Breakthrough Energy Ventures
Bill Gates-backed climate tech fund investing in zero-carbon energy solutions.
This is Bill Gates' climate fund, which means patient capital and genuinely long-term thinking — but also extremely high technical bars and lengthy diligence processes. They're not typical VCs; they think more like corporate R&D with deeper pockets. Great for founders building truly differentiated hard tech who need partners who understand 10-15 year development cycles. The flip side: decision-making can be slow, they're very hands-on with technical validation, and they expect founders to be as obsessed with the climate mission as the business model. If you're building incremental software solutions or need quick decisions, look elsewhere.
- —Best for: Deep tech climate founders who need patient capital and technical validation
- —Watch out for: Lengthy diligence processes and high technical bars for investment
- —Known for: Bill Gates backing and genuine long-term climate commitment
Climate technology investments across the innovation pipeline, from early research to commercial deployment. They focus on hard-to-solve climate challenges requiring breakthrough technologies in areas like energy storage, agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation.
Primarily Series A-C cleantech companies, with some seed and later-stage investments. Heavy focus on energy storage, sustainable aviation fuels, carbon capture, green hydrogen, and industrial decarbonization. They've moved beyond just energy into agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation.
Former Flagship Pioneering partner and co-founder of multiple biotech companies. Known for his deep technical diligence and long-term thinking on complex science-based ventures.
Former McKinsey partner focused on energy and sustainability. Brings operational expertise and strategic thinking to portfolio companies navigating complex regulatory and market environments.
Billionaire philanthropist and former Enron trader turned energy investor. Co-chairs the fund with deep pockets and long-term conviction in climate solutions.
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