Breakthrough Energy

Breakthrough Energy is an impact investment firm founded in 2016 and based in Kirkland, Washington. It is composed of members from the Breakthrough Energy Coalition and focuses on investing in innovative technologies aimed at providing reliable and affordable energy without contributing to climate change. The firm targets companies in the environmental services and cleantech sectors, making minority investments at various stages of development, including seed, early, and later stages. Breakthrough Energy emphasizes the importance of a public-private partnership involving governments, research institutions, and investors to accelerate the development of zero-emission energy solutions. By leveraging scientific and technological expertise, Breakthrough Energy aims to address pressing energy needs, particularly in underserved regions, while fostering the creation of transformative energy technologies that can mitigate climate change impacts.

Bunmi Adekore

Investor

Tara Bansal

Investor

Gaetan Bonhomme Ph.D

Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Jim Cabot

Managing Director

Bhargavi Chevva

Investor

Quinn Cornelius

Investor

David Danielson Ph.D

Managing Director, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Christian Garcia

Managing Director

Thomas Griffin

Investor

Mark Hartney

Principal

Timothy Heidel

Principal

Christina Karapataki

Partner

Sila Kiliccote

Partner

Allegra Kowalewski-Ferreira

Investor

Phil Larochell

Principal

Phil Larochelle

Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Cheua Lovan

Investor

Jack Ma

Founder

Brian Mayers

Investor

Jeff Momplaisir

Senior Associate

Juilia Reinaud

Senior Director

Cooper Rinzler

Investor

Chris Rivest

Investor

David Rubenstein

Investor

Eric Toone

Managing Director

Peter Turner

Investor

Libby Wayman

Investor

Stefan Zlatev

Investor

Julia Reinaud Ph.D

Senior Director, Europe

Past deals in Electric Vehicle

FleetZero

Venture Round in 2022
To deliver freight for our customers, Fleetzero is developing a fleet of electric ships without any green bonus. The company's vessels, unlike giant container ships, can be built inexpensively in domestic shipyards, which enables us to operate in regulated markets where ships must be built in the country they are traveling through. Fleetzero was established in 2021 in Auburn, Alabama.

Turntide

Venture Round in 2022
Turntide Technologies (formerly Software Motor Company) has developed an efficient and intelligent electric motor system. The revolutionary Smart Motor System is based on proven switched reluctance technology, now managed with advanced cloud software and connected to precise controls via IoT. Turntide’s vision is to eliminate the 25% of global electricity consumption that is wasted by legacy motors, thus accelerating the world’s transition from fossil fuels. Turntide is based in Sunnyvale, California, with offices in San Francisco; Arlington, Washington; and Kennesaw, Georgia. Turntide has installed Smart Motor Systems with dozens of customers, reducing their motor electricity consumption by an average of 64%, and is powering the systems of leading OEMs.

Mangrove Lithium

Series B in 2022
Mangrove Lithium, a Vancouver-based company, has developed a breakthrough platform for the most cost-effective production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide and carbonate from diverse input streams and assets. Mangrove’s modular solution can be scaled to any capacity and co-located with upstream lithium producers or cathode and cell manufacturers. The platform technology is also being commercialized for the conversion of waste brines to chemicals and desalinated water.

Our Next Energy

Series A in 2022
Our Next Energy is a Michigan-based developer of innovative energy storage solutions with a vision to rapidly expand the world's access to sustainable power.

Antora Energy

Series A in 2022
Developer of thermal batteries designed to support the widespread integration of renewable resources on the electricity grid. The company's batteries use solar panels to efficiently convert heat energy to electric energy and also electrify heavy industry with thermal energy storage for zero-carbon heat and power, enabling users to ensure convenient, sustainable and reliable electricity on a global scale while reducing carbon emissions.

Verdox

Venture Round in 2022
Verdox is dedicated to reversing climate change through the development and deployment of advanced technology. The company’s proprietary electro-swing process, developed at MIT, enables carbon dioxide and other acid gases to be captured with up to 80% less energy and 70% less cost than conventional approaches.

ZeroAvia

Series B in 2021
ZeroAvia, Inc. designs zero-emission aircraft specifically for commercial short-haul trips. Founded in 2017 by Val Miftakhov, the company is headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom. ZeroAvia develops a hydrogen fuel cell system that powers electric propulsion, enabling practical zero-emission aviation. The company initially targets a travel range of 500 miles for regional aircraft accommodating 10 to 20 passengers. This innovative approach significantly reduces operational costs, offering four times lower fuel and engine maintenance expenses compared to traditional aviation solutions.

