Top 15 Venture Capital Firms Making Waves in Sustainability

For founders in the Sustainability and climate tech space, preparing to raise capital requires identifying investors who understand your mission. Finding the right partner is about more than just securing funds; it’s about strategic alignment on your long-term vision.

To help you find that fit, our team has curated this overview of top venture capital firms active in impact investing. Use this guide to quickly understand the key players before or during your fundraise.

Actively raising? You can now access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through Rho Capital. Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• For startups focused on sustainability, securing venture funding is about finding a strategic partner who shares your long-term vision, not just obtaining capital.

• Firms like SE Ventures, Collab Capital, Better Ventures, and Moderne Ventures are notable backers of companies in the sustainability sector.

• If you are raising or have just closed a round, Rho helps you manage your new capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Sustainability Are Right for Your Stage?

Knowing who to talk to is key, whether you're an early-stage company or preparing for an exit. Here is a quick overview of VC firms in the sustainability space, broken down by the stages they typically invest in.

As you identify the right investors for your stage, remember that equity isn't your only option. Rho Capital connects startups to non-dilutive funding options such as venture debt and credit lines, helping you access financing tailored to your business model without chasing lenders.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Sustainability

Pre-seed and seed funding is the earliest capital you'll raise, used to validate your idea and build an initial product. For founders in agtech or social impact, firms like Fledge, Flori Ventures, and Collab Capital focus on this crucial first stage.

Early Stage VC Firms in Sustainability

Early-stage funding, such as Series A or B, is for startups with proven traction that need capital to scale operations and expand their market reach. Clean tech venture capital firms like Better Ventures and GS Futures specialize in this phase, backing companies as they move from initial product to significant growth.

Late Stage VC Firms in Sustainability

Late-stage rounds provide growth capital to mature companies preparing for a major milestone, such as an acquisition or an initial public offering (IPO). Impact investing venture capital firms such as DBL Partners and SE Ventures are known for backing established leaders in renewable energy and cleantech through these later rounds.

It is also worth noting that some multistage climate VC firms, including Ecosystem Integrity Fund and Amasia, invest across the entire lifecycle of a company.

Here is a closer look at some of the top VC firms investing in sustainability. We've included key details on their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each a compelling choice for founders.

1. SE Ventures

Backed by industrial giant Schneider Electric, SE Ventures is a global venture capital fund with over $1 billion in assets. This corporate connection provides startups with deep industry knowledge in energy management and industrial automation.

The firm invests across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage rounds, with a clear focus on cleantech, industrial AI, and energy storage. Their portfolio includes several high-profile companies, such as electric bus manufacturer Proterra and EV charging network Volta Charging.

SE Ventures is a strong fit for founders developing technologies that align with Schneider Electric’s core business. If your startup is ready to scale with the help of an established industry leader, this firm could be the right choice.

As you evaluate strategic investors like SE Ventures, remember that Rho Capital can help you secure non-dilutive funding to complement your equity round, giving you more flexibility as you grow.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Cleantech, industrial automation, energy storage, and AI

• Geographical presence: Based in Menlo Park, California, with a global investment scope

• Founded: 2017

• Fund size: Over $1 billion

• Notable portfolio companies: Proterra, Volta Charging, Scandit, Claroty

• Corporate backer: Schneider Electric

You can refer to their website here.

2. Collab Capital

Based in Atlanta, Collab Capital is a venture firm that invests in early-stage founders building solutions for work, care, and community infrastructure. They provide seed and early-stage capital to companies with strong potential for both social and economic impact.

The firm’s portfolio demonstrates a clear commitment to backing founders who are addressing significant societal needs, including investments in food-waste platform Goodr and portable EV-charger developer SparkCharge. Their model is built to provide Black innovators with a direct pathway to funding and resources.

Collab Capital is an excellent match for early-stage founders, especially Black entrepreneurs, whose businesses are centered on social impact or sustainability. If your startup is creating technology for a more equitable future, this firm should be on your list.

Once you secure funding from a partner like Collab Capital, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage your new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Work, care, community infrastructure, and sustainability

• Geographical presence: Based in Atlanta, Georgia

• Founded: 2019

• Notable portfolio companies: Goodr, SparkCharge, Planet FWD, LoanWell

• Number of investments: 42

You can refer to their website here.

3. Better Ventures

Based in Oakland, Better Ventures invests in entrepreneurs building companies for a better world. The firm provides seed and early-stage capital to businesses with a clear social or environmental mission.

Their portfolio highlights a focus on sustainability and financial technology, with investments in ag-tech company NuCicer and EV fleet software provider Synop. This signals a commitment to backing tangible solutions to major challenges.

