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SustainVC is a US-based impact venture capital firm founded in 2007, with its headquarters in Philadelphia and additional offices in Boston and Durham. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage, high-impact, scalable companies that prioritize sustainability and equitable access. SustainVC has built a strong reputation over the years, leveraging over 120 years of collective experience within its team, which includes professionals with more than 70 years in early-stage impact investing.
Since its inception, SustainVC has focused on innovative solutions that address pressing global challenges, particularly in the climate and healthcare sectors. The firm has successfully raised $25 million for its second fund, SustainVC Impact Fund II, and has invested in a diverse portfolio of 46 companies across two prior funds. SustainVC emphasizes the importance of diverse leadership, with 74% of its portfolio companies led by individuals from diverse backgrounds.
SustainVC primarily invests in the climate and sustainability sectors, aiming to accelerate the transition to a cleaner future. Their investment strategy targets early-stage companies that focus on improving efficiencies, reducing costs, and increasing the adoption of renewable energy and sustainable practices. The firm also emphasizes enhancing access and opportunity for underserved communities, working to reduce barriers and improve outcomes in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
The firm typically invests in companies at the Series Seed to Series A stages, with check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $1 million. SustainVC prefers to engage with companies that generate between $500,000 and $5 million in annual revenue, focusing on capital-efficient models that demonstrate strong gross margins and recurring revenue. Their geographic focus is primarily on the United States, aligning with their mission to support sustainable and equitable ventures.
SustainVC has developed a diverse portfolio of 46 companies across two prior funds, with a significant emphasis on companies led by diverse leadership. Notably, 74% of their portfolio companies have diverse leadership, and 53% have female and/or BIPOC Founder/CEO. This commitment to diversity reflects SustainVC's broader mission of promoting equity and inclusion within the startup ecosystem.
While specific portfolio companies are not enumerated in the source data, the firm’s focus on climate and healthcare sectors suggests that their investments likely include innovative startups addressing environmental challenges and improving health outcomes. SustainVC's portfolio is characterized by a strong alignment with their investment thesis, which prioritizes sustainability and equitable access.
Sky (Schuyler) Lance - Founder & Managing Principal. Sky has extensive experience in impact investing and has led numerous successful investments in the climate and healthcare sectors. He is known for his commitment to sustainability and equity.
Tom Balderston - Principal. Tom brings a wealth of knowledge in early-stage investing and has a strong background in supporting startups focused on social impact.
Justin Desrosiers - Principal. Justin has a proven track record in identifying and nurturing innovative companies that align with SustainVC's mission.
Eric Chapman - Principal. Eric specializes in strategic guidance for portfolio companies, leveraging his experience to enhance growth and scalability.
To pitch SustainVC, founders should submit their proposals through the firm's website at sustainvc.com. The pitch deck should include a comprehensive business plan, financial projections, and details on how the startup addresses sustainability and equitable access. SustainVC prefers warm introductions but will consider direct submissions through their website.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks after submission. It is crucial to clearly articulate the startup's mission and impact in the pitch.
Since its founding in 2007, SustainVC has been actively promoting its mission of supporting sustainable and equitable ventures. The firm has successfully raised $25 million for its second fund, SustainVC Impact Fund II, and has built a diverse portfolio of 46 companies. Notably, 74% of these companies have diverse leadership, reflecting SustainVC's commitment to equity.
While there have been no recent public blog updates or announcements on their website, SustainVC continues to engage with the startup community and seeks to collaborate with like-minded organizations to amplify its mission.
What are SustainVC's investment criteria?
SustainVC invests in early-stage companies at the Series Seed to Series A stages, with check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $1 million. They typically target companies with annual revenues between $500,000 and $5 million and prefer capital-efficient models that demonstrate strong gross margins and recurring revenue.
How can I apply or pitch to SustainVC?
Founders interested in pitching to SustainVC can submit their proposals through the firm's website at sustainvc.com. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and financial projections in the pitch deck.
What makes SustainVC different from other venture capital firms?
SustainVC distinguishes itself by focusing on impact investing in the climate and healthcare sectors, emphasizing sustainability and equitable access. The firm has a strong commitment to diversity, with a significant portion of its portfolio companies led by diverse founders.
What is SustainVC's geographic scope?
SustainVC primarily invests in companies based in the United States, aligning with its mission to support sustainable and equitable ventures within the country.
What kind of post-investment involvement does SustainVC have?
SustainVC actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance and facilitating access to networks that enhance growth and scalability. They emphasize capital-efficient models and support companies in achieving strong gross margins and recurring revenue.
What is the typical round size for investments made by SustainVC?
SustainVC typically participates in funding rounds ranging from $2 million to $10 million, allowing them to support their portfolio companies effectively as they scale.
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