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Echelon is a venture capital firm founded in 2017 and headquartered in Evanston, Wyoming, with additional connections in Del Mar and Stanford-linked networks. The firm emerged from a multi-decade effort to build founder communities, focusing on supporting entrepreneurs who tackle complex problems with the potential for significant societal impact. Echelon manages over $100 million in assets under management, emphasizing a long-term commitment to fostering impactful entrepreneurship.
The firm has developed a reputation for championing founders before the world is ready for them, prioritizing unique career assets and character in their investment approach. Echelon's team is dedicated to building strong founder communities, providing strategic guidance, and leveraging its extensive network to support portfolio companies. Notable milestones include active participation in community engagements and collaborations with organizations like Stanford Climate Ventures and ARPA-E.
Echelon invests in early-stage companies across various sectors, including climate, energy, artificial intelligence, robotics, and deep-tech. The firm targets pre-seed, seed, and growth equity stages, focusing on founders who are addressing hard problems that can create significant change. Echelon emphasizes the importance of unique career assets and character, seeking entrepreneurs who have gained insights from unconventional career paths.
The firm looks for founders who are obsessed with solving complex challenges and who demonstrate resilience and trustworthiness in difficult situations. Echelon's investment strategy includes a preference for companies working on technical infrastructure, data science, and advanced manufacturing solutions. The firm operates primarily within the United States, aiming to support impactful ventures that align with its mission.
Echelon's portfolio includes several notable companies that exemplify its focus on climate and deep-tech solutions:
David McColl (Investments) — Leads Echelon's investment strategy and develops playbooks for identifying and supporting outlier founders. He also serves as the Executive Director of Stanford Climate Ventures and is an Adjunct Professor of Engineering.
Dr. Joel Moxley (Sourcing) — Heads Echelon's sourcing efforts, connecting with founders who fit the firm's target profile. He has a background as a founder or board member of over 20 companies and holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from MIT.
Dr. Erik Allen (Data Science) — Oversees Echelon's data science initiatives and technical solutions with founders. He has 20 years of experience in data science across more than 15 companies, including a data-science company acquired by General Motors.
Rob Marlotte (Senior Advisor) — Listed among Echelon employees, contributing to the firm's advisory efforts.
Stephanie Moxley (Team Member) — Also listed among Echelon employees, supporting various initiatives within the firm.
To pitch Echelon, founders should send an email to david@echelon.xyz or visit their fund page at echelon.xyz/fund. The firm maintains an open pitch policy and encourages founders to reach out directly. While specific response times are not disclosed, Echelon operates on a rolling application cycle, allowing for ongoing engagement with potential investments.
In 2026, Echelon participated in the Series E funding round for Fervo Energy, an enhanced geothermal company, showcasing its ongoing commitment to supporting impactful climate solutions. The firm has been actively involved in community engagements related to climate and deep-tech, including activities with Stanford Climate Ventures and ARPA-E.
Additionally, Echelon's portfolio company Fervo Energy has been referenced in discussions surrounding its IPO and S-1 filings, indicating the firm's active role in significant industry developments.
What are Echelon's investment criteria?
Echelon focuses on early-stage companies addressing complex problems in climate, energy, AI, robotics, and deep-tech. They prioritize founders with unique career assets and a strong character.
How can I pitch Echelon?
Founders can pitch Echelon by sending an email to david@echelon.xyz or visiting their fund page at echelon.xyz/fund. The firm maintains an open pitch policy.
What makes Echelon different from other VCs?
Echelon emphasizes the importance of unique career paths and character in their investment approach, seeking founders who are obsessed with solving hard problems that can create significant change.
What is Echelon's geographic focus?
The firm primarily invests in companies based in the United States, particularly those working on impactful climate and deep-tech solutions.
What is Echelon's check size?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Echelon invests in pre-seed, seed, and growth equity stages, indicating a flexible approach to funding.
What kind of support does Echelon provide to portfolio companies?
Echelon adds value through strategic guidance, access to community resources, and support in navigating the challenges of scaling innovative solutions.
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