Better Ventures is an ideal partner for founders whose companies are built around a core purpose, especially in climate tech or impact finance. They are a strong choice for mission-driven teams preparing for their first institutional round.

As you prepare your pitch for a firm like Better Ventures, remember that Rho Capital can help you explore non-dilutive financing to complement your equity round and extend your runway.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Impact investing, sustainability, FinTech, and transportation

• Geographical presence: Based in Oakland, California

• Founded: 2010

• Notable portfolio companies: Meati Foods, NuCicer, Synop, Avalo, SMBX

• Number of investments: 86

You can refer to their website here.

4. Moderne Ventures

Moderne Ventures is a strategic venture capital and growth equity firm based in Chicago. The firm invests across a company’s full lifecycle, from early and late-stage venture rounds to private equity deals.

The firm concentrates on technology companies in large industries like real estate, finance, and insurance, with sustainability as a key area. Their portfolio includes well-known companies like DocuSign, showing a track record of backing businesses through to successful exits.

This firm is a strong match for founders in its target sectors who are looking for a long-term financial partner. After securing a round with a multi-stage investor like Moderne, Rho can help you manage your new capital with integrated banking and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Early-stage venture, late-stage venture, and private equity

• Industries of focus: Real estate, finance, insurance, FinTech, and sustainability

• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago, Illinois

• Founded: 2015

• Notable portfolio companies: DocuSign, August Home, Airside, Avvir

• Portfolio size: Over 100 investments with 25 exits

You can refer to their website here.

5. Ecosystem Integrity Fund

Ecosystem Integrity Fund is a multi-stage venture firm that invests in companies contributing to environmental sustainability. Based in San Francisco, they back businesses from seed rounds through later stages of growth.

The firm concentrates on sectors like renewable energy and green chemistry, backing tangible solutions for a healthier planet. Their portfolio shows a history of successful exits to major corporations, including EV Connect's acquisition by Schneider Electric and AMP's sale to Ford.

EIF is a great fit for founders developing solutions in renewable energy or sustainable materials who are looking for a long-term partner. After securing your funding, Rho’s platform can help you manage your new capital with integrated banking and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Renewable energy, green chemistry, and sustainability

• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2010

• Notable portfolio companies: Zep Solar, EV Connect, AMP, KeVita

• Portfolio size: 56 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. VamosVentures

VamosVentures is a venture capital fund that invests in early-stage, tech-enabled companies led by Latinx and diverse founders. Based in Los Angeles, the firm focuses on providing capital and support to underrepresented entrepreneurs.

The firm targets specific sectors including FinTech, healthcare, and sustainability, backing companies with strong growth potential. Their portfolio includes high-profile names like corporate card provider Brex and synthetic biology startup The EVERY Company.

VamosVentures is a compelling choice for diverse founders, particularly from the Latinx community, who are building tech solutions in the firm’s key industries. Once you secure funding from a partner like VamosVentures, our platform helps you manage your new capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: FinTech, Health Care, Sustainability, and Virtual Workforce

• Geographical presence: Based in Los Angeles, California

• Founded: 2020

• Notable portfolio companies: Brex, Finix, The EVERY Company

• Number of investments: 30

You can refer to their website here.

7. Amasia

Amasia is a global, thesis-driven venture capital firm with a specific focus on companies advancing sustainability and addressing climate change. They invest across the world from their base in California, backing founders who are building for a better planet.

The firm invests across a company's lifecycle, from seed to late-stage rounds, and has a history of backing major successes like Dialpad and Xendit. Their portfolio also includes sustainability-focused companies like Clarity AI, showing a clear commitment to their climate thesis.

Amasia is a good fit for founders at any stage whose companies are centered on sustainability or climate solutions. Their global reach and thesis-driven approach make them a strong partner for teams with a clear mission to drive behavioral change through technology.

If you're preparing to approach a multi-stage firm like Amasia, Rho Capital can help you explore non-dilutive funding to complement an equity round, giving you more control as you scale.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Sustainability and climate tech

• Geographical presence: Based in Burlingame, California, with a global investment scope

• Founded: 2013

• Notable portfolio companies: Dialpad, Xendit, Clarity AI, Unravel Carbon

• Portfolio size: 93 investments

You can refer to their website here.

8. DBL Partners

DBL Partners is a venture capital firm known for its “double bottom line” approach, investing in companies that generate strong financial returns alongside positive social or environmental benefits.

The firm has a history of backing category-defining companies, including early investments in Tesla, SpaceX, and SolarCity. Their multi-stage investment strategy allows them to support businesses from seed funding through to private equity rounds.

