Khosla Impact

Spiritus is a climate technology company focused on advancing direct-air-capture (DAC) solutions to combat climate change. It has developed a unique system that integrates the Spiritus Sorbent and the Spiritus Carbon Orchard, designed to be both scalable and modular, which allows for cost-effective carbon removal and sequestration. The company aims to provide an accessible and practical approach to carbon removal, enabling clients to manage their carbon footprint effectively and contribute to environmental sustainability. By achieving efficient sorption and desorption rates at a lower cost compared to existing technologies, Spiritus positions itself as a leader in the DAC sector.

ReSource Chemical is a company based in Berkeley, California, focused on developing high-performance plastics derived from carbon dioxide. The company utilizes a proprietary bio-based platform to create chemicals that enable the production of environmentally friendly plastics with superior physical properties compared to traditional fossil fuel-based plastics. By converting CO2 into these innovative materials, ReSource Chemical aims to provide sustainable alternatives that do not contribute to environmental pollution.

Sonocharge Energy focuses on developing advanced battery technology aimed at improving rechargeable and long-duration batteries. Their platform technology enhances battery performance, safety, and charging efficiency, addressing the growing demand for higher power density in various sectors. This innovation serves a wide range of markets, including transportation, electric vehicles, e-mobility, electric bikes, scooters, aerospace, and drones. By delivering improved energy solutions, Sonocharge aims to meet the evolving needs of industries seeking to enhance their energy applications.

Planted Solar is a developer focused on transforming the solar power landscape through an innovative platform that enhances the design and installation of solar power plants. By leveraging development software and construction robots, the company creates high-density, all-terrain power plants on land that was previously deemed unsuitable for solar energy production. This approach allows Planted Solar to generate twice the energy per acre and complete projects three times faster than traditional methods. The company aims to empower businesses and corporations to manage their energy consumption more efficiently, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. Backed by prominent investors such as Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Khosla Ventures, Planted Solar is dedicated to accelerating the deployment of solar energy solutions globally.

Koloma is a geologic hydrogen company focused on identifying and commercializing geologic hydrogen resources. By utilizing its technology and proprietary data, Koloma develops data-driven solutions for energy transition resource development. The company's initiatives aim to reduce global carbon emissions, providing businesses with the tools to lower their carbon footprint and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts. Through its innovative approach, Koloma seeks to advance clean energy technology and support the transition towards a more sustainable energy future.

Spiritus is a climate technology company focused on advancing direct-air-capture (DAC) solutions to combat climate change. It has developed a unique system that integrates the Spiritus Sorbent and the Spiritus Carbon Orchard, designed to be both scalable and modular, which allows for cost-effective carbon removal and sequestration. The company aims to provide an accessible and practical approach to carbon removal, enabling clients to manage their carbon footprint effectively and contribute to environmental sustainability. By achieving efficient sorption and desorption rates at a lower cost compared to existing technologies, Spiritus positions itself as a leader in the DAC sector.

LanzaTech, Inc. is a carbon recycling company based in Skokie, Illinois, with additional offices in Roselle, Illinois; Shanghai, China; and Gurgaon, India. Founded in 2005, the company specializes in producing fuel ethanol from renewable non-food resources, including industrial flue gases and waste gases generated from the gasification of municipal solid waste and biomass. LanzaTech's innovative technology enables the conversion of carbon emissions from sources like steel mills into valuable products, such as sustainable fuels and chemicals, thus contributing to a circular carbon economy. By recycling carbon from various waste streams, LanzaTech aims to reduce global CO2 emissions significantly and displace a substantial portion of crude oil use, ultimately transforming waste carbon into essential building blocks for consumer goods.

Sonocharge Energy focuses on developing advanced battery technology aimed at improving rechargeable and long-duration batteries. Their platform technology enhances battery performance, safety, and charging efficiency, addressing the growing demand for higher power density in various sectors. This innovation serves a wide range of markets, including transportation, electric vehicles, e-mobility, electric bikes, scooters, aerospace, and drones. By delivering improved energy solutions, Sonocharge aims to meet the evolving needs of industries seeking to enhance their energy applications.

Enso is a creative impact agency based in Santa Monica, California, founded in 2012. The agency focuses on using strategic, creative, and community-building skills to improve both the planet and people's lives. Enso aims to develop innovative ideas that challenge the status quo and can be scaled through collaborative efforts among brands, organizations, and individuals. Additionally, Enso provides software solutions that enable business leaders, analysts, data scientists, and developers to design workflows collaboratively and communicate effectively, significantly reducing the time required for software creation. Through its dual focus on creativity and technology, Enso seeks to foster meaningful change and enhance collective objectives.

