Helix Earth Technologies, Inc. Company Profile

Background

Overview

Helix Earth Technologies, Inc. is a Houston-based hardware company specializing in clean technology solutions. Founded in 2022 by Dr. Rawand Rasheed and Brad Husick, the company leverages NASA-developed technology to enhance energy efficiency in commercial air conditioning systems. Their mission is to revolutionize HVAC systems by significantly reducing energy consumption and operational costs, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability. The company's vision is to democratize decarbonization by making energy-efficient technologies accessible and affordable across various industries.

Mission and Vision

• Mission: To develop and deploy innovative hardware solutions that drastically reduce energy usage in commercial air conditioning systems, leading to substantial cost savings and environmental benefits.

• Vision: To become a global leader in clean technology by providing accessible and effective solutions that address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices across industries.

Primary Area of Focus

Helix Earth focuses on enhancing the efficiency of HVAC systems, particularly in commercial settings, by introducing advanced technologies that improve energy performance and indoor air quality. Their solutions are designed to retrofit existing air conditioning units, making them more energy-efficient without the need for complete system replacements.

Industry Significance

The HVAC industry is a significant contributor to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. By introducing technologies that can reduce energy usage by up to 50%, Helix Earth addresses a critical need for sustainable solutions in building management and climate control. Their innovations have the potential to set new industry standards for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Energy Efficiency: Develop and implement technologies that substantially reduce energy consumption in commercial air conditioning systems.

• Sustainability: Promote environmental sustainability by decreasing carbon footprints associated with HVAC operations.

• Market Penetration: Expand the adoption of their retrofit solutions across various commercial sectors, including office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial facilities.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• HVAC Retrofit Solutions: Designing and deploying add-on technologies that enhance the performance of existing air conditioning units.

• Energy Management: Providing systems that monitor and optimize energy usage in real-time to achieve maximum efficiency.

• Indoor Air Quality Improvement: Integrating solutions that not only save energy but also improve the quality of indoor air for occupants.

Key Technologies Utilized

• NASA-Developed Filtration Technology: Utilizing advanced filtration methods originally developed for spacecraft to accelerate liquid-gas chemical reactions, leading to faster and more efficient processes.

• Aerosolized Liquid-Gas Chemistry: Employing innovative chemical processes that enable rapid reactions between liquids and gases, enhancing system performance and energy efficiency.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Commercial Buildings: Office complexes, retail centers, and other commercial properties seeking to reduce energy costs and improve sustainability.

• Industrial Facilities: Factories and warehouses aiming to optimize HVAC systems for better energy performance.

• Emerging Economies: Providing affordable and efficient cooling solutions to regions with growing infrastructure needs.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Helix Earth has successfully secured funding to support its innovative projects:

• Seed Funding: In November 2024, the company closed an oversubscribed $5.6 million seed funding round. This round was led by Veriten, with participation from Anthropocene Ventures, Semilla Capital, and individual investors from prominent venture capital and private equity firms.

Total Funds Raised

As of February 2026, Helix Earth has raised a total of $5.6 million in seed funding.

Notable Investors

• Veriten: An energy research, strategy, and investing firm based in Houston, Texas.

• Anthropocene Ventures: A venture capital firm focused on sustainable and impactful technologies.

• Semilla Capital: An investment firm supporting innovative and sustainable startups.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds are allocated to accelerate the development and deployment of Helix Earth's first hardware technology designed to disrupt a significant portion of the commercial air conditioning market. The company aims to enhance its product offerings, expand market reach, and invest in research and development to drive innovation in energy efficiency solutions.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

• HVAC Retrofit Devices: Currently in the pilot phase, these devices are designed to be added to existing air conditioning units, aiming to reduce energy consumption by up to 50%.

Stages of Development

• Pilot Phase: The HVAC retrofit devices are undergoing pilot testing to validate performance and gather user feedback.

Target Conditions

• Commercial Air Conditioning Systems: Focusing on existing rooftop units and dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS) in commercial buildings.

Anticipated Milestones

• Product Launch: Following successful pilot testing, the company plans to launch the retrofit devices commercially, with an expected payback period of three years or less.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Advanced Filtration Systems: Innovative filtration technologies that accelerate liquid-gas chemical reactions, enhancing system efficiency.

