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Energize Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2016 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The firm has rapidly established itself as a leader in the climate software investment space, focusing on scaling sustainable innovation. Energize Capital partners with builders and operators in the energy transition, investing in software and services that facilitate the shift to a digitized and decarbonized economy.
As of 2026, Energize Capital manages a total of $1.8 billion in assets under management (AUM) across multiple funds, including the recently closed Ventures Fund III, which raised $430 million in just 16 months. The firm has completed 57 investments, showcasing its commitment to supporting companies that drive sustainability and efficiency in the energy, climate, and industrial sectors.
Notable milestones include the successful closure of Ventures Fund II at $330 million in 2023 and the establishment of a $300 million growth equity platform. Energize Capital's strategic focus on asset-light, digitally-enabled solutions positions it uniquely within the venture capital landscape.
Energize Capital employs a dual investment strategy to target companies in the energy, climate, and industrial sectors. The firm’s Ventures strategy focuses on earlier-stage companies, specifically Series A, B, and C, with investments ranging from $10 million to $20 million. This approach allows Energize Capital to support startups that are developing innovative solutions for the energy transition.
The second strategy, known as Endurance, targets private equity and growth buyouts for companies with enterprise values between $50 million and $400 million. Investments in this category range from $25 million to $125 million, enabling Energize Capital to scale established businesses that align with its mission of promoting sustainable innovation.
Key investment themes include renewable energy, industrial operations, electrification and mobility, and infrastructure resilience. The firm seeks asset-light, digitally-enabled solutions that can effectively contribute to the decarbonization of the economy.
Energize Capital's portfolio consists of 57 companies, showcasing a diverse range of technology-enabled solutions aimed at enhancing sustainability and efficiency. Notable companies include:
These companies represent Energize Capital's commitment to investing in solutions that facilitate the transition to a digitized and decarbonized economy.
John Tough: Co-Founder & Managing Partner, member of the Investment Committee. He has extensive experience in venture capital and has led numerous successful investments in the climate sector.
Katie McClain: Partner & COO, member of the Investment Committee. She brings operational expertise and has a strong background in scaling startups.
Juan Muldoon: Partner — Co-Head of Ventures. He focuses on early-stage investments and has a track record of supporting technology-driven companies.
Kevin Stevens: Partner — Co-Head of Endurance. He specializes in growth equity and has experience in managing larger investments.
Tyler Lancaster: Partner — Co-Head of Ventures. He is involved in sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities.
Lauren Densham: Partner, Head of Portfolio Services & Impact. She focuses on maximizing the impact of portfolio companies.
Alan Glass: Partner — Co-Head of Endurance. He has a background in private equity and growth buyouts.
Jeff Schmidt: Head of Commercialization, responsible for helping portfolio companies scale their operations.
David Yi: Head of Finance, overseeing financial operations and strategy for the firm.
To pitch Energize Capital, founders should use the contact form available on their website. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup contributes to sustainability. Energize Capital prefers detailed proposals that outline the team’s expertise and the scalability of the solution.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial, as they can enhance the likelihood of securing a meeting with the investment team.
In March 2026, Energize Capital announced the successful closure of its Ventures Fund III, raising $430 million, which is 30% larger than its previous fund. This fund was closed in just 16 months, demonstrating strong interest from over 80 investors.
In 2025, the firm launched a $300 million growth equity platform, further expanding its investment capabilities in the climate and industrial sectors.
As of 2026, Energize Capital has completed a total of 57 investments, solidifying its position as a leading investor in climate software and digital infrastructure for decarbonization.
What are Energize Capital's investment criteria?
Energize Capital focuses on asset-light, digitally-enabled solutions in the energy, climate, and industrial sectors. They invest in companies at various stages, including Series A, B, and C, as well as growth equity and private equity buyouts.
How can founders apply or pitch to Energize Capital?
Founders can pitch to Energize Capital through their website at energizecap.com. They encourage detailed proposals that outline the business model, market opportunity, and how the solution contributes to sustainability.
What makes Energize Capital different from other venture firms?
Energize Capital specializes in climate software and industrial digitization, focusing exclusively on asset-light solutions. Their unique approach minimizes hardware risk, which resonates well with limited partners.
What is the geographic scope of Energize Capital's investments?
The firm primarily invests in North America, targeting companies that are positioned to lead in the energy transition.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Energize Capital's check sizes vary based on the investment strategy: $10 million to $20 million for earlier-stage companies and $25 million to $125 million for growth equity and private equity buyouts.
What type of post-investment involvement does Energize Capital have?
Energize Capital adds value to its portfolio companies by providing strategic guidance, leveraging its expertise in climate software, and facilitating connections within the energy transition ecosystem.
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