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Lichen Ventures is a micro-venture capital firm founded in 2025 by Justin Brodie-Kommit, PhD. Based in the United States, the firm focuses on investing in climate-hard-tech companies that address pressing climate challenges through innovative solutions. The firm operates with the conviction that the climate crisis requires disciplined disruption and a deep scientific understanding of the issues at hand.
Currently, Lichen Ventures manages a $5 million fund, known as Fund I, which targets early-stage investments in sectors with significant potential for positive environmental impact. The firm is based in the DC/Baltimore region and is actively building a community of limited partners who share its vision for sustainable innovation.
Since its inception, Lichen Ventures has positioned itself as a key player in the climate tech space, emphasizing the importance of economically viable business models that do not rely solely on monetizing climate impacts. The firm is committed to supporting founders who are dedicated to creating scalable solutions for climate challenges.
Lichen Ventures invests primarily in sectors that are poised for disruption and have significant potential for positive environmental impact. The firm’s investment focus includes biomanufacturing, industrial decarbonization, adaptation and resilience, critical minerals, and methane management. These areas represent the firm’s commitment to supporting technologies that can lead to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices.
The firm targets early-stage companies, specifically in the pre-seed and seed stages, that demonstrate superior unit economics and the potential for gigaton-scale CO2 impact. Lichen Ventures emphasizes the importance of economically viable business models that do not depend on monetizing climate impacts, ensuring that the companies they support can thrive independently while contributing to climate solutions.
Geographically, Lichen Ventures focuses exclusively on companies based in the United States, allowing for a concentrated effort in fostering innovation within the local climate tech ecosystem. The firm’s disciplined approach to investment is rooted in a deep understanding of climate science and technology, making it a unique player in the venture capital landscape.
Lichen Ventures has invested in several notable companies that align with its focus on climate-hard-tech. The firm’s portfolio includes:
These investments reflect Lichen Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions that tackle climate challenges while promoting sustainable practices. The firm’s focus on sectors such as biomanufacturing and industrial decarbonization highlights its dedication to fostering technologies that can lead to substantial environmental benefits.
Justin Brodie-Kommit, PhD - Managing Partner; Justin is the founder of Lichen Ventures and has a strong background in climate technology and community building within the DC and Baltimore regions.
John Paul Moscarella - Co-Founder, Resilient Earth Capital; Managing Director, CoolPact Capital; John brings extensive experience in sustainable investment and capital management.
Melanie Adamson - Founder and CEO, Alder & Co.; Melanie has a proven track record in leading innovative companies focused on sustainability.
Victor Holmes - Chief of Staff, E11 Bio; Victor contributes expertise in operational management and strategic planning.
Chris Traub - Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Strategic Executive Search Group; Chris specializes in talent acquisition and organizational development.
Julie Abrams - CEO, Abrams Advisors, LLC; Julie has extensive experience in advisory roles for startups and growth companies.
Satyen Raja - Founder, WarriorSage; Satyen is known for his work in sustainable business practices and innovation.
To pitch Lichen Ventures, founders should use the contact form available on their website at lichen.vc. It is important to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and environmental impact of the proposed solution. The firm values clarity and detail in presentations.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Lichen Ventures prefers warm introductions, so leveraging connections within the climate tech community can enhance the chances of securing a meeting.
In 2025, Lichen Ventures was founded by Justin Brodie-Kommit, PhD, marking its entry into the climate venture capital space. The firm has actively promoted its mission and investment focus through its website, detailing its commitment to supporting early-stage companies that align with its climate-focused thesis.
Recently, Lichen Ventures hosted an LP Happy Hour event, confirming the active engagement of its limited partner community. This event highlights the firm’s efforts to build a network of supporters who share its vision for sustainable innovation.
What are Lichen Ventures' investment criteria?
Lichen Ventures focuses on early-stage companies in the climate-hard-tech sector, specifically in biomanufacturing, industrial decarbonization, adaptation and resilience, critical minerals, and methane management. The firm seeks businesses with superior unit economics and the potential for gigaton-scale CO2 impact.
How can founders apply or pitch to Lichen Ventures?
Founders can pitch to Lichen Ventures through their website at lichen.vc. The firm encourages detailed presentations that outline the business model, market potential, and environmental impact of the proposed solutions.
What makes Lichen Ventures different from other VC firms?
Lichen Ventures distinguishes itself by its focus on climate-hard-tech investments and its disciplined approach to disruption. The firm emphasizes scientific rigor and economically viable business models that do not rely on monetizing climate impacts.
What is the geographic scope of Lichen Ventures' investments?
The firm exclusively invests in companies based in the United States, allowing for a concentrated effort in supporting local climate innovation.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Lichen Ventures operates with a fund size of $5 million, which allows for targeted investments in early-stage companies, typically in the pre-seed and seed stages.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Lichen Ventures have?
Lichen Ventures adds value to its portfolio companies by providing strategic guidance, access to a network of industry experts, and resources to enhance their business models and impact. The firm is committed to supporting founders throughout their journey.
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