Over the past six months, the Ready2Scale Acceleration Program has supported 15 digital and deep-tech startups with tailored mentorship, resources, and a €60,000 grant to help them scale. Among them is KnowCarbon, a startup empowering businesses with data-driven tools to measure and reduce their carbon footprints. Let’s take a closer look at their journey.
KnowCarbon provides sustainability leaders and CEOs with actionable insights into the carbon footprint of the products in their businesses. Using the power of AI, data analytics and an extensive database, the company constructs “digital carbon twins” of products, enabling businesses to make informed decisions on reducing emissions. Founded by Eamonn Galvin, a former eBay executive, KnowCarbon was born out of his curiosity and frustration over the lack of accessible data on product carbon footprints.
How did you come up with the idea to create a startup?
Coming from eBay, I was surprised that there was so little easily accessible data on the carbon footprint of products. I was personally curious, and this started the journey. What I found was that Sustainability managers and CEO’s also needed this information to meet regulatory requirements, consumer demand and competitive pressures. However, current carbon footprint costs are expensive. Our technology allows us to calculate carbon footprints significantly faster than traditional methods.
What have been the biggest challenges/failures and the biggest wins so far?
Getting our first paying customer was a significant milestone. The challenge after that was meeting their needs in a way that remained scalable. In addition to gaining customer traction, being selected for Ready2Scale has been an important validation of the deep tech and scaling potential of our product. We are currently filling gaps in Product Management and Data Analytics. We are continuously refining the product offering for rapid sales, all the while we are ensuring that our quality matches the rapid growth.
What sets your startup apart from competitors?
KnowCarbon bridges the gap between Carbon Accounting software and sustainability consultants, which often require extensive carbon data that companies lack. KnowCarbon offers a faster, easier, and significantly more cost-competitive solution, reducing costs by 70-80% compared to traditional methods, making carbon footprint management accessible and affordable for businesses of all sizes.
Why would you recommend the Ready2Scale Acceleration Program to other startups?
I would have no hesitation in recommending Ready2Scale. The mentors have been incredible, the grant funding allows us to invest in the business, and the program has been very scale-up-friendly and accessible. We found the application process very easy as compared to some other start-up funding grants, and the level of support and guidance offered by Ready2Scale Acceleration Program is second to none. The Ready2Scale team and mentors understand the needs of scale-ups and are great to work with.
Where do you see your startup in 1 year? And where in 5 years?
More customers, better product. Behind the growth numbers, we want to get better at quickly building and scaling solutions.
Which books/podcasts/publications and influencers in your field do you follow and would recommend to other aspiring entrepreneurs?
Winning Ugly by Brad Gilbert and Steve Jamison. It’s about winning in tennis without everything being perfect. As a scale-up, we have to focus on the key drivers of growth and accept that we can’t be perfect in everything.
If you’d get a chance to meet with Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos, what would you ask them?
Given your resources and influence, are you doing all that you can for the climate? What more could you do?
KnowCarbon is growing, and if you’re inspired by their mission and eager to be part of their journey, reach out with a brief introduction to eamonn.galvin@knowcarbon.com. To learn more, visit https://knowcarbon.com.