1. Why did Florida Power & Light Company create 35 Mules?

35 Mules is Florida Power & Light Company’s innovation hub, designed to grow and scale startup companies. 35 Mules was originally created – and continues – to build economic development within Florida, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. This includes creating the next generation of innovative jobs, growing and scaling startups, and facilitating ecosystem connections throughout the state.

 

2. What types of startups are eligible for 35 Mules?

35 Mules programming typically benefits Pre-Seed to Series A companies, although startups of any stage and industry are invited to apply. The program accepts founders from Florida, other U.S states, and internationally.

 

3. Is the 35 Mules cohort program in-person, and how long does it run?

35 Mules programming is in-person up to three days per week at NextEra Energy’s corporate office in Juno Beach, Florida. The program requires one founder or C-level executive to be present each week for programming. On occasion, virtual participation is accepted due to business conflicts, but is the exception and not the rule.

 

4. Does 35 Mules take equity, and does it guarantee a pilot with NextEra Energy?

No, 35 Mules does not take equity from startups, as it focuses on early-stage economic development in Florida. 35 Mules offers a $100,000 cash grant to each company to build their business, all without equity. While participation in the 35 Mules program does not automatically lead to a pilot with NextEra Energy, it does provide numerous opportunities to connect with subject matter experts within the company, fostering potential growth and scaling of your startup.

 

5. Can startups access funding opportunities?

Yes. 35 Mules has connections to Florida investors and venture capitalists, and some national investors. Startups are also given the opportunity to pitch their ideas and secure funding from these networks. Additionally, the program offers grant writing workshops and resources to startup companies.

 

6. Which startups have been in 35 Mules?

The first class of innovators – known as the Original Six – featured six startups and 14 entrepreneurs who graduated from the program in December 2021. They included Hygge Power, Neptunya, Purivy, SustainaBase, Switched Source, and Synergy Research Labs. 35 Mules welcomed its second class of innovators and seven startup companies into the program in March 2022. The second cohort included Abilitare, Bond Energy, Digital Twin Marine, Intelfuse, Revterra, Sensatek Propulsion Technology and SMG Delivering Data.

After a significant increase in applications, 35 Mules selected and welcomed their third cohort in October 2023. The startup companies included: eMobi, Cambio, Chemergy, Cypienta, Fire Neural Network, Noteworthy AI, and Ocellott.

Learn more about the previous cohorts by visiting www.35mules.com/herd.html and the current cohort at www.35mules.com/cohort.html.

 

7. Do I have to be a Florida founder? Do I have to move to Florida for programming?

No. 35 Mules welcomes founders from Florida, other U.S states, and internationally to apply and grow their businesses within the Florida startup ecosystem.

 

8. Can you describe the application process and timeline?

Applications go live 15-18 months after the start of a new cohort. Between 6 and 10 startup companies are selected for the program each recruitment period.

Startups need to submit an online application, then undergo a selective vetting process. This includes a technical and leadership evaluation, a background and drug screening, and an executive panel review, in which companies will pitch their business idea to a panel of company leaders.

 

9. How does 35 Mules support the startup ecosystem outside of its current cohort?

35 Mules provides support for ecosystem events around the state, facilitates commercial introductions for startup companies and advances early-stage economic development projects.