Eric Ralls: Founder / CEO of Earth.com and EarthSnap

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About the Founder:

Eric Ralls was born in East Texas and gained a unique perspective on the delicate balance between human progress and environmental preservation early in his life, thanks to his family’s involvement in oil and real estate.

Education

Eric pursued a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Double Major in Japanese Language and Literature/Psychology at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.

After that, he proceeded to Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona, where he honed his business acumen and blended his passion for science with strategic thinking. His graduate research focused on leveraging technology to bridge gaps in environmental education.

Inventions and Enterprises

Eric Ralls’s impact reverberates across different spheres of the scientific community. His contributions have garnered respect from peers, educators, and environmentalists alike.

First, he founded Cosmiverse in 1999 as an internet platform dedicated to space exploration and celestial wonders. As the CEO, he curated captivating content, making astronomy accessible to millions. Cosmiverse became a virtual observatory where stargazers and scientists alike could marvel at the cosmos.

Next was RedOrbit.com, where Eric Ralls channeled his passion for science into creating a website where people could explore original content on technology, health, space, and science. The site featured streaming videos, articles, and blogs, all designed with the user in mind.

In 2006, RedOrbit received the Outstanding Achievement in Web Development award from the Web Marketing Association, recognizing its user-friendly approach and global impact.

In 2016, Eric extended his vision with the launch of Earth.com Inc., a groundbreaking website providing a fresh perspective on environmental issues and celebrating the planet’s biodiversity.

Eric and his team roll out daily news articles and original content to keep readers informed and engaged with the latest developments related to Earth, nature, and the environment.

In 2017, just a year after the launch of Earth.com, Eric completed a 5-year journey with the launch of PlantSnap, an innovative app that helps users identify plants instantly. He harnessed AI technology to build the app and has since revolutionized how nature lovers connect with the botanical world.

After Eric left PlantSnap in 2021, his next project was EarthSnap, which was launched in 2025.

More than PlantSnap, EarthSnap is a versatile app that is described as “the ultimate identifier for all living things,” including plants, animals, and nature.

Expertise and Influence

Over the years, Eric’s commitment to science education and environmental advocacy has been evident in his numerous works and contributions as featured on platforms like the New York Times, CleverTap, Amazon AWS, USAToday, and more.

His authenticity resonates with audiences, establishing him as a reliable source of information and a respected contributor within the scientific community.

Eric’s adept navigation of the digital landscape ensures that Earth.com and EarthSnap remain cutting-edge platforms today for connecting people with nature.