Top 8 Venture Capital Firms for Renewable Energy Startups

For founders in renewable energy, preparing to raise capital means knowing which investors truly understand your work. Finding the right venture capital firm—one that shares your vision for cleantech or climate tech—is a critical first step.

To help you find the right fit, our team has put together this overview of top VC firms active in the energy technology sector. Think of it as a starting point for identifying the investors who can support your growth.

Actively raising? You can now access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through Rho Capital. Rho also provides business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—all built to help fast-moving startup teams manage and deploy capital efficiently.

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding provides renewable energy startups with not only capital but also a strategic partner who understands the sector’s unique technical and regulatory challenges.
• Firms like Powerhouse Ventures, Blue Bear Capital, Evergreen Climate Innovations, and Lateral Frontiers are notable backers in the renewable energy industry, each with a focus on supporting cleantech and climate tech companies.
• For founders raising capital or managing a new round, Rho provides an integrated platform with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help you deploy funds efficiently.

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

Knowing the right investors to approach is important at every stage, from your first round to a future exit. Here is a brief overview of some key VC firms in the renewable energy sector and the stages they typically support.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Renewable Energy

Pre-seed and seed funding is the initial capital used to validate an idea, build a minimum viable product, and find your first customers. For founders at this stage, seed venture capital firms like Powerhouse Ventures and Fledge focus on backing innovative software and mission-driven companies from the ground up.

Early Stage VC Firms in Renewable Energy

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and B rounds, is designed for startups with proven traction to scale operations and grow their market share. Climate tech VC firms such as Evergreen Climate Innovations and Energize Capital are two examples of investors that support companies entering this high-growth phase.

Late Stage VC Firms in Renewable Energy

Late-stage capital supports established companies preparing for a major milestone, such as an acquisition or an initial public offering (IPO). Investors like Blue Bear Capital and Tekfen Ventures often participate in these later rounds, providing the resources needed for significant expansion and market leadership.

It's also worth noting that some venture capital firms invest across multiple funding stages.

Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy capital efficiently. For founders seeking alternatives to equity, Rho Capital also connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through a fast, guided process.

To help you identify the right investors, we've gathered information on several leading VC firms that focus on renewable energy. Below, you’ll find details on their typical investment stages, where they invest, and what distinguishes them for founders.

1. Powerhouse Ventures

Powerhouse Ventures invests in seed-stage startups that are developing software to help decarbonize the global energy and mobility sectors. Their focus is on backing companies from their earliest stages.

The firm concentrates on software-based solutions rather than hardware, with a clear mission to address climate change through technology. A key portfolio company, Raptor Maps, exemplifies this focus by providing a solar asset management platform.

This firm is likely a good match if you are a founder of a pre-seed or seed-stage software company in the cleantech, energy, or transportation industries. They are particularly interested in founders with a strong vision for decarbonization.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Convertible Note
• Industries of focus: Software, CleanTech, Renewable Energy, Mobility
• Geographical presence: Based in Oakland, California
• Founded: 2018
• Notable portfolio company: Raptor Maps (solar asset management software)
• Number of investments: 47

You can refer to their website here.

2. Blue Bear Capital

Blue Bear Capital invests in companies that apply data-driven technologies and AI to the energy and industrial sectors. They support businesses building foundational technology for critical infrastructure.

The firm invests across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage rounds, showing a commitment to supporting companies throughout their growth. Their portfolio includes companies like FreeWire Technologies, which develops battery-integrated EV chargers, and TruckLabs, which creates fuel-saving aerodynamics for fleets.

This firm is a strong potential partner if your company uses AI or data analytics to improve energy or industrial infrastructure. Their multi-stage investment approach makes them a good fit for founders at nearly any point in their fundraising journey.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Convertible Note
• Industries of focus: AI, Data, CleanTech, Energy, Industrial, Infrastructure, SaaS
• Geographical presence: Based in Los Angeles, California
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: FreeWire Technologies, TruckLabs, MineralSoft
• Number of investments: 67

You can refer to their website here.

3. Evergreen Climate Innovations

Evergreen Climate Innovations supports startups that are bringing impactful climate technologies to market. The firm is focused on backing entrepreneurs who are developing solutions in the cleantech and renewable energy sectors.

The firm invests in seed and early-stage rounds, signaling a commitment to supporting companies from their initial growth phases. Their portfolio includes businesses like NanoGraf Technologies, which produces more energy-dense lithium-ion batteries, and Wright Electric, which is developing a zero-emissions commercial aircraft.

Evergreen Climate Innovations is a strong potential partner for founders of early-stage companies with a clear focus on climate impact. They are a good match for entrepreneurs who need a capital partner with deep experience in the cleantech industry.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
• Industries of focus: Clean Energy, CleanTech, Impact Investing, Renewable Energy
• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2010
• Notable portfolio companies: NanoGraf Technologies, Wright Electric, SPLT
• Number of investments: 47

You can refer to their website here.

4. Lateral Frontiers

Lateral Frontiers is a venture capital firm that invests in early and growth-stage companies across Africa. Their broad industry focus includes technology, financial services, and renewable energy, aiming to back foundational businesses on the continent.

The firm invests across multiple stages—from early venture to late-stage and debt—showing a flexible approach to funding. A key investment, Octavia Carbon, is the first direct-air-capture startup in the Global South, signaling their interest in impactful climate technology.

This firm is a strong potential partner if you are a founder building a company in Africa, particularly in sectors like fintech, logistics, or cleantech. If you're exploring financing beyond traditional equity, Rho Capital can also connect you with non-dilutive funding options like venture debt, tailored to your business needs.

