Earth Networks

About Earth Networks

Earth Networks provides environmental intelligence solutions to help organizations manage financial, operational, and human risks associated with weather. Founded in 1993 by Bob Marshall and Chris Sloop, the company, formerly known as AWS Convergence Technologies, initially focused on installing weather stations in schools to create a networked system. Over time, it expanded its reach and developed the popular WeatherBug application for consumer weather data, which it later sold in 2016 to concentrate on business and government clients.

The company operates what it describes as the world's largest hyperlocal weather and total lightning network, consisting of over 17,500 weather stations and more than 1,800 lightning sensors across 100+ countries. This infrastructure allows for the comprehensive monitoring of both in-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning, enabling early warnings for severe weather. The Earth Networks Total Lightning Network (ENTLN) is a core asset, providing lightning detection with high accuracy and efficiency.

Earth Networks' business model is centered on providing data and software as a service (SaaS). It serves a diverse client base that includes government agencies, airports, schools, sports teams, and utilities, as well as companies in sectors like aviation, energy, and transportation. Clients use the company's data for risk management, operational optimization, and safety. For instance, its data helps issue Dangerous Thunderstorm Alerts with significant lead time. Products include Sferic Maps, a weather visualization dashboard; Sferic Siren for audible lightning alerts; and data feeds and APIs for integration into client systems. The firm also offers 24/7 support from a team of meteorologists.

In 2017, Earth Networks spun off its home energy intelligence division, Whisker Labs, with founder Bob Marshall becoming its CEO and Rich Spaulding being promoted to CEO of Earth Networks. In December 2019, Earth Networks was acquired by Union Park Capital and became part of its Advanced Environmental Monitoring (AEM) family of brands. This integration combines Earth Networks' capabilities with other AEM companies like Davis Instruments and FTS, aiming to provide comprehensive environmental monitoring solutions.