Top 11 Commodities Trading Investors in the U.S.
Top 11 Commodities Trading Investors in the U.S.
The commodities trading industry in the U.S. has a significant impact on global markets. This sector includes a variety of companies that facilitate the buying and selling of essential goods, from crude oil to agricultural products. Operating across various platforms, these businesses cater to traders and manufacturers by providing services that range from supply chain financing to market analytics. As the demand for sustainable and ethically sourced commodities grows, firms in this sector are adapting by investing in innovative technologies and practices. Notably, advancements in data analytics and e-commerce are reshaping how commodities are traded today, leading to increased efficiency and transparency.
The investors highlighted in this list represent a mix of venture capitalists and private equity firms, each playing an integral role in commodities trading. Based in major cities like New York and Washington, D.C., these firms range in size, with some employing over 10,000 team members. Many were established in the last few decades, yet their influence has grown rapidly. In 2024, collectively, they made a substantial number of investments, showcasing their commitment to boosting companies within this sector. Investors such as Goldman Sachs and Citi are spearheading these efforts, pushing the envelope in the world of commodities trading.
Top 11 Commodities Trading Investors in the US
1. Y Combinator
- Website: ycombinator.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2005
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 802
- LinkedIn: y-combinator
Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It specializes in providing funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, having successfully launched over 4,000 startups. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has made notable investments in the commodities trading sector. For instance, in March 2024, they participated in a Pre-Seed round for CommodityAI, which raised $500,000, indicating their interest in technology solutions for commodities trading. Additionally, they invested $2,575,000 in Trade Ghana during a Seed round in March 2017, which is involved in trade activities that may encompass commodities. Furthermore, Y Combinator's participation in the funding rounds for MineralSoft, a software company that supports the commodities industry, highlights their engagement in this sector. Overall, while Y Combinator is primarily known for its focus on technology startups, its investments in companies related to commodities trading demonstrate its relevance in this area.
2. Goldman Sachs
- Website: goldmansachs.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1998
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 59
- LinkedIn: goldman-sachs
Goldman Sachs is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm based in New York, New York, founded in 1998. It provides a comprehensive range of services, including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele that includes corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. The firm is known for navigating complex financial challenges and helping clients achieve their financial goals. In recent years, Goldman Sachs has been involved in various significant transactions, such as the recapitalization of Neovia Logistics, which, while not directly related to commodities, showcases its financial capabilities. Additionally, its participation in the funding round for Xpansiv, a company focused on environmental commodities, indicates its engagement in the commodities trading sector. Overall, Goldman Sachs' extensive experience and diverse investment portfolio position it as a relevant player in the commodities trading industry.
3. IFC - International Finance Corporation
- Website: ifc.org
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1956
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 107
- LinkedIn: ifclinkedin
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1956, headquartered in Washington, D.C. It focuses on private sector development in emerging markets by providing investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions. IFC aims to foster economic growth and alleviate poverty by facilitating access to capital and expertise. In recent years, IFC has been involved in several significant transactions within the commodities trading sector, including a $230 million debt financing for Ecom Agroindustrial in February 2025, a $32.5 million debt financing for Agrocorp International in December 2022, and a $176 million post-IPO debt for OLAM International in April 2020. These transactions highlight IFC's active role in supporting companies that are integral to the commodities market, thereby reinforcing its relevance in this sector.
4. Citi
- Website: citigroup.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1812
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 107
- LinkedIn: citi
Citigroup Inc. is a prominent financial services company based in New York, providing a wide range of banking and investment services to individuals and businesses. Founded in 1812, Citi has established itself as a key player in commercial banking, investment banking, and wealth management. In 2024, Citi has been particularly active, with 107 investments, including significant transactions in the commodities sector. Notably, they participated in a $177.5 million debt financing for Trans-Oil Group of Companies, a major player in the commodities market. Additionally, Citi's investment in Komgo, a platform focused on commodity trade finance, highlights their strategic interest in supporting the commodities trading industry. Their diverse portfolio and commitment to financing companies in this sector position them as a relevant investor in commodities trading.
5. FJ Labs
- Website: fjlabs.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 169
- LinkedIn: fj-labs
FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. Founded in 2015, the firm has made over 1,000 investments, with many companies achieving unicorn status. In 2024 alone, FJ Labs has been involved in 169 investments. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for Vortexa, a London-based provider of a real-time global analytics platform for energy and freight markets. FJ Labs contributed to Vortexa's Series C funding round, which raised $34M, as well as earlier rounds including Series B and Series A, indicating their support for innovations in the commodities trading sector, particularly in energy trading intelligence.
