Energize Capital
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These guys actually get it - they start with the problem, not the technology, because 'if you're too early in climate, you lose all your money.' John Tough's background as employee #3 at Choose Energy gives them real operator credibility, and their Invenergy anchor LP provides unmatched industry access to Fortune 2000 energy companies within 100 miles of Chicago. Their track record speaks volumes: one unicorn (Aurora Solar), six exits including Urbint's $325M sale to Itron, and Nozomi's acquisition by Mitsubishi Electric - the largest OT/IoT acquisition in history. What sets them apart is their Energize EDGE platform - 25% of their firm headcount focused on value creation, completing 150+ projects across their portfolio. The proof is in the pudding: their portfolio software revenue grew from $100M to nearly $400M in three years. If you're building climate software and want investors who've actually been in the trenches, these are your people.
- —Best for: B2B climate software with proven traction and Fortune 500 customer potential
- —Watch out for: They're thesis-driven and won't chase hot sectors outside energy transition
- —Known for: Deep operational support through Energize EDGE and unmatched energy industry connections
Energize Capital invests in asset-light companies that solve challenges across electrification and mobility, industrial operations, decarbonization, infrastructure resilience, and renewable energy. They focus on software-enabled solutions that accelerate the transition to a digitized and decarbonized economy.
Primarily Series B focused (17 investments, $30.6M average), with some Series A ($17.3M average) and Series C ($39M average) investments. Concentrated on enterprise B2B software companies in energy transition - including solar design software (Aurora Solar, PVcase), industrial cybersecurity (Nozomi Networks), drone operations (DroneDeploy), and grid management tools.
Over 20 years of finance and investing experience. Previously scaled Choose Energy as Chief Revenue Officer, raising $30M+ and building the largest online energy marketplace in North America. Started at Kleiner Perkins Green Growth Fund before becoming an operator.
Former Venture Associate at Bluestein & Associates. University of Chicago Booth MBA. Co-evaluated OT cybersecurity space with John Tough in 2017, leading to their Nozomi Networks investment.
Co-head of Ventures platform alongside Juan Muldoon. Serves on portfolio company boards including Urbint (led to $325M exit to Itron). Known for grid technology expertise and understanding of power market dynamics.
Energy industry veteran with 15+ years of operating and sector experience. Brought on to launch their growth platform, bridging the gap between venture and maturity for later-stage climate software companies.
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