Behind the innovation

A better solution to the problem.

AlwayStart began with a simple question: Why are we still dealing with dead batteries when we have chargers and jump packs?

The AlwayStart origin

A deal that didn't happen...
for the right reason.

In 2025, the AlwayStart founders were exploring the idea of bringing the product to market in partnership with an established battery-charger company. But the partnership ultimately didn’t move forward for an unexpected reason: the charger company was concerned that AlwayStart could cannibalize its existing products.

Rather than discouraging them, that concern reinforced what the founders saw in AlwayStart from the beginning: an opportunity to solve an old problem in a fundamentally different and better way.

Drivers shouldn’t have to replace batteries so often, and protecting a battery shouldn’t require another task to remember. Battery protection should work more like a home alarm system: monitor what’s happening and automatically step in when needed.

So the founders decided to bring AlwayStart to market themselves.

Our Story

How a simple question turned into years of engineering, testing, and a better way to protect your battery.

How It Started

The idea came in 2017 while helping a friend with a frame-up restoration of a '72 Jimmy. While integrating all the new electrical kits (AC, power locks, electric windows, powered running boards, etc.), we realized that every kit increased the parasitic draw and would cause even more battery issues. It raised the question: why isn't there anything on the market to proactively protect your battery?

That question turned into years of engineering and testing, building a system that protects your battery before it fails, instead of leaving you with a surprise dead battery.

The Initial Response

After we built a working unit, friends and family were excited and asked if they could get one. We commissioned a nationally representative survey that found 47 million Americans would be interested in buying one or more AlwayStarts. That confirmed what we suspected – this is a widespread problem, and people are ready for a better solution.

We also put AlwayStart through extensive real-world testing and commissioned an independent engineering risk assessment (FMEA) by ESi, reinforcing our confidence in the technology as we prepared to bring it to market.

Bringing AlwayStart to Life

In 2026, we launched AlwayStart on Kickstarter, raising over $360,000 with the support of more than 1,200 backers. The enthusiasm extended well beyond Kickstarter, with automotive influencers, industry professionals and potential partners reaching out to collaborate and help bring AlwayStart to market. The overwhelming support for our vision and brand has been both humbling and energizing.

We're building AlwayStart to help people improve the reliability of their vehicles, so they can spend more time driving and less time worrying.

Brian Delarippa

Co-Founder · Engineering & Operations

Brian brings 25+ years of experience developing complex hardware systems from prototype through production. His background spans electrical, mechanical, and control systems engineering, along with leading multidisciplinary technical teams and large-scale programs.

Susan Li

Co-Founder · Marketing & Operations

Susan brings 20+ years business, marketing, product strategy and GTM experience. As a former SVP/General Manager at a leading marketing consulting and research firm, she has advised Fortune 100 companies on validation, positioning, and new product launches across industries.