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Virta Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2022 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The firm focuses on early-stage companies that are innovating within physical industries to enhance profitability, efficiency, and resilience. Virta Ventures has quickly established itself in the climate tech sector, emphasizing a hands-on approach to support founders in scaling their ventures effectively.
As of early 2025, Virta Ventures manages a total of $54 million in assets under management (AUM) through its second fund, which represents a significant increase from its inaugural fund of $9 million. The firm has built a diverse portfolio of approximately 41 companies, reflecting its commitment to investing in sectors such as climate, energy, mobility, fintech, and insurtech. The firm’s LP base includes institutional investors who recognize the potential of capital-efficient business models in the climate tech space.
Virta Ventures primarily invests in early-stage companies across several sectors, including climate, energy, mobility, fintech, and insurtech. The firm targets pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, with a check size averaging around $250,000 per investment. Their investment strategy emphasizes capital-efficient business models that leverage software, hardware, and artificial intelligence to innovate within physical infrastructure.
The firm seeks to partner with bold founders who are addressing significant challenges in these industries. Virta Ventures specifically focuses on software-enabled businesses that support the transformation of physical industries, avoiding heavy capital expenditure and deep hardware investments. This approach allows for scalable, equity-light models that can adapt to the evolving landscape of climate tech and related sectors.
Virta Ventures has built a notable portfolio of 41 companies, showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative startups in climate tech and related fields. Key portfolio companies include:
These companies exemplify Virta Ventures' focus on capital-efficient models and innovative technologies that address pressing challenges in their respective sectors.
Russell Sprole: Founder and Managing Partner. Russell has over 15 years of experience in climate tech, having held operational roles at SunPower, Stem, and Full Harvest. He brings a wealth of knowledge in energy storage and ag-tech.
Dipak Kumar: Investor. Dipak has a background in venture capital and technology investments, focusing on early-stage companies.
David Bill: Operating Partner. David has extensive experience in operational roles within the climate tech sector, providing valuable insights to portfolio companies.
Scott Pinizzotto: Advisor. Scott brings a wealth of experience in venture capital and strategic advisory roles.
Garrett Goldberg: Venture Partner. Garrett has a strong background in technology investments and startup growth.
Farlan Dowell: Operating Partner. Farlan has significant experience in operational management within the climate tech industry.
Winter Mead: Senior Advisor. Winter provides strategic guidance based on years of experience in venture capital.
Lee Hoffman: Advisor. Lee has a background in investment strategy and portfolio management.
To pitch Virta Ventures, founders should use the submission form available on their website. The firm prefers warm introductions through their network but is open to direct submissions as well. Founders should include a clear overview of their business model, market opportunity, and team background in their pitch deck.
Response times can vary, but founders can generally expect to hear back within a few weeks. It is advisable to be concise and focused in the pitch materials to capture the attention of the investment team.
As of April 2025, Virta Ventures has been actively expanding its portfolio, which now includes 41 companies. The firm has successfully closed its second fund, raising $54 million to support its investment strategy focused on capital-efficient models in climate tech.
Recent investments include notable companies such as Actual, Lumina, and TYBA, reflecting the firm's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in energy and construction. Virta Ventures continues to build its presence in the climate tech sector, with plans to deploy 7-8 new investments annually.
What are Virta Ventures' investment criteria?
Virta Ventures invests in early-stage companies primarily in the climate, energy, mobility, fintech, and insurtech sectors. They focus on capital-efficient business models that leverage software, hardware, and AI to innovate within physical infrastructure.
How can founders pitch to Virta Ventures?
Founders can submit their proposals through the submission form on the Virta Ventures website. While they prefer warm introductions through their network, they also accept direct submissions.
What makes Virta Ventures different from other VC firms?
Virta Ventures emphasizes a hands-on approach, leveraging deep operational experience in climate tech to support founders. Their focus on capital-efficient, equity-light models differentiates them in the crowded climate VC space.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Virta Ventures typically invests around $250,000 per deal, focusing on pre-seed and seed-stage companies.
What is the geographic focus of Virta Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in companies based in the United States, particularly those innovating in physical industries.
What kind of post-investment support does Virta Ventures provide?
Virta Ventures offers extensive operational support and access to a strong network within the climate tech industry, helping founders navigate the complexities of scaling their businesses.
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