Calstart Rebranded as Catalyst Mobility After Merger
The Pasadena-based consortium adopted a new name following its operational merger with the nonprofit Forth.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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On September 14, 2026, the transportation consortium Calstart officially rebranded to Catalyst Mobility. The move followed a merger with the Portland-based nonprofit Forth, aiming to better reflect the organization's focus on clean transportation technology.
Why it matters
The rebranding and merger are designed to accelerate the growth of clean mobility solutions by providing increased organizational scale. The strategic shift aligns the entities to better support their combined membership of more than 200 participants.
Catalyst Mobility maintains a workforce of 260 employees while absorbing the 26 staff members from the nonprofit Forth. The merged organization now oversees a consortium that has grown significantly since its 40 founding members in 1992.
The players
Catalyst Mobility
Headquartered in Pasadena, this consortium of over 200 members works to advance clean transportation technology.
Forth
Based in Portland, Oregon, this nonprofit organization focuses on advancing electric and clean transportation mobility.
Michael Berube
He currently serves as the chief executive of Catalyst Mobility, having taken the position in late 2025.
The details
The merger combines the resources of the Pasadena-headquartered group with the Oregon-based nonprofit to streamline clean transportation initiatives. This consolidation is intended to unify operations and bolster the reach of the organization's programs across California and beyond.
Timeline
Calstart was originally founded in 1992.
Michael Berube assumed the role of chief executive in late 2025.
The official rebranding to Catalyst Mobility took effect on September 14, 2026.
Roadmap
This integration follows a broader industry trend where specialized non-profits and technology consortia merge to gain the scale necessary for significant regional impact. By combining resources, the organization strengthens its position within the competitive clean transportation sector.
Residents and industry partners in Pasadena may see more unified clean transportation initiatives as the organization scales its operations. For those involved in the electric vehicle industry, the merger suggests a more centralized resource for future clean transit advocacy and development.
The takeaway
The merger highlights the growing need for institutional scale within the clean transportation technology sector. Readers can expect a more consolidated approach to policy and technology advocacy as the organization leverages its expanded footprint.
Further reading
For more on the evolution of clean transportation infrastructure, visit Electric Vehicles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Business Journal.
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