Rhizome

Rhizome envisions a future where electric power grids are resilient in the face of accelerating climate extremes, safeguarding communities and unlocking reliable energy for generations. By harnessing advanced AI and integrating cutting-edge climate science with deep utility sector expertise, we enable transformative, data-driven decision-making that anticipates and mitigates risks from decades of climate impact.

We exist to empower electric utilities and regulators with unprecedented foresight into climate threats affecting critical infrastructure, enabling them to strategically invest in resilience measures tailored to evolving realities. Our platform is more than technology—it is a foundation for sustainable, secure energy systems that adapt to the changing planet.

Through innovation in AI-based simulation, risk quantification, and wildfire intelligence, Rhizome is pioneering new standards for how electric grids prepare for and respond to disruption. Our mission is to turn climate uncertainty into actionable clarity, shaping a future where communities and energy systems thrive in harmony despite environmental volatility.

When we first came across Rhizome, we'll admit we were skeptical. Another AI startup promising to solve climate problems? But after digging into what this DC-based company actually does, we found ourselves genuinely impressed. They're tackling one of the most critical infrastructure challenges of our time: keeping the lights on when extreme weather hits.

The Problem They're Actually Solving

Here's what caught our attention: Rhizome isn't just throwing AI at climate change and hoping for the best. They're laser-focused on electric utilities, helping them figure out which parts of the power grid are most vulnerable to climate threats and where to invest their limited dollars for maximum impact.

The timing couldn't be better. With climate-driven outages skyrocketing and utilities facing hundreds of billions in necessary infrastructure investments, the need for smart planning tools is urgent. We've all seen what happens when grids fail during extreme weather — Texas during the freeze, California during wildfires — and it's not pretty.

What Makes Their Approach Smart

What we like about Rhizome's platform is how it combines multiple data sources to create actionable insights. They're not just looking at historical weather patterns; they're modeling decades into the future and pinpointing exactly which assets are at risk. The cost-benefit analysis component is particularly clever — it helps utilities make the case for resilience investments to regulators who control the purse strings.

Their gridFIRM wildfire module, launched in 2024, shows they're staying responsive to real-world needs. Wildfire risk management is huge for West Coast utilities, and having specialized tools for this threat makes sense.

Strong Foundation for Growth

The $6.5 million seed round they closed in May 2025 tells us investors see real potential here. Base10 Partners leading the round is notable — they're not known for backing pie-in-the-sky climate tech. The fact that early customers like Seattle City Light and Vermont Electric Power Company are already on board suggests the platform delivers real value.

Co-founders Mishal Thadani and Rahul Dubey seem to understand both the technical and business sides of the utility industry, which is crucial for success in this notoriously conservative sector. You can't just build great technology; you need to understand how utilities actually make decisions and navigate regulatory requirements.