DCVC

Founded in 2011, DCVC is a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California. The firm invests in early-stage companies utilizing deep tech to solve complex problems across sectors such as artificial intelligence, exascale computing, climate, engineering, materials science, robotics, space, water, biology, defense, and security.

Jack Buendorf

Associate

Andy May

Operating Partner

Patrick McCauley

Operating Partner

Matt O'Connell

Operating Partner

Matt Ocko

Co-Managing Partner and Co-Founder

Past deals in CleanTech

Mainspring

Series F in 2025
Mainspring Energy, Inc. is a technology company based in Menlo Park, California, that specializes in developing linear generator technology for low carbon, dispatchable energy solutions. Founded in 2010 by three Stanford engineers, the company focuses on creating advanced prototypes that convert fuel into electricity through a unique, low-temperature reaction of air and fuel. This innovative approach allows Mainspring to offer generators that provide affordable, reliable electricity while significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional electric grids. The company's mission is to address climate change and enhance energy accessibility, contributing to the development of net-zero carbon energy systems for the future.

AgZen

Series A in 2025
AgZen is a company that specializes in the development of pesticide sprays designed to adhere to plants, thereby minimizing pollution associated with agricultural chemicals. The firm provides patented, field-tested food-safe additives and sprayer retrofits that enhance the adhesion of agrochemical droplets to crops. This innovative approach allows farmers to achieve effective protection while significantly reducing the volume of pesticides used, without sacrificing plant health or yield. By focusing on sustainability and efficiency, AgZen aims to support agricultural practices that are both environmentally friendly and economically viable for farmers.

Alta Resource Technologies

Seed Round in 2025
Alta Resource Technologies specializes in innovative mining technology, utilizing advanced biochemistry to efficiently extract critical minerals, such as rare earth elements, from diverse feedstocks. Their proprietary platform employs customizable proteins for highly selective separation, reducing environmental impact and enabling clients to meet materials demand for advanced technologies like semiconductors.

Fervo Energy

Series D in 2024
Founded in 2017, Fervo Energy specializes in developing and operating geothermal assets using proprietary technology. Based in San Francisco, the company generates clean power through innovative geoscience methods, aiming to provide a dispatchable foundation for a 100% clean energy future.

Radiant

Series C in 2024
Radiant is a clean energy startup based in Los Angeles, California, that specializes in the development of portable nuclear microreactors. Founded in 2019, the company aims to provide an alternative to fossil fuels for both military and commercial applications. Its flagship product, the Kaleidos microreactor, is designed to fit within a shipping container, allowing for transportation by air, ship, and road. This innovative microreactor serves as a zero-emissions power source, making it particularly suitable for remote locations and critical applications where traditional diesel generators are typically used.

Zap Energy

Series D in 2024
Zap Energy, Inc. is a Seattle-based company that specializes in the design and manufacture of sheared-flow stabilized Z-Pinch fusion reactors for power generation. Founded in 2017, the company focuses on developing compact and scalable fusion technology that offers low-carbon, cost-effective, and flexible energy solutions. Unlike conventional fusion methods, Zap Energy's approach utilizes electric current to create magnetic fields that confine and compress plasma, enhancing the stability and efficiency of the fusion process. This innovative technology aims to provide sustainable energy while requiring less capital investment compared to traditional fusion systems.

Twelve

Series C in 2024
Twelve, formerly known as Opus 12, is a Berkeley, California-based company that specializes in recycling carbon dioxide emissions into valuable chemicals and fuels. Founded in 2015, the company has developed innovative technology that can be integrated with any source of CO₂ emissions. By utilizing only water and electricity as inputs, Twelve transforms captured carbon dioxide into essential products such as methane, ethylene, and ethanol. The firm aims to provide a cost-competitive alternative to petroleum-derived chemicals and fuels, thereby addressing carbon emissions while simultaneously creating economically viable solutions.

Tidal Metals

Seed Round in 2024
Tidal Metals developed a breakthrough suite of innovations for producing critical minerals and metals from seawater and brines – with no waste, no carbon emissions, and no harm to the environment.

Samsara Eco

Series A in 2024
Samsara Eco is an innovative enviro-tech company that employs enzymatic technology to recycle plastic waste indefinitely. Its proprietary process breaks down plastics into reusable components, enabling manufacturers to produce new plastic items and fostering a circular loop for plastics, thereby reducing waste and dependence on fossil fuels.