• Investment stages: Debt, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: CleanTech, FinTech, Health Care, Logistics, Renewable Energy
• Geographical presence: Based in New York with a focus on Africa
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: Octavia Carbon, Carry1st, Mono
• Number of investments: 48

You can refer to their website here.

5. Energize Capital

Energize Capital is a global investment firm that funds companies focused on digitizing the energy and sustainability sectors. They back businesses building the software and technology platforms for a more sustainable industrial future.

The firm invests from early to late-stage rounds and has a track record of guiding companies to successful exits, including IPOs and acquisitions. Their portfolio includes Aurora Solar, a cloud software for the solar industry, and Monta, an operating platform for the EV-charging ecosystem.

Energize Capital is a good fit if your company is using software to improve sustainability in energy, construction, or other industrial markets. Whether you're raising a round or have just closed one, Rho’s integrated platform can help you manage and deploy your new capital with tools for banking, corporate cards, and payments.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Sustainability, Energy, Construction, Finance, Renewable Energy
• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago, Illinois with a global investment focus
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Aurora Solar, Monta, Volta Charging (exited)
• Number of investments: 50
• Number of exits: 3

You can refer to their website here.

6. Fledge

Fledge operates as a global network of accelerators that supports mission-driven, for-profit companies. They provide capital and guidance to founders focused on creating a positive social or environmental impact.

The firm invests across a wide range of impact sectors, including renewable energy, cleantech, and agriculture. Their portfolio includes Evrnu, a textile recycling company whose NuCycl fiber was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions.

Fledge is a good fit if you are leading a for-profit company with a clear social or environmental mission. For founders exploring financing beyond equity, Rho Capital also connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines.

• Investment stages: Debt, Early Stage Venture, Seed
• Industries of focus: Social Impact, Sustainability, CleanTech, Renewable Energy, AgTech
• Geographical presence: Based in Seattle, Washington with a global network
• Founded: 2012
• Notable portfolio companies: Evrnu, Burn Manufacturing, Shift Labs
• Number of investments: 89

You can refer to their website here.

7. Parkway Venture Capital

Parkway Venture Capital invests in companies building foundational technologies across multiple sectors. Their interests range from AI and robotics to health tech and sustainability, including renewable energy.

The firm shows a clear focus on ambitious, category-defining companies, as seen in their portfolio. They have backed high-profile startups like Elon Musk’s xAI, humanoid-robotics company Figure, and Alphabet spin-out SandboxAQ.

Parkway is a strong potential partner for founders in deep tech, AI, or robotics who are developing transformative technologies. Once you secure a significant round from an investor like Parkway, Rho’s integrated platform can help you manage and deploy your new capital with tools for banking, corporate cards, and payments.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: AI, Robotics, Health Care, Quantum Technology, Renewable Energy, Sustainability
• Geographical presence: Based in New York, New York
• Founded: 2019
• Notable portfolio companies: xAI, Figure, SandboxAQ, Lyft (exited)
• Number of investments: 50
• Number of exits: 16

You can refer to their website here.

8. Tekfen Ventures

Tekfen Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies focused on industrial applications. They back businesses in sectors like construction, advanced materials, and renewable energy.

The firm has a clear focus on technology for the built world and has a history of guiding companies to public exits. Notable investments include smart-access company Latch and LiDAR sensor maker Quanergy Systems, both of which went public.

Tekfen Ventures is a good match for founders developing technology for industrial applications, especially in sectors ready for modernization. Once you secure funding from a firm like Tekfen, Rho’s integrated platform can help you manage and deploy your new capital with tools for banking, corporate cards, and payments.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Industrial, Construction, Real Estate, Advanced Materials, Energy Efficiency
• Geographical presence: Based in New York, New York
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Latch, Quanergy Systems, Claroty
• Number of exits: 3

You can refer to their website here.

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

What our team has gathered shows that the investor community for renewable energy is quite balanced. You’ll find firms that specialize in pre-seed and seed rounds, while many others invest across all stages, from early growth to late-stage funding. This suggests a healthy sector with capital available for companies at different points in their journey.

Geographically, while many investors are based in major US hubs, there are also specialized funds with a global focus. It's also clear that many of these firms have broad interests in technology, from AI and software to industrial applications. For you as a founder, this means you can position your company to appeal to a wider group of investors than just those with a pure renewable energy focus.

Raise Confidently with Rho

When you're raising capital, your time is your most valuable asset. A focused list of investors helps you direct your energy where it will have the greatest impact, giving you a clear path forward.

If you’re seeking funding, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through a fast, guided process.

We help you access financing tailored to your business model without having to chase lenders. Once capital is secured, our integrated platform provides the banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay tools to help you deploy funds efficiently.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Renewable Energy

What is the difference between cleantech and climate tech VC firms?

Cleantech VCs often focus on sustainable innovations with a direct commercial benefit, like energy efficiency. Climate tech VCs have a broader scope, targeting any technology that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions or addresses climate change effects.

Are there many European venture capital firms for renewable energy?

Yes, Europe has a strong and growing community of climate tech investors. Firms across the continent are actively funding startups in renewable energy, from early-stage innovators to companies ready to scale their operations across global markets.

Which stage is most active for cleantech VC firms?

While capital is available across all stages, early-stage rounds like Seed and Series A see significant activity. Investors are keen to support promising technologies from their initial growth phases, helping them find product-market fit and scale.

How do I find non-dilutive funding for my energy startup?

Finding alternatives to equity can be challenging. Rho Capital simplifies this by connecting you to non-dilutive options like venture debt and credit lines through a guided process, matching you with financing that fits your business model.

How can Rho help my startup manage its new funding?

Once you secure capital, our integrated platform helps you manage it effectively. Rho provides business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, giving you the financial tools to deploy funds with control and visibility.