Breakthrough Energy is an impact investment firm based in Kirkland, Washington, established in 2016. The firm focuses on making minority investments in seed-stage, early-stage, and later-stage companies within the environmental services and cleantech sectors. Guided by scientific and technological expertise, Breakthrough Energy aims to support the development of innovative solutions that provide reliable and affordable power while addressing climate change. The firm is committed to investing patiently in transformative technologies that enhance the way people live, eat, travel, and build, ensuring that these advancements do not contribute to global warming.
Investment Principal and Company Builder, Breakthrough Energy Ventures
Jim Cabot
Managing Director, Breakthrough Energy Ventures
Priscilla Chan MD
Co-Founder, Breakthrough Energy Coalition
Quinn Cornelius
Senior Director, Strategic Investments
Christian Garcia
Managing Director and Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures
William Gates Jr.
Co-Founder, Breakthrough Energy Coalition and Investor
Christina Karapataki
Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures
Sila Kiliccote
Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures
Allegra Kowalewski-Ferreira
Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures
Phil Larochell
Principal
Phil Larochelle Ph.D
Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures
Jack Ma
Founder and Investor
Brian Mayers Ph.D
Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures
Christopher Poirier
Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures
Juilia Reinaud
Senior Director
Cooper Rinzler Ph.D
Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures
Christopher Rivest
Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures
Eric Toone
Executive Managing Director
Libby Wayman
Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures
Stefan Zlatev
Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures
Julia Reinaud Ph.D
Senior Director, Europe
Past deals in Midwestern US
LuxWall
Series B in 2024
LuxWall is a building materials company that pioneers the design and manufacture of vacuum-insulated glass. LuxWall produces glass that acts as transparent insulation, providing thermal insulation values comparable to fiberglass wall insulation. With widespread adoption, LuxWall's patented technology has the potential to reduce global carbon emissions by more than 0.5 gigatonnes per year. The company was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States.
Sortera Technologies
Series C in 2023
Sortera Alloys manufactures low-cost, high-quality metal alloys for domestic manufacturing using its artificial intelligence technology. Sortera Alloys is a company based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was established in 2020.
Xcel Energy
Grant in 2023
Xcel Energy is an electric and natural gas utility company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, founded in 1909. It serves approximately 3.8 million electric customers and 2.2 million natural gas customers across eight states. The company is involved in the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity, utilizing a diverse mix of energy sources including coal, nuclear, natural gas, hydro, solar, biomass, oil, and wind. Xcel Energy is recognized as one of the largest suppliers of renewable energy in the United States, with over half of its electricity sales derived from carbon-free sources. Its operations are organized into five segments: electricity, natural gas, renewable energy, transmission, and innovation, which also includes the development and leasing of natural gas pipelines and related facilities.
ClearFlame Engines
Series B in 2023
ClearFlame Engines, Inc. is a company that develops and manufactures engines specifically designed for heavy-duty applications, including markets such as marine, agriculture, transportation, power generation, rail, and construction. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Woodridge, Illinois, ClearFlame has created a patented system that replaces traditional diesel engines, aiming to decarbonize heavy-duty engines while reducing operating costs. This innovative technology allows heavy-duty engine manufacturers to produce engines that offer higher performance and fuel cost savings, addressing the challenges posed by reliance on diesel fuel.
LuxWall
Venture Round in 2023
LuxWall is a building materials company that pioneers the design and manufacture of vacuum-insulated glass. LuxWall produces glass that acts as transparent insulation, providing thermal insulation values comparable to fiberglass wall insulation. With widespread adoption, LuxWall's patented technology has the potential to reduce global carbon emissions by more than 0.5 gigatonnes per year. The company was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States.
Sortera Technologies
Venture Round in 2022
Sortera Alloys manufactures low-cost, high-quality metal alloys for domestic manufacturing using its artificial intelligence technology. Sortera Alloys is a company based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was established in 2020.
Our Next Energy
Series A in 2022
Our Next Energy is a Michigan-based company founded in 2020 that specializes in developing energy storage technology aimed at enhancing access to sustainable power. The company focuses on safer battery chemistries utilizing sustainable raw materials, while ensuring a reliable, low-cost, and conflict-free supply chain. It aims to improve energy density and safety in battery technology, catering to mobility and grid storage applications. By employing a dual-chemistry design, Our Next Energy provides innovative power solutions that enable original equipment manufacturers to meet market range expectations effectively.
Sortera Technologies
Series A in 2021
Sortera Alloys manufactures low-cost, high-quality metal alloys for domestic manufacturing using its artificial intelligence technology. Sortera Alloys is a company based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was established in 2020.
ClearFlame Engines
Series A in 2021
ClearFlame Engines, Inc. is a company that develops and manufactures engines specifically designed for heavy-duty applications, including markets such as marine, agriculture, transportation, power generation, rail, and construction. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Woodridge, Illinois, ClearFlame has created a patented system that replaces traditional diesel engines, aiming to decarbonize heavy-duty engines while reducing operating costs. This innovative technology allows heavy-duty engine manufacturers to produce engines that offer higher performance and fuel cost savings, addressing the challenges posed by reliance on diesel fuel.
LuxWall
Venture Round in 2021
LuxWall is a building materials company that pioneers the design and manufacture of vacuum-insulated glass. LuxWall produces glass that acts as transparent insulation, providing thermal insulation values comparable to fiberglass wall insulation. With widespread adoption, LuxWall's patented technology has the potential to reduce global carbon emissions by more than 0.5 gigatonnes per year. The company was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States.
Nature's Fynd
Series B in 2020
Nature's Fynd is a Chicago-based food company that specializes in producing a unique protein derived from a microbe found in geothermal springs. Founded in 2012 and originally known as Sustainable Bioproducts, Inc., the company focuses on creating sustainable food options that benefit both consumers and the environment. Utilizing innovative fermentation technology, Nature's Fynd is able to cultivate protein using significantly less land and water compared to conventional agricultural methods. The company also operates an additional office in Bozeman, Montana, and aims to contribute to a more sustainable food system through its revolutionary approach to protein production.
75F
Series A in 2019
75F, LLC, founded in 2012 and based in Burnsville, Minnesota, specializes in building automation systems that utilize Internet of Things (IoT) technology to enhance energy efficiency in commercial buildings. The company offers a comprehensive Building Energy Management System that integrates a range of smart devices, including sensors, thermostats, and control units, to optimize HVAC performance and lighting. By leveraging real-time data and wireless communication, 75F's solutions allow for precise climate control, adapting to occupancy and environmental changes to ensure comfort while minimizing energy consumption. The company's mission focuses on improving indoor air quality and occupant productivity while promoting sustainable practices. Through its intelligent automation and centralized monitoring, 75F helps clients reduce operational costs and their carbon footprint, making smart building technology accessible and effective.
Nature's Fynd
Series A in 2019
Nature's Fynd is a Chicago-based food company that specializes in producing a unique protein derived from a microbe found in geothermal springs. Founded in 2012 and originally known as Sustainable Bioproducts, Inc., the company focuses on creating sustainable food options that benefit both consumers and the environment. Utilizing innovative fermentation technology, Nature's Fynd is able to cultivate protein using significantly less land and water compared to conventional agricultural methods. The company also operates an additional office in Bozeman, Montana, and aims to contribute to a more sustainable food system through its revolutionary approach to protein production.
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