Breakthrough Energy

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.

Tara Bansal

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 Energy

Equilibrium Energy

Funding Round in 2023
Equilibrium Energy operates at the intersection of grid variability, market volatility, economic optimization, commercial structuring, trading, and risk management, across the end-to-end power value chain. Their ambition is to become a next-generation clean power company that reshapes the energy industry. They address inquiries through online applications.

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.

Malta

Venture Round in 2023
Malta is a provider of industrial-grade, grid-scale energy storage solutions. The Malta system collects and stores inexpensive and abundant renewable and fossil energy, and dispatches it as needed to the grid to enable the affordable and reliable delivery of electricity on demand. Incubated at X, the Moonshot Factory (formerly Google [x]), and funded by leading venture capital and commercial power industry companies

Equilibrium Energy

Series A in 2023
Equilibrium Energy operates at the intersection of grid variability, market volatility, economic optimization, commercial structuring, trading, and risk management, across the end-to-end power value chain. Their ambition is to become a next-generation clean power company that reshapes the energy industry. They address inquiries through online applications.

Type One Energy

Seed Round in 2023
Type One Energy Group is dedicated to delivering sustainable and affordable fusion power. Established in 2019 by a team of renowned fusion scientists and experienced business leaders, the company focuses on developing advanced stellarator fusion energy systems. Utilizing proven manufacturing techniques, modern computational physics, and high-field superconducting magnets, Type One Energy aims to create optimized reactor designs. Its FusionDirect development program seeks to establish a fusion power plant within the next decade through a low-risk, efficient approach that emphasizes partnerships and capital efficiency. By advancing fusion technology, Type One Energy aspires to provide reliable and abundant power to meet global energy demands.

PeakSyncer

Seed Round in 2023
PeakSyncer, a product of Zhong Xi Group, LLC, is an AI-powered cloud platform that offers a comprehensive solution for utilities aiming to optimize their energy management systems through advanced technology. The platform focuses on demand response programs, utilizing artificial intelligence to automate and streamline the management of peak energy loads. PeakSyncer has focused on creating cutting-edge solutions in cloud computing and AI integration. The company positions itself as a leader in the energy management sector, working on delivering reliable, user-friendly solutions that adapt to the evolving needs of energy grids. With dedicated support and 24/7 monitoring, PeakSyncer aims to empower utilities to modernize their operations and optimize resource usage effectively. With PeakSyncer, the company addresses a critical business need for seamless data synchronization across platforms such as ERP, CRM, and other essential business software. The platform’s key advantage is its ability to adapt to dynamic data patterns, learning from past syncs to continuously improve syncing accuracy and efficiency. PeakSyncer is designed to be scalable and easily integrates with existing utility infrastructure, ensuring a smooth implementation process. The platform not only helps utilities meet regulatory requirements but also supports them in creating a sustainable energy ecosystem by engaging customers in demand response initiatives, made possible by AI algorithms that analyze and anticipate potential data issues before they disrupt business processes.

Dandelion Energy

Series B in 2022
Dandelion Energy, Inc., founded in 2017 and based in Palo Alto, California, specializes in providing affordable geothermal heating and cooling installations. The company has developed a home geothermal system that replaces traditional air conditioning and heating equipment with an efficient heat pump and safe underground pipes. This system harnesses thermal energy from the earth to regulate indoor temperatures and produce hot water, allowing homeowners to transition from conventional heating fuels to a more sustainable geothermal solution. Dandelion Energy aims to make renewable energy accessible and cost-effective for residential customers.

RIFT

Seed Round in 2022
RIFTis a startup on a mission towards a sustainable future that is powered by clean and renewable energy.

Electra

Venture Round in 2022
Electra is dedicated to reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the iron and steel production industry through innovative electrochemical and hydrometallurgical processes. The company has developed alternative steelmaking technology that aims to electrify and decarbonize the production process, allowing for the creation of low-carbon clean iron from various ores. By utilizing renewable energy sources, Electra enables steel producers to lower energy intensity and costs, contributing to a more sustainable approach to steelmaking.

