DCVC

DCVC, established in 2010 and based in Palo Alto, California, is a venture capital firm focusing on early-stage investments in deep tech companies. The firm backs entrepreneurs leveraging advanced technologies to drive transformative change across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and life sciences. DCVC's portfolio comprises companies that combine cutting-edge science and technology with unique computing and algorithmic advantages, aiming to reduce capital and operational expenses. DCVC Bio, a subsidiary founded in 2018 and based in San Francisco, specializes in investing in early-stage life science companies powered by deep tech approaches, targeting sectors such as therapeutics platforms, agriculture, and industrial biotechnologies. Both DCVC and DCVC Bio are registered investment advisers.

Chris Boshuizen

Operating Partner

Jack Buendorf

Associate

Michael Driscoll

Founding Partner

Anna Fokina

Investment Director

John Hamer

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

Justin Kern Ph.D

Partner

Andy May

Operating Partner

Patrick McCauley

Operating Partner

Matt O'Connell

Operating Partner

Joe Oleynik

Associate

Luca Parolari Ph.D

Senior Associate

Jason Pontin

General Partner and Member of Investment Team

Spencer Punter

COO and Partner

Monica Rogati

Equity Partner

Stephen Seymour

Associate, Investments

Eric Shiozaki

Partner

Rachel Slaybaugh

Principal

Kiersten Stead

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

Milo Werner

General Partner

Past deals in GreenTech

AgZen

Series A in 2025
AgZen is a company focused on developing innovative pesticide sprays that enhance the efficacy of agricultural chemicals while minimizing environmental impact. Their patented, food-safe additives and retrofits for sprayers allow pesticide droplets to adhere more effectively to plants. This technology enables farmers to achieve the same level of protection with significantly lower volumes of pesticides, thereby reducing pollution associated with agricultural practices. By optimizing pesticide application, AgZen supports farmers in maintaining plant health and yield while promoting sustainable farming methods.

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 COâ‚‚ 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.

Samsara Eco

Series A in 2024
Samsara Eco is an enviro-tech company focused on addressing plastic pollution through innovative recycling solutions. The company has developed a groundbreaking enzymatic technology that enables the infinite recycling of plastic waste. By utilizing specialized enzymes that decompose plastics into their fundamental components, Samsara Eco allows these materials to be reused repeatedly as high-quality inputs for new plastic products or converted into more valuable commodities. This process is effective regardless of the color and shape of the plastic, empowering manufacturers to create brand new items from recycled materials. Through its efforts, Samsara Eco aims to significantly reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability in the manufacturing sector.

Fourth Power

Series A in 2023
Fourth Power is an energy storage startup that specializes in thermal battery technology. The company focuses on utility-scale thermal storage, which converts wasted wind and solar energy into an on-demand power source. Its modular storage system is designed to meet immediate energy needs while also adapting to future renewable energy deployment. This flexibility enables clients to provide grid operators with control over the timing and usage of stored energy, facilitating the transition towards a fully decarbonized energy infrastructure. Fourth Power's solutions aim to enhance grid reliability by offering both short-duration and long-duration energy storage options.

Halter

Series C in 2023
Halter Limited, founded in 2016 and based in Morrinsville, New Zealand, specializes in developing GPS-enabled, solar-powered tracking devices for livestock. The company manufactures innovative collars designed for cows, allowing farmers to monitor and guide their animals across pastures. Halter's technology enables virtual fencing, helping farmers optimize productivity while promoting sustainable farming practices. By enhancing the management of livestock, Halter aims to improve agricultural efficiency and animal welfare, contributing to the overall sustainability of pasture-based farming.

Burnbot

Seed Round in 2022
BurnBot is a provider of fuel treatment services aimed at preventing destructive wildfires and enhancing vegetation management. The company utilizes advanced forestry and fire technology to offer systematic wildfire mitigation solutions. Its services include safe smoke containment and a modular system designed to create precise burn areas near homes and other valuable assets. By employing high-temperature ignition methods, BurnBot helps protect communities from the threats posed by wildfires while improving firebreaks and defensible spaces that safeguard infrastructure and natural resources.

Samsara Eco

Series A in 2022
Samsara Eco is an enviro-tech company focused on addressing plastic pollution through innovative recycling solutions. The company has developed a groundbreaking enzymatic technology that enables the infinite recycling of plastic waste. By utilizing specialized enzymes that decompose plastics into their fundamental components, Samsara Eco allows these materials to be reused repeatedly as high-quality inputs for new plastic products or converted into more valuable commodities. This process is effective regardless of the color and shape of the plastic, empowering manufacturers to create brand new items from recycled materials. Through its efforts, Samsara Eco aims to significantly reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability in the manufacturing sector.

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 COâ‚‚ 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.

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 COâ‚‚ 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.

Halter

Series B in 2021
Halter Limited, founded in 2016 and based in Morrinsville, New Zealand, specializes in developing GPS-enabled, solar-powered tracking devices for livestock. The company manufactures innovative collars designed for cows, allowing farmers to monitor and guide their animals across pastures. Halter's technology enables virtual fencing, helping farmers optimize productivity while promoting sustainable farming practices. By enhancing the management of livestock, Halter aims to improve agricultural efficiency and animal welfare, contributing to the overall sustainability of pasture-based farming.

BioPhero

Series A in 2021
BioPhero is a pioneer in the development of bio-based pheromones for pest management, focusing on providing cost-effective and safe alternatives to traditional insecticides. The company utilizes a fermentation platform that employs yeasts to produce insect pheromones at low costs, enabling farmers to effectively manage pests while minimizing environmental impact. This innovative approach aims to enhance agricultural practices by offering sustainable solutions that are both affordable and efficient.

