The anaerobic digestion industry in the US focuses on converting organic waste into biogas and digestate, offering solutions for waste management and renewable energy. Companies range from startups developing innovative technologies to established firms specializing in waste treatment and energy production. The volatile economic and environmental landscape is driving increased interest and investment in this sector, with a growing recognition of anaerobic digestion's potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote circular economy practices. With regulations and incentives favoring clean energy, this industry is poised for continued expansion, attracting both public and private investors for groundbreaking projects.

The list features a mix of twelve prominent investors, including venture capital firms, government entities, and corporate players. Based in cities like Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, these investors vary in size from large corporations, like the U.S. Department of Energy, to agile venture firms like IndieBio. Founded between 1956 and 2023, they collectively participated in over 1,300 investment deals in 2024. These investments reflect the vibrant intersection of climate technology and energy, as firms show growing interest in funding the future of anaerobic digestion solutions.

Top 12 Anaerobic Digestion Investors in the US

1. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

• Website: energy.gov
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1977
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 597
• LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. It is responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. The DOE serves various stakeholders, including government entities and the public, by providing guidance on energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and conducting research to address energy challenges. In recent years, the DOE has been involved in several grant transactions that support companies in the anaerobic digestion context. For instance, it provided LanzaTech with a total of $203,000,000 in grants in 2024 and 2023, which focuses on innovative technologies for converting waste into energy. Additionally, MicroBio Engineering received grants totaling $4,759,673 in 2023, which may also relate to advancements in anaerobic digestion processes. These transactions highlight the DOE's commitment to funding initiatives that can enhance energy production and sustainability through anaerobic digestion technologies.

2. Sosv

• Website: sosv.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 170
• LinkedIn: sosv

Sosv is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a focus on health and climate technology, Sosv operates globally, connecting innovative companies with investors. Among its notable transactions, Sosv has invested in Electro-Active Technologies, which is involved in innovative solutions that may relate to waste management and energy production. More significantly, Sosv participated in funding Windfall Bio, which raised $9 million to develop methane-eating enzymes aimed at reducing methane emissions from livestock farms. This investment highlights Sosv's commitment to addressing climate change and supporting technologies that can have a direct impact on anaerobic digestion and methane reduction.

3. Government of Canada

• Website: canada.ca
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 137
• LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In recent years, the Government of Canada has been involved in several transactions that support the anaerobic digestion sector, including grants to companies like Carbonaxion Bioénergies, which raised $200,000 in September 2023, and Anaconda Systems, which raised $2,500,000 in June 2023. These transactions highlight the government's role in promoting sustainable energy solutions and innovation within the anaerobic digestion industry.

4. Breakthrough Energy

• Website: breakthroughenergy.org
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Kirkland, Washington, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 38
• LinkedIn: breakthrough-energy-ventures

Breakthrough Energy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2015, based in Kirkland, Washington, dedicated to accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy. They support innovative technologies and advocate for policies that promote clean energy solutions. Their investment portfolio includes a variety of companies focused on addressing climate change through advanced technologies. Notably, they led a $28 million Series A funding round for Windfall Bio, which is developing methane-eating enzymes to combat methane emissions, particularly from livestock farms. This investment highlights their interest in solutions that can significantly impact methane reduction, a key aspect of anaerobic digestion. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for other companies like Sierra Energy and Viridos, which, while not directly related to anaerobic digestion, reflect their broader commitment to clean energy and innovative environmental solutions.

5. 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, dedicated to fostering private sector development in emerging markets. Based in Washington, D.C., IFC provides investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions, helping them access capital and expertise to promote economic growth. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development. Notably, IFC has participated in funding rounds for Organica Water, a provider of innovative wastewater treatment solutions, contributing to their Series B and Series C financing rounds. These investments support Organica's global expansion and the development of new wastewater treatment technologies, which are relevant to the anaerobic digestion sector. Additionally, IFC's involvement in other transactions, such as Orizon Valorização de Residuos, further emphasizes its commitment to sustainable waste management practices, reinforcing its relevance in the context of anaerobic digestion.

6. Plug and Play Tech Center

• Website: plugandplaytechcenter.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 253
• LinkedIn: plug-and-play-tech-center

Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In 2024, they participated in several funding rounds for companies like Aquacycl, which focuses on wastewater treatment solutions, and BioOilSolv, which is involved in bio-oil production. Additionally, their investment in Epoch Biodesign, which raised $11 million in a Seed Round, highlights their commitment to supporting innovative technologies that may intersect with anaerobic digestion and sustainable practices. Their model emphasizes facilitating partnerships and providing resources to enhance business development, making them a potential player in the anaerobic digestion industry.