ElectronX

Seed Round in 2024
ElectronX develops an energy exchange platform designed to stabilize short-term electricity pricing. It offers centrally cleared power derivatives, enabling utilities, traders, and independent power producers to effectively manage intraday price risks.

Fervo Energy

Series D in 2024
Founded in 2017, Fervo Energy specializes in developing and operating geothermal assets using proprietary technology. Based in San Francisco, the company generates clean power through innovative geoscience methods, aiming to provide a dispatchable foundation for a 100% clean energy future.

Equilibrium Energy

Funding Round in 2023
Equilibrium Energy specializes in optimizing energy consumption and reducing costs through its advanced energy management platform. The company aims to facilitate sustainable practices, enhance efficiency for power companies, and contribute positively to the environment.

Mach Industries

Series A in 2023
Mach Industries specializes in developing advanced technology solutions for defense systems. The company focuses on producing and combusting hydrogen from field-sourced materials, aiming to enhance global security and supply chain resiliency.

Plotlogic

Series B in 2023
Plotlogic Pty Ltd is an Australian technology company specializing in ore characterization systems for the mining sector. Based in Brisbane and established in 2005, it employs advanced hyperspectral imaging and AI-driven platforms to enable mine operators to accurately identify the location and material properties of every rock in the mine. Its key products include OreSense LV, which assesses deviations from geological models; OreBlocks, an API for optimizing the planning process; and OreCheck, which delivers real-time alerts to fluctuations in ore quality. The company aims to enhance yield in critical mineral extraction while promoting sustainable mining practices by improving ore recovery, minimizing dilution, and reducing carbon emissions. Plotlogic also offers tailored on-site and off-site support services to ensure effective use of its technologies across various commodities, including coal, iron ore, and gold.

Nium

Seed Round in 2023
Nium is a climate technology company focused on decarbonizing industry through innovative nanotechnology. The company has developed a nanocatalyst reactor that facilitates the on-site synthesis of ammonia, utilizing renewable energy sources. This system, known as Green Ammonia on Demand, allows for the decentralized production of ammonia, which can be stored and transported efficiently. By integrating its reactor with hydrogen-producing facilities, Nium aims to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions, thereby helping industries lower their carbon footprints and contribute to a more sustainable economy.

Recycleye

Series A in 2023
Recycleye Limited, founded in London in 2019 by Victor Dewulf, develops AI-powered machine learning tools for waste management. These tools facilitate waste characterization, tracking, and automated sorting, empowering users to transition towards a more circular economy efficiently.

BurnBot

Seed Round in 2022
BurnBot specializes in wildfire mitigation and vegetation management services. It combines expertise in forestry with advanced fire technology to systematically treat fuel sources, preventing destructive wildfires.

Samsara Eco

Series A in 2022
Samsara Eco is an innovative enviro-tech company that employs enzymatic technology to recycle plastic waste indefinitely. Its proprietary process breaks down plastics into reusable components, enabling manufacturers to produce new plastic items and fostering a circular loop for plastics, thereby reducing waste and dependence on fossil fuels.

Fervo Energy

Series C in 2022
Founded in 2017, Fervo Energy specializes in developing and operating geothermal assets using proprietary technology. Based in San Francisco, the company generates clean power through innovative geoscience methods, aiming to provide a dispatchable foundation for a 100% clean energy future.

Twelve

Series B in 2022
Twelve, formerly known as Opus 12, is a Berkeley, California-based company that specializes in recycling carbon dioxide emissions into valuable chemicals and fuels. Founded in 2015, the company has developed innovative technology that can be integrated with any source of CO₂ emissions. By utilizing only water and electricity as inputs, Twelve transforms captured carbon dioxide into essential products such as methane, ethylene, and ethanol. The firm aims to provide a cost-competitive alternative to petroleum-derived chemicals and fuels, thereby addressing carbon emissions while simultaneously creating economically viable solutions.

Zap Energy

Series C in 2022
Zap Energy, Inc. is a Seattle-based company that specializes in the design and manufacture of sheared-flow stabilized Z-Pinch fusion reactors for power generation. Founded in 2017, the company focuses on developing compact and scalable fusion technology that offers low-carbon, cost-effective, and flexible energy solutions. Unlike conventional fusion methods, Zap Energy's approach utilizes electric current to create magnetic fields that confine and compress plasma, enhancing the stability and efficiency of the fusion process. This innovative technology aims to provide sustainable energy while requiring less capital investment compared to traditional fusion systems.

