Top 8 Venture Capital Firms for Renewable Energy Startups

For founders in the renewable energy space, understanding the venture capital scene is a critical step when preparing to raise funds. Finding an investor who gets the nuances of cleantech and climate tech can make all the difference.

To help you identify the right partners, our team at Rho has put together this overview of top VC firms in the sector. This guide offers a summary of key investors so you can focus your fundraising efforts effectively.

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Which VC Firms in Renewable Energy Are Right for Your Stage?

Knowing who to approach is crucial, whether you're raising an early round or preparing for a later-stage investment. To help, we've outlined which renewable energy VC firms focus on each stage of a company's growth.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Renewable Energy

Pre-seed and seed funding is the earliest capital you'll raise, typically used to validate your idea and build an initial product. For founders in the renewable energy sector, firms like Powerhouse Ventures and the accelerator Fledge specialize in providing this foundational support.

Early Stage VC Firms in Renewable Energy

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and B rounds, helps you scale operations and grow your customer base once you have market traction. Climate tech VC firms focusing on this growth phase include Evergreen Climate Innovations and Energize Capital.

Late Stage VC Firms in Renewable Energy

Late-stage capital is for mature companies looking to expand significantly, often in preparation for an IPO or acquisition. Among the late-stage venture capital firms, you might consider approaching investors such as Parkway Venture Capital and Tekfen Ventures.

It's also worth noting that some firms, like Blue Bear Capital, invest across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage rounds.

To help you identify the right investment partner, we’ve compiled key details on top VC firms in the renewable energy sector. The following list includes each firm’s investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes them a strong choice for founders.

1. Powerhouse Ventures

Based in Oakland, California, Powerhouse Ventures backs seed-stage startups using software to help decarbonize global energy and mobility systems. They concentrate on innovative digital solutions designed to accelerate the clean energy transition.

The firm’s focus on software is evident in its portfolio, which includes companies like Raptor Maps, a solar asset management platform. This suggests a preference for capital-efficient business models that can scale rapidly and make a significant climate impact.

Powerhouse Ventures could be a great match if you’re a founder at the seed stage with a software-based company in the energy or mobility space. Their specific focus indicates they can offer relevant expertise and a strong network for this niche.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage
• Industries of focus: Software for cleantech, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and transportation
• Geographical presence: Based in Oakland, California
• Founded: 2018
• Portfolio size: 47 investments
• Notable investment: Raptor Maps, a leading software platform for solar asset management.

You can refer to their website here.

2. Blue Bear Capital

Based in Los Angeles, Blue Bear Capital invests in companies applying AI and data-driven technologies to energy and infrastructure. They support founders who are building digital solutions for these essential industries.

The firm invests across a company's lifecycle, from seed to late-stage rounds, signaling their ability to be a long-term partner. Their portfolio highlights a focus on both software and hardware, with investments like FreeWire Technologies, which makes battery-integrated EV chargers.

This firm could be a strong partner if your company applies data and AI to solve challenges in the energy, industrial, or infrastructure markets. Their multi-stage investment approach makes them suitable for founders looking for support throughout their growth journey.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage
• Industries of focus: AI and data-driven technologies for energy, infrastructure, and industrial sectors
• Geographical presence: Based in Los Angeles, California
• Founded: 2016
• Portfolio size: 67 investments
• Notable investment: FreeWire Technologies, a maker of battery-integrated ultrafast EV chargers.

You can refer to their website here.

3. Evergreen Climate Innovations

Based in Chicago, Evergreen Climate Innovations supports startups that are bringing high-impact climate technologies to market. They focus on helping entrepreneurs commercialize their innovations in the cleantech and renewable energy sectors.

The firm invests across both hardware and software, with portfolio companies like NanoGraf Technologies, which develops advanced batteries, and SPLT, a car-pooling platform that was acquired by Bosch. This range indicates an interest in tangible products and digital solutions that address climate challenges.

Evergreen could be a good fit if you are an early-stage founder in the clean energy space. Their history of successful exits suggests they have experience guiding companies toward significant milestones.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage
• Industries of focus: Clean energy, cleantech, impact investing, and renewable energy
• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2010
• Portfolio size: 47 investments
• Notable investments: NanoGraf Technologies (advanced batteries) and Wright Electric (zero-emissions aircraft).

You can refer to their website here.

4. Lateral Frontiers

Lateral Frontiers is a venture fund that invests in early and growth-stage companies across Africa. Though based in New York, their entire focus is on supporting founders building businesses on the continent.

The firm invests across various sectors, from fintech to healthcare, with a clear interest in renewable energy, shown by their backing of Octavia Carbon, a direct-air-capture startup. Their portfolio also includes notable companies like Mono and SeamlessHR, indicating a focus on foundational technology for the African market.

This firm could be a good partner if you are a founder building a company for the African market, particularly in fintech, HR tech, or climate tech. Their multi-stage investment strategy suggests they can support companies through different phases of growth.

• Investment stages: Debt, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Cleantech, fintech, healthcare, logistics, and renewable energy
• Geographical presence: Based in New York with a focus on Africa
• Founded: 2017
• Portfolio size: 48 investments
• Notable investments: Octavia Carbon (direct-air-capture), Mono (open-banking), and SeamlessHR (HR tech)

You can refer to their website here.

5. Energize Capital

Based in Chicago, Energize Capital is a global investment manager that concentrates on the digitization of energy and sustainable industries. They back founders who are building software and data-driven platforms to make critical sectors more efficient and environmentally friendly.

The firm has a clear track record of guiding companies to successful outcomes, with notable exits including an IPO and several acquisitions. Their portfolio features companies like Aurora Solar, a cloud platform for solar design, and Monta, an operating system for the EV-charging ecosystem.

