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 Utilities
Arnergy
Series B in 2025
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.
TS Conductor
Venture Round in 2024
TS Conductor focuses on high-performance conductors designed for modern power grids, utilizing innovative transmission technology that features a carbon-fiber-composite core instead of traditional steel. This advancement results in conductors that are both lighter and stronger, enabling them to carry greater electrical currents with reduced energy loss and enhanced efficiency. The company manufactures covered conductors with an aluminum encapsulation, which safeguards the composite core from damage and corrosion. This design not only increases the capacity and reliability of electricity transmission and distribution but also promotes sustainability within the energy sector in a cost-effective manner.
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.
VEIR
Series A in 2023
VEIR is a company developing a new approach to using high-temperature superconductors for electricity transmission. Its passive evaporative cryogenic cooling delivers 20 times the cooling power per kilogram of nitrogen flow compared to mechanical subcooling.
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.
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.
FleetZero
Venture Round in 2022
Fleetzero, established in 2021 in Auburn, Alabama, is focused on developing a fleet of battery-electric cargo ships aimed at decarbonizing ocean freight. The company designs zero-emission vessels that can be constructed affordably in domestic shipyards, allowing operations in regulated markets where local shipbuilding is required. These electric ships promise lower operational costs and improved reliability compared to traditional fossil-fuel vessels, providing clients with an efficient and sustainable alternative for marine transportation. By facilitating significant reductions in fuel, maintenance, and crew expenses, Fleetzero seeks to transform the freight industry while adhering to environmental standards.
SparkMeter
Venture Round in 2022
SparkMeter, Inc. designs electricity metering systems and grid management software aimed at enhancing electricity access in underserved markets, particularly rural areas. Founded in 2012 and based in Washington, D.C., with an office in Nairobi, Kenya, the company offers a range of metering products tailored to different customer needs, including residential and commercial users. Its solutions include the SM16R, SM60R, SM60RP, and SM200E models, which cater to various consumption levels. In addition to hardware, SparkMeter provides software solutions that facilitate prepaid billing, customer communication, and remote monitoring, thus improving grid efficiency and asset performance. By enabling utilities to automate operations, manage loads, and integrate renewable energy sources, SparkMeter helps communities access sustainable and reliable electricity.
TS Conductor
Series A in 2021
TS Conductor focuses on high-performance conductors designed for modern power grids, utilizing innovative transmission technology that features a carbon-fiber-composite core instead of traditional steel. This advancement results in conductors that are both lighter and stronger, enabling them to carry greater electrical currents with reduced energy loss and enhanced efficiency. The company manufactures covered conductors with an aluminum encapsulation, which safeguards the composite core from damage and corrosion. This design not only increases the capacity and reliability of electricity transmission and distribution but also promotes sustainability within the energy sector in a cost-effective manner.
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.
Natel Energy
Series B in 2021
Natel Energy, Inc. develops and sells restoration hydro turbines (RHTs) designed for low head settings to generate renewable electricity from various water sources, including existing low dams, irrigation canals, and streams. These turbines can be installed in existing infrastructure, improving the efficiency of older units and ensuring compliance with environmental standards. The company also offers digital services that enhance operational efficiency and reduce risks for hydropower stakeholders, utilizing machine learning and remote sensing technologies. Additionally, Natel Energy provides HydroForecast, which employs satellite imagery and advanced modeling to deliver accurate hydrological forecasts. Founded in 2005 and based in Alameda, California, Natel Energy aims to support the transition to sustainable energy through innovative hydropower solutions that contribute to a low-carbon grid.
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.
WeaveGrid
Series A in 2021
WeaveGrid is a company that focuses on facilitating the integration of electric vehicles (EV) with the electrical grid in collaboration with utilities and EV owners. Its software solution employs machine learning, optimization, and predictive analytics to address various challenges associated with EV-grid integration. By doing so, WeaveGrid enhances the ability of utilities to support the expansion of electric vehicles and the adoption of renewable energy resources. This approach not only promotes rapid decarbonization in the transportation and power sectors but also helps utility customers reduce their bills.
VEIR
Series A in 2021
VEIR is a company developing a new approach to using high-temperature superconductors for electricity transmission. Its passive evaporative cryogenic cooling delivers 20 times the cooling power per kilogram of nitrogen flow compared to mechanical subcooling.
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
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.
Form Energy
Series C in 2020
Form Energy, Inc. specializes in the development of long-duration energy storage systems aimed at enhancing the reliability of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Founded in 2017 and based in Somerville, Massachusetts, the company focuses on creating low-cost battery systems, including its innovative iron-air battery technology, which allows for energy storage over extended periods. This capability enables the dispatch of renewable energy throughout the year, effectively replacing traditional fossil fuel-based generation and contributing to the decarbonization of the electric grid. Additionally, Form Energy offers Formware, a capacity expansion software tool designed to optimize energy management. The company's technological advancements are rooted in research from MIT and are supported by various investors committed to sustainable energy solutions.
SparkMeter
Series A in 2020
SparkMeter, Inc. designs electricity metering systems and grid management software aimed at enhancing electricity access in underserved markets, particularly rural areas. Founded in 2012 and based in Washington, D.C., with an office in Nairobi, Kenya, the company offers a range of metering products tailored to different customer needs, including residential and commercial users. Its solutions include the SM16R, SM60R, SM60RP, and SM200E models, which cater to various consumption levels. In addition to hardware, SparkMeter provides software solutions that facilitate prepaid billing, customer communication, and remote monitoring, thus improving grid efficiency and asset performance. By enabling utilities to automate operations, manage loads, and integrate renewable energy sources, SparkMeter helps communities access sustainable and reliable electricity.
Natel Energy
Venture Round in 2020
Natel Energy, Inc. develops and sells restoration hydro turbines (RHTs) designed for low head settings to generate renewable electricity from various water sources, including existing low dams, irrigation canals, and streams. These turbines can be installed in existing infrastructure, improving the efficiency of older units and ensuring compliance with environmental standards. The company also offers digital services that enhance operational efficiency and reduce risks for hydropower stakeholders, utilizing machine learning and remote sensing technologies. Additionally, Natel Energy provides HydroForecast, which employs satellite imagery and advanced modeling to deliver accurate hydrological forecasts. Founded in 2005 and based in Alameda, California, Natel Energy aims to support the transition to sustainable energy through innovative hydropower solutions that contribute to a low-carbon grid.
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.
Form Energy
Series B in 2019
Form Energy, Inc. specializes in the development of long-duration energy storage systems aimed at enhancing the reliability of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Founded in 2017 and based in Somerville, Massachusetts, the company focuses on creating low-cost battery systems, including its innovative iron-air battery technology, which allows for energy storage over extended periods. This capability enables the dispatch of renewable energy throughout the year, effectively replacing traditional fossil fuel-based generation and contributing to the decarbonization of the electric grid. Additionally, Form Energy offers Formware, a capacity expansion software tool designed to optimize energy management. The company's technological advancements are rooted in research from MIT and are supported by various investors committed to sustainable energy solutions.
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.
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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