Mangrove Lithium

Series A in 2021
Mangrove Lithium, a Vancouver-based company, has developed a breakthrough platform for the most cost-effective production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide and carbonate from diverse input streams and assets. Mangrove’s modular solution can be scaled to any capacity and co-located with upstream lithium producers or cathode and cell manufacturers. The platform technology is also being commercialized for the conversion of waste brines to chemicals and desalinated water.

Our Next Energy

Series A in 2021
Our Next Energy is a Michigan-based developer of innovative energy storage solutions with a vision to rapidly expand the world's access to sustainable power.

ESS

Post in 2021
Since their founding in 2011, ESS has been focused on laying the groundwork for a future powered by clean and reliable energy. With a team that boasts decades of experience in distributed power generation and energy storage technologies, ESS has developed an extremely cost-effective energy management system that combines a safe, abundant and non-toxic iron electrolyte with their patented flow cell design. This combination of high performance with low cost means that ESS’s technology is ideally suited for applications that range in size from retail energy management to utility-scale renewables integration.

Redwood Materials

Series C in 2021
Redwood Materials, Inc. is a recycling and materials processing company based in Carson City, Nevada, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing sustainable methods for recycling various metals and materials, particularly from batteries and electronics, to support circular supply chains. Its focus includes lithium, nickel, copper, gold, silver, cobalt, and other critical elements used in electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and consumer electronics. By providing environmentally sound recycling solutions, Redwood Materials aims to address the increasing demand for battery end-of-life management as the number of electric vehicles rises globally. The company's innovative technology not only recycles waste but also generates essential raw materials, enabling manufacturers to create sustainable products and significantly contributing to the transition towards a circular economy.

Heart Aerospace

Series A in 2021
Heart’s mission is to create the fastest, most affordable and sustainable transportation for regional travel to every corner of the world. Their first aircraft is the ES-19, a nineteen-passenger airliner with an operating range of 400 km. Heart's goal is to have the aircraft certified for commercial operation by 2026.

Turntide

Convertible Note in 2021
Turntide Technologies (formerly Software Motor Company) has developed an efficient and intelligent electric motor system. The revolutionary Smart Motor System is based on proven switched reluctance technology, now managed with advanced cloud software and connected to precise controls via IoT. Turntide’s vision is to eliminate the 25% of global electricity consumption that is wasted by legacy motors, thus accelerating the world’s transition from fossil fuels. Turntide is based in Sunnyvale, California, with offices in San Francisco; Arlington, Washington; and Kennesaw, Georgia. Turntide has installed Smart Motor Systems with dozens of customers, reducing their motor electricity consumption by an average of 64%, and is powering the systems of leading OEMs.

ZeroAvia

Venture Round in 2021
ZeroAvia, Inc. designs zero-emission aircraft specifically for commercial short-haul trips. Founded in 2017 by Val Miftakhov, the company is headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom. ZeroAvia develops a hydrogen fuel cell system that powers electric propulsion, enabling practical zero-emission aviation. The company initially targets a travel range of 500 miles for regional aircraft accommodating 10 to 20 passengers. This innovative approach significantly reduces operational costs, offering four times lower fuel and engine maintenance expenses compared to traditional aviation solutions.

CubicPV

Venture Round in 2021
CubicPV is a solar industry that relies on legacy technologies with inherent limitations. Conventional solar modules convert sunlight to electricity using a single light-absorbing material and are nearing an efficiency threshold.

WeaveGrid

Series A in 2021
WeaveGrid, Inc. develops software solutions aimed at facilitating the electrification of transportation. Founded in 2018 and based in San Mateo, California, the company uses machine learning, optimization, and predictive analytics to address electric vehicle (EV) and grid integration challenges. By collaborating with utilities and EV owners, WeaveGrid's technology helps to efficiently integrate renewable energy resources into the grid, while also reducing costs for utility customers. The company's approach is systems-oriented, focusing on the interconnected needs of both energy providers and consumers in the transition to electrified transportation.

