A local start-up that’s caught the eye of local and global investors is taking over more space in Shockoe Bottom.
Evatran, which makes wireless charging stations for electric cars, has leased 8,000 square feet at 2219 E. Franklin St.
The company is likely to use the space for operations and manufacturing, according to broker John Jay Schwartz of Have Site Will Travel. Schwartz represented the landlord, Sunset Strip Associates, in the leasing of Evatran’s space.
Evatran would not comment for this story.
Founded in 2009, Evatran is currently based out of 7 N. 25th St. in the Bottom. In January, the company disclosed it was in the midst of a $10 million capital raise, having gathered $6.2 million at the time, according to an SEC filing.
Evatran has received investment money from a China-based automotive parts manufacturer and New Richmond Ventures, according to a Richmond Times-Dispatch report. Inc.com named Evatran founder Rebecca Hough to its 2013 30 Under 30 list.
Evatran’s new space was formerly used by dance apparel and equipment maker Wolff-Fording & Co., which was owned by brothers Jeff and Stuart Feldstein before they sold a 60 percent stake to Vert Capital. The landlord, Sunset Strip Associates, is also controlled by the Feldsteins.
The 85,000-square-foot facility has about 72,000 square feet still available for lease, Schwartz said. The property has also leased space to the Richmond Treatment Center. Schwartz said he is looking for companies that are interested in tapping into the number of Millenials moving into Shockoe Bottom.
“They all they live down here,” Schwartz said. “We’ve got a place for them to come settle and work.”