DBL is a great fit for founders with ambitious, high-growth companies that have a clear mission in sustainability or social impact. If you are preparing to approach a multi-stage firm like DBL Partners, Rho Capital can help you explore non-dilutive funding to complement an equity round, giving you more control as you scale.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage venture, private equity, and debt

• Industries of focus: Cleantech, sustainability, impact investing, and information technology

• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2004

• Notable portfolio companies: Tesla, SpaceX, The RealReal, Planet

• Portfolio size: 80 investments

You can refer to their website here.

9. Great Wave Ventures

Great Wave Ventures is an early-stage fund based in New York that invests in companies reshaping the "built world." The firm provides seed and early-stage capital to startups focused on construction, real estate, and sustainability.

The firm backs ambitious, tangible projects, with portfolio companies like Culdesac building car-free neighborhoods and Venus Aerospace developing hypersonic aircraft. This focus is complemented by a record of successful exits, including the carbon-management platform Sustain.Life.

Great Wave Ventures is a strong match for early-stage founders building technology for the physical world, particularly in prop-tech or construction tech. If your company has a clear vision for the built environment, this firm is a relevant partner to consider.

Once you secure funding from a partner like Great Wave Ventures, our platform helps you manage your new capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Construction, Real Estate, Sustainability

• Geographical presence: Based in New York, New York

• Founded: 2020

• Notable portfolio companies: Venus Aerospace, Array Labs, Culdesac

• Portfolio size: 32 investments with 4 exits

You can refer to their website here.

10. Valhalla Ventures

Based in Los Angeles, Valhalla Ventures invests in early-stage companies building defensible, long-term advantages. The firm’s strategy is centered on backing businesses that are creating what they call “enduring moats” through proprietary technology or a strong market position.

Valhalla shows a clear focus on deep tech and complex industries, from space and biotechnology to advanced materials and gaming. Their portfolio reflects this, with investments in companies like K2 Space, a builder of large satellite buses, and Rain, a developer of autonomous firefighting helicopters.

This firm is a strong fit for founders whose companies are built on significant scientific or technical innovation. As you prepare to raise from a specialized investor like Valhalla, Rho Capital can help you access non-dilutive funding to complement your equity round.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Deep tech, gaming, sustainability, and biotechnology

• Geographical presence: Based in Los Angeles, California

• Founded: 2020

• Notable portfolio companies: K2 Space, Rain, Biofire, Jaza

• Portfolio size: 23 investments

You can refer to their website here.

11. Energize Capital

Energize Capital is a global investment firm that concentrates on the digitization of energy and sustainable industries. From its base in Chicago, the firm backs companies that are applying modern software and technology to these foundational sectors.

The firm invests across both early and late stages, showing a clear focus on building companies to significant scale. Their portfolio highlights a track record of successful exits, including the IPO of Fast Radius and the acquisition of Volta Charging.

Energize Capital is a good match for founders developing software or digital tools for the energy, construction, or sustainability markets. As you prepare to raise from a specialized investor like Energize, Rho Capital can help you access non-dilutive funding to complement your equity round.

• Investment stages: Early-stage and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Digitization of energy, sustainability, construction, finance

• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago, Illinois

• Founded: 2016

• Notable portfolio companies: Aurora Solar, Volta Charging, Fast Radius, Monta

• Number of investments: 50

You can refer to their website here.

12. GS Futures

GS Futures is a corporate venture capital firm making strategic, early-stage investments in companies focused on retail, energy, and sustainability. Based in San Mateo, the firm backs companies from seed to early-stage rounds.

The firm’s portfolio shows a focus on high-growth technology, with investments in companies like direct-air-capture startup Heirloom and autonomous-drone maker Skydio. Their backing of unicorns such as Nowports and LayerZero Labs signals an appetite for businesses with significant market potential.

GS Futures is a good match for founders developing technology in the firm’s core industries who are seeking a strategic corporate partner. Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage your new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Retail, energy, sustainability, construction, and real estate

• Geographical presence: Based in San Mateo, California

• Founded: 2020

• Notable portfolio companies: Skydio, LayerZero Labs, Nowports, Heirloom, AutoGrid

• Number of investments: 40

You can refer to their website here.

13. Fledge

Fledge is a global accelerator network that provides early-stage funding and support to for-profit companies with a clear social or environmental mission. Operating as both an accelerator and a venture capital investor, the firm is based in Seattle.

The firm’s model is built around its accelerator program, backing companies across a wide range of impact sectors, from AgTech to renewable energy. Their portfolio includes companies making a tangible difference, such as Burn Manufacturing, which produces clean cookstoves, and Evrnu, whose recycled fiber was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions.