Halter

Series B in 2020
Halter Limited, founded in 2016 and based in Morrinsville, New Zealand, specializes in developing GPS-enabled, solar-powered tracking devices for livestock. The company manufactures innovative collars designed for cows, allowing farmers to monitor and guide their animals across pastures. Halter's technology enables virtual fencing, helping farmers optimize productivity while promoting sustainable farming practices. By enhancing the management of livestock, Halter aims to improve agricultural efficiency and animal welfare, contributing to the overall sustainability of pasture-based farming.

MycoWorks

Series A in 2020
MycoWorks is a biotechnology company focused on developing sustainable, non-plastic and non-animal materials. Utilizing fungal mycelium, the company creates biodegradable alternatives to plastic foams, synthetic textiles, engineered woods, and leather. Their innovative products are designed for various applications, including aerospace, automobiles, apparel, and architectural interiors. By leveraging agricultural byproducts in a carbon-negative process, MycoWorks enables clients to access new types of leather that are grown rapidly and sustainably. This approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also offers practical solutions for industries seeking eco-friendly materials.

Pyka

Seed Round in 2019
Pyka, Inc. is a startup based in Oakland, California, that specializes in the development of autonomous electric aircraft for agricultural and cargo applications. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on creating innovative solutions that enhance safety, affordability, and accessibility in aviation. Pyka's aircraft are designed for precision spraying in agriculture, allowing for effective chemical application over diverse terrains while minimizing environmental impact. The technology incorporates advanced flight controllers and onboard sensors to ensure accuracy and efficiency in operations. Additionally, the aircraft can be utilized for cargo transportation, particularly in remote or challenging areas, showcasing their versatility. Through its commitment to sustainability and technological advancement, Pyka aims to transform traditional practices in crop protection and logistics.

Halter

Series A in 2018
Halter Limited, founded in 2016 and based in Morrinsville, New Zealand, specializes in developing GPS-enabled, solar-powered tracking devices for livestock. The company manufactures innovative collars designed for cows, allowing farmers to monitor and guide their animals across pastures. Halter's technology enables virtual fencing, helping farmers optimize productivity while promoting sustainable farming practices. By enhancing the management of livestock, Halter aims to improve agricultural efficiency and animal welfare, contributing to the overall sustainability of pasture-based farming.

Pyka

Pre Seed Round in 2017
Pyka, Inc. is a startup based in Oakland, California, that specializes in the development of autonomous electric aircraft for agricultural and cargo applications. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on creating innovative solutions that enhance safety, affordability, and accessibility in aviation. Pyka's aircraft are designed for precision spraying in agriculture, allowing for effective chemical application over diverse terrains while minimizing environmental impact. The technology incorporates advanced flight controllers and onboard sensors to ensure accuracy and efficiency in operations. Additionally, the aircraft can be utilized for cargo transportation, particularly in remote or challenging areas, showcasing their versatility. Through its commitment to sustainability and technological advancement, Pyka aims to transform traditional practices in crop protection and logistics.

Plenty

Series B in 2017
Plenty Inc., established in 2014 and based in South San Francisco, specializes in vertical farming. The company cultivates a variety of fresh produce using proprietary systems that combine engineering, software, and crop science. Plenty's innovative approach reduces water usage and eliminates the need for pesticides or GMOs, resulting in sustainable, year-round harvests. Its mission is to provide clean, nutritious food while minimizing environmental impact.

Paperspace

Seed Round in 2016
Paperspace is a cloud computing company that specializes in machine learning (ML) development. It offers a high-performance cloud platform for building, training, and deploying ML models, catering to individuals, startups, and enterprises. The platform provides a cloud-based personal computer accessible via any web browser, making cloud computing more accessible through simplicity, community-driven resources, and straightforward pricing. This enables users to iterate faster and collaborate on real-time prediction engines.

Blue River Technology

Series B in 2015
Blue River Technology Inc. develops advanced computer vision and robotics technology tailored for agricultural applications. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with additional offices in Salinas and Yuma, the company focuses on intelligent machinery that addresses significant challenges in farming. Its innovative "see and spray" technology allows for the identification of weeds and the selective elimination of unwanted plants, thereby reducing chemical usage in food production. This automated solution is particularly beneficial for organic farming and areas with chemical-resistant weeds, enabling farmers to adopt more sustainable agricultural practices. Blue River Technology operates as a subsidiary of Deere & Company, enhancing its capabilities in the agricultural sector.

Paperspace

Convertible Note in 2015
Paperspace is a cloud computing company that specializes in machine learning (ML) development. It offers a high-performance cloud platform for building, training, and deploying ML models, catering to individuals, startups, and enterprises. The platform provides a cloud-based personal computer accessible via any web browser, making cloud computing more accessible through simplicity, community-driven resources, and straightforward pricing. This enables users to iterate faster and collaborate on real-time prediction engines.

Blue River Technology

Series A in 2014
Blue River Technology Inc. develops advanced computer vision and robotics technology tailored for agricultural applications. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with additional offices in Salinas and Yuma, the company focuses on intelligent machinery that addresses significant challenges in farming. Its innovative "see and spray" technology allows for the identification of weeds and the selective elimination of unwanted plants, thereby reducing chemical usage in food production. This automated solution is particularly beneficial for organic farming and areas with chemical-resistant weeds, enabling farmers to adopt more sustainable agricultural practices. Blue River Technology operates as a subsidiary of Deere & Company, enhancing its capabilities in the agricultural sector.
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