Startup provides online marketplace for architects

SAN FRANCISCO, US: Among the several young companies last week to raise venture financing was the cleantech startup GreenWizard.

The Charleston, S.C.-based company raised $1.2 million in Series A financing led by Zygote Ventures to develop what it says is akin to "Expedia meets Lending Tree for green materials."

GreenWizard provides a free Web-based marketplace in which architects and others in the architecture and construction industries can search for green building products. Users can navigate the database by name, region or product type. Additionally, one can create a profile for separate projects.

Jerry Fiddler, a principal at San Rafael, Calif.-based Zygote Ventures, previously led the company's angel investment round, said that the construction industry is "very eager" for a database and tools to navigate green-product choices.

CEO Adam Bernholtz said that the company has received affirmation for its products as evidence by its partnerships with the U.S. Green Building Council, Scientific Certification Systems, GreenFormat and Sustainable Material Rating Technology and The Institute for Market Transformation to Sustainability.