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Third Sphere
Third Sphere is a US-based early-stage climate venture capital firm that invests in hardware-enabled solutions addressing climate change. Originally founded as Urban Us in 2013, it focuses on sectors such as energy, transportation, and agriculture.
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Where Third Sphere ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Climate 50 | 2024 | #14 | Down 7 | C | Activity, Performance, Prestige |
Overview
Third Sphere is a climate-focused venture fund founded in 2013, originally as Urban Us, to address climate change by reimagining urban environments. The organization is based in the United States and has expanded its focus beyond cities to include various sectors that require systemic change. Third Sphere has developed a portfolio of nearly 100 companies and aims to tackle climate change through innovative approaches, particularly in hardware-enabled solutions. The firm invests in early-stage companies, primarily at the Pre-seed and Seed stages, with initial investments ranging from $250,000 to $1 million. Their geographical focus is primarily the United States, but they also support companies in Switzerland, Germany, Israel, the United Kingdom, and South Africa.
Focus
Third Sphere invests primarily in early-stage companies at the Pre-seed and Seed stages, with initial investments ranging from $250,000 to $1 million. The fund targets sectors such as affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities, industry innovation, clean water, and connected transportation. Approximately 80% of their portfolio consists of hardware-enabled solutions, often integrated with software components.
Support
Third Sphere adds value to its portfolio companies through a model called 'Seedstrapping,' which combines small equity checks with AI-driven operational support and alternative financing. This approach aims to help companies reach $1M in annual recurring revenue or $10M in pre-orders within six months.
Questions
What are Third Sphere's investment criteria?
Third Sphere focuses on early-stage companies at the Pre-seed and Seed stages, investing between $250,000 and $1 million. They prioritize sectors such as climate, energy, healthcare, agtech, water-tech, sustainable fashion, circular economy, and clean energy.
How can startups apply or pitch to Third Sphere?
Startups seeking funding can reach out through the contact form on Third Sphere's website. They emphasize connecting founders with resources and support to enhance their chances of success.
What makes Third Sphere different from other venture capital firms?
Third Sphere distinguishes itself by focusing on hardware-enabled climate solutions and employing a unique funding model called 'Seedstrapping.' This model combines small equity checks with AI-driven operational support and alternative non-dilutive financing, enabling portfolio companies to achieve significant milestones quickly.
What is Third Sphere's geographic scope?
The firm primarily invests in the United States but also supports companies in Switzerland, Germany, Israel, the United Kingdom, and South Africa.
What is Third Sphere's post-investment involvement like?
Third Sphere actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing operational support and facilitating introductions to subsequent lead investors. Their model aims to help startups reach $1 million in ARR or $10 million in pre-orders within six months.
What is the typical check size for Third Sphere?
Third Sphere typically invests between $250,000 and $1 million in its portfolio companies, focusing on early-stage investments.
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