Breakthrough Energy

Breakthrough Energy, established in 2016 and headquartered in Kirkland, Washington, is an impact investment firm focused on combating climate change. It invests patiently over a 20-year period in cleantech and energy sectors, supporting companies from seed to commercialization stages. The firm's portfolio spans electricity generation and storage, transportation, industrial systems, agriculture, and energy efficiency, aiming to make power reliable, affordable, and climate-friendly. Breakthrough Energy Ventures, its investment arm, manages funds in the U.S. and Europe, with a goal to back 40 to 50 companies per fund.

Tara Bansal

Investment Principal and Company Builder, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Gaetan Bonhomme Ph.D

Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Jim Cabot

Managing Director, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Priscilla Chan MD

Co-Founder, Breakthrough Energy Coalition

David Danielson

Managing Director, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Mark Gallogly

Investor

Christian Garcia

Managing Director and Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Mark Hartney Ph.D

Principal, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

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

Brian Mayers Ph.D

Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Jeff Momplaisir

Director of Portfolio Analytics, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Christopher Poirier

Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Juilia Reinaud

Senior Director

Cooper Rinzler

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 Electric Vehicle

KoBold Metals

Series C in 2024
KoBold Metals is an AI-powered mineral exploration company focused on discovering essential materials for the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors. The company combines advanced ore-deposit science with big data and scientific computing to enhance mineral exploration efforts. Its data platform aggregates and structures extensive scientific datasets, utilizing machine learning and other sophisticated analytical techniques to predict the composition of subsurface resources. By employing statistical association models and various analytical methods, KoBold Metals helps mineral exploration companies identify new sources of cobalt and other critical materials, thereby contributing to sustainable supply chains for the rapidly growing demand in electric vehicle production.

ZeroAvia

Series C in 2024
ZeroAvia, Inc. is a company focused on developing zero-emission aircraft and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems aimed at transforming short-haul commercial aviation. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom, ZeroAvia is dedicated to eliminating aviation emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. The company's innovative powertrain utilizes a hydrogen fuel-cell system, allowing for retrofitting of existing aircraft and facilitating the adoption of sustainable aviation practices. By emphasizing scalable technologies, ZeroAvia seeks to partner with various stakeholders in the aviation industry to provide cleaner, more efficient flight options, thereby reducing costs and carbon dioxide emissions associated with air travel.

Lilac Solutions

Series C in 2024
Lilac Solutions, Inc. is a mining technology company based in Oakland, California, specializing in lithium extraction technology. Founded in 2015, the company develops innovative solutions that utilize ion-exchange theory to absorb lithium from brine deposits. This technology includes ion exchange beads and continuous brine processing systems, which enable lithium producers to enhance project development, increase lithium recovery, and optimize operations. Lilac Solutions aims to support industries such as electric vehicles and renewable energy storage by providing methods that reduce both costs and environmental impact associated with lithium production.

Heart Aerospace

Series B in 2024
Heart Aerospace AB, established in 2018 with headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, and operations in Palo Alto, California, specializes in developing electric regional airliners certified for passenger flight. The company's mission is to facilitate swift, affordable, and sustainable travel for regional journeys worldwide. Their flagship aircraft, the ES-19, is a nineteen-passenger electric airliner designed with an operating range of 400 km, aiming to reduce fuel and maintenance costs compared to traditional aircraft while emitting zero operational emissions. Heart Aerospace targets commercial operation certification for the ES-19 by 2026.

ZeroAvia

Series C in 2023
ZeroAvia, Inc. is a company focused on developing zero-emission aircraft and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems aimed at transforming short-haul commercial aviation. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom, ZeroAvia is dedicated to eliminating aviation emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. The company's innovative powertrain utilizes a hydrogen fuel-cell system, allowing for retrofitting of existing aircraft and facilitating the adoption of sustainable aviation practices. By emphasizing scalable technologies, ZeroAvia seeks to partner with various stakeholders in the aviation industry to provide cleaner, more efficient flight options, thereby reducing costs and carbon dioxide emissions associated with air travel.

