VILLAGEx 2023 Founder Friday: RCOAST
Founder Fridays is a series that spotlights VILLAGEx founders and their startups
RCOAST, a New Orleans-based startup, aims to make global coastlines more resilient. RCOAST uses advanced scanning technology to map and resolve vulnerabilities that weaken coastal properties. For each individual customer, RCOAST inputs their vulnerability data into a machine learning algorithm to determine the best coastal remediation strategy to reduce erosion.
The founders, Dr. Christy Swann, who previously worked on technology for NASA and the Navy, and Trey Cloutier, an electrical engineer, saw the need for real-time monitoring and implementation of coastal remediation solutions and decided to build RCOAST.
“I wanted to make an actual impact on lives in coastal communities. I was building technology for NASA and the Navy. I saw that the government was investing lots of money and time into developing technologies and tools to save our coastlines. But, I also saw that it would take years for implementation of those technologies and tools. So, I left [NASA] to start RCOAST to give coastal communities the power to see their vulnerabilities sooner and find solutions faster,” said CEO, Dr. Swann.
RCOAST chose to startup in New Orleans to join the boots-on-the-ground coalition of coastal restoration organizations that already exist in Louisiana. Louisiana’s coast is weakened, heavily engineered and will continue to face flooding and erosion issues; startups like RCOAST are needed to provide new tools to combat increasing rates of coastal erosion and flooding. In the VILLAGEx 2023 program, these founders are getting connected to people who can help give coastal vulnerability data and decision-making tools to underrepresented coastal communities in Louisiana and beyond.
Q & A
(Responses have been edited for clarity)
What have been some of the most significant learning curves in running your own business? How did you overcome them?
Christy Swann: “I'm a scientist, not a business guru, so learning the business side of things has really amplified our ability to.make profits early so that we can give back to the communities that need it. For most of my career, I’ve helped build technology and tools for scientific discovery. But, learning how to use science for everyday decision-making to increase our coastal resilience has been incredibly rewarding. Finding the balance between building a business while giving back to the communities is challenging. I’ve learned that in order to build and distribute scalable monitoring and mapping systems for underrepresented communities, I have to go after larger customers first so that we can use the overhead to give our tools to those who cannot afford it.”
How do you hope you and your business evolve while in the VILLAGEx program?
Christy Swann: “RCOAST has early champions that also want to bring the latest tech and science to resolve vulnerabilities in eroding coastlines. During the VILLAGEx program, we need exposure to other organizations, champions and businesses that want to use science-based solutions to remediate coastal vulnerabilities and guidance on how to accelerate as fast as possible.”
What’s your best piece of startup advice for an entrepreneur in your industry?
Christy Swann: “Apply for VILLAGEx and let’s have coffee!”
Anything else you want to add?
Christy Swann: “The Idea Village has connected us with many people that can help us and are deeply connected to the problem. We are so thankful and would not be where we are today without The Idea Village. Specifically, mentorship from Hugh Evans has been unparalleled. He is both an entrepreneur himself and an investor, so he understands both sides of the coin. His guidance and perspective has helped us navigate some of our biggest hurdles.”
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RCOAST is a sustainability company that automates coastal monitoring and erosion mitigation.