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• Launch HN: Jasmine (YC S22) – Automating REC compliance and payouts for solar

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  Posted: 2025-04-16 13:11:12

  Verbose tl;dr

  Jasmine is a Y Combinator-backed startup aiming to automate Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) compliance and payouts for solar projects. They handle the complex process of registering, tracking, and monetizing RECs, simplifying revenue generation for solar developers and asset owners. This automation reduces administrative overhead and ensures projects capitalize on the full value of their renewable energy generation.

  A new Y Combinator-backed startup from the Summer 2022 cohort, named Jasmine, has launched with the aim of streamlining and automating the complex processes involved in Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) management and associated financial transactions within the solar energy industry. The platform seeks to address the significant manual effort currently required to track, register, and monetize RECs, which represent the environmental attributes of one megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable energy generation. Jasmine's automated system is designed to handle the entire REC lifecycle, from initial creation and registration with relevant regulatory bodies, through to the final payout to solar project owners. This automation promises to significantly reduce the administrative burden and associated costs for solar developers and asset owners, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their business. The platform intends to increase the efficiency and transparency of the REC market, simplifying what is often a convoluted and opaque process. By automating key steps and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, Jasmine aims to unlock the full financial potential of RECs for solar energy projects, thereby further incentivizing the growth and adoption of renewable energy sources. The founders are positioning Jasmine as a solution to a critical bottleneck in the solar industry, recognizing that the current manual processes associated with REC management represent a significant impediment to scaling solar deployments. They believe their automated platform can unlock substantial value for solar project owners by maximizing REC revenues and minimizing administrative overhead.

  • Renewable Energy Credits
  • RECs
  • solar energy
  • Solar Industry
  • Automation
  • Compliance
  • Fintech
  • Payments
  • startup
  • YC
  • Y Combinator
  • S22
  • Software
  • SaaS
  • clean energy
  • Green Tech
  • Energy Market

  Summary of Comments ( 1 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43705065

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discuss Jasmine's potential, focusing on the complexity of Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) markets. Some express skepticism about automating such a nuanced process, citing variations in state regulations and the potential for fraud. Others see value in streamlining REC management, particularly for smaller solar installers. Several commenters inquire about Jasmine's pricing model and integration with existing solar software. The discussion also touches on the challenges of accurately tracking REC ownership and the importance of transparency in the market. A few users with experience in the solar industry offer insights into the specific pain points Jasmine aims to address, validating the need for such a solution.

  The Hacker News post discussing Jasmine, a YC S22 startup automating REC compliance and payouts for solar, has generated a moderate number of comments, primarily focusing on the complexities of the REC market and the potential value proposition of Jasmine.

  Several commenters highlight the fragmented and opaque nature of the REC market, with varying regulations and pricing across different states and jurisdictions. This complexity, they argue, creates significant overhead for solar installers and asset owners who must navigate these intricacies to monetize their RECs. Some users shared personal anecdotes about the challenges of tracking generation data, registering RECs, and finding buyers, emphasizing the pain point Jasmine aims to address.

  A recurring theme in the comments is skepticism regarding the defensibility of Jasmine's business model. Commenters question whether the automation provided by Jasmine is truly novel or difficult to replicate, and whether the value proposition is strong enough to justify their fees. Some suggest that existing energy management platforms or in-house solutions might be sufficient for many solar project owners. Concerns were also raised about potential competition from larger players in the renewable energy space.

  Some commenters inquire about the specifics of Jasmine's pricing model, integration with existing systems, and handling of different REC types (SRECs, RECs, etc.). Others express interest in learning more about the company's target market and go-to-market strategy.

  A few commenters offered constructive feedback to the founders, suggesting potential features or areas of focus, such as incorporating carbon offset markets or providing more granular reporting and analytics. One commenter questioned the emphasis on automation, suggesting that human expertise and relationship management might still be crucial in navigating the REC market.

  Overall, the comments reflect a cautious optimism towards Jasmine's potential, acknowledging the need for a streamlined REC management solution while also raising valid concerns about the company's competitive landscape and long-term viability. The discussion highlights the complexities and nuances of the REC market and the challenges faced by solar project owners in maximizing the value of their renewable energy assets.

• Launch HN: Karsa (YC W25) – Buy and save stablecoins internationally

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  Posted: 2025-01-30 16:59:38

  Verbose tl;dr

  Karsa, a YC W25 startup, launched a platform for buying and saving stablecoins internationally. It aims to provide an easier way for people in emerging markets to access and hold USD-pegged stablecoins as a hedge against local currency volatility and inflation. The platform allows users to purchase stablecoins directly with their local currency through various payment methods, and then earn interest on their holdings. Karsa emphasizes a simple and accessible user experience, designed specifically for individuals in these markets who may be less familiar with cryptocurrencies.

