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Impact Science Ventures (ISV) is a venture capital firm founded in 2021, based in the United States. The organization is dedicated to impact investing, specifically targeting early-stage companies that are commercializing scientific innovations. ISV aims to address significant industry challenges by supporting startups that focus on energy, biotech, and climate solutions.
As of now, ISV has invested in nine companies and operates with a focus on pre-seed to Series A funding stages. The firm leverages partnerships with universities and government funding sources to de-risk technologies before scaling. This approach ensures that portfolio companies receive the necessary support to succeed in their respective markets.
ISV's notable milestones include the establishment of the Activate investor partnership program, which provides milestone-based pre-seed investments to Activate Fellows. This program enhances ISV's ability to identify and support promising startups in the deep tech sector.
Impact Science Ventures invests in early-stage companies that are focused on disrupting large markets through scientific innovations. The firm emphasizes sectors such as energy, materials, manufacturing, and agriculture. ISV seeks multi-disciplinary teams that enhance supply chain resilience and facilitate the transition to cleaner energy and materials.
The investment strategy includes a focus on pre-seed, Seed, Seed+ (Extension), and Series A stages. ISV looks for companies that are commercializing scientific breakthroughs, particularly those that address climate change and industrial decarbonization. The firm values teams that demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability.
ISV's thesis revolves around deep tech and hard science investing, leveraging scientific advancements to tackle significant industry challenges. The organization aims to support companies that are not only financially viable but also contribute positively to environmental and societal outcomes.
Impact Science Ventures has a diverse portfolio of nine companies, each contributing to advancements in energy, biotech, and climate solutions. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies exemplify ISV's commitment to investing in technologies that address critical challenges in their respective sectors.
Alain Harrus: Managing Partner, Co-Founder. Harrus has a Ph.D. in solid-state physics and has held leadership roles at Bell Labs and Novellus Systems. He has over 11 years of experience in venture capital and was previously the CEO of Kateeva.
Robert Ethier: Managing Partner, Co-Founder. Ethier is a former VP of Investments at Activate, where he managed multibillion-dollar institutional portfolios. He brings extensive experience in venture capital and investment management.
Tom Boussie: Managing Partner. Boussie has a strong background in venture capital and has been instrumental in shaping ISV's investment strategy.
Alita Carbone: Principal. Carbone contributes to the firm's investment analysis and portfolio management, focusing on early-stage companies.
Matt Price: Venture Partner. Price provides strategic insights and support to portfolio companies, leveraging his industry experience.
James Burke: Government Relations. Burke manages relationships with government entities to secure funding and support for portfolio companies.
Frieden McLean: Dual Use Technology Lead. McLean focuses on identifying and supporting technologies with dual-use applications in both commercial and defense sectors.
To pitch to Impact Science Ventures, founders should visit impactscience.vc. The firm prefers pitches that include a comprehensive overview of the technology, market opportunity, and team qualifications. A clear articulation of how the startup addresses significant industry challenges is essential.
ISV does not publicly disclose specific response time expectations, but founders should anticipate a thorough review process. Warm introductions are beneficial, as they can enhance the likelihood of securing a meeting with the investment team.
ISV co-created the Activate investor partnership program in summer 2022, which provides milestone-based pre-seed investments to Activate Fellows, helping to de-risk their technologies before scaling.
In early 2022, Impact Science Ventures invested in at least nine companies founded by Activate Fellows, showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative startups. Notable investments include Antora Energy, which specializes in thermal energy storage and raised $50 million from Lowercarbon and Breakthrough Energy Ventures.
Fervo Energy, another portfolio company, is engaged in developing next-generation geothermal energy solutions. Additionally, UMARO Foods focuses on creating sustainable seafood alternatives from seaweed, while Sepion Technologies works on advanced battery membranes.
ISV has co-created the Activate investor partnership program, launched in summer 2022, to provide milestone-based pre-seed investments to Activate Fellows, further solidifying its role in the deep tech investment space.
What are ISV's investment criteria?
ISV focuses on early-stage companies in the energy, biotech, and climate sectors. The firm seeks startups that are commercializing scientific innovations and have multi-disciplinary teams capable of disrupting large markets.
How can I apply or pitch to ISV?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the ISV website at impactscience.vc. It is advisable to provide a clear overview of the technology, market potential, and team background in the pitch.
What makes ISV different from other venture capital firms?
ISV emphasizes impact investing with a focus on scientific breakthroughs. The firm leverages partnerships with universities and government funding sources to de-risk technologies before scaling, which is a distinctive approach in the venture capital landscape.
What is the geographic scope of ISV's investments?
ISV primarily invests in companies based in the United States, focusing on startups that are addressing significant industry challenges within the country.
What is ISV's fund size and check size?
The fund size has not been publicly disclosed, and specific check sizes are also not available. However, ISV invests in pre-seed to Series A stages, indicating a range of investment amounts suitable for early-stage companies.
What kind of post-investment involvement does ISV have?
ISV adds value to its portfolio companies by providing milestone-based investments and leveraging its network for partnerships and funding opportunities. The firm is actively involved in supporting the growth and scaling of its portfolio companies.
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