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ClearSky is a venture capital and growth equity firm founded in 2012, headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida. The firm specializes in investing in innovative companies within the cybersecurity and energy transition sectors. Over its operational history, ClearSky has managed approximately $1 billion in capital commitments, demonstrating significant growth and stability in the venture capital landscape.
The firm employs a dual-track investment strategy, focusing on both digital security and decarbonization. This approach allows ClearSky to capitalize on two significant macro trends that are reshaping industries. With a team of 25 professionals, including 11 partners, ClearSky has established a strong presence in North America, Israel, and Canada, facilitating a diverse investment portfolio.
ClearSky has achieved notable milestones, including a 60% exit rate with 21 acquisitions and 2 IPOs, showcasing its effectiveness in identifying and nurturing high-potential startups. The firm continues to seek opportunities that align with its investment thesis, aiming to drive innovation in critical sectors.
ClearSky focuses on investing in transformative technology solutions that address challenges in cybersecurity and facilitate the energy transition. The firm targets a range of investment stages, including pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, Series A, Series B, and growth equity. This broad spectrum allows ClearSky to engage with companies at various points in their development, from early-stage innovations to more established platforms.
Investment checks typically range from early-stage funding to larger growth equity investments, aligning with the firm's commitment to supporting companies that are poised for significant impact. ClearSky's geographic focus is primarily on North America, but it also actively engages with opportunities in Israel and Canada, leveraging its international network.
In its investment strategy, ClearSky looks for founders who demonstrate a strong vision and capability to execute in the rapidly evolving fields of cybersecurity and energy. The firm emphasizes long-term market forces that necessitate significant innovation, ensuring that its portfolio companies are well-positioned to thrive in competitive environments.
ClearSky has invested in a total of 35 companies, showcasing a diverse portfolio within the cybersecurity and energy sectors. Notable portfolio highlights include:
The firm has achieved a remarkable 60% exit rate, with 21 acquisitions and 2 IPOs, reflecting its ability to identify and support high-growth companies. This success rate positions ClearSky as a significant player in the venture capital space, particularly in its targeted sectors.
Alex Weiss - CEO, Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Alex has extensive experience in venture capital and has led numerous successful investments in the cybersecurity sector.
James Huff - Co-Founder & Managing Partner. James brings a wealth of knowledge in energy transition investments and has a strong track record in identifying high-potential startups.
Erik Straser - Partner. Erik specializes in cybersecurity investments and has a background in technology and finance.
Robert Rauch - Partner. Robert focuses on energy transition and has significant experience in scaling startups in this sector.
Ryan Crum - Partner. Ryan has a diverse background in venture capital and operational roles, contributing to ClearSky's strategic direction.
Sam Small - Operating Partner & CISO. Sam provides cybersecurity expertise and operational support to portfolio companies.
Guy Nizan - Venture Partner. Guy has a strong network in the cybersecurity space and aids in deal sourcing.
Howard Shecter - Executive Partner. Howard brings extensive experience in venture capital and strategic advisory roles.
Joseph Wright - Chairman of the Investment Committee. Joseph oversees investment decisions and has a strong background in finance.
Jacqueline de Sanctis - Managing Director & Head of Investor Relations. Jacqueline manages investor relations and fundraising efforts.
Nick-Anthony Buford - Managing Director & General Counsel. Nick oversees legal matters and compliance for the firm.
Austin Summers - Senior Vice President. Austin focuses on business development and strategic partnerships.
Kalpana Siva - Senior Associate. Kalpana supports investment analysis and portfolio management.
Anjali Nagaraja - Analyst. Anjali assists in research and due diligence for potential investments.
Owen Santos - Analyst. Owen contributes to market research and analysis for the firm.
Vince Nicchi - Controller. Vince manages financial operations and reporting for ClearSky.
To pitch ClearSky, founders should use the contact form available on their website at this link. It is important to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and financial projections. ClearSky appreciates detailed information that demonstrates the startup's potential for growth and innovation.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, as they can facilitate a more favorable review of the pitch.
In the past year, ClearSky has continued to expand its portfolio, adding 2 new companies to its investments. The firm maintains a strong focus on its dual investment strategy in cybersecurity and energy transition.
ClearSky's notable portfolio companies include Harness, Nextracker, and BigID, which have achieved significant milestones, including IPOs and unicorn status. The firm has successfully executed 21 acquisitions, reflecting its effective investment strategy.
As of March 2026, ClearSky's total assets under management remain approximately $1 billion, consistent with its dual-fund structure, which includes ClearSky Security and ClearSky Power & Technology.
What are ClearSky's investment criteria?
ClearSky invests in early-stage and later-stage companies within the cybersecurity and energy transition sectors. The firm looks for transformative technology solutions that address significant market challenges.
How can I apply or pitch to ClearSky?
Founders can pitch to ClearSky through their contact form available on their website at this link. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and financial projections in the pitch deck.
What makes ClearSky different from other venture capital firms?
ClearSky's dual-track investment strategy focuses on both cybersecurity and energy transition, allowing it to capitalize on two significant macro trends. This unique approach enables the firm to diversify its portfolio while addressing critical global challenges.
What is ClearSky's geographic scope?
ClearSky primarily focuses on investments in North America, but it also actively engages with opportunities in Israel and Canada, leveraging its international network to identify promising startups.
What is ClearSky's fund size and check size?
ClearSky manages approximately $1 billion in capital commitments. The firm invests across various stages, with check sizes varying based on the stage of the company and the specific investment opportunity.
What kind of post-investment involvement does ClearSky have?
ClearSky adds value to its portfolio companies through strategic guidance, leveraging its expertise in cybersecurity and energy transition, and facilitating connections within its extensive network across the US, Israel, and Canada.
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