Ontario Sun - HOPE Hydration Secures $20M Series A Funding to Expand Access to Clean Water and Reduce Plastic Waste

HOPE Hydration, a tech-enabled company dedicated to providing free, filtered water through its digitally connected HydroStations, has announced a $20 million Series A funding round. This investment, led by Pentair plc with participation from Burnt Island Ventures, is set to propel the company’s mission to reduce single-use plastic waste and promote sustainable hydration across the globe. The funding will support HOPE Hydration’s expansion into new markets, scale manufacturing efforts, accelerate product innovation, and strengthen strategic partnerships.

Founded by Jorge Richardson, Cristina Gnecco, and Dave Tigue, HOPE Hydration operates on the principle that water is a human right. The company’s HydroStations, equipped with Everpure filtration technology from Pentair Water Solutions, offer high-quality, chilled drinking water in public spaces such as cities, stadiums, airports, and commercial areas. This initiative addresses the growing demand for public access to water amidst increasing travel and outdoor activities, coupled with a heightened awareness of environmental impact.

Adrian Chiu, EVP and President of Pentair Water Solutions, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the alignment with Pentair’s mission to sustainably improve water quality. The collaboration leverages Pentair’s filtration technology and expertise to broaden HOPE Hydration’s impact and reduce the reliance on single-use plastic water bottles.

HOPE Hydration’s HydroStations are not just about providing clean water; they represent a smarter approach to hydration. Each station features proprietary IoT technology for real-time data monitoring, including refill counts and savings in plastic and CO2 emissions. Additionally, the stations are equipped with 55” LED screens for digital advertising, creating a unique out-of-home advertising experience that supports the company’s model of installing HydroStations at no cost to venues.

Since its inception in 2023, HOPE Hydration has facilitated over 2 million refills, partnering with major events, Fortune 500 brands, and public spaces worldwide. With the new funding, the company aims to achieve 10 million refills by the end of the year, furthering its goal of making clean water accessible to all while combating plastic pollution.