6. Morgan Stanley
- Website: morganstanley.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1986
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 79
- LinkedIn: morgan-stanley
Morgan Stanley is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1986, headquartered in New York, New York. With a workforce exceeding 10,000, the firm offers a diverse range of services including wealth management, investment banking, and capital markets. Morgan Stanley serves a wide array of clients, including individuals, families, corporations, and governments, helping them manage and grow their financial assets. In 2024, Morgan Stanley has been active in various funding rounds, including a notable investment in Vortexa, which raised $34 million in Series C funding. Vortexa specializes in providing real-time analytics for energy and freight markets, highlighting Morgan Stanley's engagement in sectors relevant to commodities trading. Additionally, their investment in FMX, which raised $172 million, further demonstrates their active role in the financial landscape, potentially impacting commodities trading indirectly through market analytics and technology solutions.
7. Wells Fargo
- Website: wellsfargo.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1852
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 42
- LinkedIn: wellsfargo
Wells Fargo & Company is a financial services corporation based in San Francisco, California, founded in 1852. It offers a comprehensive range of banking products, including checking and savings accounts, loans, and investment management services, catering to both individual consumers and businesses. In recent years, Wells Fargo has been involved in several notable transactions within the commodities sector, including significant debt financing for companies such as BB Energy, which raised $600 million in October 2023 and $580 million in November 2022, and Auramet, which secured $275 million in August 2023. These transactions highlight Wells Fargo's active engagement in the commodities trading industry, supporting firms that are integral to the sector's operations. The company emphasizes customer service and community engagement, further solidifying its position as a key player in the financial landscape.
8. Jump Capital
- Website: jumpcap.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2012
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 9
- LinkedIn: jump-capital
Jump Capital is a venture capital firm based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies, particularly within the fintech and software sectors. They provide not only financial backing but also strategic support to help startups navigate growth challenges. Notably, Jump Capital has participated in significant transactions related to trading and derivatives, such as their investment in The Small Exchange, a futures exchange that raised $10 million in strategic funding, and Bitnomial, a Bitcoin derivatives marketplace that raised $11.6 million in a Series B funding round. Additionally, they co-led a $35 million Series A funding round for Paradigm, a crypto derivatives firm. These investments highlight their involvement in trading-related ventures, although their primary focus remains on technology-driven businesses.
9. BGC Group
- Website: bgcg.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1945
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 4
- LinkedIn: bgc-partners
BGC Group is a leading global brokerage and financial technology company based in New York, founded in 1945. They provide a wide range of services including trade execution, brokerage, and clearing across various asset classes. BGC's clientele includes major banks, investment firms, and corporations that rely on their sophisticated financial solutions and technology-driven services. Notably, BGC has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in the commodities trading sector, including the acquisition of Poten & Partners for $100 million in 2018, which significantly expanded their operations in the energy sector. Additionally, their acquisition of OTC Global Holdings in 2024 further demonstrates their commitment to enhancing their operations in the commodities market. These transactions highlight BGC Group's active role in the commodities trading industry, making them a relevant player in this space.
10. The Carlyle Group
- Website: carlyle.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1987
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 25
- LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group
The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, Carlyle serves a diverse range of institutional investors, including pension funds and sovereign wealth funds, by providing tailored investment solutions across alternative asset classes. Notably, Carlyle's acquisition of Traxys S.A. in March 2014 underscores its active role in the commodities trading industry, as Traxys is a well-known player in this sector. Additionally, Carlyle has made significant investments in various companies, such as Varo Energy, which operates in the energy sector, further demonstrating its engagement with real assets that often intersect with commodities. Through these transactions, Carlyle aims to drive long-term value for its clients while leveraging its extensive expertise in multiple industries, including commodities.
11. Draper Associates
- Website: draper.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Mateo, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 25
- LinkedIn: draper-associates
Draper Associates is a venture capital firm based in San Mateo, California, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in transformative companies, primarily within the technology sector. They provide funding and support to entrepreneurs, helping them develop and grow innovative ideas on a global scale. Notably, Draper Associates has participated in significant transactions such as Morpher, a decentralized finance app that enables trading in virtual stocks, commodities, and currencies on the Ethereum blockchain. This investment highlights their engagement in the commodities trading space, alongside other technology-focused investments like BitPesa and Korbit, which are related to digital currencies and financial technology. Their diverse portfolio reflects a commitment to industry-defining startups, including those that intersect with commodities trading.
Commodities Trading Insights: Key Investors in the US
| Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y Combinator | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2005 | 802 |
| Goldman Sachs | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1998 | 59 |
| IFC - International Finance Corporation | Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1956 | 107 |
| Citi | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1812 | 107 |
| FJ Labs | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2015 | 169 |
| Morgan Stanley | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1986 | 79 |
| Wells Fargo | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1852 | 42 |
| Jump Capital | Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2012 | 9 |
| BGC Group | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1945 | 4 |
| The Carlyle Group | Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1987 | 25 |
| Draper Associates | San Mateo, California, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2015 | 25 |
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