Breakthrough Energy

Breakthrough Energy is an impact investment firm founded in 2016 and based in Kirkland, Washington. It is composed of members from the Breakthrough Energy Coalition and focuses on investing in innovative technologies aimed at providing reliable and affordable energy without contributing to climate change. The firm targets companies in the environmental services and cleantech sectors, making minority investments at various stages of development, including seed, early, and later stages. Breakthrough Energy emphasizes the importance of a public-private partnership involving governments, research institutions, and investors to accelerate the development of zero-emission energy solutions. By leveraging scientific and technological expertise, Breakthrough Energy aims to address pressing energy needs, particularly in underserved regions, while fostering the creation of transformative energy technologies that can mitigate climate change impacts.

Bunmi Adekore

Investor

Tara Bansal

Investor

Gaetan Bonhomme Ph.D

Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Jim Cabot

Managing Director

Bhargavi Chevva

Investor

Quinn Cornelius

Investor

David Danielson Ph.D

Managing Director, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Christian Garcia

Managing Director

Thomas Griffin

Investor

Mark Hartney

Principal

Timothy Heidel

Principal

Christina Karapataki

Partner

Sila Kiliccote

Partner

Allegra Kowalewski-Ferreira

Investor

Phil Larochell

Principal

Phil Larochelle

Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Cheua Lovan

Investor

Jack Ma

Founder

Brian Mayers

Investor

Jeff Momplaisir

Senior Associate

Juilia Reinaud

Senior Director

Cooper Rinzler

Investor

Chris Rivest

Investor

David Rubenstein

Investor

Eric Toone

Managing Director

Peter Turner

Investor

Libby Wayman

Investor

Stefan Zlatev

Investor

Julia Reinaud Ph.D

Senior Director, Europe

Past deals in Biofuel

ReMo Energy

Seed Round in 2022
ReMo Energy is a pioneer in the use of renewable energy in place of fossil fuels to produce industrial goods.

H2SITE

Series A in 2022
H2SITE specializes in the development of renewable technology for the onsite production of hydrogen, primarily targeting small and medium-sized enterprises. The company offers a compact solution for producing, transporting, and storing low-carbon hydrogen, making it a viable option for businesses looking to reduce costs associated with transportation and energy waste. By facilitating onsite hydrogen generation, H2SITE enables companies to access the global hydrogen market more effectively, promoting sustainability and efficiency in energy use.

C-Zero

Venture Round in 2022
C-Zero develops a natural gas decarbonizing technology designed to avoid the generation of carbon dioxide from energy processing. The company's technology removes the carbon from natural gas so that energy consumers can enjoy zero-emission, low-cost energy on demand. It uses high-temperature catalytic melt systems to break down methane, the primary molecule in natural gas, into hydrogen and solid carbon.

Brimstone

Series A in 2022
Brimstone Energy is a hardware cleantech startup that aims to reduce CO2 emissions through innovative technologies.

Rondo Energy

Series A in 2022
Provider of renewable energy management products and services intended to make industrial decarbonization possible. The company captures low-cost renewable electricity and delivers continuous high-temperature heat, enabling clients to power their operations with zero-carbon energy.

H2Pro

Series B in 2022
H2Pro, Ltd. is a company that specializes in innovative water-splitting technology aimed at producing hydrogen fuel. Founded in 2019 and based in Caesarea, Israel, H2Pro has developed a proprietary electrolysis method known as E-TAC (Electrochemical–Thermally-Activated Chemical water splitting). This technology effectively separates the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions, offering a super-efficient approach to green hydrogen production.

Sustaera

Series A in 2021
Sustaera offers a direct air capture solution that works ranging from open grasslands to arid deserts to tropical savannas. The company was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, United States.

