Top 14 Venture Capital Firms for CleanTech Startups

For founders in the CleanTech and sustainability space, preparing to raise capital means finding investors who truly understand your mission. You need partners who recognize the specific challenges and opportunities within climate and green technology, not just another check.

To help you identify the right partners, our team curated this overview of active venture capital firms in the sector. It’s a starting point for your research, designed to help you quickly understand the key investors before or during your fundraising process.

Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay — built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• For a CleanTech startup, securing venture funding is about finding a partner who understands your specific mission and can support your long-term growth.
• Leading venture firms with a focus on CleanTech include notable backers like Third Sphere, Clean Energy Ventures, Powerhouse Ventures, and The Westly Group.
• Whether you are actively raising or have just closed a round, Rho helps you manage your capital with fast business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay.

Which VC Firms in CleanTech Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether you're an early-stage company or preparing for an exit, it helps to know who to talk to. Here is a quick overview of which CleanTech VC firms invest at each stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in CleanTech

Pre-seed and seed funding is the earliest capital you'll raise, typically used to validate your idea, build a minimum viable product, and find initial market fit. For founders in the green tech space, firms like Powerhouse Ventures, Evergreen Climate Innovations, and Fledge are active seed stage venture capital firms to consider.

Early Stage VC Firms in CleanTech

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and B rounds, helps you scale your operations, grow your team, and expand your customer base after achieving product-market fit. Some notable early stage VC firms in CleanTech include New York-based Third Sphere and Boston's Clean Energy Ventures, both of which support companies aiming for scalable climate impact.

Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

Late Stage VC Firms in CleanTech

Late-stage capital is for established companies looking to accelerate growth, enter new markets, or prepare for an acquisition or IPO. Prominent late stage venture capital firms with a track record in the sustainability sector include The Westly Group and DBL Partners.

It's also worth noting that many climate tech VC firms invest across multiple stages, from seed to exit.

To help with your research, we've compiled an overview of leading VC firms in the CleanTech space. The following list includes key details on their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm a potential partner for founders.

1. Third Sphere

Third Sphere is an early-stage venture firm that backs companies working on scalable climate solutions. They focus on generating significant environmental impact alongside strong financial returns.

The firm invests across CleanTech, GovTech, and smart buildings, showing a broad interest in sustainability-related sectors. Their portfolio includes the vertical-farming company Bowery Farming, which became a unicorn after its 2021 Series C round, and several successful exits to major corporations like BP and Michelin.

This firm is a strong potential partner if you are an early-stage founder with a technology that can scale quickly. They are a good fit for companies that have a clear path to both climate impact and profitability.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Private Equity
• Industries of focus: CleanTech, GovTech, Real Estate, Smart Building
• Geographical presence: Based in New York
• Founded: 2013
• Notable portfolio companies: Bowery Farming, Mark43, Blueprint Power (acquired by BP)
• Portfolio size: 138 investments and 10 exits

You can refer to their website here.

2. Clean Energy Ventures

Clean Energy Ventures is a Boston-based firm that backs companies commercializing new energy technologies and business models. They focus on startups with the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The firm shows a clear preference for deep-tech solutions with strong industry validation. Their portfolio includes companies like LineVision, which has backing from Microsoft, and Advanced Ionics, supported by bp Ventures, signaling a focus on startups that attract strategic corporate partners.

This firm is a good match if you are a founder with a proven, capital-intensive technology in the energy sector. They are particularly well-suited for companies ready to scale and seeking introductions to major industry players.

Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, and Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Clean Energy, CleanTech
• Geographical presence: Based in Boston
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: LineVision, Nth Cycle, Advanced Ionics, OXCCU
• Portfolio size: 62 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. Powerhouse Ventures

Powerhouse Ventures backs seed-stage startups building software to help decarbonize global energy and mobility systems. Based in Oakland, the firm focuses on innovative companies with the potential for rapid climate impact.

The firm has a distinct focus on software-based solutions rather than capital-intensive hardware. Their investment in Raptor Maps, a solar asset management software platform, highlights their strategy of supporting scalable technologies that make clean energy more efficient.

This firm is a strong match if you are a seed-stage founder with a software product for the energy or transportation markets. They are well-suited for companies that use data and software to accelerate the transition to clean energy.