Fervo Energy

Series C in 2022
Fervo Energy, founded in 2017 and based in San Francisco, California, specializes in the development and commercialization of next-generation geothermal power technology. The company focuses on owning, developing, and operating geothermal assets to generate clean, carbon-free energy in new locations. By leveraging innovations in geoscience, Fervo Energy aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future, positioning itself as a key player in the evolution of the electric grid. Its proprietary technology serves as a dispatchable foundation for achieving a fully clean energy system, enabling clients to enhance productivity and scalability in energy production.

C-Zero

Venture Round in 2022
C-Zero is a hard-tech startup based in Santa Barbara, California, focused on developing innovative technology to decarbonize natural gas. The company utilizes high-temperature catalytic systems to decompose methane, the main component of natural gas, into hydrogen and solid carbon. This process aims to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions associated with energy production. C-Zero's hydrogen can be applied across various industries, including ammonia production, electric generation, process heating, and fuel cell vehicles, potentially addressing up to 75% of global CO2 emissions. By providing a solution for energy companies to reduce their emissions while maintaining low-cost energy availability, C-Zero is positioned to make a significant impact on climate change and energy sustainability.

Turntide

Venture Round in 2022
Turntide focuses on advancing sustainable technologies aimed at reducing energy consumption and operational costs across various sectors, including buildings, agriculture, and electric transport. Founded in 2013 and based in Sunnyvale, California, the company has created an innovative electric motor system that utilizes switched reluctance technology, managed through sophisticated cloud software. This system is designed to address the significant energy waste associated with traditional electric motors, which account for a substantial portion of global electricity consumption. By integrating Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities, Turntide's solutions enable clients to achieve significant savings in energy costs related to space conditioning, maintenance, and refrigeration, thereby promoting a transition to 100% renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Zap Energy

Series C in 2022
Zap Energy, Inc., founded in 2017 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, specializes in the design and manufacture of sheared-flow stabilized Z-Pinch fusion reactors for power generation. The company’s innovative technology utilizes electric currents to create magnetic fields that confine and compress plasma, enabling efficient energy production through nuclear fusion. This approach offers a low-carbon, cost-effective, and flexible power source while requiring less capital investment compared to traditional fusion methods. By focusing on compact and scalable fusion technology, Zap Energy aims to advance sustainable energy solutions and improve the economics of fusion energy.

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.

Sustaera

Series A in 2021
Sustaera, founded in 2021 and based in Cary, North Carolina, specializes in direct air capture technology that effectively removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The company's innovative approach utilizes renewable energy and leverages existing supply chains to offer low-cost and scalable carbon removal systems. Sustaera aims to provide clients worldwide with solutions that not only remove carbon but also allow for its replacement and reuse, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future. Their technology is adaptable to various environments, including grasslands, arid deserts, and tropical savannas, facilitating its deployment across diverse geographical regions.

ESS

Post in 2021
ESS is a long-duration energy storage company that specializes in iron flow battery technology, providing solutions for commercial, industrial, utility, microgrid, and off-grid applications. Established in 2011, ESS aims to support a future powered by clean and reliable energy. The company utilizes an innovative energy management system that features a safe and non-toxic iron-electrolyte combined with a patented flow cell design. This approach allows ESS to deliver high-performance energy storage at a lower cost, making its technology suitable for a wide range of applications from retail energy management to utility-scale renewable energy integration. With a team experienced in distributed power generation and energy storage technologies, ESS is well-positioned to contribute to the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.

M2X Energy

Series A in 2021
M2X Energy is a technology company focused on converting methane into valuable products, particularly through its automated gas-to-product systems. The company employs a non-catalytic, partial-oxidation reformer approach to produce low-carbon methanol from various methane-rich feedstocks, such as landfill gas, biogas, and well gas. By minimizing gas flaring, M2X Energy aims to reduce environmental impact and provide essential climate services, enabling businesses to transform waste natural gas into useful products while contributing to climate protection efforts.

