Why Poppy
Energy optimization for healthy buildings.
Buildings should deliver clean, comfortable air without wasting energy. For decades, ventilation has been assumed, not verified. We built Poppy to change that.
Our mission
Healthy, sustainable buildings for everyone.
Comfort, health, and decarbonization shouldn't be a constant tug-of-war. We contribute to the standards that define clean-air performance and help lead the industry toward verification, not guesswork.
Founded in Silicon Valley in 2019 by the original team from Meta, alongside leaders from Microsoft, Stanford, and NY real estate veterans.
Track record
- ✓50M+ sq ft optimized worldwide
- ✓15,000+ locations tested
- ✓#5 Most Innovative Company — Fast Company
- ✓18+ patents
- ✓ASHRAE 62.1 and 241 leadership
- ✓ARPA-H BREATHE awardee
- ✓Operations across US, Canada, and Middle East
The technology
We introduced real-time air tracing to the industry.
Unlike desktop calculations that estimate ventilation from drawings, Poppy measures how air actually behaves in real, occupied buildings. Our patented Real-Time Air Tracing technology tells you how much clean air is coming from outside versus filtration and recirculation — in the real building, with real occupants.
Real building performance
Aerosol tracer testing in occupied spaces. Not models, not drawings — real behavior.
Patented technology
18+ patents covering measurement, verification, and optimization across HVAC configurations.
Standards leadership
Active involvement in ASHRAE 62.1 and ASHRAE 241 — the modern benchmarks for clean-air performance.
Our team
Mission-driven engineers and operators.
Poppy comprises a team of passionate and award-winning entrepreneurs and engineers, united by a vision to make indoor air safer and more sustainable for everyone.
Sam Molyneux
Co-CEO & Co-Founder
Technology executive, scientist, and entrepreneur. Co-founded Meta, an early AI company acquired by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative in 2017 — its brand ultimately became home to Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Reality Labs. Contributing author, ASHRAE 241 Normative Appendix C. Named Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People in Business and Canada's Top 40 Under 40.
Elizabeth Caley
Co-CEO & Co-Founder
Technology executive and inventor with 30 years leading global ventures at the intersection of AI, health, and energy. Co-inventor of the real-time air tracer system integrated into ASHRAE Standard 241-2023. Previously COO and Chief of Staff at Meta/Chan Zuckerberg Initiative; Director at Microsoft Canada. Named Inspiring Fifty Women in Tech and one of the 12 Most Inspirational Women in STEM.
Dr. Marwa Zaatari
Chief Engineer
Architectural and environmental engineer shaping the standards for healthier, more energy-efficient buildings. Serves as an ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer, upcoming Chair of ASHRAE Standard 62.1, and Chair of the risk assessment group for ASHRAE Standard 241. She is also the vice chair of the newly formed center of excellence of ASHRAE IEQ. She is also a board member of the U.S. Green Building Council Board of Directors and advises on air quality and sustainability in schools through USGBC Green Schools. Her leadership helps define the global standards and practices behind healthier indoor environments.
Alan Watts
Chief Commercial Officer
Commercial real estate leader with 30 years of experience in development, investment, and business growth across commercial and residential properties. Has scaled sales for innovative building technology companies and raised and deployed more than $250 million across commercial real estate in New York City and the surrounding region. Known for building trusted relationships, forging strategic partnerships, and turning ambitious ideas into durable growth.
Want to see if your building is a fit?
If you suspect you're over-ventilating, we'll help you find out quickly and transparently.
Schedule a call