Cleantech Superheroes: How to Find a Go-To-Market Partner

The below enterprises have stated publicly that they are committed to reducing environmental footprints and are investing in innovative new solutions that help them and their global clients meet that goal. We’ve included some specific details below for each to help you learn more.

Question to ask yourself: how could your startup potentially partner with one to accelerate your company’s growth trajectory?  

Tesla In addition to its electric cars, Tesla also has solar panels and home battery packs that are designed to help homeowners and businesses reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.    

Phillips is a large enterprise perhaps best known for its LED light bulbs that help you reduce your carbon footprint and save money on energy. What you may not already know is that it has a line of other products that are designed to save energy and money and range from consumer products to enterprise imaging solutions. 

Schneider Electric is a cleantech focused company that is perhaps best known for its smart building solutions, including cybersecurity and automation systems. It also has products designed to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint by reducing the amount of energy they use each year. For example, Schneider’s Intuition insight software uses analytics technology to help businesses identify areas where they can save energy and money. 

GE is arguably a cleantech company with a broad range of products including wind turbines and solar panels. Additionally, it has a line of products designed to help businesses reduce their emissions. For example, GE’s Jenbacher gas engines are some of the most efficient on the market and designed to help businesses reduce their emissions by as much as 80 percent. 

DuPont is perhaps best known for chemicals used in agriculture, textiles, nutrition, electronics, communications equipment, transportation safety equipment-and many other industries. It also has a line of products designed to help businesses reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. For example, DuPont’s CoolCell insulation is made with recycled materials and helps buildings stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. 

Johnson Controls could be described as a cleantech company perhaps best known for its HVAC systems, car batteries, and fire detection products. It also has several products designed to help businesses reduce their energy costs. For example, Johnson Controls’ Metasys Nx Suite is a complete building management system that helps businesses track and manage their energy use in real time. 

Honeywell’s cleantech portfolio includes products designed to help businesses reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. For example, Honeywell’s ZenithOptimedia Triton and ProStream media management software helps companies track and monitor the environmental impact of their advertising campaigns across multiple platforms-including print, TV, radio, digital and social networks. 

Siemens cleantech investments include turbines, generators and a line of products designed to help businesses reduce their emissions. For example, Siemens’ Sinamics S120 variable-speed drives are designed to help businesses save money on energy costs. 

ABB is a company that is best known for its power and automation products. It also has a line of products designed to help businesses reduce their emissions. For example, ABB’s Terraizone wastewater treatment system helps reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with wastewater treatment. 

Your Checklist:

1. Your cleantech partner needs to be able to provide a product, service or channel that will increase your market opportunity or enhance value to your customers.
2. Your cleantech partner also needs to be able to provide a unique solution for your opportunity.
3. Your cleantech partner should also be able to provide reliable service and support for your products. This is especially important if you’re looking for someone to help you with energy efficiency products, as these can often require long-term maintenance contracts. 
4. It’s important to make sure both cleantech partners can make money from the partnership. This doesn’t mean that one company has to be making all the money, but both companies should be able to see a return on their investment and feel like the agreement is fair and balanced.