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Energy & Environment Investment, Inc. (株式会社環境エネルギー投資) is a venture capital firm established in March 2006, located in Tokyo, Japan. It is recognized as the only venture capital firm in Japan that specializes exclusively in the energy and environment sectors. The firm has a strong commitment to investing in startups that develop innovative solutions to address pressing global environmental challenges, particularly those related to decarbonization and sustainable practices.
As of now, Energy & Environment Investment manages approximately $200 million across multiple funds, including its current EEI Fund 5, which has a target of JPY 30 billion. The firm has made over 149 investments across five funds, demonstrating a significant presence in the venture capital landscape. Its portfolio includes more than 60 companies, reflecting a diverse range of innovative startups focused on energy transition, mobility, and smart society solutions.
Energy & Environment Investment has established itself as a pioneer in impact investing, being one of the first firms to adopt this approach in Japan. The firm is a member of Impact Capital Managers, the first Japanese firm to join this global network, further solidifying its reputation in the venture capital community.
Energy & Environment Investment primarily invests in three key sectors: Energy Transition, Mobility & Transportation, and Smart Society. In the Energy Transition sector, the firm focuses on next-generation energy businesses that contribute to decarbonization, including renewable energy technologies and grid solutions. The Mobility & Transportation sector encompasses innovations in electric vehicles and transportation solutions aimed at enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
The Smart Society sector promotes sustainable practices through digital technologies, emphasizing the effective use of human and natural resources. The firm targets investments across various stages, including seed, Series A, Series B, and growth equity, with a check size range that aligns with the needs of early-stage to growth-stage companies. Energy & Environment Investment aims to address social challenges related to decarbonization and believes that innovative business models and technologies can generate both impact and performance.
Energy & Environment Investment has built a diverse portfolio of over 60 companies, focusing on innovative solutions in the energy and environment sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects the firm's commitment to supporting startups that contribute to sustainability and address global environmental challenges.
Shuichiro Kawamura - President & CEO. He has extensive experience in venture capital and has led numerous investments in the energy and environment sectors.
Naoki Uda - Director, Partner. Uda brings a wealth of knowledge in energy technologies and has been instrumental in shaping the firm's investment strategy.
Kengo Nakamura - Director, Partner. Nakamura has a strong background in sustainable business practices and has led several successful investments in renewable energy.
Tohr Nishikawa - Partner. Nishikawa specializes in mobility and transportation investments, focusing on innovations in electric vehicles.
Takahiro Kobayashi - Partner. Kobayashi has expertise in smart technologies and their application in sustainable practices.
Makoto Suda - Principal. Suda focuses on identifying promising startups in the energy sector.
Ryusuke Hayashi - Principal, Mobility Business Creation Office Head. Hayashi leads initiatives in mobility and transportation.
Akifumi Ikeda - Principal. Ikeda has a background in environmental science and technology.
Taiki Hino - Principal. Hino specializes in market analysis and investment evaluation.
Jun Matsunaga - Principal. Matsunaga focuses on strategic partnerships and business development.
Chihiro Ozaki - Impact Officer / Capitalist. Ozaki evaluates the social impact of potential investments.
Kumiko Morie - Impact Officer / Capitalist. Morie focuses on integrating sustainability into investment criteria.
Itaru Shiraishi - Venture Partner. Shiraishi brings a wealth of experience in venture capital and strategic investments.
Masaki Yano - Venture Partner. Yano has a strong background in energy technologies and investment strategies.
Steve Horley - Advisor. Horley provides strategic insights and guidance to the firm.
To pitch to Energy & Environment Investment, founders should submit their proposals through the firm's website. A well-structured pitch deck should include an overview of the business model, market analysis, financial projections, and details on how the startup addresses environmental challenges. The firm prefers warm introductions but is open to direct submissions.
Response times can vary, but founders can generally expect feedback within a few weeks of submission. Clear and concise communication is essential to capture the firm's interest.
In early 2026, Energy & Environment Investment announced multiple investments, including additional funding for Hacobell and Power Wave, as well as a new investment in Highbot. These investments reflect the firm's ongoing commitment to expanding its portfolio in the energy and environment sectors.
Additionally, in February 2026, the firm successfully closed its EEI Booster investment fund, further enhancing its capacity to support innovative startups focused on sustainability and decarbonization.
What are the investment criteria for Energy & Environment Investment?
The firm invests in startups that focus on innovative solutions in the energy and environment sectors, particularly those that contribute to decarbonization and sustainable practices. They prioritize companies that operate within their three main sectors: Energy Transition, Mobility & Transportation, and Smart Society.
How can startups apply or pitch to Energy & Environment Investment?
Startups interested in pitching to Energy & Environment Investment should prepare a detailed presentation that outlines their business model, market potential, and how their solutions address environmental challenges. Direct inquiries can be made through their website.
What makes Energy & Environment Investment different from other venture capital firms?
Energy & Environment Investment is unique as it is the only venture capital firm in Japan dedicated exclusively to the energy and environment sectors. Their focus on impact investing and commitment to addressing social challenges through investment sets them apart.
What is the geographic scope of Energy & Environment Investment?
The firm primarily focuses on the Asian market, with a strong emphasis on Japan. They seek to invest in startups that can contribute to sustainability and decarbonization within this region.
What is the typical fund size and check size for investments?
Energy & Environment Investment currently manages a fund size of approximately $200 million. The check sizes vary depending on the stage of the startup, ranging from seed funding to growth equity investments.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Energy & Environment Investment have?
The firm adds value to its portfolio companies by leveraging its extensive network in the energy and environment sectors, providing strategic guidance, and facilitating partnerships that enhance business growth and impact.
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