Case study 2 itselectric In the push towards greener cities, public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is vital for transitioning from gas-powered to electric vehicles. Addressing this need, itselectric has emerged as a key player, recently securing $6.5 million in seed funding, bringing their total funding to $11.8 million and paving the way for significant deployments in eight US cities in 2025, including San Francisco, Boston, Los Angeles and Jersey City. This funding round, led by Failup Ventures and Uber Technologies, reflects strong industry confidence in itselectric’s vision. Founded in 2021, the start-up aims to tackle a significant urban challenge: the lack of scalable and convenient EV charging solutions for city drivers who park on the street. The company has piloted its low- footprint, easily installable charging stations in New York City, partnering with Hyundai and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). This successful pilot showcased the company’s capability to forge strong public-private partnerships, which is essential for its expansion plans. Their innovative business model and design has gained recognition in outlets like Forbes and Grist, along with awards such as the 2023 Next Big Thing in Tech by Fast Company and grant funding from the Earthshot Prize. Currently, itselectric is expanding across the East and West Coasts, including in Boston and San Francisco. They have used their participation in the Forum’s 2024 Annual Meeting in Davos to establish valuable connections, emphasizing the importance of shared infrastructure for a sustainable urban future. This engagement has amplified their mission, driving collaboration and support for widespread EV charging adoption. Our collaboration with UpLink and the Yes San Francisco project exemplifies a true partnership and serves as a model for how organizations can convene climate start-ups to work seamlessly with municipalities and private companies. Together, we’re enabling a collective effort to tackle ambitious climate goals with a hyper-local focus, fostering an ecosystem that could very well help save our planet. Tiya Gordon Co-Founder, itselectric Credit: itselectric Uplink Annual Impact Report March 2025 20

UpLink Annual Impact Report 2025