TechCrunch Startup News HomeBoost’s app will show you where to save on your utility bills; plus, Waymo reportedly raising a $16B funding round
Feb 2, 2026
A startup offers a mailed home kit plus app to pinpoint energy leaks and recommend cost-saving upgrades with local rebates. The story covers partnerships with utilities and a pro offering that links homeowners to contractors. A separate segment dives into a massive funding round reportedly valuing a robotaxi company at $110 billion and who might be investing.
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Founder Sparked By Family Post-It Notes
- Selena Tabakowala started investigating home energy after her daughter left Post-it reminders around the house to save energy.
- She used surveys from her SurveyMonkey background to discover homeowners struggle to know how to lower utility bills.
Low-Cost DIY Energy Assessments
- Home Boost mails a Boost box with an infrared camera and blacklight plus an app that generates upgrade reports and rebate info.
- The combination gives homeowners quick, data-driven assessments at about one-quarter the cost of in-person audits.
Partner With Utilities And Pros
- Partner with utilities to subsidize customer costs and increase adoption of energy-efficiency tools.
- Offer a professional app version so auditors and contractors can scale services and convert leads.