KoBold Metals

Series B in 2023
KoBold Metals is an AI-powered mineral exploration company focused on discovering essential materials for the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors. The company combines advanced ore-deposit science with big data and scientific computing to enhance mineral exploration efforts. Its data platform aggregates and structures extensive scientific datasets, utilizing machine learning and other sophisticated analytical techniques to predict the composition of subsurface resources. By employing statistical association models and various analytical methods, KoBold Metals helps mineral exploration companies identify new sources of cobalt and other critical materials, thereby contributing to sustainable supply chains for the rapidly growing demand in electric vehicle production.

Stratus Materials

Series A in 2023
Stratus Materials is a manufacturer specializing in the development of manganese-rich, cobalt-free cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries. Their products aim to deliver superior performance, enhanced safety, reduced costs, and minimal environmental impact, catering primarily to businesses seeking advanced battery solutions for electric vehicles.

FleetZero

Venture Round in 2022
FleetZero, established in 2021 in Auburn, Alabama, is focused on revolutionizing ocean freight through its development of a fleet of battery-electric cargo ships. The company aims to decarbonize maritime transportation by offering zero-emission vessels that are designed to be built affordably in domestic shipyards. This approach allows FleetZero to operate within regulated markets that require ships to be constructed in the countries they serve. The electric ships promise lower operational costs and improved reliability compared to traditional fossil-fuel vessels, enabling clients to achieve significant reductions in fuel, maintenance, and crew expenses while promoting sustainable marine transportation.

Turntide

Venture Round in 2022
Turntide is a company focused on creating sustainable technologies aimed at reducing energy consumption and operational expenses in various sectors, including buildings, agriculture, and electric transportation. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Turntide has developed an innovative electric motor system that utilizes advanced switched reluctance technology. This system is managed by sophisticated cloud software and incorporates IoT connectivity for precise control. By targeting the significant energy waste attributed to traditional electric motors, Turntide aims to support the shift away from fossil fuels and promote a more sustainable future. The company's efforts are geared towards eliminating the 25% of global electricity consumption that is currently wasted, thereby accelerating the transition to 100% renewable energy.

Our Next Energy

Series A in 2022
Our Next Energy is a developer and manufacturer of advanced energy storage technology, established in 2020 and headquartered in Novi, Michigan. The company specializes in innovative battery chemistries that prioritize safety and utilize sustainable raw materials, aiming to create a reliable and cost-effective supply chain. By employing a dual-chemistry design, Our Next Energy enhances energy density and safety, catering to mobility and grid storage applications. This approach enables original equipment manufacturers to meet market range expectations while promoting access to sustainable power solutions.

KoBold Metals

Series B in 2022
KoBold Metals is an AI-powered mineral exploration company focused on discovering essential materials for the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors. The company combines advanced ore-deposit science with big data and scientific computing to enhance mineral exploration efforts. Its data platform aggregates and structures extensive scientific datasets, utilizing machine learning and other sophisticated analytical techniques to predict the composition of subsurface resources. By employing statistical association models and various analytical methods, KoBold Metals helps mineral exploration companies identify new sources of cobalt and other critical materials, thereby contributing to sustainable supply chains for the rapidly growing demand in electric vehicle production.

ZeroAvia

Series B in 2021
ZeroAvia, Inc. is a company focused on developing zero-emission aircraft and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems aimed at transforming short-haul commercial aviation. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom, ZeroAvia is dedicated to eliminating aviation emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. The company's innovative powertrain utilizes a hydrogen fuel-cell system, allowing for retrofitting of existing aircraft and facilitating the adoption of sustainable aviation practices. By emphasizing scalable technologies, ZeroAvia seeks to partner with various stakeholders in the aviation industry to provide cleaner, more efficient flight options, thereby reducing costs and carbon dioxide emissions associated with air travel.

