The round comes from a mix of new and existing investors for the Philly and Austin-based startup, including Insight Partners and HubSpot.

The new small business incubator is designed for entrepreneurs with product or service ideas focused on affordability and accessibility in the energy industry.

Inspire has a base of technologists in its Center City office and is actively hiring.

The $14 million Ben Franklin Technology Partners-led fund has invested in mission-driven companies such as NeuroFlow, Roundtrip and LeagueSide, and momentum is growing.

Plus, leadership changes in local impact investing and government transparency, while Comcast's David Cohen is tapped for ambassadorship via President Biden.

Townes lives in Brooklyn now but represents his hometown wherever he goes. He believes publicly highlighting good local work can help the city better retain its creative talent.

The bootstrapped company was founded by Carta alums last year, and has plans to do some fundraising of its own in the future.

Plus, learn how to navigate the 2021 Child Tax Credit or win $3,000 designing a shirt for Philadelphia Marathon Weekend.

Heath Naquin, a VC pro with government relations experience, will lead this capital work. There will be a focus on funding "diverse founders" — and not all will be local.

The business expansion comes as the concept of ghost kitchens — made-to-order, delivery-only restaurants — gained popularity during the pandemic.