• Energy Optimization Algorithms: Proprietary software algorithms that monitor and optimize energy usage in real-time.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Accelerated Liquid-Gas Chemistry: Utilizing advanced chemical processes to improve reaction rates and system performance.

• Aerosolized Liquid-Gas Interaction: Employing novel methods to enhance the interaction between aerosolized liquids and gases, leading to more efficient HVAC operations.

Leadership Team

Dr. Rawand Rasheed

• Position: Co-Founder & CEO

• Professional Background: PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Rice University. Over five years of experience at NASA as a Life Support Systems Engineer, where he developed a patented no-touch distillation system for spacecraft water recovery.

• Key Contributions: Co-invented the NASA technology exclusively licensed to Helix Earth, leading the company's strategic direction and product development.

Brad Husick

• Position: Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer

• Professional Background: BA in Astrophysics from Rice University and an MBA from Columbia. Co-founded three successful tech companies, with experience in startups, advertising, product marketing, business development, marketing, sales, and operations.

• Key Contributions: Combines technical expertise with business acumen to drive the company's growth and market expansion.

Advisory Team

• Dr. Dan Preston: Science Advisor, directs the Preston Innovation Laboratory at Rice University, conducting research at the intersection of energy, materials, and fluids.

• Dr. Nenad Miljkovic: Science Advisor, Professor of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, specializing in thermo-fluid science and renewable energy.

• Andrew Blair: HVAC Advisor, Chief Operating Officer at Kensington Mechanical, with a focus on environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.

• Kevin Murphy: HVAC Advisor, with over 30 years of experience in HVAC sales, operations, management, and product development, emphasizing sustainability and indoor air quality.

• Gary Wipfler: Strategic & Financial Advisor, retired Vice President and Corporate Treasurer at Apple, with expertise in corporate finance, risk management, and investor relations.

• Layne Carter: Technical Advisor, with over 30 years at NASA, specializing in water recovery systems and wastewater processing for space missions.

• Kyle Judah: Business Advisor, focuses on entrepreneurship training for scientists and engineers, and corporate innovation, with experience in startup ecosystems.

• Greg Powers: Business Advisor, with experience in manufacturing, clean energy startups, and technology commercialization, having held leadership roles at Halliburton and Carrier Corporation.

• Pat Sapinsley: Business Advisor, recognized climate tech leader with two decades of experience in connecting startups to funding, customers, and business mentors, and a former academic architect.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global HVAC market is experiencing a shift towards energy-efficient and sustainable solutions. With increasing energy costs and environmental concerns, there is a growing demand for technologies that reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Helix Earth's focus on retrofitting existing systems positions it well in this evolving market.

Competitor Analysis

• ecobee: Offers smart thermostats and energy management solutions focused on enhancing residential and commercial HVAC efficiency through IoT devices and cloud-based platforms.

• Nest (Google): Provides smart thermostat products that optimize HVAC operations via machine learning and user behavior data, helping to reduce energy costs and improve comfort.

• Honeywell: A long-established player delivering a broad spectrum of HVAC controls, automation, and smart building solutions emphasizing energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality.

• Johnson Controls: Global leader in building technologies, offering comprehensive HVAC systems and controls designed to improve efficiency, integrate with building management systems, and reduce emissions.

• Carrier: One of the largest HVAC manufacturers, focusing on innovative air conditioning technologies, including high-efficiency chillers and smart controls, targeting sustainability and performance enhancements.

• Daikin: Offers advanced HVAC solutions with a strong developmental focus on energy-efficient heat pumps and refrigerants with lower global warming potential.

Competitive Positioning

Helix Earth differentiates itself by leveraging patented NASA-developed filtration and aerosolized liquid-gas chemistry technologies, enabling retrofit solutions that can substantially reduce energy consumption without requiring full system replacements. This approach provides a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new HVAC equipment, appealing to commercial sectors aiming to reduce operational expenses and meet sustainability targets efficiently.

The company’s strategic partnerships, significant seed funding, and experienced leadership and advisory teams position it to capitalize on market trends favoring energy efficiency and decarbonization. Its focus on retrofit applications addresses gaps not comprehensively covered by traditional HVAC manufacturers, potentially offering a unique value proposition in the clean technology and building management landscape.