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 Fuel Cell

SOURCE

Series D in 2022
Developer of a hydro panel technology designed to provide safe, clean drinking water for industrial, commercial, residential, and community applications. The company's technology utilizes advanced materials science to pull water from even the driest conditions, producing pure water that is mineralized and delivered to various taps, enabling individuals and businesses to get clean water essentially anywhere.

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.

FleetZero

Venture Round in 2022
To deliver freight for our customers, Fleetzero is developing a fleet of electric ships without any green bonus. The company's vessels, unlike giant container ships, can be built inexpensively in domestic shipyards, which enables us to operate in regulated markets where ships must be built in the country they are traveling through. Fleetzero was established in 2021 in Auburn, Alabama.

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.

Zap Energy

Series C in 2022
Zap Energy, Inc. is a Seattle-based company incorporated in 2017 that specializes in the design and manufacture of sheared-flow stabilized Z-Pinch fusion reactors for power plants. The company's innovative approach stabilizes plasma using sheared flows instead of traditional magnetic fields, which allows for the creation of a magnetic field through electric current. This method effectively confines and compresses the plasma, resulting in higher pressure and density. Zap Energy aims to provide a low-carbon, cost-effective, and flexible energy solution through its compact and scalable fusion reactor technology, positioning itself as a leader in the pursuit of commercially viable fusion energy.

Mission Zero

Seed Round in 2022
Developer of direct air capture technology intended to efficiently recover historic carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at any scale. The company's device permits the production of low-energy and clean carbon dioxide by pulling air from atmosphere and dissolves the carbon in a water solvent after which the carbon is released from the solvent as gas through electrodialysis, enabling consumers to work in an environment without polluted air by offering affordable carbon capture services at any scale.

SOURCE

Series D in 2022
Developer of a hydro panel technology designed to provide safe, clean drinking water for industrial, commercial, residential, and community applications. The company's technology utilizes advanced materials science to pull water from even the driest conditions, producing pure water that is mineralized and delivered to various taps, enabling individuals and businesses to get clean water essentially anywhere.

Antora Energy

Series A in 2022
Developer of thermal batteries designed to support the widespread integration of renewable resources on the electricity grid. The company's batteries use solar panels to efficiently convert heat energy to electric energy and also electrify heavy industry with thermal energy storage for zero-carbon heat and power, enabling users to ensure convenient, sustainable and reliable electricity on a global scale while reducing carbon emissions.

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.

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.

ESS

Post in 2021
Since their founding in 2011, ESS has been focused on laying the groundwork for a future powered by clean and reliable energy. With a team that boasts decades of experience in distributed power generation and energy storage technologies, ESS has developed an extremely cost-effective energy management system that combines a safe, abundant and non-toxic iron electrolyte with their patented flow cell design. This combination of high performance with low cost means that ESS’s technology is ideally suited for applications that range in size from retail energy management to utility-scale renewables integration.

Natel Energy

Series B in 2021
Natel Energy, Inc. specializes in the design, construction, and sale of restoration hydro turbines (RHTs) that generate renewable electricity from low head water sources such as streams, irrigation canals, and existing low dams. These turbines can be retrofitted to enhance the performance of old units or installed in new developments, offering a cost-effective solution for hydropower compliance and output improvement. In addition to its turbine technology, Natel Energy provides digital services that utilize machine learning and remote sensing to optimize operational efficiency and minimize risks for hydropower owners and operators. The company also offers HydroForecast, which employs satellite imagery and advanced hydrologic modeling to deliver accurate forecasts. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Alameda, California, Natel Energy aims to contribute to a sustainable and reliable renewable energy grid through its innovative hydropower solutions.

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.

CubicPV

Venture Round in 2021
CubicPV is a solar industry that relies on legacy technologies with inherent limitations. Conventional solar modules convert sunlight to electricity using a single light-absorbing material and are nearing an efficiency threshold.

Electric Hydrogen

Series A in 2021
Developer of an advanced PEM technology designed to build low-cost, high-efficiency, fossil-free hydrogen systems. The company's low-cost renewable electricity produces clean hydrogen gas for the decarbonization of pollution from industries and eases the dependency on fossil fuels, providing clients with cost-effectively decarbonized gas and reducing massive industrial waste.

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.

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.

Form Energy

Series C in 2020
Form Energy, Inc. specializes in developing long-duration energy storage systems aimed at facilitating the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. The company focuses on creating low-cost battery solutions capable of storing electricity generated from wind and solar power for extended periods, thereby enhancing the reliability of the electric grid. Its core technology, which includes an innovative iron-air battery, allows for energy dispatch over multiple days, significantly improving the viability of renewable energy as a consistent power source. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Somerville, Massachusetts, Form Energy also offers Formware, a software tool designed for capacity expansion with advanced optimization capabilities. The company's mission revolves around enabling deep decarbonization of the electric system, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable energy future. Form Energy has garnered support from various investors, including Breakthrough Energy Ventures and MIT’s The Engine.

