Critical Rare Earth Materials via Clean Refining Processes
As the world shifts from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources, demand for metal and rare earth elements continues to increase – and these resources are critical for both defense and commercial applications. However, the vast majority of the global metal supply originates in countries with minimal labor rights and inadequate environmental oversight, with much of the supply being controlled by countries that are not strategic allies of the USA.
Phoenix Tailings is changing how these metals are produced by extracting valuable metals and rare earth elements from mining waste. The firm’s process uses clean energy sources and produces zero waste, creating a cleaner supply chain – while concurrently freeing America from dependence on foreign sources of these critical materials.
SuperWood – A Breakthrough in Materials Science
InventWood’s radical breakthrough in enhancing the performance of natural wood results in SuperWood, and product that is stronger than steel, while being light, afffordable and extremely durable.
The company’s remarkable discovery and patented technology opens myriad markets, including applications in both commercial and military markets. Commercial applications in the building and construction markets abound, from exterior cladding to flooring and structural members. Defense-oriented applications include myriad applications leveraging SuperWood’s extraordinary strength to weight ratio, including applications that also require ballistic-resistant materials.
Full Commercialization of Breakthrough Insulation
CleanFiber has successfully fully commercialized a breakthrough technology for the production of high performance building insulation. The firm’s patented process enables the production of an advanced form of cellulose insulation from recycled corrugated cardboard boxes.
Cellulose insulation is a rapidly growing form of insulation, and has been displacing fiberglass insulation for years, due to its outstanding thermal performance. US Dynamics was involved in crafting an initial strategy for CleanFiber with a predecessor firm, provided initial capital and leadership for the venture, and has supported the firm in securing over $100M to achieve full commercial production.
Innovative LED Lighting Solutions
Fusion Optix provides innovative lighting and light management
solutions, with a focus on LED illumination. The company provides
customized solutions and leverages an extensive arsenal of intellectual property. Some of the early capital that helped Fusion Optix was provided by a US Dynamics principal. The company was recently honored as a Red Herring’s Top 100 Startups, as well as the Fastest Growing Manufacturer in New England in 2012.
Launch of an Industry Leader
US Dynamics launched the dominant online retailer of pellet heating fuel,
woodpellets.com. The company recognized latent demand for high quality delivered fuels, and a growing consumer adoption of renewable heating. US Dynamics worked to assemble a leadership team, provided capital to prove the concept, and then raised over $15M in external capital to make this vision a reality.
In just two years, the company established a supply chain capable of delivering over 50 million pounds of product annually to tens of thousands of customers in 16 states. Over 98% of the company’s customers indicate they will refer friends, and the company earns a significant premium for fuels that are widely recognized as having superior quality and uniformity.
Experts in Biomass-Related Industries
Biomass Industry Advisors brings together a team of industry professionals, with deep expertise in domestic and international biomass production and trade. BIA advises clients in a range of relationships, including supporting strategic planning, site selection, engineering, financing, and developing channels to market.
Next Generation Co-Gen and Innovative Solar
US Dynamics was retained in a consulting role to provide a thorough and comprehensive market assessment of the potential applications of a unique co-generation technology developed by a confidential client. One of our principals subsequently served on the company’s board of directors, as the technology was successfully launched in Europe and is currently being piloted with several European utilities.