Turntide

Convertible Note in 2021
Turntide focuses on advancing sustainable technologies aimed at reducing energy consumption and operational costs across various sectors, including buildings, agriculture, and electric transport. Founded in 2013 and based in Sunnyvale, California, the company has created an innovative electric motor system that utilizes switched reluctance technology, managed through sophisticated cloud software. This system is designed to address the significant energy waste associated with traditional electric motors, which account for a substantial portion of global electricity consumption. By integrating Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities, Turntide's solutions enable clients to achieve significant savings in energy costs related to space conditioning, maintenance, and refrigeration, thereby promoting a transition to 100% renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Electric Hydrogen

Series A in 2021
Electric Hydrogen is a company focused on developing low-cost, high-efficiency, fossil-free hydrogen systems aimed at decarbonizing industrial sectors such as ammonia and steel production, which are significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. By rethinking electrolysis, Electric Hydrogen seeks to make clean hydrogen competitive with traditional, fossil-fuel-based hydrogen in terms of cost and scalability. The company's advanced PEM technology utilizes low-cost renewable electricity to produce clean hydrogen gas, thereby helping industries reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and minimize pollution. With a leadership team experienced in transformative clean energy companies, Electric Hydrogen is positioned to address current challenges in efficiency and cost, contributing to the goal of a zero-emission industrial sector in the near future.

Turntide

Venture Round in 2021
Turntide focuses on advancing sustainable technologies aimed at reducing energy consumption and operational costs across various sectors, including buildings, agriculture, and electric transport. Founded in 2013 and based in Sunnyvale, California, the company has created an innovative electric motor system that utilizes switched reluctance technology, managed through sophisticated cloud software. This system is designed to address the significant energy waste associated with traditional electric motors, which account for a substantial portion of global electricity consumption. By integrating Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities, Turntide's solutions enable clients to achieve significant savings in energy costs related to space conditioning, maintenance, and refrigeration, thereby promoting a transition to 100% renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Malta

Series B in 2021
Malta is a provider of industrial-grade, grid-scale energy storage solutions. The Malta system collects and stores inexpensive and abundant renewable and fossil energy, and dispatches it as needed to the grid to enable the affordable and reliable delivery of electricity on demand. Incubated at X, the Moonshot Factory (formerly Google [x]), and funded by leading venture capital and commercial power industry companies

Dandelion Energy

Series B in 2021
Dandelion Energy, Inc., founded in 2017 and based in Palo Alto, California, specializes in providing affordable geothermal heating and cooling installations. The company has developed a home geothermal system that replaces traditional air conditioning and heating equipment with an efficient heat pump and safe underground pipes. This system harnesses thermal energy from the earth to regulate indoor temperatures and produce hot water, allowing homeowners to transition from conventional heating fuels to a more sustainable geothermal solution. Dandelion Energy aims to make renewable energy accessible and cost-effective for residential customers.

Blip Energy

Grant in 2021
Blip Energy is focused on developing innovative battery energy storage systems to address rising peak demand and enhance the smart grid infrastructure. The company offers a smart, plug-and-play battery system that leverages artificial intelligence to help households reduce electric bills while providing essential backup power. By creating a distributed network of Internet of Things (IoT) batteries, Blip Energy aims to empower grid operators with the necessary tools and data to stabilize the grid and optimize energy costs for users. Their solutions facilitate energy management without the complexities of permitting and installation, aligning with current needs for resilience and cost savings. Blip Energy's approach supports the transition to a more sustainable, efficient, and reliable power grid for all.

