2021 Winners

Continuing our mission of raising awareness around the threat of climate change, inspiring more investors to join the climate fight, and deploying capital in the most critical transition humanity has ever faced, we are excited to announce the ultimate category winners of the 2021 Climate 50 list!

Top early
stage VC
Plug & Play Ventures
Founded in 2006 Plug & Play Ventures is the world's largest early-stage investor and accelerator. The fund runs 50 accelerator programs per year and in 2020 alone, the fund backed more than 160 startups. To this day Plug & Play Ventures has raised 14 unicorns, including Dropbox, PayPal and N26.
Top
growth VC
Energy Impact Partners
Founded in 2015, Energy Impact Partners (EIP) is a New York-based investment fund with over $1.5 billion in AUM. Their funds are backed by the biggest companies like Microsoft, Duke Energy and Xcel Energy. EIP invest globally focusing on companies throughout the electricity supply chain from generation to consumption.
Top
corporate VC
ENGIE New Ventures
Founded in 2014 as the corporate venture arm of ENGIE, the Fund accelerates the transition toward a carbon-neutral economy. With €180 million at disposal, the fund invests in cleantech companies in their growth and expansion phases globally. Since its inauguration, ENGIE New Ventures has backed 29 start-ups.
Public’s
favourite VC
Active Impact Investments
Founded in 2018, Active Impact Investments is an early-stage climate tech VC fund with $64 million under management with the mission to provide talent and capital and accelerate the growth of startups catalyzing the transition to a renewable future. In 2021 this Vancouver-based investor closed its second fund at $60 million.

2021 Top leading Climate Tech investors

Climate 50 is an annually published list of the Top 50 most recognized Climate Tech investors. The 2021 list below represents the most impactful climate investors helping founders realize novel solutions that move us towards a more Climate Tech and planet. Started in 2020, when the global momentum around climate change was building towards a crescendo, we ought to not to forget and recognize the world’s most important venture capitalist contributing to this significant journey to net zero.

