sonsini, Shell Tech Ventures, Silicon Valley Bank, and Brightpath Capital. The most common word to describe Powerhouse Circle by startups is "intense" and the most common description from investors is "effective." Despite the intensity, and participants losing their voices, they're hungry for round two taking place on Wednesday July 13th from 2:00-5:30.

Powerhouse Pavilion
Remember last year at the Expo when all the software and fintech startups were spread out and you couldn't find any of them without walking forever? This year, that's all going to change thanks to Powerhouse Pavilion. Powerhouse Pavilion is the premier software and fintech showcase for early stage startups. Ten startups will showcase at the Pavilion spanning the solar value chain from lead gen to asset management.

Growth Company Forum: From Idea to Multi Billion Dollar Business
This panel, organized by Powerhouse, will feature five solar startups that have graduated from Powerhouse's 6-month Accelerator. The session will be moderated by Powerhouse Co-Founder and CEO, Emily Kirsch.

Just the Beginning
Ultimately, Powerhouse's goal is to make solar the most affordable source of power in the world. Our generation will power our lives. Founded less than three years ago, Powerhouse is just getting started. Join us at Intersolar and at New Dawn, our summer solar party coming up on Friday August 26th.

Power on

SOURCE Powerhouse