35 Mules is the first in-house innovation hub backed by a global energy leader
ABOUT 35 MULES™
Powered by FPL, a NextEra Energy company
35 Mules provides early-stage startups with cross-industry subject-matter expertise, advanced technology solutions, business services, world-class facilities and access to Fortune 200 corporate and technology leaders.
Leadership Training
Coaching from FPL and NextEra Energy Fortune 200 executives
Industry Experts
Leading subject-matter experts across the company in renewables, smart grid and more
Access To Funding
Startups receive a non-dilutive cash grant of up to $100,000 from FPL
Energy Technology
For 90+ years, NextEra Energy has been a global energy pioneer with state-of-the-art technology
Rent-Free Workspace
A dedicated 35 Mules space and NextEra Energy world-class facilities in Juno Beach for 12 - 18 months
Business Climate
Florida is ranked No. 1 in innovation and higher education, and has the best tax climate in the Southeast
Behind The Name
In 1925, a very unlikely patchwork of enterprises was acquired to form the precursor to NextEra Energy, including an ice plant, a sponge fishing boat and exactly 35 Mules. Today, NextEra Energy is the world’s largest producer of wind and solar energy, and a leader in battery storage. 35 Mules wants the same success for its startups – with or without mules, but preferably without.
Why 35 Mules?
Lead the charge with the power of energy innovation. With two global leaders on your side, 35 Mules can help early-stage startups bring their brightest ideas to life faster, smarter and at scale.
CLASS OF INNOVATORS
35 Mules is seeking innovative, technology-driven startups at various stages in their company’s development for the program.
Here's what 35 Mules alumni have to say about us.
Nigel Barry, Founder of Intelfuse
“35 Mules has been a large help in providing their time, resources and access to subject matter experts. Intelfuse has benefited from the collaboration of mentors, other cohort members, NextEra Energy employees and course providers in establishing a U.S. market presence and strategy.”
Nicole Bruger and Tom Bruger, Founders of Digital Twin Marine
"35 Mules has provided guidance on customer discovery, how we think about our market and how we speak with authority inside it. This year we had a significantly improved experience because of the time spent on customer discovery and refining our business model using 35 Mules’ tailored curriculum. We ultimately learned to reflect on and revise our business in order to be more strategic.”
Parth Shah, Founder of Abilitare
“35 Mules connected us with so many opportunities across NextEra Energy. I would advise other startup companies to give particular importance to the customer discovery process, which our team was able to do through 35 Mules. I assure you, the program is well worth the time and effort.”
Patrick Flam, Founder of Revterra
"The 35 Mules program has proven invaluable in two key areas. First, it has driven significant product improvement through our deep engagement with Florida Power & Light Company and NextEra Energy employees. Second, it has fostered my continued development toward being a strong leader. Overall, 35 Mules gives startups the opportunity to analyze every part of their business, develop as an entrepreneur and position their company for maximum success.”
Lane Nelson, Founder of Switched Source
“Through 35 Mules, we’ve gotten direct and ongoing access to a deep bench of experts across the massive FPL and NextEra network to better understand our customers’ complex business needs. It’s a completely different dynamic to be walked into the offices of the key stakeholders making technical and buying decisions, sitting on the same side of the table to have that customer discovery conversation.”
Gaida Zirkelbach, Founder of SustainaBase
“35 Mules has helped us take our business to the next level with courses that push us to refine our business model, value proposition and plans, and resources tailored to the needs of our business at the time.”
Maxwell Lewin, Founder of Hygge Power
“35 Mules facilitated invaluable honest and supportive conversations with key groups in FPL and NextEra Energy to help us learn how to hone our product, messaging and go-to-market strategy to ensure success with electric utility customers.”
Rodrigo Griesi, Founder of NEPTUNYA Ocean Power
“The support I received from 35 Mules was instrumental to validate the technical and commercial hypothesis for our business. The advice we received from subject-matter experts was of tremendous value.”
Brandon Howe, Founder of Synergy Research Labs
“Our vision for Synergy Research Labs has been reignited by the warmth of the space, the support of the NextEra family, and the sound guidance we’ve received from leaders in the industry. This is innovation! Start applying today because you don’t want to miss out!”
Naor Amir, Founder of Purivy
“35 Mules helped build our business by inspiring our team in the critical early stages, which was just forming amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. They provided support and resources available for those willing to pursue the hard work of creating a business – even during challenging times.”
Charles Murray, Founder of Switched Source
“The 35 Mules program gave us exposure to individuals throughout the NextEra organization, who advised and mentored us on everything, from honing our value proposition messaging to human resources/hiring and grant and procurement contract negotiations.”
Caleb Tristan, Founder of Hygge Power
“35 Mules onboarded our team to the core of FPL and NEE as one of their own. We have interviewed and learned from over 100 stakeholders, each guiding us to structure the right pilot to meet key customer needs and helping to position our company for sustainable growth. 35 Mules is designed to break down traditional barriers that impede early-stage companies, spur innovation and develop business for the greater good. This program should be a prerequisite for every energy startup.”
Hanna Robla, Founder of Purivy
“35 Mules has not only provided us with the tools, direction, teachings, and connections to succeed as a brand-new start up, it has also given us the opportunity of a lifetime. The knowledge and experience I have gained, in not only a professional but personal level, has been exponential and has allowed my business to grow in ways that would not have been a possible without the support and commitment of 35 Mules.”
Sandi Glauser, Founder of Purivy
“The 35 Mules program challenged our team to answer hard questions about our organization and business plan to put us on the path to success. It also helped us refine our product to ensure we will deliver what our customers want!”
35 Mules is rooted in a place where changing the world is easier.
It’s no coincidence that our family of world-leading energy companies have their roots in Florida. With the best tax climate in the Southeast, clean-energy friendly weather and best-in-class service reliability, the sunshine state is an ideal place to grow and innovate.
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The Herd
After graduating from the 35 Mules Innovation Hub, each cohort becomes a member of the 35 Mules Alumni Network – The Herd. Learn more about each of the previous cohort companies here and continue following their journeys.