Over the next few weeks, Alabama NewsCenter will highlight the inaugural class of 10 startups participating in the Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator. The companies specialize in technology and business models to enhance the future of energy, including a digital marketplace for the electric wholesale industry, battery storage and microgrid solutions, and smart home software. Learn more about Techstars here.

Today we look at Elektrik.

Elektrik aims to save electricians time and money while connecting them with sellers of electrical equipment. (contributed)

Company name

Elektrik.

Company hometown

Lindon, Utah.

Leadership team

Mario Dealba, co-founder and CEO; Josh Burns, technical co-founder.

Alabama NewsCenter: What is your company’s overall focus and mission?

Elektrik: To make the lives of electricians better by saving them time, alleviating stress and saving them money. We do this by connecting them with sellers of electrical equipment through the first electrical industry marketplace.

Alabama NewsCenter: What inspired you to develop this company?

Elektrik: I worked in the electrical equipment industry and hated how slow and antiquated and unfair the industry is. I needed to do something about it.

Alabama NewsCenter: What attracted your company most to the state of Alabama and the Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator?

Elektrik: We wanted to do a world-class accelerator program; having Alabama Power’s backing was a huge deciding factor.

The cable finder is one of Elektrik’s features. (contributed)

Alabama NewsCenter: What does enhancing the future of energy mean to your company?

Elektrik: With how ubiquitous electricity is in our everyday lives, it’s never been more essential to “always keep the lights on,” and the availability of electrical equipment is crucial to realizing that vision. Enhancing the future of energy means supplying the electrical industry with quick access to critical components, creating a reliable and sustainable power grid even in times of crisis.

Alabama NewsCenter: Other than moving your startup forward, what is the most meaningful, long-term learning or takeaway you hope to gain for your company by participating in the Techstars class?

Elektrik: Harnessing long-term relationships with Alabama Power and its partners.

Alabama NewsCenter: What is the No. 1 thing you would like potential investors to know or understand about your company?

Elektrik: We are hungry, humble and smart.