CarbonCure

Venture Round in 2020
CarbonCure Technologies Inc. provides technology to existing concrete plants that allows producers to sequester carbon dioxide into their concrete products. Its technology recycles waste carbon dioxide (CO2) to make concrete products. The company source waste CO2 from industrial emitters, and is added to the concrete during production, where it is chemically converted into a limestone-like mineral. The company was formerly known as Carbon Sense Solutions Inc. and changed its name to CarbonCure Technologies Inc. in January 2011. The company was incorporated in 2007 and is based in Dartmouth, Canada.

Zero Mass Water

Series C in 2020
Zero Mass Water, Inc. specializes in developing and manufacturing solar-powered equipment that extracts potable water from the atmosphere. The company's flagship product, the SOURCE array, consists of hydropanels that harness solar energy to produce clean drinking water from sunlight and air. These innovative panels are capable of generating pure, mineralized water even in arid conditions, making them suitable for various applications, including industrial, commercial, residential, and community use. Founded in 2014, Zero Mass Water is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, and aims to provide sustainable water solutions to address global water scarcity challenges.

SOURCE

Series C in 2020
Developer of a hydro panel technology designed to provide safe, clean drinking water for industrial, commercial, residential, and community applications. The company's technology utilizes advanced materials science to pull water from even the driest conditions, producing pure water that is mineralized and delivered to various taps, enabling individuals and businesses to get clean water essentially anywhere.

Natel Energy

Venture Round in 2020
Natel Energy, Inc. specializes in the design, construction, and sale of restoration hydro turbines (RHTs) that generate renewable electricity from low head water sources such as streams, irrigation canals, and existing low dams. These turbines can be retrofitted to enhance the performance of old units or installed in new developments, offering a cost-effective solution for hydropower compliance and output improvement. In addition to its turbine technology, Natel Energy provides digital services that utilize machine learning and remote sensing to optimize operational efficiency and minimize risks for hydropower owners and operators. The company also offers HydroForecast, which employs satellite imagery and advanced hydrologic modeling to deliver accurate forecasts. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Alameda, California, Natel Energy aims to contribute to a sustainable and reliable renewable energy grid through its innovative hydropower solutions.

ESS

Series C in 2019
Since their founding in 2011, ESS has been focused on laying the groundwork for a future powered by clean and reliable energy. With a team that boasts decades of experience in distributed power generation and energy storage technologies, ESS has developed an extremely cost-effective energy management system that combines a safe, abundant and non-toxic iron electrolyte with their patented flow cell design. This combination of high performance with low cost means that ESS’s technology is ideally suited for applications that range in size from retail energy management to utility-scale renewables integration.

Form Energy

Series B in 2019
Form Energy, Inc. specializes in developing long-duration energy storage systems aimed at facilitating the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. The company focuses on creating low-cost battery solutions capable of storing electricity generated from wind and solar power for extended periods, thereby enhancing the reliability of the electric grid. Its core technology, which includes an innovative iron-air battery, allows for energy dispatch over multiple days, significantly improving the viability of renewable energy as a consistent power source. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Somerville, Massachusetts, Form Energy also offers Formware, a software tool designed for capacity expansion with advanced optimization capabilities. The company's mission revolves around enabling deep decarbonization of the electric system, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable energy future. Form Energy has garnered support from various investors, including Breakthrough Energy Ventures and MIT’s The Engine.

Commonwealth Fusion

Series A in 2019
Commonwealth Fusion Systems LLC is a research company focused on developing fusion energy as a sustainable solution to combat climate change. Established in 2017 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes advanced rare-earth barium copper oxide superconductor technology to create energy through fusion. Commonwealth Fusion Systems combines decades of government-funded fusion research with innovative superconducting magnet technology to expedite the commercialization of fusion energy. The company emerged from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and collaborates closely with MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, leveraging extensive research to enhance its development efforts. By designing and building fusion machines, Commonwealth Fusion aims to provide limitless and clean energy, contributing to the global transition toward sustainable energy sources.

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.

CarbonCure

Corporate Round in 2018
CarbonCure Technologies Inc. provides technology to existing concrete plants that allows producers to sequester carbon dioxide into their concrete products. Its technology recycles waste carbon dioxide (CO2) to make concrete products. The company source waste CO2 from industrial emitters, and is added to the concrete during production, where it is chemically converted into a limestone-like mineral. The company was formerly known as Carbon Sense Solutions Inc. and changed its name to CarbonCure Technologies Inc. in January 2011. The company was incorporated in 2007 and is based in Dartmouth, Canada.
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