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1st
Company name: Energy Impact Partners
2021
Investor Type Growth
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2015
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Form Energy
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyMobility & Transport
Investment Geography:EuropeNorth America
2nd
Company name: Plug & Play Ventures
2021
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2006
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Heirloom
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyBuilt environmentFood & AgricultureCircular EconomyCarbon removal & Emissions managementHeavy industry & ManufacturingMobility & Transport
Investment Geography:North AmericaEuropeSouth AmericaAsia-PacificMiddle East & Africa
3rd
Company name: Breakthrough Energy Ventures
Investor Type Growth
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2015
Notable Portfolio Company Name: QuantumScape
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: Energy
Investment Geography:EuropeMiddle East & AfricaNorth America
4th
Company name: Khosla Ventures
Investor Type Growth
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2004
Notable Portfolio Company Name: QuantumScape
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyBuilt environmentFood & AgricultureHeavy industry & ManufacturingMobility & TransportCarbon removal & Emissions managementCircular Economy
Investment Geography:Asia-PacificEuropeMiddle East & AfricaNorth AmericaSouth America
5th
Company name: Third Sphere
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2013
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Future Motion
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyBuilt environmentFood & AgricultureCircular EconomyCarbon removal & Emissions managementHeavy industry & ManufacturingMobility & Transport
Investment Geography:North AmericaEuropeSouth AmericaMiddle East & Africa
6th
Company name: Elemental Excelerator
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager Yes
Founded: 2010
Notable Portfolio Company Name: OhmConnect
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyMobility & TransportFood & AgricultureCircular Economy
Investment Geography:EuropeNorth America
7th
Company name: Capricorn Investment Group
Investor Type Growth
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2001
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Joby Aviation
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyMobility & Transport
Investment Geography:North America
8th
Company name: Kleiner Perkins
Investor Type Growth
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 1972
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Uber
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyBuilt environmentFood & AgricultureHeavy industry & ManufacturingMobility & TransportCarbon removal & Emissions managementCircular Economy
Investment Geography:Asia-PacificEuropeNorth America
9th
Company name: ENGIE New Ventures
2021
Investor Type Corporate
Geography: Europe
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager N/A
Founded: 2014
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Gogoro
Community Initiatives: Yes
HQ Country: France
Focus Industry: Energy
Investment Geography:Asia-PacificEuropeNorth America
10th
Company name: Prelude Ventures
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2013
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Quantumscape
Community Initiatives: Yes
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyBuilt environmentFood & AgricultureCircular EconomyCarbon removal & Emissions managementHeavy industry & ManufacturingMobility & Transport
Investment Geography:North America
11th
Company name: Obvious Ventures
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2014
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Lilium
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyMobility & TransportHeavy industry & Manufacturing
Investment Geography:EuropeNorth America
12th
Company name: Collaborative Fund
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2010
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Dandelion Energy
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyFood & Agriculture
Investment Geography:Asia-PacificNorth AmericaEurope
13th
Company name: Footprint Coalition
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager Yes
Founded: 2020
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Ynsect
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyBuilt environmentFood & AgricultureHeavy industry & ManufacturingMobility & Transport
Investment Geography:North AmericaEurope
14th
Company name: Constellation Technology Ventures
Investor Type Corporate
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager N/A
Founded: 2010
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Proterra
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyMobility & Transport
Investment Geography:North America
15th
Company name: Fifth Wall
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2017
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Span.io
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: Built environment
Investment Geography:North America
16th
Company name: Total Carbon Neutrality Ventures
Investor Type Corporate
Geography: Europe
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager N/A
Founded: 2008
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Grab
Community Initiatives: Yes
HQ Country: France
Focus Industry: EnergyCircular EconomyCarbon removal & Emissions managementHeavy industry & ManufacturingMobility & Transport
Investment Geography:North AmericaEuropeMiddle East & AfricaAsia-Pacific
17th
Company name: Generation Investment Management
Investor Type Growth
Geography: Europe
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2004
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Gogoro
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United Kingdom
Focus Industry: EnergyMobility & TransportBuilt environmentFood & AgricultureHeavy industry & Manufacturing
Investment Geography:Asia-PacificEuropeMiddle East & AfricaNorth America
18th
Company name: Climate Capital
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager Yes
Founded: 2019
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Project Wren
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyMobility & TransportFood & AgricultureBuilt environmentCarbon removal & Emissions management
Investment Geography:North America
19th
Company name: Founders Fund
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2005
Notable Portfolio Company Name: SpaceX
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyMobility & Transport
Investment Geography:Asia-PacificEuropeNorth AmericaSouth America
20th
Company name: Demeter
Investor Type Growth
Geography: Europe
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2005
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Solairedirect
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: France
Focus Industry: Energy
Investment Geography:Europe
21st
Company name: Congruent Ventures
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2017
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Sense Photonics
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyMobility & TransportFood & Agriculture
Investment Geography:North America
22nd
Company name: Climate Pledge Fund (Amazon)
Investor Type Corporate
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager N/A
Founded: 2020
Notable Portfolio Company Name: CarbonCure
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: Mobility & TransportCircular EconomyEnergyFood & Agriculture
Investment Geography:North America
23rd
Company name: Lowercarbon Capital
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2017
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Lilac Solutions
Community Initiatives: Yes
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyBuilt environmentFood & AgricultureCircular EconomyCarbon removal & Emissions managementHeavy industry & ManufacturingMobility & Transport
Investment Geography:EuropeNorth America
24th
Company name: DBL Partners
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2002
Notable Portfolio Company Name: SolarCity
Community Initiatives: Yes
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyMobility & Transport
Investment Geography:North America
25th
Company name: Future Energy Ventures
Investor Type Corporate
Geography: Europe
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager N/A
Founded: 2016
Notable Portfolio Company Name: GridX
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: Germany
Focus Industry: EnergyMobility & Transport
Investment Geography:North AmericaEurope
26th
Company name: BMW i Ventures
Investor Type Corporate
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager N/A
Founded: 2011
