Investor profile
Breakthrough Energy Ventures
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Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV) backs world-class entrepreneurs discovering, developing, and deploying technologies that will power human prosperity for generations to come. Founded by Bill Gates and a coalition of global high-net-worth investors, BEV invests in science-driven companies with the potential to cut at least 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions — about half a gigaton per year — across the five sectors driving the climate challenge: manufacturing, electricity, agriculture, transportation, and buildings. The fund combines deep technical expertise with entrepreneurial acumen and market insight, providing patient capital with a 20-year investment horizon to help breakthrough climate technologies achieve commercial viability. Superior performance and affordability are prerequisites for global scale.
Notable quotes
“When I see a tough problem, my first thought is always 'how can innovation help solve this?' That's why Breakthrough Energy was started – to bring the power of innovation to bear on the toughest problem humanity has ever faced: climate change.”
“BEV is also bringing together a unique mix of risk-tolerant and patient investors who are committed to accelerating the commercialization of new energy technologies. Our investors are knowledgeable and experienced, and they bring extensive contacts in energy and related fields.”
“BEV's vision to transform the energy market requires the deep in-house scientific expertise that Eric and David provide. They understand the unique complexities of the energy sector.”
Recent investments
| Company | Round | Size | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Fusion Systems | Series B | $1.8b | 2021-12-01 |
| QuantumScape | Series D | — | 2020-01-01 |
| Impossible Foods | Series E | $300m | 2019-05-01 |
| Form Energy | Series E | $450m | 2022-08-01 |
| Electric Hydrogen | Series C | — | 2023-01-01 |
| KoBold Metals | Series D | — | 2024-01-01 |
| Xcimer Energy | Series A | — | 2024-06-01 |
| Turntide Technologies | Series C | $80m | 2021-06-01 |
| IonQ | Series A | — | 2019-01-01 |
| Circ | Growth | — | 2024-01-01 |
Frequent co-investors
| VC firm | Deals together |
|---|---|
| Khosla Ventures | 12 |
| Prelude Ventures | 10 |
| The Engine | 8 |
| Sofinnova Partners | 7 |
| Energy Impact Partners | 6 |
| Congruent Ventures | 5 |
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