Breakthrough Energy

Breakthrough Energy, established in 2016 and headquartered in Kirkland, Washington, is an impact investment firm focused on combating climate change. It invests patiently over a 20-year period in cleantech and energy sectors, supporting companies from seed to commercialization stages. The firm's portfolio spans electricity generation and storage, transportation, industrial systems, agriculture, and energy efficiency, aiming to make power reliable, affordable, and climate-friendly. Breakthrough Energy Ventures, its investment arm, manages funds in the U.S. and Europe, with a goal to back 40 to 50 companies per fund.

Tara Bansal

Investment Principal and Company Builder, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Jim Cabot

Managing Director, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Priscilla Chan MD

Co-Founder, Breakthrough Energy Coalition

Christian Garcia

Managing Director and Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Bill Gates

Founder

Mark Hartney Ph.D

Principal, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

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

Brian Mayers Ph.D

Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Jeff Momplaisir

Director of Portfolio Analytics, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Christopher Poirier

Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Juilia Reinaud

Senior Director

Cooper Rinzler

Investor

Christopher Rivest

Partner, Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Kyle Teamey

investor

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 Electric Grid

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.

ZeroAvia

Series C in 2024
ZeroAvia, Inc. is a company focused on developing zero-emission aircraft and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems aimed at transforming short-haul commercial aviation. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom, ZeroAvia is dedicated to eliminating aviation emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. The company's innovative powertrain utilizes a hydrogen fuel-cell system, allowing for retrofitting of existing aircraft and facilitating the adoption of sustainable aviation practices. By emphasizing scalable technologies, ZeroAvia seeks to partner with various stakeholders in the aviation industry to provide cleaner, more efficient flight options, thereby reducing costs and carbon dioxide emissions associated with air travel.

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.

Reactive Technologies

Series D in 2024
Reactive Technologies LTD is an energy technology company based in London, United Kingdom, focused on facilitating the transition to clean energy through innovative solutions for grid operators, electric utilities, and renewable asset owners. The company offers a range of advanced technologies, including GridMetrix, which provides real-time inertia measurements for transmission system operators, and GridMetrix for distribution network operators, which measures system strength and helps manage constraints. Its Tradenergy platform enhances forecasting, risk management, and optimization for energy flexibility, while the Dynamic PPA feature allows generators to capitalize on market opportunities and mitigate price risks. Reactive Technologies is recognized for its groundbreaking Grid-Sonar™ technology, which delivers precise data on grid operations, thereby improving planning and maximizing electricity supply utilization. Established in 2010, the company has expanded its reach internationally, with commercial offices in the UK, USA, and Australia, and an R&D center in Finland.

Malta

Venture Round in 2023
Malta Inc. is a company that specializes in industrial-grade, grid-scale energy storage solutions, particularly through its innovative electro-thermal energy storage technology. Founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Malta's system captures energy from various sources, including renewable (wind and solar) and fossil fuel generators. The process involves converting electrical energy into thermal energy, which is stored in molten salt and later reconverted back into electricity using a heat engine. This technology addresses the challenges of energy curtailment by improving the synchronization of energy generation with demand, thereby facilitating the efficient distribution of electricity to the grid as required. Malta was incubated at the Moonshot Factory and has garnered support from leading venture capital and commercial power industry stakeholders, contributing to its mission of enabling affordable and reliable electricity delivery.

ZeroAvia

Series C in 2023
ZeroAvia, Inc. is a company focused on developing zero-emission aircraft and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems aimed at transforming short-haul commercial aviation. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom, ZeroAvia is dedicated to eliminating aviation emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. The company's innovative powertrain utilizes a hydrogen fuel-cell system, allowing for retrofitting of existing aircraft and facilitating the adoption of sustainable aviation practices. By emphasizing scalable technologies, ZeroAvia seeks to partner with various stakeholders in the aviation industry to provide cleaner, more efficient flight options, thereby reducing costs and carbon dioxide emissions associated with air travel.

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.

Fervo Energy

Series C in 2022
Fervo Energy, founded in 2017 and based in San Francisco, California, specializes in the development and commercialization of next-generation geothermal power technology. The company focuses on owning, developing, and operating geothermal assets to generate clean, carbon-free energy in new locations. By leveraging innovations in geoscience, Fervo Energy aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future, positioning itself as a key player in the evolution of the electric grid. Its proprietary technology serves as a dispatchable foundation for achieving a fully clean energy system, enabling clients to enhance productivity and scalability in energy production.

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.

ZeroAvia

Series B in 2021
ZeroAvia, Inc. is a company focused on developing zero-emission aircraft and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems aimed at transforming short-haul commercial aviation. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom, ZeroAvia is dedicated to eliminating aviation emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. The company's innovative powertrain utilizes a hydrogen fuel-cell system, allowing for retrofitting of existing aircraft and facilitating the adoption of sustainable aviation practices. By emphasizing scalable technologies, ZeroAvia seeks to partner with various stakeholders in the aviation industry to provide cleaner, more efficient flight options, thereby reducing costs and carbon dioxide emissions associated with air travel.

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.

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.

