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Prelude Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups that are dedicated to combating climate change. Prelude Ventures has established itself as a significant player in the climate tech sector, with a strong commitment to sustainability and a mission to support entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions that can drive the transition to a low-carbon economy.
As of now, Prelude Ventures manages approximately $2 billion in assets under management (AUM) and has built a diverse portfolio of over 60 companies since its inception. The firm operates with a single-LP structure, primarily backed by the philanthropic entities of Nat and Laura Simons, which allows for unique flexibility in investment decisions. Prelude Ventures has been recognized for its contributions to climate tech, including being a founding member of the Breakthrough Energy Coalition and receiving academic attention through a case study by Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Notable milestones include the successful investment in companies like Form Energy and Pivot Bio, both of which have achieved unicorn status. The firm is located at One Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111, and can be contacted via email at contact@preludeventures.com.
Prelude Ventures invests across a range of sectors that are critical to addressing climate change. These sectors include Built Environment, Carbon Management, Compute, Energy, Food & Agriculture, Manufacturing & Industrials, and Mobility. The firm targets early-stage investments, specifically in pre-seed, seed, seed-plus (extension), Series A, and growth equity stages. Check sizes typically range from $100,000 to $5 million, depending on the stage of the company.
The firm seeks to partner with companies that are well-positioned to scale and create a significant positive impact on climate change. Prelude Ventures emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with entrepreneurs to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in the climate tech landscape. Their investment thesis is centered around supporting innovative ideas that contribute to a low-carbon economy, ensuring that all portfolio companies align with their mission to mitigate climate change.
Prelude Ventures has built a notable portfolio of over 60 companies, focusing on innovative solutions in climate tech. Some of the prominent portfolio companies include:
These companies exemplify Prelude Ventures' commitment to investing in technologies that address climate-related challenges and contribute to a sustainable future.
Mark Cupta: Managing Director with extensive experience in venture capital and a focus on climate tech investments.
Matt Eggers: Managing Director, previously with Breakthrough Energy Ventures, bringing a wealth of knowledge in sustainable technologies.
Gabriel Kra: Managing Director and co-founder, with nearly 25 years of experience as an investor and entrepreneur in the climate sector.
Tim Woodward: Managing Director, actively involved in recent investments such as Lunar Energy, emphasizing the firm's investment thesis.
Juan Pablo Soulier: Partner with a strong background in venture capital and a focus on scaling climate tech startups.
Katie Clasen: Principal, contributing to deal sourcing and portfolio management.
Edward Yang: Senior Associate, involved in evaluating investment opportunities and supporting portfolio companies.
Urwashi Govindji: Executive Assistant, providing administrative support to the team.
Anneli Matheson: Executive Assistant, assisting with operational tasks and team coordination.
Eileen McMahon: Coordinator of Operations and Executive Support, ensuring smooth operations within the firm.
Katy Young: Chief Financial Officer, overseeing financial management and reporting.
To pitch Prelude Ventures, founders should reach out via email at contact@preludeventures.com. A well-structured pitch deck is essential, including details about the business model, market opportunity, and the impact on climate change. Prelude Ventures appreciates concise and clear presentations that highlight the startup's potential for scalability.
While there is no formal application portal, a warm introduction can significantly improve the chances of getting noticed. Founders should expect a response time of a few weeks, depending on the volume of inquiries. It is advisable to follow up if no response is received within that timeframe.
In February 2026, Prelude Ventures co-led a $102 million Series D round for Lunar Energy, a company focused on home battery and virtual power plant software. Managing Director Tim Woodward was quoted discussing the investment thesis behind this deal.
In 2024, Prelude Ventures led a $32.3 million Series A for Vaulted Deep, which specializes in deep geologic waste disposal for carbon management. Additionally, they led a $28 million Series A for Windfall Bio, a company working on methane bioconversion.
Prelude Ventures also co-led a $20 million Series A for Ebb Carbon, focusing on ocean-based CO2 removal, and led a $16 million Series C for Citrine Informatics, which utilizes AI for materials science.
Recent investments confirm Prelude's active role in the climate tech sector, with ongoing engagement in funding rounds and support for portfolio companies.
What are Prelude Ventures' investment criteria?
Prelude Ventures focuses on early-stage startups that are addressing climate change across various sectors. They look for companies that are positioned to scale and create a significant positive impact on the environment.
How can startups apply or pitch to Prelude Ventures?
Startups can reach out to Prelude Ventures via email at contact@preludeventures.com to initiate a conversation or pitch their ideas. A well-prepared pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and impact on climate change is recommended.
What makes Prelude Ventures different from other venture capital firms?
Prelude Ventures operates with a single-LP structure, which allows for greater flexibility and patience in investment decisions compared to traditional multi-LP funds. Their exclusive focus on climate tech also sets them apart in the venture capital landscape.
What is the geographic scope of Prelude Ventures' investments?
The firm primarily invests in startups based in the United States, focusing on innovative solutions that can be scaled to address climate challenges.
What is Prelude Ventures' post-investment involvement like?
Prelude Ventures adds value to its portfolio companies by providing strategic guidance, access to a network of industry experts, and support in scaling operations. They emphasize a collaborative approach, working closely with entrepreneurs to navigate challenges.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Prelude Ventures typically invests between $100,000 and $5 million, depending on the stage of the company and the specific investment opportunity.
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