C-Zero

Venture Round in 2021
C-Zero is a hard-tech startup based in Santa Barbara, California, focused on developing innovative technology to decarbonize natural gas. The company utilizes high-temperature catalytic systems to decompose methane, the main component of natural gas, into hydrogen and solid carbon. This process aims to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions associated with energy production. C-Zero's hydrogen can be applied across various industries, including ammonia production, electric generation, process heating, and fuel cell vehicles, potentially addressing up to 75% of global CO2 emissions. By providing a solution for energy companies to reduce their emissions while maintaining low-cost energy availability, C-Zero is positioned to make a significant impact on climate change and energy sustainability.

enVerid Systems

Series B in 2020
Enverid Systems, Inc. specializes in developing and manufacturing indoor air quality and energy-saving solutions for commercial buildings globally. The company offers HVAC load reduction modules designed to eliminate molecular contaminants, such as carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and formaldehyde from indoor air. Its technology facilitates indoor air treatment, automated regeneration, and management of outside air, enhancing both air quality and energy efficiency. Additionally, Enverid Systems provides sorbent cartridges that capture various pollutants, including VOCs and ozone. The company's products cater to a variety of environments, including schools, hospitals, residences, and transportation. Established in 2010 and based in Westwood, Massachusetts, Enverid Systems operates offices in Boston, Houston, Tampa, and Shanghai, and is a subsidiary of Tadiran Holdings Ltd.

ESS

Series C in 2019
ESS is a long-duration energy storage company that specializes in iron flow battery technology, providing solutions for commercial, industrial, utility, microgrid, and off-grid applications. Established in 2011, ESS aims to support a future powered by clean and reliable energy. The company utilizes an innovative energy management system that features a safe and non-toxic iron-electrolyte combined with a patented flow cell design. This approach allows ESS to deliver high-performance energy storage at a lower cost, making its technology suitable for a wide range of applications from retail energy management to utility-scale renewable energy integration. With a team experienced in distributed power generation and energy storage technologies, ESS is well-positioned to contribute to the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.

Sierra Energy

Series A in 2019
Sierra Energy, founded in 2004 and headquartered in Davis, California, specializes in developing innovative technology that converts waste into energy without combustion. The company's flagship FastOx® gasification technology employs steam and oxygen to break down waste at a molecular level, producing clean syngas that can be converted into valuable products. This sustainable solution is designed to address the needs of the modern waste industry while promoting a zero-waste future. Sierra Energy actively advances its technology, testing new applications at the Sierra Energy Research Park and operating a commercial facility in Monterey County, California. By offering a reliable method for waste management, Sierra Energy aims to support local municipalities and governments in enhancing environmental protection, achieving energy independence, and generating revenue.

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Series A in 2019
Commonwealth Fusion Systems LLC is a research and development company focused on advancing fusion energy technology to provide an inexhaustible power source. Established in 2017 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes rare-earth barium copper oxide superconductor technology to create fusion energy systems. Commonwealth Fusion Systems was spun out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and collaborates with MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center to leverage decades of government-funded fusion research. By integrating established physics with innovative magnet technology, the company aims to accelerate the commercialization of fusion energy, positioning itself as a key player in the transition to clean and renewable energy sources while addressing climate change challenges.

Arnergy

Series A in 2019
Arnergy is a provider of sustainable energy services focused on delivering clean and reliable energy solutions for businesses and homes. The company aims to address energy reliability issues in emerging markets by offering scalable, affordable energy systems designed to overcome challenges such as grid unreliability and intermittency. Through its products, services, and systems, Arnergy enhances business operations and improves economic outcomes for its clients, ensuring access to dependable energy resources.

Baseload Capital

Venture Round in 2019
Baseload Capital is a specialized investment entity focused on the development and financing of renewable heat power and geothermal power plants. Operating globally, the company provides financial services and advisory support to heat power operators, equipping them with the necessary tools to construct and manage sustainable energy facilities. Through its efforts, Baseload Capital aims to contribute to the electrification of the planet with green electricity, fostering the transition to renewable energy sources.

Malta

Series A in 2018
Malta is a provider of industrial-grade, grid-scale energy storage solutions. The Malta system collects and stores inexpensive and abundant renewable and fossil energy, and dispatches it as needed to the grid to enable the affordable and reliable delivery of electricity on demand. Incubated at X, the Moonshot Factory (formerly Google [x]), and funded by leading venture capital and commercial power industry companies
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