Through their domain expertise in renewable energy, Chris and Michael had identified a problem in the ability of utilities to handle an increasing number of interconnection applications from renewable energy developers, and they had some rough ideas on a solution. They were looking for a team that could extract their knowledge and transform it into a prototype that could be used for early sales and fundraising meetings. They were drawn to FT because our Tech for Good practice, and convinced that we were capable of meeting their timeline and budget based largely on our early “sense-making” meetings with them, and the endorsements provided by former and current clients.

Within the first 6-weeks, FT was able to develop a sales prototype for a 3-sided marketplace that showcased how CTM would vastly streamline and modernize the grid interconnection process for both utilities and renewable energy project developers, all while providing enhanced transparency to the utilities regulators responsible for oversight of the process. Following that initial engagement, FT continued to work with CTM on customer development activities and early sales conversations with utilities, representing the technical leadership team. It was ultimately through this process that CTM realized that while the interconnection product solved a real problem for utilities and developers, the market had an even more significant pain point around renewable energy financing, and the CTM team made a strategic and beneficial pivot.