Reactive Technologies

Venture Round in 2021
Reactive Technologies LTD is an energy technology company based in London, United Kingdom, focused on facilitating the transition to clean energy through innovative solutions for grid operators, electric utilities, and renewable asset owners. The company offers a range of advanced technologies, including GridMetrix, which provides real-time inertia measurements for transmission system operators, and GridMetrix for distribution network operators, which measures system strength and helps manage constraints. Its Tradenergy platform enhances forecasting, risk management, and optimization for energy flexibility, while the Dynamic PPA feature allows generators to capitalize on market opportunities and mitigate price risks. Reactive Technologies is recognized for its groundbreaking Grid-Sonar™ technology, which delivers precise data on grid operations, thereby improving planning and maximizing electricity supply utilization. Established in 2010, the company has expanded its reach internationally, with commercial offices in the UK, USA, and Australia, and an R&D center in Finland.

ZeroAvia

Venture Round in 2021
ZeroAvia, Inc. is a company focused on developing zero-emission aircraft and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems aimed at transforming short-haul commercial aviation. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom, ZeroAvia is dedicated to eliminating aviation emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. The company's innovative powertrain utilizes a hydrogen fuel-cell system, allowing for retrofitting of existing aircraft and facilitating the adoption of sustainable aviation practices. By emphasizing scalable technologies, ZeroAvia seeks to partner with various stakeholders in the aviation industry to provide cleaner, more efficient flight options, thereby reducing costs and carbon dioxide emissions associated with air travel.

WeaveGrid

Series A in 2021
WeaveGrid is a technology company focused on facilitating the integration of electric vehicles (EV) with the power grid. By employing machine learning, optimization, and predictive analytics, WeaveGrid's software addresses the challenges associated with EV-grid integration for utility companies. This innovative solution not only enhances the incorporation of renewable energy resources but also aims to reduce costs for utility customers. The company's efforts support the broader goals of decarbonization in the transportation and power sectors, enabling utilities to safely and economically adapt to the growing demand for electric vehicles.

Fervo Energy

Series B in 2021
Fervo Energy, founded in 2017 and based in San Francisco, California, specializes in the development and commercialization of next-generation geothermal power technology. The company focuses on owning, developing, and operating geothermal assets to generate clean, carbon-free energy in new locations. By leveraging innovations in geoscience, Fervo Energy aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future, positioning itself as a key player in the evolution of the electric grid. Its proprietary technology serves as a dispatchable foundation for achieving a fully clean energy system, enabling clients to enhance productivity and scalability in energy production.

ZeroAvia

Series A in 2021
ZeroAvia, Inc. is a company focused on developing zero-emission aircraft and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems aimed at transforming short-haul commercial aviation. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom, ZeroAvia is dedicated to eliminating aviation emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. The company's innovative powertrain utilizes a hydrogen fuel-cell system, allowing for retrofitting of existing aircraft and facilitating the adoption of sustainable aviation practices. By emphasizing scalable technologies, ZeroAvia seeks to partner with various stakeholders in the aviation industry to provide cleaner, more efficient flight options, thereby reducing costs and carbon dioxide emissions associated with air travel.

Malta

Series B in 2021
Malta Inc. is a company that specializes in industrial-grade, grid-scale energy storage solutions, particularly through its innovative electro-thermal energy storage technology. Founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Malta's system captures energy from various sources, including renewable (wind and solar) and fossil fuel generators. The process involves converting electrical energy into thermal energy, which is stored in molten salt and later reconverted back into electricity using a heat engine. This technology addresses the challenges of energy curtailment by improving the synchronization of energy generation with demand, thereby facilitating the efficient distribution of electricity to the grid as required. Malta was incubated at the Moonshot Factory and has garnered support from leading venture capital and commercial power industry stakeholders, contributing to its mission of enabling affordable and reliable electricity delivery.

ZeroAvia

Series A in 2020
ZeroAvia, Inc. is a company focused on developing zero-emission aircraft and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems aimed at transforming short-haul commercial aviation. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Hollister, California, with an additional office in Cranfield, United Kingdom, ZeroAvia is dedicated to eliminating aviation emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. The company's innovative powertrain utilizes a hydrogen fuel-cell system, allowing for retrofitting of existing aircraft and facilitating the adoption of sustainable aviation practices. By emphasizing scalable technologies, ZeroAvia seeks to partner with various stakeholders in the aviation industry to provide cleaner, more efficient flight options, thereby reducing costs and carbon dioxide emissions associated with air travel.

Malta

Series A in 2018
Malta Inc. is a company that specializes in industrial-grade, grid-scale energy storage solutions, particularly through its innovative electro-thermal energy storage technology. Founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Malta's system captures energy from various sources, including renewable (wind and solar) and fossil fuel generators. The process involves converting electrical energy into thermal energy, which is stored in molten salt and later reconverted back into electricity using a heat engine. This technology addresses the challenges of energy curtailment by improving the synchronization of energy generation with demand, thereby facilitating the efficient distribution of electricity to the grid as required. Malta was incubated at the Moonshot Factory and has garnered support from leading venture capital and commercial power industry stakeholders, contributing to its mission of enabling affordable and reliable electricity delivery.
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