Fledge is an excellent choice for mission-driven founders at the earliest stages who are looking for structured guidance to refine their business model. Once you graduate from an accelerator and secure follow-on funding, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage your new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, and debt

• Industries of focus: Social impact, sustainability, AgTech, and CleanTech

• Geographical presence: Based in Seattle, Washington, with a global network

• Founded: 2012

• Investor type: Accelerator and venture capital

• Notable portfolio companies: Evrnu, Burn Manufacturing, Shift Labs, BridgeCare

• Number of investments: 89

You can refer to their website here.

14. Flori Ventures

Flori Ventures is a seed-stage venture firm that supports companies building a more inclusive financial system. Based in San Francisco, they invest in businesses at the intersection of FinTech, blockchain, and sustainability.

The firm’s portfolio shows a strong focus on both established platforms like Kickstarter and impact-driven companies like Moss, a Brazilian carbon-credit marketplace. This signals a clear priority for backing businesses with a tangible social or environmental purpose.

Flori Ventures is a great match for early-stage founders building technology in FinTech or climate with a focus on financial inclusion. Once you secure funding from a mission-aligned partner like Flori, our platform helps you manage your new capital with integrated business banking and corporate cards.

• Investment stages: Seed

• Industries of focus: FinTech, blockchain, sustainability, and impact investing

• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2021

• Notable portfolio companies: Kickstarter, Moss, Valora, Releaf

• Number of investments: 90

You can refer to their website here.

15. Parkway Venture Capital

Parkway Venture Capital is a New York-based firm that invests in technology companies across early and late stages. They concentrate on businesses with the potential for significant, long-term impact.

The firm is known for backing ambitious, high-profile companies in deep tech, including Elon Musk’s xAI and humanoid-robotics startup Figure. Their portfolio shows a clear focus on foundational technologies like AI, quantum computing, and robotics.

Parkway is a strong fit for founders building companies with major technical defensibility and the potential to define new industries. As you prepare to approach a firm like Parkway, Rho Capital can help you explore non-dilutive funding to complement your equity round.

• Investment stages: Early-stage and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: AI, robotics, quantum technology, health tech, and sustainability

• Geographical presence: Based in New York, New York

• Founded: 2019

• Notable portfolio companies: xAI, Figure, SandboxAQ, Lyft

• Portfolio size: 50 investments with 16 exits

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Sustainability Companies

This list of investors shows a healthy and maturing funding environment for companies in the sustainability sector. You have access to capital across all stages, from early-stage specialists like Flori Ventures to multi-stage firms like DBL Partners that can support a company's growth over time. This balance suggests a strong pipeline of new ideas and consistent support for companies as they scale.

While investors are concentrated in major US tech hubs, the presence of firms in cities like Chicago, Atlanta, and Seattle indicates a growing base of support beyond Silicon Valley and New York. This variety gives you options, whether you are looking for a specialist climate fund or a generalist investor with a sustainability thesis.

As you plan your fundraise, remember that equity isn't your only option. Our team at Rho Capital can connect you to non-dilutive funding like venture debt and credit lines. Once you secure capital, our integrated platform helps you manage it with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of relevant investors is a significant advantage. It allows you to direct your limited time and energy toward the firms most aligned with your mission.

If you’re seeking funding, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through a fast, guided process. Once capital is secured, Rho provides integrated tools—business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—to help you manage and deploy funds efficiently.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Sustainability

Are there many climate tech VC firms based in Europe?

Yes, Europe has a strong and growing ecosystem of climate tech investors. Many firms specialize in areas like renewable energy and circular economy. Look for investors with a portfolio and thesis that align with your specific market and technology.

How do I find the right social impact VC firms for my mission?

Focus on firms whose portfolio companies reflect a mission similar to yours. Research the partners’ backgrounds and the fund’s stated impact goals to ensure there is genuine alignment before you reach out for an introduction.

What are non-dilutive funding options for sustainability startups?

Options like venture debt and credit lines allow you to secure capital without giving up equity. Rho Capital helps you access these types of financing, providing more flexibility to grow your business on your own terms.

What are the benefits of corporate cleantech VC firms?

Corporate VCs often provide more than just capital. They can offer deep industry expertise, access to distribution channels, and strategic partnerships that can significantly accelerate your company’s growth and market validation.

What’s the best way to approach seed stage venture capital firms?

A warm introduction from a mutual connection is most effective. Before the introduction, research the firm thoroughly and be prepared to clearly explain how your company fits its specific investment thesis and portfolio.

How can Rho help my startup after a fundraise?

Once you secure funding, our integrated platform helps you manage it effectively. We provide business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help you deploy your new capital with control and visibility. Get started with Rho.