Aclarity

Seed Round in 2022
Aclarity, LLC is a United States-based manufacturer specializing in innovative water purification devices for residential use. Founded in 2017, the company develops advanced electrochemical water treatment systems that effectively eliminate contaminants such as pathogens, metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and ammonia from water. Aclarity's patented technology aims to provide cost-effective, low-maintenance solutions for comprehensive water treatment, catering to the growing need for clean water and addressing pollution challenges in both water and wastewater systems. As a venture capital-backed cleantech startup, Aclarity is focused on revolutionizing the water treatment industry with its cutting-edge approach.

Brimstone

Series A in 2022
Brimstone develops a carbon-negative process for producing ordinary portland cement and supplementary cementitious material. Its technology uses calcium silicate rock instead of limestone, delivering identical products at scale while significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

Plotlogic

Series A in 2022
Plotlogic Pty Ltd is an Australian technology company specializing in ore characterization systems for the mining sector. Based in Brisbane and established in 2005, it employs advanced hyperspectral imaging and AI-driven platforms to enable mine operators to accurately identify the location and material properties of every rock in the mine. Its key products include OreSense LV, which assesses deviations from geological models; OreBlocks, an API for optimizing the planning process; and OreCheck, which delivers real-time alerts to fluctuations in ore quality. The company aims to enhance yield in critical mineral extraction while promoting sustainable mining practices by improving ore recovery, minimizing dilution, and reducing carbon emissions. Plotlogic also offers tailored on-site and off-site support services to ensure effective use of its technologies across various commodities, including coal, iron ore, and gold.

Trident Desal

Seed Round in 2021
Trident Desal is a pioneering developer of temperature swing solvent extraction (TSSE) desalination technology. This innovative process uses low-grade thermal heat to treat high-salinity water cost-effectively, addressing the challenge of toxic brine waste common in traditional desalination methods. Trident's system employs a proprietary solvent that selectively attracts and separates brine from freshwater when heated, allowing for its reuse in subsequent cycles.

Pivot Bio

Series D in 2021
Founded in 2010, Pivot Bio is a biotechnology company specializing in microbial nitrogen fertilizers. It harnesses naturally occurring microbes to provide nutrients to crops sustainably, aiming to reduce the need for petrochemical fertilizers and improve crop yield.

Twelve

Series A in 2021
Twelve, formerly known as Opus 12, is a Berkeley, California-based company that specializes in recycling carbon dioxide emissions into valuable chemicals and fuels. Founded in 2015, the company has developed innovative technology that can be integrated with any source of CO₂ emissions. By utilizing only water and electricity as inputs, Twelve transforms captured carbon dioxide into essential products such as methane, ethylene, and ethanol. The firm aims to provide a cost-competitive alternative to petroleum-derived chemicals and fuels, thereby addressing carbon emissions while simultaneously creating economically viable solutions.

Pivot Bio

Series C in 2020
Founded in 2010, Pivot Bio is a biotechnology company specializing in microbial nitrogen fertilizers. It harnesses naturally occurring microbes to provide nutrients to crops sustainably, aiming to reduce the need for petrochemical fertilizers and improve crop yield.

C16 Biosciences

Series A in 2020
C16 Biosciences develops palm oil alternatives through microbial fermentation, producing high-performance lipids and oils to replace palm-derived ingredients in food, beauty, and consumer products. Using its fermentation platform, the company aims to deliver sustainable ingredients without conventional palm oil supply chains, reducing environmental impact. It markets Palmless, a platform for sustainable ingredients, and has introduced Torula oil, a bioactive oil with reported benefits for skin and hair health. Founded in 2017 and based in New York, C16 Biosciences serves food manufacturers, refiners, traders, and brands by providing reliable, environmentally friendly ingredients across beauty, personal care, home care, and food markets.

MycoWorks

Series A in 2020
MycoWorks is a biotechnology company specializing in the production of non-plastic and non-animal materials. Utilizing fungal mycelium, they create energy-efficient and biodegradable alternatives to plastic foams, textiles, woods, and leather for various industries such as aerospace, automotive, apparel, and architecture.

