HOPE Hydration Secures $20M Series A Funding to Expand Access to Clean Water

HOPE Hydration, a tech-enabled company dedicated to reducing single-use plastic waste and promoting sustainable hydration, has announced a $20 million Series A funding round led by Pentair plc, with participation from Burnt Island Ventures. This investment is set to accelerate the company's expansion into new markets, enhance manufacturing capabilities, foster product innovation, and strengthen strategic partnerships to amplify its global impact.

Founded by Jorge Richardson, Cristina Gnecco, and Dave Tigue, HOPE Hydration operates on the principle that access to clean water is a fundamental human right. The company's HydroStations, equipped with Everpure filtration technology from Pentair Water Solutions, offer free, high-quality, and chilled drinking water in various public spaces, including cities, stadiums, airports, and commercial areas.

Adrian Chiu, EVP and President of Pentair Water Solutions, highlighted the alignment of this partnership with Pentair's mission to sustainably improve water quality. The collaboration leverages Pentair's filtration technology and expertise to support HOPE's growth and environmental objectives.

HOPE's HydroStations are distinguished by their proprietary IoT technology, which provides real-time data on refills, plastic and CO2 savings, and water output monitoring for maintenance. Additionally, the stations feature 55” LED screens for digital advertising, enabling brand partnerships that facilitate the installation of HydroStations at no cost to host venues.

Since its inception in 2023, HOPE has facilitated over 2 million refills, partnering with major events, Fortune 500 brands, and public spaces. The recent funding is a stepping stone towards achieving the company's goal of 10 million refills by year's end, marking a significant stride in combating single-use plastic waste and enhancing access to clean water.