Energize Capital could be a strong partner if you are a founder using software to address challenges in energy, construction, or sustainability. Their focus on both early and late-stage rounds suggests they can support companies throughout their growth journey toward a major exit.

• Investment stages: Early-stage and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Energy, sustainability, construction, and finance
• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2016
• Portfolio size: 50 investments
• Notable investments: Aurora Solar (solar software unicorn), Volta Charging (EV charging network), and Monta (EV charging platform)

You can refer to their website here.

6. Fledge

Fledge is a global network of business accelerators based in Seattle, focusing on for-profit companies with a strong social or environmental mission. They provide early-stage support to founders who are building impactful businesses.

The firm operates as an accelerator, suggesting a hands-on approach, and invests in sectors like cleantech and sustainability. Their portfolio includes companies like Burn Manufacturing, which makes high-efficiency cookstoves, and Evrnu, a textile recycling innovator.

Fledge could be an excellent choice if you are an early-stage founder of a for-profit company with a clear mission. Their model is well-suited for those seeking structured support and a network dedicated to impact-driven businesses.

• Investment stages: Debt, seed, and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Social impact, cleantech, renewable energy, and sustainability
• Geographical presence: Based in Seattle, Washington, with a global network
• Founded: 2012
• Portfolio size: 89 investments
• Notable investments: Burn Manufacturing (high-efficiency cookstoves) and Evrnu (textile recycling)

You can refer to their website here.

7. Parkway Venture Capital

Parkway Venture Capital is a New York-based firm that invests in both early and late-stage companies. They focus on businesses with deep technological foundations, particularly in sectors like AI, robotics, and health tech.

The firm shows a clear preference for ambitious, category-defining companies, as seen in their portfolio with names like xAI, Figure, and SandboxAQ. Their history of leading rounds, such as Figure's Series A, signals a hands-on approach with high-conviction bets.

Parkway could be a great partner if you're a founder building a company with a significant technical advantage in a complex field. Their ability to support companies from early stages through to growth makes them a good fit for long-term projects.

• Investment stages: Early-stage and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: AI, robotics, quantum computing, health tech, and renewable energy
• Geographical presence: Based in New York, New York
• Founded: 2019 (partners began investing together in 2015)
• Portfolio size: 50 investments
• Notable investments: xAI (AI), Figure (robotics), SandboxAQ (quantum tech), and an early investment in Lyft

You can refer to their website here.

8. Tekfen Ventures

Tekfen Ventures is a New York-based corporate venture capital group that invests in early-stage technology companies. They focus on sectors like industrial manufacturing, construction, and agriculture, backing startups with strong technical foundations.

The firm’s portfolio shows a clear interest in companies operating at the intersection of the digital and physical worlds, particularly in advanced materials and energy efficiency. Their track record includes several successful exits, such as the IPOs for Latch and Quanergy Systems, signaling experience in guiding companies to the public markets.

Tekfen Ventures could be a good match if you are a founder building a company in industrial tech, construction tech, or ag-tech. Their corporate backing and history of successful exits make them a compelling partner for founders seeking strategic support.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Industrial, construction, real estate, agriculture, and renewable energy
• Geographical presence: Based in New York, New York
• Founded: 2016
• Portfolio size: 23 investments
• Notable investments: Latch (smart access), Claroty (industrial cybersecurity), and Prospera (ag-tech)

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Renewable Energy Companies

This overview of venture capital firms shows a healthy and varied funding environment for companies in the renewable energy sector. You'll find a solid balance between investors who concentrate on early-stage rounds and those who provide later-stage growth capital. This distribution suggests that support is available across a company's lifecycle, from initial product development to significant expansion.

The investors themselves are also quite diverse. While many are based in key US technology centers, some have a specific international focus or a global reach. Furthermore, their investment approaches range from software-only to deep tech and impact-driven models. For you as a founder, this variety means you have a better chance of finding a financial partner whose expertise truly matches your business.

Raise Confidently with Rho

A focused list of investors is a powerful tool when you're fundraising, as your time and resources are finite. It helps you concentrate your efforts on the firms that are the best fit for your company.

When you secure that funding, we're here to support your next steps. If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.

Our platform provides the tools to manage your new capital with confidence and clarity. We integrate business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay to support your growth.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Renewable Energy

Which European venture capital firms focus on cleantech?

Many European VCs focus on climate and cleantech, seeking companies with strong sustainability goals and potential for continent-wide impact. They are key players in supporting Europe's green transition and often have deep regional networks to help you scale.

Are there prominent climate tech VC firms in Asia?

Yes, Asia has a growing number of climate tech VC firms, particularly in hubs like Singapore. These investors often look for solutions addressing regional challenges like energy security, sustainable agriculture, and mobility in rapidly growing economies.

What defines the top early-stage cleantech VC firms?

The best early-stage firms provide more than capital. They offer deep industry knowledge, a strong network of potential partners and customers, and hands-on support to help you commercialize new clean technologies effectively and navigate early challenges.

How do impact investing venture capital firms evaluate startups?

Impact VCs measure success by both financial return and positive environmental or social outcomes. They will assess your company's specific, measurable contribution to sustainability goals alongside your business model and potential for financial growth.

How can I find the most active venture capital firms in my sector?

Track recent funding announcements in your specific field and attend industry events. Following key partners at firms on professional networks and reading industry reports can also reveal who is actively investing in your space right now.

How can Rho help after I raise from a renewable energy VC?

Once your funding is secured, our platform helps you manage it effectively. We provide integrated business banking, corporate cards, and payment tools to give you clear financial control as you scale. Get started with Rho.