Our Next Energy

Series A in 2021
Our Next Energy is a developer and manufacturer of advanced energy storage technology, established in 2020 and headquartered in Novi, Michigan. The company specializes in innovative battery chemistries that prioritize safety and utilize sustainable raw materials, aiming to create a reliable and cost-effective supply chain. By employing a dual-chemistry design, Our Next Energy enhances energy density and safety, catering to mobility and grid storage applications. This approach enables original equipment manufacturers to meet market range expectations while promoting access to sustainable power solutions.

Lilac Solutions

Series B in 2021
Lilac Solutions, Inc. is a mining technology company based in Oakland, California, specializing in lithium extraction technology. Founded in 2015, the company develops innovative solutions that utilize ion-exchange theory to absorb lithium from brine deposits. This technology includes ion exchange beads and continuous brine processing systems, which enable lithium producers to enhance project development, increase lithium recovery, and optimize operations. Lilac Solutions aims to support industries such as electric vehicles and renewable energy storage by providing methods that reduce both costs and environmental impact associated with lithium production.

Redwood Materials

Series C in 2021
Redwood Materials, Inc. is a Nevada-based company focused on advancing sustainable battery recycling technologies to create a circular supply chain for lithium-ion batteries. Founded by JB Straubel in 2017, Redwood specializes in the recycling and processing of end-of-life batteries and electronics to recover critical materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, and various metals. The company currently receives approximately 10 GWh of used batteries annually and aims to scale its production of anode and cathode materials to 100 GWh by 2025, sufficient for manufacturing over one million electric vehicles each year. By providing environmentally sound solutions for recycling and refining, Redwood supports industries including electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and consumer electronics, thereby contributing to a reduction in the environmental impact of battery production and usage.

Heart Aerospace

Series A in 2021
Heart Aerospace AB, established in 2018 with headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, and operations in Palo Alto, California, specializes in developing electric regional airliners certified for passenger flight. The company's mission is to facilitate swift, affordable, and sustainable travel for regional journeys worldwide. Their flagship aircraft, the ES-19, is a nineteen-passenger electric airliner designed with an operating range of 400 km, aiming to reduce fuel and maintenance costs compared to traditional aircraft while emitting zero operational emissions. Heart Aerospace targets commercial operation certification for the ES-19 by 2026.

Turntide

Convertible Note in 2021
Turntide is a company focused on creating sustainable technologies aimed at reducing energy consumption and operational expenses in various sectors, including buildings, agriculture, and electric transportation. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Turntide has developed an innovative electric motor system that utilizes advanced switched reluctance technology. This system is managed by sophisticated cloud software and incorporates IoT connectivity for precise control. By targeting the significant energy waste attributed to traditional electric motors, Turntide aims to support the shift away from fossil fuels and promote a more sustainable future. The company's efforts are geared towards eliminating the 25% of global electricity consumption that is currently wasted, thereby accelerating the transition to 100% renewable energy.

ZeroAvia

Venture Round in 2021
ZeroAvia, Inc. is a company focused on developing zero-emission aircraft and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems aimed at transforming short-haul commercial aviation. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom, ZeroAvia is dedicated to eliminating aviation emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. The company's innovative powertrain utilizes a hydrogen fuel-cell system, allowing for retrofitting of existing aircraft and facilitating the adoption of sustainable aviation practices. By emphasizing scalable technologies, ZeroAvia seeks to partner with various stakeholders in the aviation industry to provide cleaner, more efficient flight options, thereby reducing costs and carbon dioxide emissions associated with air travel.

WeaveGrid

Series A in 2021
WeaveGrid is a technology company focused on facilitating the integration of electric vehicles (EV) with the power grid. By employing machine learning, optimization, and predictive analytics, WeaveGrid's software addresses the challenges associated with EV-grid integration for utility companies. This innovative solution not only enhances the incorporation of renewable energy resources but also aims to reduce costs for utility customers. The company's efforts support the broader goals of decarbonization in the transportation and power sectors, enabling utilities to safely and economically adapt to the growing demand for electric vehicles.

