Breakthrough Energy Ventures
Bill Gates-backed fund investing in the most cutting-edge climate tech companies to eliminate global greenhouse gas emissions.
This is Gates money with serious technical chops, which means they actually understand deep tech and won't bail when your R&D timeline stretches. The upside: they have patient capital and can write big checks for capital-intensive businesses that traditional VCs won't touch. The reality check: they're extremely technical in diligence and will grill you on unit economics and scalability path - no hand-waving allowed. They move slower than typical VCs because they actually read your technical papers, but when they commit, they're in for the long haul. Good for founders who have real breakthrough technology but need someone who gets that climate tech takes time.
- —Best for: Deep tech climate founders who need patient, technically savvy capital
- —Watch out for: Rigorous technical diligence that can take months
- —Known for: Actually understanding the science behind breakthrough technologies
Climate-focused fund investing in technologies that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions at scale. They back startups developing breakthrough innovations in energy, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and buildings that can achieve deep decarbonization.
Series A through growth stage climate tech, with heavy focus on deep tech solutions requiring significant R&D. Portfolio skews toward industrial applications, advanced materials, energy storage, carbon capture, and sustainable agriculture rather than consumer climate plays.
Former Flagship Pioneering partner with deep biotech experience. Known for backing technical founders and has a reputation for rolling up sleeves on complex science-heavy deals.
Former Duke chemistry professor and ARPA-E program director. Brings serious technical credibility but founders say he can be intimidating in diligence - knows when you're handwaving the science.
Ex-McKinsey consultant who moved into climate investing. Focuses on go-to-market and scaling challenges, though some founders find her less technical than other partners.
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