From Real Estate to Climate Tech: Boulder Startups Making National Noise
Boulder, Colorado continues to thrive as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. With the University of Colorado’s strong research engine, a deep talent pool, and a culture of creative risk-taking, the city has become fertile ground for groundbreaking startups. Here are three Boulder-based companies gaining major traction in 2025 — each offering a glimpse into the future of real estate, green tech, and AI analytics.
Ridley: Reinventing Real Estate with AI
Ridley is a home-selling platform created by Mike Chambers, who built the company after selling his own home without a realtor and documenting the process online. With a mission to simplify real estate, Ridley uses AI to guide homeowners through each step of selling a home — without the traditional 5–6% commission fees.
For a base fee of $999, users get a full checklist, tools, and optional add-ons like MLS access and legal support. Ridley is currently developing an “agent mode” for professionals who want a hybrid approach. In a market long dominated by real estate agents, Ridley is helping sellers take back control — and save thousands in the process. The platform has gained recent attention thanks to its unique model and fast growth in Boulder’s fast-moving market.
Electra: Revolutionizing Iron for a Greener Future
Boulder-based Electra is tackling one of the most carbon-intensive industries on the planet: iron and steel. These sectors account for about 10% of global CO₂ emissions. Electra’s breakthrough involves producing green iron using a zero-emissions process, with Colorado’s renewable energy supporting the operation.
In 2025, Electra became the first recipient of Colorado’s new industrial tax credit, securing nearly $8 million to fund a demonstration facility in Jefferson County. This company isn’t just another tech startup — it’s a sign that Boulder is embracing serious climate innovation with global implications.
Unsupervised: AI That Makes Sense of Your Data
Unsupervised is an AI-powered analytics platform designed to help businesses find hidden insights without needing a full team of data scientists. With over $50 million in funding and a growing list of enterprise clients, the company has created tools that scan large data sets and surface patterns that matter most — from inefficiencies to revenue opportunities…