7. Elemental Impact

• Website: elementalimpact.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Honolulu, Hawaii, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 19
• LinkedIn: elementalexcelerator

Elemental Impact is a not-for-profit organization based in Honolulu, Hawaii, founded in 2012. Their mission is to scale climate technologies with significant community impact, addressing the funding gap for early-stage climate projects. They provide funding opportunities, community engagement strategies, and educational resources to support climate technology companies and local governments in deploying sustainable solutions. Notably, Elemental Impact has been involved in several transactions relevant to the anaerobic digestion context, including funding rounds for Cambrian Innovation, which focuses on innovative wastewater treatment solutions, and Microvi Biotechnologies, known for its work in biotechnologies that could intersect with anaerobic digestion processes. Their involvement in these companies highlights their commitment to fostering partnerships that enhance community benefits through sustainable technologies.

8. IndieBio

• Website: indiebio.co
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 76
• LinkedIn: indiebio

IndieBio is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. It specializes in biotechnology and provides investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to startups aiming to develop innovative solutions across various sectors, including climate and food. In recent years, IndieBio has been active in funding early-stage companies, with 76 investments in 2024 alone. Notable transactions include investments in Electro-Active Technologies, which focuses on bioelectrochemical systems that could relate to waste treatment and energy generation, and Capro-X, which is involved in converting waste into valuable products. These transactions highlight IndieBio's commitment to supporting technologies that may intersect with anaerobic digestion and sustainable waste management.

9. Chevron

• Website: chevron.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn: chevron

Chevron Corporation is an energy company specializing in oil and natural gas exploration, production, and distribution. Founded in 1999 and based in Houston, Texas, Chevron operates globally, focusing on sustainable practices to meet the world's energy demands. In recent years, Chevron has expanded its investment portfolio to include renewable energy solutions and carbon capture technologies. Notably, Chevron participated in funding rounds for companies like Raven SR, which raised $15M in 2024 for renewable fuels, and Viridos, which secured a $25M Series A investment in 2023 for R&D to enhance algae oil productivity. Additionally, Chevron was involved in funding Starfire Energy, which is working on decarbonizing ammonia production. These transactions highlight Chevron's commitment to exploring innovative energy solutions, which may encompass anaerobic digestion technologies in the future.

10. MassVentures

• Website: mass-ventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Waltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1978
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 28
• LinkedIn: massventures

MassVentures is a venture studio based in Waltham, Massachusetts, founded in 1978. The firm supports early-stage companies, particularly those focused on deep tech innovation, by providing a range of funding options, including venture capital and grants, as well as business guidance and accelerator programs. Notably, MassVentures has been involved in several transactions relevant to the anaerobic digestion industry, such as providing grants to Cambrian Innovation, which focuses on wastewater treatment and energy generation from organic waste, and MSW Power, which is involved in converting municipal solid waste into energy. Additionally, they have supported Emvolon through both grant and seed funding, indicating their commitment to fostering innovation in sectors that may intersect with anaerobic digestion technologies.

11. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

• Website: av.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2023
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 258
• LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been involved in several notable transactions, including Carbo Culture, which raised $18.3 million to advance its carbon dioxide removal and biochar technology, highlighting a commitment to sustainability. Other investments include Nitricity, which focuses on innovative agricultural solutions, and Supercritical, which raised $17.4 million for its technology. These investments reflect a broader interest in technologies that may complement or support anaerobic digestion initiatives, particularly in the context of waste management and renewable energy solutions.

12. 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 founded in 1998, headquartered in New York, New York. The firm provides a wide range of services including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele that includes corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. In recent years, Goldman Sachs has demonstrated a commitment to clean technology investments, participating in significant funding rounds for companies like Godavari Biorefineries, which focuses on biorefineries that can utilize anaerobic digestion processes. Additionally, their investments in ReNew Power, a leader in renewable energy, further highlight their engagement in sectors that align with sustainable practices and technologies. These transactions indicate Goldman Sachs' strategic interest in supporting the transition to cleaner energy solutions, which may encompass anaerobic digestion initiatives.

Anaerobic Digestion Insights: Key Investors in the US

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