Past B.E.T.A. Challenge Finalists: Where Are They Now? (2016 Series: Part 1)
Ryan Wright M’13 is the founder of WrightGrid, a company that won the 2015 Alumni B.E.T.A. Challenge. I had a chance to interview Ryan to hear some stories and updates about his company.
Since the beginning, Ryan wanted to create a sustainable power product that could be applicable in both major metropolitans and other outlying areas. This idea enabled Ryan to start WrightGrid, a solar energy service company, in late 2012. Their product Model Z is “a secure, solar-powered charging station, which predictably provides a sustainable source of energy to empower individuals, create reliable connectivity for power-starved communities and cultivate entrepreneurship and economic growth.” The charging station is able to bring users convenient access to secure power in parks, malls, transportation hot spots, and other outdoor venues.
Ryan Wright M’13 presenting at the 2015 B.E.T.A. Challenge
Ryan applied to 2015 B.E.T.A. Challenge because he was extremely passionate about his venture, and at the same time, he thought that B.E.T.A. Challenge was the opportunity he was looking for to get capital. After winning the 2015 alumni B.E.T.A. Challenge, the $20,000 prize went towards WrightGrid’s first batch of production units.
Since winning the B.E.T.A. Challenge, Ryan has worked really hard to grow his business. WrightGrid now has five full-time employees, and is continuously growing. After a successful pilot with the City of Boston and Somerville, the company now has 57 units under negotiation for deployments in the greater Boston area this summer. WrightGrid is also distributing internationally and is having their product shipped to South Africa and Ghana in the near future. The team is also working together to raise more funding and accelerate their growth.
Ryan shared that through his B.E.T.A. Challenge experience, judges focused on the continuous learning he had through the B.E.T.A. Challenge process which helped set him apart. The crucial part of the B.E.T.A. Challenge according to Ryan is to show your understanding of Entrepreneurial Thought & Action®. In the other words, the ability to demonstrate that you are able to think creatively, learn, and execute on what you have learned is the key to success.
Interested in applying to the B.E.T.A. Challenge? Follow #babsonbeta and visit the B.E.T.A. Challenge to learn more!