Leaft Foods focuses on reducing the environmental impact of food production through innovative plant-based protein solutions. The company specializes in extracting Rubisco, a protein derived from green leaves, which is one of the most abundant proteins available. By utilizing natural sources of protein that possess both nutritional value and functional properties, Leaft Foods enables food companies to create sustainable and healthful food products. Their production process emphasizes the use of lush green leaves, ensuring that the ingredients are both environmentally friendly and beneficial for human health.

Aether Diamonds produces the world's first and only diamonds made 100% from captured carbon. Certified B Corp. 2022 Fast Company Top 10 Most Innovative Consumer Goods Companies. 2022 "Best for the World" B Corp.

Culdesac Inc. is a real estate developer based in San Francisco, California, focused on creating car-free neighborhoods in the United States. Founded in 2018, the company is currently developing its first project in Tempe, Arizona, which aims to be the first car-free residential community built from scratch in the country. This innovative neighborhood will feature no parking spaces for residents, instead providing facilities for visitors, including grocery stores, coffee shops, coworking spaces, and market halls. By promoting eco-friendly living, Culdesac encourages residents to engage with their surroundings directly, enhancing their quality of life and fostering community interaction. The company has secured $17 million in venture funding from notable investors, including Khosla Ventures, Zigg Capital, and Initialized Capital.

Mimica is focused on developing innovative solutions to reduce food waste through its patented product, Bump by Mimica. This temperature-sensitive label or cap provides a tactile indication of food and drink freshness, changing texture when items are no longer safe for consumption based on actual temperature conditions. Designed to meet the needs of various food suppliers, the product is calibrated for different food types, thereby enhancing safety and reducing waste. With approximately one-third of food produced globally wasted, despite much of it still being safe to consume, Mimica aims to significantly lower food waste in both retail and household settings. Research suggests that the use of Bump could cut retail food waste by 50% and home waste by 60%, potentially saving around 13.6 million tonnes of food from landfill in European households annually, particularly among key categories such as juice, milk, and meat. Through its innovative labeling system, Mimica is contributing to a more sustainable food system.

Vertical Oceans specializes in producing sustainable, same-day farm-to-fork shrimp using innovative vertical aquaculture towers located in major urban markets. The company employs a comprehensive system that integrates 83 technologies across bioengineering, hardware engineering, and computational engineering to enhance the seafood production process. Central to their operation is the Intelligent Habitat, or iHAB, which functions as a self-sustaining and self-cleaning modular production unit. This unique system incorporates a balanced aquatic ecosystem featuring fish and seaweed for biofiltration, promoting a more natural environment for shrimp cultivation. Vertical Oceans' approach allows for the delivery of fresh shrimp with strong sustainability credentials, while simultaneously eliminating the use of chemicals, antibiotics, and effluent.

Enso is a creative impact agency based in Santa Monica, California, founded in 2012. The agency focuses on using strategic, creative, and community-building skills to improve both the planet and people's lives. Enso aims to develop innovative ideas that challenge the status quo and can be scaled through collaborative efforts among brands, organizations, and individuals. Additionally, Enso provides software solutions that enable business leaders, analysts, data scientists, and developers to design workflows collaboratively and communicate effectively, significantly reducing the time required for software creation. Through its dual focus on creativity and technology, Enso seeks to foster meaningful change and enhance collective objectives.

Juno Residential, Inc. is a company based in San Francisco, California, focused on the development of residential apartments. Established in 2018, Juno Residential specializes in creating prefabricated housing solutions that prioritize environmental sustainability. The company employs innovative prefabrication techniques and utilizes organic, low-carbon materials such as mass timber to construct modern and curated living spaces. By offering these eco-friendly and efficient housing alternatives, Juno aims to address the growing demand for sustainable residential options.

Juno Residential, Inc. is a company based in San Francisco, California, focused on the development of residential apartments. Established in 2018, Juno Residential specializes in creating prefabricated housing solutions that prioritize environmental sustainability. The company employs innovative prefabrication techniques and utilizes organic, low-carbon materials such as mass timber to construct modern and curated living spaces. By offering these eco-friendly and efficient housing alternatives, Juno aims to address the growing demand for sustainable residential options.

