Summary:
Cold Climate aims to assist businesses with sustainability compliance.
Founded by Eric Dayton, inspired by the legacy of Askov Finlayson.
Raised $2.6 million to develop a software-as-a-service platform.
Targets outdoor apparel firms and smaller companies facing environmental regulations.
Shifts focus from consultancy to solving pain points in sustainability reporting.
A New Venture Emerges
After a decade in environmentally minded retail, Eric Dayton's new company, Cold Climate, aims to assist businesses in meeting sustainability goals and regulations.
The Legacy of Askov Finlayson
For two years, the Askov Finlayson store has been dormant, but it laid the groundwork for Cold Climate, which seeks a greater impact on combating climate change. The Dayton brothers, inspired by their great-great-grandfather, initially focused on unique brands and winter gear, but now their mission has evolved.
The Birth of Cold Climate
Eric Dayton reflects, "This is where my passion is. It wasnât the product. It was the mission." With $2.6 million raised from venture capital, Cold Climate is ready to assist environmentally conscious business owners.
Software as a Service for Sustainability
Cold Climate is a software-as-a-service platform designed to help businesses navigate sustainability requirements from suppliers and regulators, particularly targeting outdoor apparel firms and smaller companies. Dayton emphasizes, "What weâll ultimately build will be somewhat industry-flexible."
Addressing Carbon Footprint Challenges
Dayton shares the challenges faced by Askov Finlayson in measuring its carbon footprint and how many small firms currently lack the tools to do so. Cold Climate aims to provide these necessary tools, making it easier for businesses to comply with environmental impacts.
Shifting Focus to Compliance
Initially, Cold Climate aimed to offer consultancy services, but Dayton realized that businesses prefer solutions that address their pain points. The company is now focused on sustainability compliance, helping businesses manage the data required for environmental reporting.
Real-World Impact
Currently, Cold Climate is working with a dozen pilot customers, as businesses scramble to comply with new regulations such as California's ban on PFAS chemicals. Dayton is optimistic about the future, stating, "Iâm hopeful and cautiously optimistic that weâre positioned for a big year ahead."
Cold Climate founders Dan Lindquist, left, and Eric Dayton
Eric Dayton, founder of Cold Climate
About the Author
Evan Ramstad is a business columnist for the Star Tribune.
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