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Augur VC is a venture capital firm founded in 2023, focusing on investments in AI infrastructure, particularly within the energy sector. The firm operates from Calgary, Alberta, and San Francisco, California, positioning itself strategically in two key markets. Augur VC aims to capitalize on the emerging trillion-dollar market of energy AI, which seeks to address challenges in energy systems through innovative technologies.
The firm has established itself with a dual investment thesis: first, investing in AI solutions that bolster and balance energy systems; second, supporting advanced energy infrastructure that powers AI inference and training. Augur VC's first fund, the Augur Energy AI Fund I, closed in April 2024, with a second fund currently in progress. The firm is backed by a network of energy executives who serve as validators and advisors, enhancing its investment strategy.
Augur VC specializes in early-stage investments, primarily targeting pre-seed, seed, and seed+ (extension) stages. The firm focuses on companies that leverage AI to enhance energy systems and infrastructure. Their investment strategy emphasizes the intersection of AI and energy, identifying innovative solutions that can transform energy systems through advanced technologies.
The sectors of interest include AI infrastructure and energy, with a particular focus on the Watt-Bit value chain within the energy sector. Augur VC seeks to invest in companies that are poised to address the structural bottlenecks in the power grid, which they view as critical for the expansion of AI capabilities. The firm values founders who demonstrate a clear vision and the potential for significant impact in the energy AI market.
Augur VC's portfolio includes six notable companies that exemplify its focus on AI and energy innovation:
These companies represent Augur VC's commitment to investing in innovative solutions that leverage AI to enhance energy systems and infrastructure.
Graeme Harrison - Managing Partner; prior experience includes serving as President at Harvest Builders and leading the Climate and Energy AI vertical at Harvest Venture Builder.
Dan Chapman - General Partner; co-founder of Augur VC, bringing expertise in venture capital and energy innovation.
Advisors include a UC Berkeley CS professor, a former VP at ATB Digital, and multiple energy infrastructure executives, enhancing the firm's strategic insights and connections.
To pitch Augur VC, founders should use the contact form available on their website at augurvc.com. It is essential to include a detailed deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and how the technology leverages AI in the energy sector. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
In April 2024, Augur VC closed its first fund, the Augur Energy AI Fund I, marking a significant milestone for the firm. The fund focuses on investments in AI solutions for energy infrastructure and is backed by a network of energy executives.
Augur VC has made notable investments in companies such as Pano AI, Daedaline, and gosimply.ai, indicating a strong commitment to the intersection of AI and energy innovation.
What are Augur VC's investment criteria?
Augur VC focuses on early-stage investments in companies that leverage AI to enhance energy systems. They primarily target pre-seed, seed, and seed+ stages, looking for innovative solutions that address challenges in the energy sector.
How can founders apply or pitch to Augur VC?
Founders can pitch to Augur VC through their website at augurvc.com. It is advisable to include a clear business model, market opportunity, and how the technology leverages AI in the energy sector.
What makes Augur VC different from other venture capital firms?
Augur VC differentiates itself through its dual investment thesis focusing on both AI solutions for energy systems and energy infrastructure that supports AI. Their extensive network of energy executives provides significant validation and support for portfolio companies.
What is Augur VC's geographic scope?
The firm primarily invests in North America, with a focus on companies based in Calgary and San Francisco.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Augur VC invests at the pre-seed and seed stages, which typically involve smaller initial investments compared to later stages.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Augur VC have?
Augur VC provides significant value to its portfolio companies through access to a network of energy executives, aiding in customer validation and strategic partnerships. They actively support their companies in navigating the energy landscape.
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