• Investment stages: Seed, Convertible Note, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: CleanTech, Software, Renewable Energy, Electric Vehicle, Transportation
• Geographical presence: Based in Oakland, California
• Founded: 2018
• Notable portfolio companies: Raptor Maps
• Portfolio size: 47 investments, 6 exits

You can refer to their website here.

4. The Westly Group

The Westly Group is a venture capital firm that invests in companies from seed to late stage. Based in Menlo Park, they have a history of backing businesses that go on to become leaders in their respective industries.

A look at their portfolio reveals a track record of investing in category-defining companies, most notably Tesla. Their successful exits also include SentinelOne, which had the highest-valued cybersecurity IPO at the time, and Luminar, whose founder became a billionaire after its SPAC merger. This history signals a focus on highly ambitious companies with the potential for massive scale and public market exits.

This firm is an excellent potential partner if you are a founder with a clear vision for industry leadership and a technology poised for significant growth. Their willingness to invest across stages makes them a good fit for founders seeking a long-term capital partner.

Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity
• Industries of focus: CleanTech, Service Industry
• Geographical presence: Based in Menlo Park, California
• Founded: 2007
• Notable portfolio companies: Tesla, SentinelOne, Luminar Technologies, Procore
• Portfolio size: 107 investments and 25 exits

You can refer to their website here.

5. SE Ventures

Backed by Schneider Electric, SE Ventures is a global venture capital fund with over $1 billion in capital. They invest in companies developing solutions for energy management, industrial automation, and sustainability.

As a corporate venture arm, the firm offers a direct path to strategic partnership with Schneider Electric, a clear advantage for portfolio companies. Their investments include unicorns like the industrial cybersecurity firm Claroty and successful exits like the acquisition of AutoGrid by their parent company.

This firm is a strong potential partner if your startup operates in industrial tech, energy, or sustainability and could benefit from deep industry expertise. Founders looking for a clear route to market validation and a potential acquisition path will find them a compelling choice.

Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Industrial Automation, CleanTech, Energy Storage, Sustainability, AI
• Geographical presence: Based in Menlo Park, California
• Founded: 2017
• Fund size: Over $1 billion
• Notable portfolio companies: AutoGrid, Scandit, Proterra, Claroty
• Portfolio size: 45 investments and 4 exits

You can refer to their website here.

6. Blue Bear Capital

Blue Bear Capital is a venture firm that supports companies applying AI and data-driven technology to energy infrastructure. Based in Los Angeles, they invest in businesses that are modernizing the industrial, energy, and renewable sectors.

The firm has a clear focus on software and data-centric solutions that improve efficiency and security in critical industries. Their portfolio includes companies like FreeWire Technologies, which makes battery-integrated EV chargers, and Mission Secure, a cybersecurity company acquired for its work in protecting energy infrastructure.

This firm is a good fit if you are a founder with a data-driven technology targeting the energy, industrial, or infrastructure markets. Their broad investment range from seed to late stage suggests they can be a long-term partner for companies with ambitious growth plans.

Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Convertible Note
• Industries of focus: AI, Data, Energy Infrastructure, CleanTech, Industrial, SaaS
• Geographical presence: Based in Los Angeles
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: FreeWire Technologies, TruckLabs, Mission Secure (acquired by XONA)
• Portfolio size: 67 investments and 4 exits

You can refer to their website here.

7. DBL Partners

DBL Partners is a venture firm known for its "double bottom line" investment strategy, backing companies that generate strong financial returns alongside positive social, environmental, and economic impacts.

The firm has a history of supporting transformative companies, with early investments in category-definers like Tesla, SpaceX, and SolarCity. Their backing of The RealReal, hailed as a key “circular-economy” IPO, also highlights their focus on sustainability and market-defining business models.

This firm is a great fit for founders with ambitious, capital-intensive ideas that have a clear mission for social or environmental good. They are a good long-term partner for companies aiming to create new industries or go public.

Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, Debt
• Industries of focus: Impact Investing, CleanTech, Sustainability, Health Care, Information Technology
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco
• Founded: 2004
• Notable portfolio companies: Tesla, SpaceX, SolarCity, The RealReal, Planet
• Portfolio size: 80 investments and 14 exits

You can refer to their website here.

8. Evergreen Climate Innovations

Evergreen Climate Innovations is a Chicago-based firm that provides early-stage capital to startups developing impactful climate technologies. They focus on supporting entrepreneurs who are working to bring new solutions to market.