ZeroAvia

Series A in 2021
ZeroAvia, Inc. is a company focused on developing zero-emission aircraft and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems aimed at transforming short-haul commercial aviation. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom, ZeroAvia is dedicated to eliminating aviation emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. The company's innovative powertrain utilizes a hydrogen fuel-cell system, allowing for retrofitting of existing aircraft and facilitating the adoption of sustainable aviation practices. By emphasizing scalable technologies, ZeroAvia seeks to partner with various stakeholders in the aviation industry to provide cleaner, more efficient flight options, thereby reducing costs and carbon dioxide emissions associated with air travel.

Turntide

Venture Round in 2021
Turntide is a company focused on creating sustainable technologies aimed at reducing energy consumption and operational expenses in various sectors, including buildings, agriculture, and electric transportation. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Turntide has developed an innovative electric motor system that utilizes advanced switched reluctance technology. This system is managed by sophisticated cloud software and incorporates IoT connectivity for precise control. By targeting the significant energy waste attributed to traditional electric motors, Turntide aims to support the shift away from fossil fuels and promote a more sustainable future. The company's efforts are geared towards eliminating the 25% of global electricity consumption that is currently wasted, thereby accelerating the transition to 100% renewable energy.

ZeroAvia

Series A in 2020
ZeroAvia, Inc. is a company focused on developing zero-emission aircraft and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems aimed at transforming short-haul commercial aviation. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom, ZeroAvia is dedicated to eliminating aviation emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. The company's innovative powertrain utilizes a hydrogen fuel-cell system, allowing for retrofitting of existing aircraft and facilitating the adoption of sustainable aviation practices. By emphasizing scalable technologies, ZeroAvia seeks to partner with various stakeholders in the aviation industry to provide cleaner, more efficient flight options, thereby reducing costs and carbon dioxide emissions associated with air travel.

Redwood Materials

Venture Round in 2020
Redwood Materials, Inc. is a Nevada-based company focused on advancing sustainable battery recycling technologies to create a circular supply chain for lithium-ion batteries. Founded by JB Straubel in 2017, Redwood specializes in the recycling and processing of end-of-life batteries and electronics to recover critical materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, and various metals. The company currently receives approximately 10 GWh of used batteries annually and aims to scale its production of anode and cathode materials to 100 GWh by 2025, sufficient for manufacturing over one million electric vehicles each year. By providing environmentally sound solutions for recycling and refining, Redwood supports industries including electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and consumer electronics, thereby contributing to a reduction in the environmental impact of battery production and usage.

Lilac Solutions

Series A in 2020
Lilac Solutions, Inc. is a mining technology company based in Oakland, California, specializing in lithium extraction technology. Founded in 2015, the company develops innovative solutions that utilize ion-exchange theory to absorb lithium from brine deposits. This technology includes ion exchange beads and continuous brine processing systems, which enable lithium producers to enhance project development, increase lithium recovery, and optimize operations. Lilac Solutions aims to support industries such as electric vehicles and renewable energy storage by providing methods that reduce both costs and environmental impact associated with lithium production.

MAX

Venture Round in 2019
MAX is a company that specializes in providing motorcycle taxi and transport services, focusing on the last-mile delivery and online retail challenges in Africa. By utilizing mobile and web platforms, MAX connects consumers, retail businesses, and independent drivers in real-time, effectively removing logistical and technological barriers that have hindered retail growth on the continent. Additionally, MAX offers electric and low-emission vehicle subscription services tailored for commercial drivers, promoting financial freedom and wealth creation through vehicle ownership. The company aims to ensure that independent drivers have access to safe, reliable, and sustainable mobility solutions, thereby enhancing the overall transport landscape in Africa.

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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