Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Breakthrough Energy Ventures backs new, cutting-edge companies that are developing clean energy innovations. Breakthrough Energy Ventures was created by the Breakthrough Energy Coalition, whose goal is to make sure that everyone on the planet can enjoy a good standard of living, including basic electricity, healthy food, comfortable buildings, and convenient transportation, without contributing to climate change. The Breakthrough Energy Coalition is backed by 28 global high net worth individuals including Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Marc Benioff, Richard Branson and Ray Dalio. We have four criteria. 1) We only invest in technologies with the potential to reduce at least half a gigaton of greenhouse gases every year, about 1 percent of projected 2050 global emissions. 2) We only invest in companies that will ultimately be able to attract additional investment from other investors. 3) We will only invest in projects that our technologists deem scientifically feasible at scale. 4) We target areas in cleantech being neglected currently by other investors. Our first investing principle is to leverage innovation as broadly as possible. We don't limit ourselves to early- or late-stage companies; to small, medium, or large enterprises; or to particular geographies or technologies. We have very long term investment horizons which allows us to incubate and develop technologies not targeted by traditional investors.