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 Recycling
Mangrove Lithium
Venture Round in 2025
Mangrove Lithium, based in Vancouver, has developed a modular and scalable refining technology for the efficient production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide and carbonate from a variety of input streams. This innovative platform allows for the direct conversion of lithium chloride and lithium sulfate into high-quality lithium products. The technology can be adapted to different capacities and is designed to be co-located with upstream lithium producers, as well as cathode and cell manufacturers. Additionally, Mangrove’s platform is being commercialized for the conversion of waste brines into valuable chemicals and desalinated water, contributing to more sustainable practices in the lithium supply chain.
Mill
Venture Round in 2023
Mill is a company focused on addressing food waste, a significant environmental challenge. It offers innovative kitchen bins that dry, shrink, and eliminate odors from leftover food, transforming waste into a compost-like material. These digitally connected bins can be rented, allowing users to efficiently manage their kitchen waste overnight. Additionally, Mill facilitates the shipping of the processed material to facilities that convert it into animal feed, thereby promoting a sustainable waste management system. Through its products and services, Mill aims to contribute to a healthier environment by providing practical solutions for reducing food waste at home.
Mangrove Lithium
Series B in 2022
Mangrove Lithium, based in Vancouver, has developed a modular and scalable refining technology for the efficient production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide and carbonate from a variety of input streams. This innovative platform allows for the direct conversion of lithium chloride and lithium sulfate into high-quality lithium products. The technology can be adapted to different capacities and is designed to be co-located with upstream lithium producers, as well as cathode and cell manufacturers. Additionally, Mangrove’s platform is being commercialized for the conversion of waste brines into valuable chemicals and desalinated water, contributing to more sustainable practices in the lithium supply chain.
Mill
Series B in 2022
Mill is a company focused on addressing food waste, a significant environmental challenge. It offers innovative kitchen bins that dry, shrink, and eliminate odors from leftover food, transforming waste into a compost-like material. These digitally connected bins can be rented, allowing users to efficiently manage their kitchen waste overnight. Additionally, Mill facilitates the shipping of the processed material to facilities that convert it into animal feed, thereby promoting a sustainable waste management system. Through its products and services, Mill aims to contribute to a healthier environment by providing practical solutions for reducing food waste at home.
Mangrove Lithium
Series A in 2021
Mangrove Lithium, based in Vancouver, has developed a modular and scalable refining technology for the efficient production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide and carbonate from a variety of input streams. This innovative platform allows for the direct conversion of lithium chloride and lithium sulfate into high-quality lithium products. The technology can be adapted to different capacities and is designed to be co-located with upstream lithium producers, as well as cathode and cell manufacturers. Additionally, Mangrove’s platform is being commercialized for the conversion of waste brines into valuable chemicals and desalinated water, contributing to more sustainable practices in the lithium supply chain.
Redwood Materials
Series C in 2021
Redwood Materials, Inc. specializes in the development of innovative recycling processes aimed at creating circular supply chains for lithium-ion batteries and other electronic products. Founded by JB Straubel and based in Carson City, Nevada, the company focuses on recovering valuable materials such as lithium, nickel, copper, cobalt, and other metals from end-of-life batteries and electronics. Redwood receives approximately 10 GWh of batteries annually for recycling, which are refined and remanufactured into essential anode and cathode materials. The company is actively working to scale its production capacity to 100 GWh annually by 2025, sufficient to produce over one million electric vehicles each year. By emphasizing sustainable practices, Redwood Materials aims to reduce the environmental impact of battery production and support the growth of the electric vehicle and renewable energy storage markets.
Redwood Materials
Venture Round in 2020
Redwood Materials, Inc. specializes in the development of innovative recycling processes aimed at creating circular supply chains for lithium-ion batteries and other electronic products. Founded by JB Straubel and based in Carson City, Nevada, the company focuses on recovering valuable materials such as lithium, nickel, copper, cobalt, and other metals from end-of-life batteries and electronics. Redwood receives approximately 10 GWh of batteries annually for recycling, which are refined and remanufactured into essential anode and cathode materials. The company is actively working to scale its production capacity to 100 GWh annually by 2025, sufficient to produce over one million electric vehicles each year. By emphasizing sustainable practices, Redwood Materials aims to reduce the environmental impact of battery production and support the growth of the electric vehicle and renewable energy storage markets.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.