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True North Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Phoenix, Arizona, founded in 2011. The firm has its roots in First Solar, Inc., a leading alternative energy provider, and aims to invest in and build businesses that contribute to a clean and sustainable future. True North operates with a capital under management of $700 million, focusing on early-stage investments in sectors such as energy, water, agriculture, and waste management.
Since its inception, True North has established itself as a key player in the cleantech investment space. The firm has a notable history of backing companies that address significant global challenges, particularly in renewable energy and sustainable practices. True North's commitment to promoting sustainability is reflected in its diverse portfolio, which includes innovative companies tackling issues related to water scarcity, low carbon energy, and waste management.
True North Venture Partners is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, with additional operations in Chicago, Illinois. The firm has made significant strides in the cleantech sector, with a focus on transitioning core industries towards sustainability.
True North Venture Partners invests in innovative solutions that address significant global challenges, particularly in the realms of clean energy, water infrastructure, and waste management. The firm focuses on several key sectors: abundant and safe water, low carbon energy infrastructure, advanced fuels and chemicals, and waste harvesting. Their investment strategy emphasizes early-stage companies that are developing technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve resource efficiency.
The firm typically invests between $100,000 and $25 million in its portfolio companies, reflecting a flexible approach to funding based on the specific needs of each business. True North seeks to partner with founders who are committed to sustainability and have a clear vision for their companies. The firm values operational expertise and aims to leverage its team's extensive experience in the cleantech sector to help scale innovative solutions.
True North Venture Partners has a diverse portfolio of companies that exemplify its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies reflect True North's focus on addressing pressing environmental issues through innovative technologies and sustainable practices.
Mike Ahearn - Co-Founder & Partner; he is also the co-founder and chairman of First Solar, bringing extensive experience in the cleantech sector.
Matt Ahearn - Partner; he has a background in venture capital and operational roles within the cleantech industry.
Preetha Nair - Partner; she specializes in investment strategy and has a strong background in sustainability-focused ventures.
Alan Henderson - Partner; he brings expertise in energy and environmental technologies, contributing to the firm's investment decisions.
Jay Kouba, Ph.D. - Partner; he has a deep understanding of advanced technologies and their applications in sustainability.
James Ford - Partner; he focuses on operational support and strategic guidance for portfolio companies.
To pitch True North Venture Partners, founders should submit their proposals through the firm's website at truenorthvp.com. It is important to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup addresses sustainability challenges.
True North prefers warm introductions but will consider direct submissions. Founders can expect a response within a few weeks, depending on the volume of inquiries.
On July 1, 2025, True North Venture Partners announced the merger of Nanostone Water and Solecta into Acuriant Technologies, a significant development in their portfolio aimed at advancing water treatment solutions.
True North continues to actively seek new investment opportunities in the cleantech sector, focusing on companies that align with their mission of promoting sustainability and addressing global challenges.
What are True North Venture Partners' investment criteria?
True North Venture Partners invests in early-stage companies focused on clean energy, water, agriculture, and waste management. They look for innovative solutions that address significant global challenges, particularly in sustainability.
How can founders apply or pitch to True North?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the firm's website at truenorthvp.com. It is advisable to include a clear business plan, market analysis, and details on how the startup addresses sustainability challenges.
What makes True North different from other venture capital firms?
True North leverages its team's extensive operational experience in the cleantech sector, particularly from its roots in First Solar, to provide strategic guidance and industry connections to its portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of True North's investments?
The firm primarily focuses on North America, seeking to invest in companies that are addressing sustainability challenges within this region.
What is the typical check size for investments?
True North Venture Partners typically invests between $100,000 and $25 million, depending on the specific needs and growth stage of the company.
What kind of post-investment involvement does True North have?
True North actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing operational support, strategic guidance, and facilitating connections within the industry to help scale their innovative solutions.
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