  Karsa, a startup recently accepted into Y Combinator's Winter 2025 cohort, has officially launched its platform with the aim of facilitating the international purchase and secure storage of stablecoins. The company is presenting itself as a solution for individuals and businesses operating across borders who encounter challenges accessing or maintaining stable, dollar-denominated assets. Karsa aims to simplify this process by providing a streamlined on-ramp for acquiring stablecoins, effectively acting as a bridge between traditional fiat currencies and the digital asset landscape.

  The platform's functionality centers around enabling users to purchase United States Dollar Coin (USDC) and potentially other stablecoins in the future, using their local currencies. This is achieved through a variety of payment methods, including bank transfers and mobile money, thereby catering to diverse financial infrastructures worldwide. Furthermore, Karsa emphasizes the security of the acquired stablecoins by custodying them on behalf of its users. This custody solution is designed to protect users' assets while also ensuring ease of access and management.

  The motivation behind Karsa stems from the founders' recognition of the difficulties inherent in international finance, particularly in regions with volatile local currencies or limited access to traditional banking services. Stablecoins, pegged to the US dollar, offer a potential solution to preserve capital and facilitate cross-border transactions in a more stable and efficient manner. Karsa intends to make accessing these digital assets more straightforward and accessible, thereby empowering individuals and businesses in navigating the complexities of the global financial system. The platform is currently inviting users to sign up and join their waitlist to gain early access to their services.

  • Fintech
  • Stablecoins
  • International Finance
  • Payments
  • YC
  • Y Combinator
  • W25
  • Savings
  • Investment
  • Currency Exchange
  • Global Finance
  • Cross-Border Payments

  Summary of Comments ( 72 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42879661

  Verbose tl;dr

  Several commenters on Hacker News expressed skepticism about the need for Karsa, questioning whether the problem it solves is significant enough, especially given existing solutions like Wise and Revolut. Some doubted the claim of cheaper and faster transfers, citing personal experience with these alternatives. Others questioned the regulatory landscape and potential legal hurdles for operating in multiple jurisdictions. A few commenters requested clarification on Karsa's specific advantages, particularly concerning fees and exchange rates, while some expressed interest in using the service for specific use cases like paying international employees. Overall, the comments reflected a cautious but curious attitude towards Karsa, with many seeking more information to assess its true value proposition.

  The Hacker News post titled "Launch HN: Karsa (YC W25) – Buy and save stablecoins internationally" has generated a moderate number of comments, mostly focusing on the practical implications and potential use cases of the service, as well as some skepticism about its regulatory landscape and target audience.

  Several commenters questioned the need for such a service, pointing out existing solutions like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and questioning the actual cost savings offered by Karsa. They argued that while Karsa might simplify the process of acquiring stablecoins, the underlying transfer fees and exchange rates might not be significantly different from existing methods. One commenter highlighted the difficulty of competing with established remittance services, especially given their extensive network and regulatory compliance.

  Another thread of discussion revolved around the target demographic for Karsa. Some commenters suggested that the primary beneficiaries would be individuals in countries with volatile currencies or limited access to traditional banking services. They envisioned scenarios where people could preserve their savings by converting local currency to stablecoins, effectively hedging against inflation and economic instability. However, other commenters countered this argument, noting the technical hurdles and potential risks involved in using stablecoins, especially for populations with limited financial literacy.

  Regulatory concerns were also raised. Commenters pointed out the complex and evolving regulatory landscape surrounding stablecoins and cross-border money transfers, expressing skepticism about Karsa's ability to navigate these challenges effectively. One commenter specifically mentioned the potential for regulatory scrutiny and the difficulty of obtaining necessary licenses in multiple jurisdictions.

  A few commenters expressed interest in the technical implementation of Karsa, inquiring about the specific stablecoins supported, the underlying blockchain technology used, and the security measures in place. However, these comments were relatively few compared to the discussions about the practical utility and regulatory aspects of the service.

  Overall, the comments section reflects a mixed reception to Karsa. While some users acknowledged the potential benefits of the service, particularly for individuals in specific economic circumstances, others expressed skepticism about its cost-effectiveness, target audience, and ability to navigate the complex regulatory landscape. The discussion highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the practical applications and challenges of stablecoins in the context of international finance.