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 Smart Cities

75F

Series B in 2025
75F, LLC, founded in 2012 and based in Burnsville, Minnesota, specializes in building automation systems that utilize Internet of Things (IoT) technology to enhance energy efficiency in commercial buildings. The company offers a comprehensive Building Energy Management System that integrates a range of smart devices, including sensors, thermostats, and control units, to optimize HVAC performance and lighting. By leveraging real-time data and wireless communication, 75F's solutions allow for precise climate control, adapting to occupancy and environmental changes to ensure comfort while minimizing energy consumption. The company's mission focuses on improving indoor air quality and occupant productivity while promoting sustainable practices. Through its intelligent automation and centralized monitoring, 75F helps clients reduce operational costs and their carbon footprint, making smart building technology accessible and effective.

RedoxBlox

Series A in 2024
RedoxBlox specializes in thermochemical energy storage technology aimed at decarbonizing high-temperature industrial thermal processing and enhancing natural gas power production. By providing a cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels, the company enables continuous energy discharge at high temperatures, significantly reducing carbon and nitrogen oxide emissions. Its system is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, improving grid resilience while supporting industrial processors and power plant operators. RedoxBlox's technology facilitates the electrification and storage of energy, allowing industries to harness renewable energy sources through large-scale, long-duration energy storage solutions.

Planted Solar

Series A in 2024
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.

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.

Turntide

Venture Round in 2022
Turntide is a company focused on creating sustainable technologies aimed at reducing energy consumption and operational expenses in various sectors, including buildings, agriculture, and electric transportation. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Turntide has developed an innovative electric motor system that utilizes advanced switched reluctance technology. This system is managed by sophisticated cloud software and incorporates IoT connectivity for precise control. By targeting the significant energy waste attributed to traditional electric motors, Turntide aims to support the shift away from fossil fuels and promote a more sustainable future. The company's efforts are geared towards eliminating the 25% of global electricity consumption that is currently wasted, thereby accelerating the transition to 100% renewable energy.

Sustaera

Series A in 2021
Sustaera, founded in 2021 and based in Cary, North Carolina, specializes in direct air capture technology that effectively removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The company's innovative approach utilizes renewable energy and leverages existing supply chains to offer low-cost and scalable carbon removal systems. Sustaera aims to provide clients worldwide with solutions that not only remove carbon but also allow for its replacement and reuse, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future. Their technology is adaptable to various environments, including grasslands, arid deserts, and tropical savannas, facilitating its deployment across diverse geographical regions.

75F

Series A in 2021
75F, LLC, founded in 2012 and based in Burnsville, Minnesota, specializes in building automation systems that utilize Internet of Things (IoT) technology to enhance energy efficiency in commercial buildings. The company offers a comprehensive Building Energy Management System that integrates a range of smart devices, including sensors, thermostats, and control units, to optimize HVAC performance and lighting. By leveraging real-time data and wireless communication, 75F's solutions allow for precise climate control, adapting to occupancy and environmental changes to ensure comfort while minimizing energy consumption. The company's mission focuses on improving indoor air quality and occupant productivity while promoting sustainable practices. Through its intelligent automation and centralized monitoring, 75F helps clients reduce operational costs and their carbon footprint, making smart building technology accessible and effective.

Turntide

Convertible Note in 2021
Turntide is a company focused on creating sustainable technologies aimed at reducing energy consumption and operational expenses in various sectors, including buildings, agriculture, and electric transportation. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Turntide has developed an innovative electric motor system that utilizes advanced switched reluctance technology. This system is managed by sophisticated cloud software and incorporates IoT connectivity for precise control. By targeting the significant energy waste attributed to traditional electric motors, Turntide aims to support the shift away from fossil fuels and promote a more sustainable future. The company's efforts are geared towards eliminating the 25% of global electricity consumption that is currently wasted, thereby accelerating the transition to 100% renewable energy.

Turntide

Venture Round in 2021
Turntide is a company focused on creating sustainable technologies aimed at reducing energy consumption and operational expenses in various sectors, including buildings, agriculture, and electric transportation. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Turntide has developed an innovative electric motor system that utilizes advanced switched reluctance technology. This system is managed by sophisticated cloud software and incorporates IoT connectivity for precise control. By targeting the significant energy waste attributed to traditional electric motors, Turntide aims to support the shift away from fossil fuels and promote a more sustainable future. The company's efforts are geared towards eliminating the 25% of global electricity consumption that is currently wasted, thereby accelerating the transition to 100% renewable energy.

75F

Series A in 2019
75F, LLC, founded in 2012 and based in Burnsville, Minnesota, specializes in building automation systems that utilize Internet of Things (IoT) technology to enhance energy efficiency in commercial buildings. The company offers a comprehensive Building Energy Management System that integrates a range of smart devices, including sensors, thermostats, and control units, to optimize HVAC performance and lighting. By leveraging real-time data and wireless communication, 75F's solutions allow for precise climate control, adapting to occupancy and environmental changes to ensure comfort while minimizing energy consumption. The company's mission focuses on improving indoor air quality and occupant productivity while promoting sustainable practices. Through its intelligent automation and centralized monitoring, 75F helps clients reduce operational costs and their carbon footprint, making smart building technology accessible and effective.

MAX

Venture Round in 2019
MAX is a company that specializes in providing motorcycle taxi and transport services, focusing on the last-mile delivery and online retail challenges in Africa. By utilizing mobile and web platforms, MAX connects consumers, retail businesses, and independent drivers in real-time, effectively removing logistical and technological barriers that have hindered retail growth on the continent. Additionally, MAX offers electric and low-emission vehicle subscription services tailored for commercial drivers, promoting financial freedom and wealth creation through vehicle ownership. The company aims to ensure that independent drivers have access to safe, reliable, and sustainable mobility solutions, thereby enhancing the overall transport landscape in Africa.
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