The firm’s portfolio shows a focus on tangible, real-world solutions, from the zero-emissions aircraft developer Wright Electric to NanoGraf's energy-dense batteries. Their successful exit of car-pooling platform SPLT, which was acquired by Bosch, signals their ability to help startups achieve strategic outcomes.

This firm is a good match for early-stage founders with a clear, technology-driven approach to solving climate challenges. They are well-suited for companies that have a strong technical foundation and are ready to bring a product to market.

Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Clean Energy, CleanTech, Impact Investing, Renewable Energy
• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago
• Founded: 2010
• Notable portfolio companies: Wright Electric, NanoGraf Technologies, SPLT (acquired by Bosch)
• Portfolio size: 47 investments and 5 exits

You can refer to their website here.

9. Neotribe Ventures

Neotribe Ventures is an early-stage firm that invests in breakthrough technologies designed to stretch the imagination. They focus on backing founders who are building companies in nascent and often overlooked markets.

The firm has a strong record of guiding companies to high-profile public exits, including the IPO of Robinhood and the SPAC mergers of CleanTech companies Energy Vault and Heliogen. This history signals a focus on ambitious, capital-intensive businesses with the potential for massive scale.

Neotribe is a good fit if you are an early-stage founder with a deeply technical, category-defining idea. They are a strong partner for companies aiming for a public offering or a major strategic acquisition.

Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Private Equity
• Industries of focus: CleanTech, Robotics, Enterprise Software, Cyber Security
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: Robinhood, Energy Vault, Heliogen, CipherTrace (acquired by Mastercard)
• Portfolio size: 77 investments and 8 exits

You can refer to their website here.

10. Lateral Frontiers

Lateral Frontiers is a venture fund that invests in early and growth-stage companies across Africa. While based in New York, their focus is on backing founders who are building solutions for the African market.

The firm's portfolio shows a strong focus on high-growth sectors across the continent, including FinTech, HR-tech, and mobile gaming. Their investment in Octavia Carbon, the first direct-air-capture startup in the Global South, signals a growing interest in pioneering climate technology in the region.

This firm is a compelling partner for founders building scalable businesses for the African market. Their track record of co-investing with major global funds like Andreessen Horowitz and Tiger Global makes them a good fit for ambitious teams looking to attract international attention.

Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Debt
• Industries of focus: CleanTech, FinTech, Health Care, Logistics, Mobile, Renewable Energy
• Geographical presence: Focused on Africa (based in New York)
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: Octavia Carbon, Carry1st, Mono, SeamlessHR
• Portfolio size: 48 investments and 1 exit

You can refer to their website here.

11. Earth Foundry

Earth Foundry is a Chicago-based venture fund that invests in early-stage energy and clean-tech startups. They provide capital and support to companies developing new solutions for the energy sector.

The firm's portfolio shows a focus on deep-tech with significant market potential, backing industrial cybersecurity unicorn Dragos and smart-panel maker Span. Their track record includes successful exits and portfolio companies like NanoGraf, which secured a U.S. Department of Defense contract.

This firm is a strong choice if you are an early-stage founder with a capital-intensive technology in the energy or industrial sectors. They are well-suited for companies that have a clear path to attracting strategic partners or achieving a successful exit.

Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Clean Energy, CleanTech, Energy Efficiency, Power Grid
• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago
• Founded: 2013
• Notable portfolio companies: Dragos, Span, NanoGraf, GlidePath
• Portfolio size: 35 investments and 5 exits

You can refer to their website here.

12. Fledge

Fledge is a global network of accelerators that supports mission-driven, for-profit companies. Based in Seattle, they provide early-stage capital and mentorship to startups focused on making a positive impact across sectors like sustainability, agriculture, and CleanTech.

The firm's portfolio shows a commitment to tangible, real-world solutions. They've backed companies like Burn Manufacturing, a maker of high-efficiency cookstoves, and Shift Labs, which develops low-cost medical devices—both notable investments. Another success is Evrnu, a textile recycling pioneer whose NuCycl fiber was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2022.

Fledge is an ideal partner if you are an early-stage founder with a clear social or environmental mission. Their accelerator model is well-suited for companies that would benefit from structured guidance and a global network, in addition to capital.

Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Debt
• Industries of focus: Social Impact, Sustainability, CleanTech, AgTech, GreenTech
• Geographical presence: Based in Seattle (global network)
• Founded: 2012
• Notable portfolio companies: Burn Manufacturing, Evrnu, Shift Labs, BridgeCare
• Portfolio size: 89 investments

You can refer to their website here.

13. Trousdale Ventures

Trousdale Ventures is a Los Angeles-based firm that invests in mission-driven companies aiming to create significant positive change. Operating as both a venture capital firm and a family investment office, they support founders from seed to late stage.

The firm's portfolio is defined by its backing of ambitious, high-profile companies like SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. This indicates a strategy focused on founders with transformative ideas, further supported by their investment in sustainable chemistry unicorn Solugen.

This firm is a strong potential partner if you are a founder with a bold, capital-intensive vision that could redefine an industry. Their portfolio suggests an appetite for high-risk, high-reward ventures, making them a good fit for ambitious teams.

Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: CleanTech, GreenTech, Electric Vehicle, Transportation, Satellite Communication
• Geographical presence: Based in Los Angeles
• Founded: 2019
• Notable portfolio companies: SpaceX, Neuralink, The Boring Company, Solugen
• Portfolio size: 86 investments
• Investor type: Venture Capital, Family Investment Office

You can refer to their website here.

14. Prelude Ventures

Prelude Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in companies focused on climate solutions. They support founders from seed to late stage, providing capital to businesses aiming to address significant climate challenges.

The firm's portfolio shows a focus on high-growth companies with the potential for public market exits. Their investments include unicorns like Lime and Fervo Energy, and IPOs like Planet and Benson Hill, as highlighted in their portfolio, signaling a strategy of backing ambitious, capital-intensive businesses.

This firm is a strong potential partner if you are a founder with a technology that can create a new market or significantly disrupt an existing one. They are a good fit for companies with a clear path to becoming a category leader and are aiming for a large-scale outcome like an IPO.

Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, and Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: CleanTech, AgTech, Carbon Capture, Clean Energy, Food and Beverage
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco
• Founded: 2013
• Notable portfolio companies: Lime, Planet, Fervo Energy, Benson Hill
• Portfolio size: 150 investments and 14 exits

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for CleanTech Companies

This list of investors shows that funding for CleanTech companies is both active and varied. There is considerable support for early-stage founders, as many of these firms concentrate on seed and Series A rounds. Importantly, a number of them also invest in later stages, which can provide a consistent source of capital as your company scales.

While many firms are based in major tech hubs like the San Francisco Bay Area and New York, you can find key investors in other cities, including Chicago and Boston. This indicates that you have fundraising options across the country. Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Fundraising requires significant time and focus. This overview is designed to help you concentrate your efforts on the investors who are most aligned with your company's goals.

Once you secure your funding, the work of managing it begins. If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes, so you can put your new capital to work.

Our platform provides the tools you need to manage your money well, from business banking and corporate cards to automated bill pay. We help you deploy your capital with confidence and control.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on CleanTech

Which US cities are hubs for CleanTech venture capital firms?

Major hubs include the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, and Boston, where many established firms are based. You will also find active investors in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, reflecting a growing national interest in climate technology.

Are there active climate tech VC firms in Europe?

Yes, Europe has a strong and growing ecosystem for climate tech investment, with active firms in London, Berlin, and across the Nordic countries. Many global VCs also have a significant presence and dedicated funds for the European market.

What do early-stage CleanTech VC firms look for?

Early-stage investors typically focus on your team's expertise, the scalability of your technology, and a clear path to market. They want to see a solution that addresses a significant environmental problem with a viable business model.

How do corporate venture capital firms in CleanTech differ?

Corporate VCs often provide strategic value beyond capital, including industry expertise, distribution channels, and potential acquisition paths. They look for startups that align with their parent company’s long-term goals and technology roadmaps.

What is the focus of impact investing venture capital firms in sustainability?

Impact investors prioritize companies that deliver measurable environmental or social benefits alongside strong financial returns. They seek founders whose core mission is to create positive, sustainable change through their business model.

How can Rho help after I close my funding round?

Once you secure funding, our platform helps you manage it effectively. With business banking, corporate cards, and automated payments in one place, Rho lets you deploy your new capital with speed and control.