ZeroAvia

Series B in 2021
ZeroAvia, Inc. designs zero-emission aircraft specifically for commercial short-haul trips. Founded in 2017 by Val Miftakhov, the company is headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom. ZeroAvia develops a hydrogen fuel cell system that powers electric propulsion, enabling practical zero-emission aviation. The company initially targets a travel range of 500 miles for regional aircraft accommodating 10 to 20 passengers. This innovative approach significantly reduces operational costs, offering four times lower fuel and engine maintenance expenses compared to traditional aviation solutions.

ClearFlame Engines

Series A in 2021
ClearFlame Engines, Inc. specializes in developing and manufacturing engines for heavy-duty applications, focusing on decarbonizing these engines to mitigate the reliance on diesel fuel. The company has created a patented system that allows for the production of high-performance engines at reduced costs, benefiting various sectors including marine, agriculture, transportation, power generation, rail, and construction. Founded in 2016 and based in Woodridge, Illinois, ClearFlame aims to lower operating costs while offering substantial fuel savings to its clients, addressing environmental challenges associated with traditional diesel engines.

Neutral

Venture Round in 2021
Neutral is a carbon-neutral food company based in Portland, Oregon, founded in 2018. The company focuses on creating a sustainable food ecosystem, beginning with dairy products such as milk and half-and-half. Its product range includes organic milk and meat products, all produced through environmentally friendly, carbon-neutral processes involving pasture-raised cows. By prioritizing high nutritional content, including beneficial omega-3 and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), Neutral aims to provide consumers with nutritious options while actively contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions and promoting a greener society.

BIOMILQ

Series A in 2021
We leverage our patent-pending technology to produce nutritionally equivalent breastmilk from cultured human mammary cells. With Biomilq, families can achieve the recommended six months of exclusive breastfeeding while alleviating the climate impacts of bovine-based infant formula.

Nobell Foods

Series B in 2021
Nobell Foods is a biotech company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing and producing animal-based food substitutes using plant materials. Founded in 2016, the company aims to transform plants into bioreactors to generate protein, unlocking their potential to create innovative food alternatives. By focusing on plant-based solutions, Nobell Foods seeks to provide sustainable options that can replace traditional animal products, contributing to a more environmentally friendly food system.

ZeroAvia

Venture Round in 2021
ZeroAvia, Inc. designs zero-emission aircraft specifically for commercial short-haul trips. Founded in 2017 by Val Miftakhov, the company is headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom. ZeroAvia develops a hydrogen fuel cell system that powers electric propulsion, enabling practical zero-emission aviation. The company initially targets a travel range of 500 miles for regional aircraft accommodating 10 to 20 passengers. This innovative approach significantly reduces operational costs, offering four times lower fuel and engine maintenance expenses compared to traditional aviation solutions.

ZeroAvia

Series A in 2021
ZeroAvia, Inc. designs zero-emission aircraft specifically for commercial short-haul trips. Founded in 2017 by Val Miftakhov, the company is headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom. ZeroAvia develops a hydrogen fuel cell system that powers electric propulsion, enabling practical zero-emission aviation. The company initially targets a travel range of 500 miles for regional aircraft accommodating 10 to 20 passengers. This innovative approach significantly reduces operational costs, offering four times lower fuel and engine maintenance expenses compared to traditional aviation solutions.

Bloom Biorenewables Ltd

Seed Round in 2021
Bloom Biorenewables Ltd is a company focused on developing innovative technology to convert wood and agricultural waste into renewable materials that can replace petroleum-based products. Incorporated in 2019 and based in Marly, Switzerland, the company aims to provide sustainable alternatives for various industries, including chemicals, fragrances, plastics, and textiles. By employing a biomass deconstruction technology platform, Bloom Biorenewables offers a cost-effective method to extract bio-based molecules from plant materials. This approach not only helps customers reduce their reliance on fossil fuels but also contributes to efforts in mitigating climate change by lowering carbon footprints and supporting the transition to a circular economy.

