A new San Francisco law effective in January 2017 states that all new buildings must use solar energy technology. The legislation covers new buildings 10 stories tall or less, according to The Guardian. While smaller California cities have enacted mandatory solar heating regulations, San Francisco is the first large city to do so. As the home location of many entrepreneurs and investors, it's setting itself up as an urban demonstration project and many of the green technologies developed in northern California will find a local market keen to reap the environmental benefits.

Castle is a startup offering a simple platform covering the main aspects of property management - listing, marketing, rent collection and maintenance When a property is listed on Castle it's immediately marketed on online property sites. Prospective tenants can instantly book viewings, and these are handled by freelance, on-demand staff who show properties or organise maintenance. Instead of a percentage of the rent Castle charges owners a reasonable flat fee per month. 

SafeHer is a new transport co for women and children, started by a former Uber driver, that uses the safest practices to give the most secure transport experience in the industry. Driven by women, for women. drivers are thoroughly background checked before starting. The app is built for safety. Every time the driver starts her day, she has to answer a random security question that changes daily to ensure her identity. When the passenger requests a ride, a safe word pops up on the driver and passenger?s phone. If the driver says the correct word, the ride may begin. If the driver doesn?t have the same safe word, the passenger then knows immediately not to get into that vehicle and SafeHer will then look for the correct one www.safeher.com.

Car Next Door is a platform that allows you to share your car without the usual risks. You can earn money while you're not using your car from neighbours. The platform checks that drivers have good records, arranges your insurance and collects the money for you. www.carnextdoor.com.au

Australia will be the first market for a fintech app which allows you to buy insurance for individual items of value, such as cameras, laptops, bikes, or instruments, turning it on or off as you please. The US startup Trove's decision to launch this new on-demand app in Australia first is due to support it has received from Suncorp as well as Australia's regulatory environment and the high penetration of smart phones.

Mr & Mrs Smith is a hand-picked collection of boutique hotels around the world. Every hotel has been visited by a Smith team member before being reviewed anonymously (and thoroughly) by a couple. They guarantee the best price on your booking, 24 hr contact and offer some extras as well. www.mrandmrssmith.com