In a major boost for sustainable urban infrastructure, Miami based HOPE Hydration has raised $20 million in Series A funding to accelerate the deployment of its tech-enabled water refill stations across the globe. The round was led by water filtration giant Pentair, with participation from climate-focused VC Burnt Island Ventures.

HOPE’s flagship product, the HydroStation™, dispenses free filtered and chilled drinking water in high-traffic public spaces; airports, stadiums, and city centers, while also doubling as a digital advertising platform. With over 2 million refills since 2023, the startup aims to hit 10 million by the end of the year.

Founded by Forbes 30 Under 30 alum Jorge Richardson, cultural strategist Cristina Gnecco, and hardware engineer Dave Tigue, HOPE is part hardware company, part public utility disruptor.

We built HOPE to scale a new kind of infrastructure, one that’s built for health, for exploration, and for the planet.

said Jorge Richardson, Founder and CEO of HOPE Hydration.

Each HydroStation is equipped with proprietary IoT sensors that track refill counts, plastic and carbon saved, and maintenance needs in real time. The 55-inch LED screens on each unit offer ad space that helps venues install the machines at no cost, unlocking a business model that merges public good with brand-backed sustainability.

Pentair’s involvement also signals deep operational support. Its Everpure filtration tech powers each HydroStation, bringing credibility and scalability to HOPE’s expansion.

This partnership aligns with our mission to sustainably improve water, life’s most essential resource.

said Adrian Chiu, EVP at Pentair Water Solutions.

The new funding will go toward global market expansion, manufacturing scale up, and product development. HOPE is already active at marquee events and venues, with backing from investors like Boost VC, Spice Capital, and NBA player Grayson Allen.

While the company’s roots are in Miami, its ambitions are global and deeply tied to the climate tech and circular economy movement. HOPE’s benefit corporation (B Corp) status and mission-driven branding position it as one of the more compelling players in the “smart infrastructure for good” space.