uBreathe

Overview

uBreathe is a technology-driven startup focused on developing plant-based air purification systems. Founded in 2018 by Sanjay Maurya, Akhil Gupta, Akshay Goyal, and Inderjeet Rao, the company is headquartered in Gurugram, India. uBreathe has garnered attention for its innovative approach to enhancing indoor air quality by combining natural plant capabilities with modern tech solutions. As of the latest updates in 2024, uBreathe has raised approximately $213K from several funding rounds, highlighting its potential in the environmental technology sector.

Recent Developments

• March 2024: uBreathe launched the #CleanAirClub, an initiative aimed at fostering community engagement in promoting cleaner air. This community-driven approach includes educational hubs, interactive forums, and exclusive events to raise awareness and push for sustainable living practices (uBreathe Announcement).

• February 2024: The company successfully secured an additional $53.8K in a Seed funding round, bringing broader investor interest and further financial backing for its growth strategies.

• 2023 Initiatives: Throughout 2023, uBreathe made significant strides in product innovation and community involvement. They launched the UB Mini Lite and engaged in indoor Air Audits to address rising pollution levels in Indian urban areas. Their participation in holidays like Christmas was also marked by special gifting options for their air purifiers (UBreathe Recap 2023).

• October 2023: uBreathe gained recognition on national television by securing funding on "Shark Tank India," receiving a deal of ₹1.5 crore, which catalyzed national interest in their eco-friendly air purification products (The Hindu Business Line).

• Early 2023: Expansion into educational environments was emphasized through projects in primary schools in Chennai to combat classroom air contamination, directly benefiting students' health and learning environments.

Company Information

Attribute	Information
Founding Date	2018
Headquarters	Gurugram, India
Founders	Sanjay Maurya, Akhil Gupta, Akshay Goyal, Inderjeet Rao
Revenue	$78.7K (as of March 2023)
Profits	-$17.1K (as of March 2023)
Key Investors	Namita Thapar, DST iHub - AWaDH, Startup Haryana
Industry	Environmental Technology, Consumer Non-Durables
Number of Employees	36

Early History

uBreathe was conceived in 2018 out of the collaborative efforts of its founders, who saw an urgent need to address air quality issues with innovative solutions. Originating from a partnership with esteemed institutions like IIT Ropar, the startup quickly found its niche by marrying natural air purification processes of plants with technological enhancements. This novel approach not only aimed to mitigate pollution but also promised to deliver sustainable solutions for healthier indoor environments—a necessity accentuated during the COVID-19 pandemic when air quality became a significant public concern. By 2020, the team had secured initial funding to develop prototypes, setting the foundation for its growth.

Company Profile and Achievements

uBreathe distinguishes itself as a leader in the air purification industry by leveraging phytoremediation—utilizing plants to remove impurities from the air—enhanced with mechanical and electronic systems. Significant milestones include:

• 2019: Development of the proprietary 'Breathing Roots' technology which enhances the pollutant removal process.
• 2021: Launch of the 'Ubreathe Life,' claimed as the world's first smart plant-based air purifier, leveraging a combination of specific plant species and advanced filtration methods.
• Participation in Prominent Ventures: uBreathe was featured in multiple venture programs, including the Nexus Incubator and managed partnerships with organizations like the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
• Recognition: Feature spots on platforms such as "Shark Tank India" and involvement in social good initiatives like Project Amplify, backed by Microsoft and Accenture.

Current Operations and Market Position

Currently, uBreathe operates within the premium and mass-market segments for indoor air purifiers. Their products address residential, commercial, and semi-public spaces with models like the Ubreathe Mini and Ubreathe Wall. The company capitalizes on its unique value proposition of eco-friendly products that effectively tackle a wider range of pollutants than traditional mechanical air purifiers, setting itself apart in a $335 billion global market expected to grow significantly with increasing demand for air quality solutions in pandemic and post-pandemic markets. Through strategic partnerships and scaling initiatives, uBreathe aims to increase its market share both domestically in India and internationally.

Conclusion

uBreathe has established itself as a pioneering company in the field of eco-friendly air purifiers. With its innovative products and expanding market presence, it is well-positioned to address the growing challenges of air pollution. As the awareness around indoor air quality continues to heighten, particularly post-COVID-19, uBreathe’s solutions offer not only immediate relief but also long-term benefits, appealing to health-conscious individuals and businesses alike. The company’s recent achievements and ongoing efforts in community engagement and product diversification underscore its potential to lead in the clean air industry globally.

References

1. uBreathe Official Website
2. uBreathe Recap 2023
3. uBreathe Announcement
4. The Hindu Business Line
5. IANS Report
6. Tracxn Profile on uBreathe
7. PIB Press Release on uBreathe Life
8. Pitchbook Company Profile
9. International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology Study
10. Development and Efficacy study of UBreathe’s Plant-Based Air Purification System for Mitigating in Door Air Quality Issues