Culdesac Inc. is a real estate developer based in San Francisco, California, focused on creating car-free neighborhoods in the United States. Founded in 2018, the company is currently developing its first project in Tempe, Arizona, which aims to be the first car-free residential community built from scratch in the country. This innovative neighborhood will feature no parking spaces for residents, instead providing facilities for visitors, including grocery stores, coffee shops, coworking spaces, and market halls. By promoting eco-friendly living, Culdesac encourages residents to engage with their surroundings directly, enhancing their quality of life and fostering community interaction. The company has secured $17 million in venture funding from notable investors, including Khosla Ventures, Zigg Capital, and Initialized Capital.

Sakti3, Inc. is a Michigan-based company that specializes in the development of solid-state rechargeable lithium-ion battery technology. Founded in 2007 and currently a subsidiary of Dyson Ltd., Sakti3 focuses on creating advanced battery cells designed for use in electric vehicles and portable electronics. The company's innovative technology aims to enhance the performance and efficiency of electric cars, making them more comparable to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. By improving battery capabilities, Sakti3 seeks to support the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions in the automotive and consumer electronics industries.

Feetz Inc. specializes in custom-made footwear, utilizing 3D printing technology to create shoes tailored to individual foot measurements. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in San Diego, California, the company offers a variety of styles, colors, and patterns to accommodate different foot shapes and sizes, including those with specific needs such as bunions or high arches. Feetz emphasizes sustainability by using recycled and recyclable materials in its manufacturing process and avoids harmful chemicals. Customers have the option to purchase these custom shoes through various retailers, distributors, and online platforms, enabling them to design footwear that is not only comfortable but also environmentally friendly.

LanzaTech, Inc. is a carbon recycling company based in Skokie, Illinois, with additional offices in Roselle, Illinois; Shanghai, China; and Gurgaon, India. Founded in 2005, the company specializes in producing fuel ethanol from renewable non-food resources, including industrial flue gases and waste gases generated from the gasification of municipal solid waste and biomass. LanzaTech's innovative technology enables the conversion of carbon emissions from sources like steel mills into valuable products, such as sustainable fuels and chemicals, thus contributing to a circular carbon economy. By recycling carbon from various waste streams, LanzaTech aims to reduce global CO2 emissions significantly and displace a substantial portion of crude oil use, ultimately transforming waste carbon into essential building blocks for consumer goods.

Tule specializes in automated irrigation management solutions, leveraging advanced technology developed in partnership with UC Davis to deliver precise measurements of actual evapotranspiration. Its innovative sensor system monitors water usage over a 1 to 10 acre area, offering comprehensive data that informs irrigation decisions daily. The Tule dashboard provides actionable insights, including weekly forecasts of atmospheric demand, allowing farmers to plan their irrigation schedules effectively. Key features include continuous monitoring of evapotranspiration, tracking of field-level water stress, and the ability to compare irrigation performance across different fields. This enables farmers to optimize water usage, ensure crops receive adequate hydration, and ultimately enhance agricultural productivity.

ALOHA is an employee-owned company founded in 2013 by three Hawaiian business partners, specializing in the production and retail of plant-based protein products. Based in New York, the company offers a diverse range of items, including protein drinks, protein bars, and protein powders, all made from USDA Organic and non-GMO ingredients. ALOHA products are designed to be healthy, delicious, and free from common allergens such as soy and dairy, as well as sugar alcohols and stevia. The company is committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing, ensuring that its practices are beneficial for both the environment and the communities it serves. ALOHA's products are available at various grocery and natural food retailers, as well as online through platforms like Amazon and its own direct-to-consumer website.

LanzaTech, Inc. is a carbon recycling company based in Skokie, Illinois, with additional offices in Roselle, Illinois; Shanghai, China; and Gurgaon, India. Founded in 2005, the company specializes in producing fuel ethanol from renewable non-food resources, including industrial flue gases and waste gases generated from the gasification of municipal solid waste and biomass. LanzaTech's innovative technology enables the conversion of carbon emissions from sources like steel mills into valuable products, such as sustainable fuels and chemicals, thus contributing to a circular carbon economy. By recycling carbon from various waste streams, LanzaTech aims to reduce global CO2 emissions significantly and displace a substantial portion of crude oil use, ultimately transforming waste carbon into essential building blocks for consumer goods.

KiOR, Inc. is a renewable fuels company that specializes in producing and selling cellulosic gasoline and diesel derived from lignocellulosic biomass. Utilizing its proprietary biomass-to-cellulosic fuel technology, the company aims to supply its products to refiners, terminal and rack owners, and fleet operators for vehicle use. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Pasadena, Texas, KiOR is focused on contributing to sustainable energy solutions by converting biomass into clean fuels.