C-Zero

Venture Round in 2021
C-Zero develops a natural gas decarbonizing technology designed to avoid the generation of carbon dioxide from energy processing. The company's technology removes the carbon from natural gas so that energy consumers can enjoy zero-emission, low-cost energy on demand. It uses high-temperature catalytic melt systems to break down methane, the primary molecule in natural gas, into hydrogen and solid carbon.

ZeroAvia

Series A in 2020
ZeroAvia, Inc. designs zero-emission aircraft specifically for commercial short-haul trips. Founded in 2017 by Val Miftakhov, the company is headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom. ZeroAvia develops a hydrogen fuel cell system that powers electric propulsion, enabling practical zero-emission aviation. The company initially targets a travel range of 500 miles for regional aircraft accommodating 10 to 20 passengers. This innovative approach significantly reduces operational costs, offering four times lower fuel and engine maintenance expenses compared to traditional aviation solutions.

BIOMILQ

Seed Round in 2020
We leverage our patent-pending technology to produce nutritionally equivalent breastmilk from cultured human mammary cells. With Biomilq, families can achieve the recommended six months of exclusive breastfeeding while alleviating the climate impacts of bovine-based infant formula.

Nature's Fynd

Series B in 2020
Nature's Fynd develops a protein production platform from extremophile organisms for consumer and industrial applications. The company was formerly known as Sustainable Bioproducts, Inc. Nature's Fynd was incorporated in 2016 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois with an additional office in Bozeman, Montana.

C16 Biosciences

Series A in 2020
C16 Biosciences, founded in 2017 and based in New York, specializes in developing sustainable alternatives to palm oil through microbial fermentation. The company addresses the environmental concerns associated with traditional palm oil production, which often involves deforestation and unethical labor practices. By using established fermentation processes, C16 Biosciences aims to provide food manufacturers, refiners, traders, and consumers with bio-based oils that reduce the ecological impact of palm oil. Their innovative approach allows producers to invest in sustainable practices, ultimately protecting natural resources and wildlife. C16 Biosciences' mission is to create a world where consumers can enjoy their favorite products without contributing to harmful environmental practices.

Sierra Energy

Series A in 2019
Since 2004, Sierra Energy has focused on the development of FastOx® gasification, a technology that turns trash into energy without burning. This sustainable solution is commercially available to meet the needs of the modern waste industry. The company continues to advance its technology and test new applications for gasification at the Sierra Energy Research Park in Davis, California. Sierra Energy’s commercial facility is located in Monterey County, California.

Baseload Capital

Venture Round in 2019
Baseload Capital Sweden AB, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, specializes in financing and managing energy production facilities that utilize geothermal energy. As a subsidiary of Baseload Capital Holding AB, the company focuses on providing financial services and advisory support to heat power operators globally. Its mission is to equip these operators with the necessary financial tools to develop and manage renewable heat power plants, contributing to the transition towards sustainable energy solutions. By investing in heat and geothermal power projects, Baseload Capital aims to support the electrification of the planet with green electricity.

Nature's Fynd

Series A in 2019
Nature's Fynd develops a protein production platform from extremophile organisms for consumer and industrial applications. The company was formerly known as Sustainable Bioproducts, Inc. Nature's Fynd was incorporated in 2016 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois with an additional office in Bozeman, Montana.

Pivot Bio

Series B in 2018
Pivot Bio is a biotechnology company founded in 2010 and based in Emeryville, California, that focuses on enhancing crop nutrition through the use of engineered microbes. The company leverages its deep understanding of the plant microbiome, employing engineering principles and data science to map microbial dynamics and develop beneficial traits. Pivot Bio's proprietary ON Technology utilizes naturally occurring microbes to provide crops with essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, which is crucial for growth. This innovative approach aims to replace synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, thereby reducing the environmental impact associated with conventional farming practices. By enhancing crops' ability to capture and metabolize atmospheric nitrogen, Pivot Bio seeks to lower farming costs, improve crop yields, and contribute to a sustainable agricultural future that benefits both the planet and food supply.
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