Made in the USA: How Climate Startups Are Scaling Smarter

CHART OF THE WEEK 📈

By Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau | Read

Tariffs are making headlines, but many startups are already ahead of the curve—building green tech right here in America. As Earth Day approaches, we spotlight climate-focused startups that are manufacturing domestically, scaling fast, and creating quality jobs. Here's how policy, innovation, and sustainability are aligning to redefine where and how the next generation of climate solutions are made.

Want the full story and takeaways? To view the complete analysis, read the full article for free on Kingscrowd HERE.

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KINGSCROWD PODCAST

By Sam Fiske / Watch | Apple | Spotify

In this week’s Kingscrowd Podcast, Brian Belley returns from the SEC's Small Business Forum in Washington D.C. with inside details on proposed regulatory changes to Reg CF and Reg A+, and their potential to dramatically reshape the private investment landscape. Plus, hear insights from Léa and Teddy on how the recent tariff discussions are influencing US-based climate startups and the broader manufacturing sector.

WEBINAR: INVESTING IN PRIVATE CREDIT

Private Credit Investing, Demystified
How do you build yield while protecting downside? Carofin’s VP Nash Roberts will explain how direct lending works — and how investors can participate. With special guest SnippetSentry CRO Jeremiah Smith. Live on April 30th at 3pm ET.

PITCH REVIEW 💸

By Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau \ Deal Report

Brief: NAQI Logix is a neurotechnology startup developing a non-invasive brain-computer interface in the form of a discreet neural earbud. Founded by inventor Dave Segal, the company holds 26 issued patents across signal acquisition, machine learning, and ergonomic design. The device captures facial micro-gestures, head poses, and brain-related signals to enable hands-free control, opening applications in accessibility, gaming, and hands-busy work environments. Recognized by CES and Edison Awards, Naqi Logix is raising up to $15 million via a Regulation A+ round on StartEngine to scale production, launch its SDK, and bring its breakthrough interface to market.

Léa’s Take: Imagine a world where you can control your TV, computer, or phone with nothing but the power of your mind.

NAQI Logix is getting very close. The company has developed a wearable earbud that lets users operate devices through subtle movements of the head and face. It’s not just a time-saver — it’s a game-changer for millions of people with movement-related disabilities who struggle to access technology. NAQI Logix already has a working prototype and is nearing commercialization. It’s secured $1 million in government contracts — including one in Canada expected to generate revenue. While the market is competitive and evolving, NAQI Logix has a key edge over companies like Elon Musk’s Neuralink: no surgery required, and the device can be removed at any time.

Still, mass adoption remains a question mark. Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses never took off, and NAQI Logix will need to prove it’s more than just a cool demo. That said, its design is more discreet and it sidesteps many of the privacy concerns that tanked Meta’s product. It also has a clear, tangible benefit for people with severe mobility issues. But with a $126 million pre-money valuation — is investing worth the risk?

STAFF PICKS 🌶️

Cytonics

By Teddy Lyons

I first saw Cytonics in 2022 and was impressed with their Osteoarthritis treatment solutions. However, despite having a FDA approved therapy that has treated 10,000+ patients, they are going all in on developing a new, synthetic version of the drug. This will take an extremely large amount of time and money to commercialize. Is it worth it?

Neighbor Pet Food

By Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau

Any investor in early-stage CPG startups wants to see revenues doubling year over year: it's the only way to outpace competition in such competitive markets. This is what Neighbor Pet Food achieved: it grew revenues from $161k in 2023 to $308k in 2024. Yet, its $4 million valuation cap, without being outrageous, is definitely higher than it would be on Shark Tank.

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