WeaveGrid

Series A in 2021
WeaveGrid, Inc. develops software solutions aimed at facilitating the electrification of transportation. Founded in 2018 and based in San Mateo, California, the company uses machine learning, optimization, and predictive analytics to address electric vehicle (EV) and grid integration challenges. By collaborating with utilities and EV owners, WeaveGrid's technology helps to efficiently integrate renewable energy resources into the grid, while also reducing costs for utility customers. The company's approach is systems-oriented, focusing on the interconnected needs of both energy providers and consumers in the transition to electrified transportation.

ZeroAvia

Series A in 2021
ZeroAvia, Inc. designs zero-emission aircraft specifically for commercial short-haul trips. Founded in 2017 by Val Miftakhov, the company is headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom. ZeroAvia develops a hydrogen fuel cell system that powers electric propulsion, enabling practical zero-emission aviation. The company initially targets a travel range of 500 miles for regional aircraft accommodating 10 to 20 passengers. This innovative approach significantly reduces operational costs, offering four times lower fuel and engine maintenance expenses compared to traditional aviation solutions.

VEIR

Series A in 2021
VEIR is focused on advancing electricity transmission through the development of high-temperature superconductors and innovative cooling solutions. The company has created a passive evaporative cryogenic cooling technology that significantly enhances cooling efficiency, delivering 20 times more cooling power per kilogram of nitrogen flow compared to traditional mechanical subcooling methods. By utilizing commercial superconducting tape, VEIR's technology facilitates power delivery at transmission levels over distribution-scale infrastructure without resistive losses. This approach allows clients to streamline permitting processes and create economically viable electric transmission lines, thereby addressing the challenges associated with cooling high-temperature superconductors.

Turntide

Venture Round in 2021
Turntide Technologies (formerly Software Motor Company) has developed an efficient and intelligent electric motor system. The revolutionary Smart Motor System is based on proven switched reluctance technology, now managed with advanced cloud software and connected to precise controls via IoT. Turntide’s vision is to eliminate the 25% of global electricity consumption that is wasted by legacy motors, thus accelerating the world’s transition from fossil fuels. Turntide is based in Sunnyvale, California, with offices in San Francisco; Arlington, Washington; and Kennesaw, Georgia. Turntide has installed Smart Motor Systems with dozens of customers, reducing their motor electricity consumption by an average of 64%, and is powering the systems of leading OEMs.

ZeroAvia

Series A in 2020
ZeroAvia, Inc. designs zero-emission aircraft specifically for commercial short-haul trips. Founded in 2017 by Val Miftakhov, the company is headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom. ZeroAvia develops a hydrogen fuel cell system that powers electric propulsion, enabling practical zero-emission aviation. The company initially targets a travel range of 500 miles for regional aircraft accommodating 10 to 20 passengers. This innovative approach significantly reduces operational costs, offering four times lower fuel and engine maintenance expenses compared to traditional aviation solutions.

Redwood Materials

Venture Round in 2020
Redwood Materials, Inc. is a recycling and materials processing company based in Carson City, Nevada, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing sustainable methods for recycling various metals and materials, particularly from batteries and electronics, to support circular supply chains. Its focus includes lithium, nickel, copper, gold, silver, cobalt, and other critical elements used in electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and consumer electronics. By providing environmentally sound recycling solutions, Redwood Materials aims to address the increasing demand for battery end-of-life management as the number of electric vehicles rises globally. The company's innovative technology not only recycles waste but also generates essential raw materials, enabling manufacturers to create sustainable products and significantly contributing to the transition towards a circular economy.

ESS

Series C in 2019
Since their founding in 2011, ESS has been focused on laying the groundwork for a future powered by clean and reliable energy. With a team that boasts decades of experience in distributed power generation and energy storage technologies, ESS has developed an extremely cost-effective energy management system that combines a safe, abundant and non-toxic iron electrolyte with their patented flow cell design. This combination of high performance with low cost means that ESS’s technology is ideally suited for applications that range in size from retail energy management to utility-scale renewables integration.

QuantumScape

Venture Round in 2018
QuantumScape is a renewable energy company focused on advancing solid-state battery technology to enhance the performance and range of electric vehicles. Founded in 2010 by Jagdeep Singh in San Jose, California, the company aims to transform the battery industry by creating a solid-state battery that offers significantly higher energy storage capacity compared to traditional batteries. QuantumScape is developing next-generation solid-state lithium-metal batteries, featuring an innovative anode-less cell design that improves energy density while reducing material costs and streamlining manufacturing processes. Through these advancements, QuantumScape seeks to facilitate the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
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