GreenLight Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in developing RNA-based solutions for agricultural and pharmaceutical applications. Headquartered in Medford, Massachusetts, with an additional facility in North Carolina, the company focuses on producing high-quality RNA quickly and cost-effectively. GreenLight's technology platform facilitates the biological conversion of renewable substrates into valuable products, including chemicals and fuels. The company is actively involved in advancing vaccine development, particularly mRNA-based candidates aimed at preventing diseases such as SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, GreenLight engages in crop management and plant protection initiatives, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and supporting the health of pollinators. Through its innovative approaches, GreenLight Biosciences aims to address global challenges in food security and public health.

Solum develops a field-deployable measurement tool designed to provide farmers with immediate insights into soil nutrient requirements. By enabling precise fertilizer application, Solum helps farmers optimize costs and enhance crop yields. The technology not only supports agricultural efficiency but also promotes sustainability by minimizing nitrogen runoff, which contributes to aquatic dead zones, and addressing nitrous oxide emissions, a significant greenhouse gas linked to ozone depletion. Through its innovative soil testing services, Solum aims to transform farming practices for better environmental outcomes.

Virdia, formerly known as HCL CleanTech, specializes in the development of cellulosic sugars and lignin derived from lignocellulosic biomass for applications in renewable chemicals, bio-energy, and nutrition. The company utilizes its proprietary CASE™ process, which efficiently converts a variety of feedstocks, including wood, energy crops, and agricultural residues, into refined sugars and lignin. This innovative, low-temperature method maximizes sugar yields while maintaining a minimal environmental impact through the nearly complete recycling of acids and solvents used during production. Virdia is guided by an experienced management team with extensive backgrounds in corn processing, chemicals, and biochemicals.

KiOR, Inc. is a renewable fuels company that specializes in producing and selling cellulosic gasoline and diesel derived from lignocellulosic biomass. Utilizing its proprietary biomass-to-cellulosic fuel technology, the company aims to supply its products to refiners, terminal and rack owners, and fleet operators for vehicle use. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Pasadena, Texas, KiOR is focused on contributing to sustainable energy solutions by converting biomass into clean fuels.

Solum develops a field-deployable measurement tool designed to provide farmers with immediate insights into soil nutrient requirements. By enabling precise fertilizer application, Solum helps farmers optimize costs and enhance crop yields. The technology not only supports agricultural efficiency but also promotes sustainability by minimizing nitrogen runoff, which contributes to aquatic dead zones, and addressing nitrous oxide emissions, a significant greenhouse gas linked to ozone depletion. Through its innovative soil testing services, Solum aims to transform farming practices for better environmental outcomes.

LS9, based in South San Francisco, California, is a privately-held industrial biotechnology company focused on developing renewable petroleum biofuels and sustainable chemicals. Utilizing advanced synthetic biology techniques, LS9 creates patent-pending UltraClean fuels, emphasizing both innovation and sustainability in the energy sector. The company's goal is to produce hydrocarbon biofuels that serve as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future.

Sakti3, Inc. is a Michigan-based company that specializes in the development of solid-state rechargeable lithium-ion battery technology. Founded in 2007 and currently a subsidiary of Dyson Ltd., Sakti3 focuses on creating advanced battery cells designed for use in electric vehicles and portable electronics. The company's innovative technology aims to enhance the performance and efficiency of electric cars, making them more comparable to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. By improving battery capabilities, Sakti3 seeks to support the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions in the automotive and consumer electronics industries.

KiOR, Inc. is a renewable fuels company that specializes in producing and selling cellulosic gasoline and diesel derived from lignocellulosic biomass. Utilizing its proprietary biomass-to-cellulosic fuel technology, the company aims to supply its products to refiners, terminal and rack owners, and fleet operators for vehicle use. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Pasadena, Texas, KiOR is focused on contributing to sustainable energy solutions by converting biomass into clean fuels.

LanzaTech, Inc. is a carbon recycling company based in Skokie, Illinois, with additional offices in Roselle, Illinois; Shanghai, China; and Gurgaon, India. Founded in 2005, the company specializes in producing fuel ethanol from renewable non-food resources, including industrial flue gases and waste gases generated from the gasification of municipal solid waste and biomass. LanzaTech's innovative technology enables the conversion of carbon emissions from sources like steel mills into valuable products, such as sustainable fuels and chemicals, thus contributing to a circular carbon economy. By recycling carbon from various waste streams, LanzaTech aims to reduce global CO2 emissions significantly and displace a substantial portion of crude oil use, ultimately transforming waste carbon into essential building blocks for consumer goods.

