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SJF Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1999 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, with additional offices in New York, San Francisco, and Seattle. The firm has a strong commitment to investing in high-growth companies that aim to create a healthier, smarter, and cleaner future. As a certified B Corporation, SJF Ventures emphasizes social and environmental impact alongside financial returns. It was the first nationwide impact investment fund licensed by the Small Business Administration (SBA), highlighting its pioneering role in the impact investing space.
As of 2023, SJF Ventures manages approximately $175 million in assets across its funds, having invested in over 70 companies since its inception. The firm operates primarily in the United States and has a diverse Limited Partner (LP) base that includes foundation endowments, pension funds, family offices, and individual impact investors. Notable milestones include the successful exit of NEXTracker, a leader in solar tracking technology, which underscores the firm’s ability to identify and support impactful ventures.
SJF Ventures invests across six key sectors: Clean Energy and Electrification, Supply Chain and Circular Economy, Sustainability and Climate Resilience, Education and Employment, Health and Wellness, and Government and Civil Society. The firm targets companies that address climate change and promote equitable opportunities, employing a cross-sector approach to maximize impact. The investment strategy includes a focus on high-growth companies that are positioned to create significant social and environmental benefits.
The firm typically invests in companies at the Series A and B stages, with check sizes ranging from $3 million to $15 million. SJF Ventures seeks to partner with founders who are committed to innovation and sustainability. Their investment thesis emphasizes the importance of creating a healthier, smarter, and cleaner future, aligning with their mission to support impactful solutions across various sectors.
SJF Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of over 70 companies, focusing on sectors such as clean energy, healthcare, and climate resilience. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies exemplify SJF Ventures' commitment to investing in innovative solutions that address pressing societal challenges.
Rick Defieux - Co-founder and Chair of the Investment Committee. He has extensive experience in venture capital and currently serves as a Venture Partner at Battelle Ventures. He has played a pivotal role in SJF's investment strategy since its inception.
Dave Kirkpatrick - Co-founder and Managing Director. He has led SJF's capitalization efforts since 1999 and is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Columbia Business School, where he co-teaches a course on climate technology.
Perry Clarkson - Managing Director with a focus on clean energy investments. He has a strong background in finance and sustainability.
Dan Geballe - Managing Director with expertise in impact investing and portfolio management.
David Griest - Managing Director specializing in healthcare investments, bringing a wealth of experience in the sector.
Kelsey Jarrett - Director of Impact, responsible for measuring and reporting on the social and environmental impacts of portfolio companies.
Arrun Kapoor - Managing Director with a focus on technology-driven investments across various sectors.
To pitch SJF Ventures, startups should visit their website at sjfventures.com/sjf/. The firm prefers a concise pitch deck that includes an overview of the business model, market analysis, and impact metrics. Startups should expect a response within a few weeks of submission. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory.
SJF Ventures operates the **SJF Cleantech Mentorship Program**, a nine-month initiative designed to support cleantech entrepreneurs. The program includes mentorship, educational sessions, and networking opportunities, helping participants navigate the challenges of building sustainable businesses. Applications for the program open in January and conclude in the fall.
In February 2021, SJF Ventures closed its fifth fund at $175 million, aimed at supporting high-growth companies in clean energy and climate sectors. Recently, the firm led a Series A investment in NewEdge Power, a developer of utility-scale battery storage and solar projects. This investment aligns with their commitment to clean energy solutions.
Additionally, SJF Ventures has been active in publishing insights on industry trends, including the role of AI in the nuclear sector and their investment rationale for Zero Homes, a residential electrification platform. Their ongoing engagement with current industry issues is evident through regular blog posts and updates on their website.
What are SJF Ventures' investment criteria?
SJF Ventures focuses on high-growth companies in sectors such as clean energy, climate, healthcare, and government technology. They seek businesses that demonstrate a commitment to social and environmental impact alongside financial returns.
How can startups apply or pitch to SJF Ventures?
Startups can pitch to SJF Ventures through their website at sjfventures.com/sjf/. They recommend including a clear business model, market opportunity, and impact metrics in the pitch deck.
What makes SJF Ventures different from other VC firms?
SJF Ventures is distinguished by its dual focus on financial returns and social impact. As a certified B Corporation and the first nationwide impact investment fund licensed by the SBA, they prioritize investments that contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.
What is the geographic scope of SJF Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in companies located in the United States, focusing on innovative solutions that address local and global challenges.
What is SJF Ventures' post-investment involvement like?
SJF Ventures actively engages with its portfolio companies through mentorship, educational sessions, and networking opportunities, particularly via their SJF Cleantech Mentorship Program.
What is the typical fund size and check size for SJF Ventures?
SJF Ventures currently manages approximately $175 million across its funds, with typical check sizes ranging from $3 million to $15 million per investment.
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