Plotlogic

Seed Round in 2019
Plotlogic Pty Ltd is an Australian technology company specializing in ore characterization systems for the mining sector. Based in Brisbane and established in 2005, it employs advanced hyperspectral imaging and AI-driven platforms to enable mine operators to accurately identify the location and material properties of every rock in the mine. Its key products include OreSense LV, which assesses deviations from geological models; OreBlocks, an API for optimizing the planning process; and OreCheck, which delivers real-time alerts to fluctuations in ore quality. The company aims to enhance yield in critical mineral extraction while promoting sustainable mining practices by improving ore recovery, minimizing dilution, and reducing carbon emissions. Plotlogic also offers tailored on-site and off-site support services to ensure effective use of its technologies across various commodities, including coal, iron ore, and gold.

C16 Biosciences

Seed Round in 2018
C16 Biosciences develops palm oil alternatives through microbial fermentation, producing high-performance lipids and oils to replace palm-derived ingredients in food, beauty, and consumer products. Using its fermentation platform, the company aims to deliver sustainable ingredients without conventional palm oil supply chains, reducing environmental impact. It markets Palmless, a platform for sustainable ingredients, and has introduced Torula oil, a bioactive oil with reported benefits for skin and hair health. Founded in 2017 and based in New York, C16 Biosciences serves food manufacturers, refiners, traders, and brands by providing reliable, environmentally friendly ingredients across beauty, personal care, home care, and food markets.

Pivot Bio

Series A in 2016
Founded in 2010, Pivot Bio is a biotechnology company specializing in microbial nitrogen fertilizers. It harnesses naturally occurring microbes to provide nutrients to crops sustainably, aiming to reduce the need for petrochemical fertilizers and improve crop yield.

Terrestrial Energy

Series A in 2016
Terrestrial Energy is a developer of Generation IV nuclear power plants focused on the Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) technology. The company designs reactors that use molten salt fuel and salts as coolant to generate heat and electricity, offering zero-carbon, dispatchable power and high-temperature industrial heat for applications such as chemical synthesis and desalination. Founded in 2012 and based in Oakville, Canada, Terrestrial Energy aims to commercialize IMSR plants with advantages in safety, cost efficiency, siting flexibility, and deployment speed. It engages with regulators, suppliers, and industrial partners to advance licensing and deployment of the first IMSR plants in the early 2030s, expanding the role of nuclear energy beyond electricity to support decarbonization and energy security.

Bagaveev

Seed Round in 2015
Bagaveev Corporation is a startup based in Half Moon Bay, California, that specializes in the design, development, and testing of advanced rocket engines specifically tailored for nanosatellite launches. Established in 2013, the company focuses on creating pressure-fed, 3D-printed aerospike engines that are intended to power both the lower and upper stages of a 35-foot rocket capable of delivering 10-12 kg nanosatellites into low Earth orbit and Sun-synchronous orbit. Bagaveev aims to provide reusable launch solutions, enabling clients the capability to launch nanosatellites on a weekly basis, with integrated guidance, navigation, and control systems to facilitate reliable operations. The company is supported by key figures in the tech investment community, including notable accelerators and advisors.

Pivot Bio

Seed Round in 2014
Founded in 2010, Pivot Bio is a biotechnology company specializing in microbial nitrogen fertilizers. It harnesses naturally occurring microbes to provide nutrients to crops sustainably, aiming to reduce the need for petrochemical fertilizers and improve crop yield.

Bagaveev

Debt Financing in 2014
Bagaveev Corporation is a startup based in Half Moon Bay, California, that specializes in the design, development, and testing of advanced rocket engines specifically tailored for nanosatellite launches. Established in 2013, the company focuses on creating pressure-fed, 3D-printed aerospike engines that are intended to power both the lower and upper stages of a 35-foot rocket capable of delivering 10-12 kg nanosatellites into low Earth orbit and Sun-synchronous orbit. Bagaveev aims to provide reusable launch solutions, enabling clients the capability to launch nanosatellites on a weekly basis, with integrated guidance, navigation, and control systems to facilitate reliable operations. The company is supported by key figures in the tech investment community, including notable accelerators and advisors.

Alta Resource Technologies

Alta Resource Technologies specializes in innovative mining technology, utilizing advanced biochemistry to efficiently extract critical minerals, such as rare earth elements, from diverse feedstocks. Their proprietary platform employs customizable proteins for highly selective separation, reducing environmental impact and enabling clients to meet materials demand for advanced technologies like semiconductors.
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