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Prometheus
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: Mobility & Transport
Investment Geography:North AmericaEurope
27th
Company name: Shell Ventures
Investor Type Corporate
Geography: Europe
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager N/A
Founded: 1996
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Aurora (automotive)
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: Netherlands
Focus Industry: EnergyMobility & TransportCarbon removal & Emissions management
Investment Geography:Asia-PacificEuropeNorth America
28th
Company name: National Grid Partners
Investor Type Corporate
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager N/A
Founded: 2018
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Autogrid
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: Energy
Investment Geography:North AmericaEurope
29th
Company name: High-Tech Gründerfonds
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: Europe
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2005
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Sunvigo
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: Germany
Focus Industry: EnergyMobility & TransportHeavy industry & Manufacturing
Investment Geography:Europe
30th
Company name: Next47
Investor Type Corporate
Geography: Europe
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager N/A
Founded: 2016
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Sila Nanotechnologies
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: Germany
Focus Industry: Mobility & TransportHeavy industry & Manufacturing
Investment Geography:Asia-PacificEuropeMiddle East & AfricaNorth America
31st
Company name: Westly Group
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2007
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Tesla
Community Initiatives: Yes
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyMobility & TransportBuilt environmentHeavy industry & Manufacturing
Investment Geography:EuropeNorth America
32nd
Company name: Equinor Energy Ventures
Investor Type Corporate
Geography: Europe
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager N/A
Founded: 1991
Notable Portfolio Company Name: ChargePoint
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: Norway
Focus Industry: EnergyCircular EconomyCarbon removal & Emissions managementMobility & Transport
Investment Geography:Middle East & AfricaEuropeNorth AmericaAsia-PacificSouth America
33rd
Company name: TRIREC
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: Asia-Pacific
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2015
Notable Portfolio Company Name: FreeWire Technologies, Inc.
Community Initiatives: Yes
HQ Country: Singapore
Focus Industry: EnergyBuilt environmentFood & AgricultureCarbon removal & Emissions managementHeavy industry & ManufacturingMobility & Transport
Investment Geography:North AmericaEuropeAsia-Pacific
34th
Company name: Norrsken VC
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: Europe
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2017
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Einride
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: Sweden
Focus Industry: EnergyFood & AgricultureCircular EconomyMobility & Transport
Investment Geography:EuropeNorth AmericaSouth AmericaAsia-PacificMiddle East & Africa
35th
Company name: Chevron Technology Ventures
Investor Type Corporate
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager N/A
Founded: 1999
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Natron Energy
Community Initiatives: Yes
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyMobility & TransportCircular Economy
Investment Geography:North AmericaEurope
36th
Company name: Cycle Capital Management
Investor Type Growth
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2009
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Enerkem
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: Canada
Focus Industry: EnergyFood & AgricultureCircular EconomyMobility & Transport
Investment Geography:North AmericaAsia-Pacific
37th
Company name: Salesforce Ventures Impact Fund
Investor Type Corporate
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager N/A
Founded: 2017
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Angaza
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: Circular Economy
Investment Geography:North AmericaEuropeSouth America
38th
Company name: ETF Partners
Investor Type Growth
Geography: Europe
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2005
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Enablon
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United Kingdom
Focus Industry: EnergyBuilt environmentFood & AgricultureHeavy industry & ManufacturingMobility & Transport
Investment Geography:Europe
39th
Company name: eCAPITAL entrepreneurial Partners
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: Europe
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 1999
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Sonnen GmbH
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: Germany
Focus Industry: Energy
Investment Geography:Europe
40th
Company name: G2VP
Investor Type Growth
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2017
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Luminar
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: Mobility & TransportEnergy
Investment Geography:EuropeNorth America
41st
Company name: Powerhouse Ventures
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager Yes
Founded: 2013
Notable Portfolio Company Name: SparkMeter
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyMobility & Transport
Investment Geography:North America
42nd
Company name: Contrarian Ventures
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: Europe
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager Yes
Founded: 2017
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Zoomo
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: Lithuania
Focus Industry: EnergyMobility & TransportCarbon removal & Emissions managementCircular EconomyBuilt environment
Investment Geography:Europe
43rd
Company name: The Engine
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2016
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Commonwealth Fusion Systems
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyMobility & TransportBuilt environmentCarbon removal & Emissions managementHeavy industry & Manufacturing
Investment Geography:North America
44th
Company name: ArcTern Ventures
Investor Type Growth
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2012
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Sheertex
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: Canada
Focus Industry: EnergyMobility & TransportFood & AgricultureCircular Economy
Investment Geography:North AmericaEurope
45th
Company name: Lux Capital
Investor Type Growth
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2000
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Zoox
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: Mobility & TransportCircular EconomyEnergyFood & Agriculture
Investment Geography:North America
46th
Company name: Fifty Years
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2016
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Advano
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyBuilt environmentFood & AgricultureHeavy industry & ManufacturingMobility & Transport
Investment Geography:North AmericaEuropeAsia-Pacific
47th
Company name: 360 Capital
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: Europe
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 1997
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Exotec
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: France
Focus Industry: EnergyMobility & TransportHeavy industry & Manufacturing
Investment Geography:Europe
48th
Company name: Evergy Ventures
Investor Type Corporate
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager N/A
Founded: 2015
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Redaptive
Community Initiatives: Yes
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyBuilt environmentMobility & Transport
Investment Geography:North America
49th
Company name: Energize Ventures
Investor Type Growth
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2016
Notable Portfolio Company Name: Optimus Ride
Community Initiatives: Yes
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: EnergyMobility & Transport
Investment Geography:North America
50th
Company name: Closed Loop Partners
Investor Type Early stage
Geography: North America
AUM size -
Emerging fund manager No
Founded: 2014
Notable Portfolio Company Name: AMP Robotics
Community Initiatives: No
HQ Country: United States
Focus Industry: Circular Economy
Investment Geography:North America
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