Solum develops a field-deployable measurement tool designed to provide farmers with immediate insights into soil nutrient requirements. By enabling precise fertilizer application, Solum helps farmers optimize costs and enhance crop yields. The technology not only supports agricultural efficiency but also promotes sustainability by minimizing nitrogen runoff, which contributes to aquatic dead zones, and addressing nitrous oxide emissions, a significant greenhouse gas linked to ozone depletion. Through its innovative soil testing services, Solum aims to transform farming practices for better environmental outcomes.

LS9, based in South San Francisco, California, is a privately-held industrial biotechnology company focused on developing renewable petroleum biofuels and sustainable chemicals. Utilizing advanced synthetic biology techniques, LS9 creates patent-pending UltraClean fuels, emphasizing both innovation and sustainability in the energy sector. The company's goal is to produce hydrocarbon biofuels that serve as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future.

Virdia, formerly known as HCL CleanTech, specializes in the development of cellulosic sugars and lignin derived from lignocellulosic biomass for applications in renewable chemicals, bio-energy, and nutrition. The company utilizes its proprietary CASE™ process, which efficiently converts a variety of feedstocks, including wood, energy crops, and agricultural residues, into refined sugars and lignin. This innovative, low-temperature method maximizes sugar yields while maintaining a minimal environmental impact through the nearly complete recycling of acids and solvents used during production. Virdia is guided by an experienced management team with extensive backgrounds in corn processing, chemicals, and biochemicals.

Calera Corporation is focused on carbon sequestration, aiming to combat global warming and ocean acidification by capturing greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, from the atmosphere. Established in 2007 and headquartered in Los Gatos, California, the company works to reduce atmospheric carbon levels through innovative technologies. Calera has formed a strategic alliance with Bechtel Power Corporation to enhance its efforts in this domain.

Sakti3, Inc. is a Michigan-based company that specializes in the development of solid-state rechargeable lithium-ion battery technology. Founded in 2007 and currently a subsidiary of Dyson Ltd., Sakti3 focuses on creating advanced battery cells designed for use in electric vehicles and portable electronics. The company's innovative technology aims to enhance the performance and efficiency of electric cars, making them more comparable to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. By improving battery capabilities, Sakti3 seeks to support the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions in the automotive and consumer electronics industries.

KiOR, Inc. is a renewable fuels company that specializes in producing and selling cellulosic gasoline and diesel derived from lignocellulosic biomass. Utilizing its proprietary biomass-to-cellulosic fuel technology, the company aims to supply its products to refiners, terminal and rack owners, and fleet operators for vehicle use. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Pasadena, Texas, KiOR is focused on contributing to sustainable energy solutions by converting biomass into clean fuels.

KiOR, Inc. is a renewable fuels company that specializes in producing and selling cellulosic gasoline and diesel derived from lignocellulosic biomass. Utilizing its proprietary biomass-to-cellulosic fuel technology, the company aims to supply its products to refiners, terminal and rack owners, and fleet operators for vehicle use. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Pasadena, Texas, KiOR is focused on contributing to sustainable energy solutions by converting biomass into clean fuels.

LS9, based in South San Francisco, California, is a privately-held industrial biotechnology company focused on developing renewable petroleum biofuels and sustainable chemicals. Utilizing advanced synthetic biology techniques, LS9 creates patent-pending UltraClean fuels, emphasizing both innovation and sustainability in the energy sector. The company's goal is to produce hydrocarbon biofuels that serve as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future.

LanzaTech, Inc. is a carbon recycling company based in Skokie, Illinois, with additional offices in Roselle, Illinois; Shanghai, China; and Gurgaon, India. Founded in 2005, the company specializes in producing fuel ethanol from renewable non-food resources, including industrial flue gases and waste gases generated from the gasification of municipal solid waste and biomass. LanzaTech's innovative technology enables the conversion of carbon emissions from sources like steel mills into valuable products, such as sustainable fuels and chemicals, thus contributing to a circular carbon economy. By recycling carbon from various waste streams, LanzaTech aims to reduce global CO2 emissions significantly and displace a substantial portion of crude oil use, ultimately transforming waste carbon into essential building blocks for consumer goods.

LS9, based in South San Francisco, California, is a privately-held industrial biotechnology company focused on developing renewable petroleum biofuels and sustainable chemicals. Utilizing advanced synthetic biology techniques, LS9 creates patent-pending UltraClean fuels, emphasizing both innovation and sustainability in the energy sector. The company's goal is to produce hydrocarbon biofuels that serve as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future.