The chemical manufacturing industry in the US plays a critical role in producing the raw materials that fuel various sectors, from healthcare to technology. With a broad spectrum of companies ranging from multinational corporations to startups, they produce essential products like plastics, fertilizers, and specialty chemicals. The industry is increasingly focused on sustainability and innovation, striving for greener practices and advanced manufacturing techniques. In recent years, there has been an uptick in investment aimed at developing bio-based alternatives and recycling technologies, demonstrating a clear shift toward eco-friendly solutions in response to global environmental concerns.


This list features notable investors in the chemical manufacturing space, including venture capital firms and private equity groups, varying in size from small to large entities. Headquartered across the United States, these investors were established between 1956 and 2023, revealing a rich history of backing innovative chemical companies. In 2024 alone, these investors collectively completed numerous transactions, showcasing their commitment to funding advancements in this vital industry. Their strategic investments target companies that prioritize sustainability, technology, and impactful growth.


Top 13 Chemical Manufacturing 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 oversees national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research, serving various stakeholders including government entities and the public. The DOE provides guidance on energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and conducts research to address energy challenges. In recent years, the DOE has been involved in several significant transactions within the chemical manufacturing sector. For instance, it granted $375 million to Eastman Chemical Company for a molecular recycling facility aimed at recycling hard-to-recycle plastics, which is a critical innovation in the chemical industry. Additionally, the DOE has provided grants to other chemical companies such as Albemarle, Chemours, and ICL Group, demonstrating its commitment to supporting advancements in chemical manufacturing that align with energy efficiency and sustainability.


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 global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing not only venture capital investment but also essential resources to help startups grow and succeed. In recent years, SOSV has been active in the chemical manufacturing space, particularly through its investments in Capra Biosciences. This company, based in Manassas, VA, raised $1.8 million in pre-seed funding in June 2022, with the intention of building a production-scale reactor and expanding its capabilities to include the production of lubricants. This focus on chemical production highlights SOSV's engagement in the chemical manufacturing sector, aligning with their broader mission to support innovative technologies that address critical challenges in various industries.


3. 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 founded in 2015 and based in San Francisco, California. It specializes in biotechnology and supports startups by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them develop innovative solutions across various sectors, including climate and food. IndieBio has been actively investing in companies that are pushing the boundaries of biotechnology, with notable transactions including multiple rounds of funding for Capra Biosciences, which focuses on biomanufacturing and sustainable practices, and Pyrone Systems, which is involved in developing bio-based chemicals. These investments highlight IndieBio's commitment to fostering innovation that can lead to advancements in chemical manufacturing, particularly through sustainable and bio-based approaches.


4. 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 significant investments in the chemical manufacturing sector, particularly through its support of Solugen, a biomaterials startup. Solugen raised multiple rounds of funding from Y Combinator, including a seed round of $4.4 million in 2017, followed by Series A and B rounds totaling over $60 million. These investments highlight Y Combinator's commitment to fostering innovation in the chemical manufacturing industry, especially in sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies.


5. 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 the context of chemical manufacturing, the Government of Canada has been involved in several significant transactions, primarily through grants aimed at fostering innovation in this sector. Notable transactions include grants to GreenMantra Technologies, which received $300,000 and $754,663 in 2021 and 2020 respectively, and Aurora Hydrogen, which raised $3,000,000 in July 2024. Additionally, Renaissance BioScience and Saltworks Technologies received grants of $371,772 and $4,800,000 in 2017 and 2023 respectively. These investments highlight the government's role in supporting the growth and development of the chemical manufacturing industry in Canada.


6. 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 significant transactions, including a $3.4 million seed round for Capra Biosciences, which focuses on biotechnology and chemical production, and a $69 million Series B investment in Air Company, known for its innovative approach to producing sustainable chemicals. Additionally, the fund has invested in Knowde, a marketplace for chemicals, and Manus Bio, which specializes in bio-based chemical production. These investments highlight the fund's engagement with companies that are relevant to the chemical manufacturing industry.


7. 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 specialize in connecting startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In 2024, they have been particularly active, with 253 investments, including notable transactions in the chemical manufacturing sector. For instance, they invested in Anodyne Chemistries, which raised $6 million in a seed round, and BioOilSolv, which secured funding in a pre-seed round. Other relevant investments include Ammobia, which raised $4.2 million in a seed round, and Polymer-X, which also received funding in a pre-seed round. These transactions highlight their engagement in the chemical manufacturing industry, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative companies in this field.


8. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses, agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing, with a strong emphasis on supporting entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Advantage Capital offers flexible capital solutions to help businesses grow and thrive. Notably, they have participated in several transactions relevant to the chemical manufacturing industry, including investments in Hybrid Plastics, which focuses on advanced polymer materials, and P2 Science, a company that develops sustainable chemicals from renewable resources. Their involvement in these companies highlights their commitment to fostering innovation within the chemical sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.


9. Khosla Ventures

  • Website: khoslaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 97
  • LinkedIn: khosla-ventures

Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2004 and based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in providing funding and strategic guidance to startups across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and sustainability. Notably, Khosla Ventures has made significant investments in the chemical manufacturing context, particularly through their support of Amyris, a company that utilizes biotechnology to produce renewable chemicals and fuels. Over the years, Khosla Ventures has participated in multiple funding rounds for Amyris, including Series A, B, and C rounds, totaling over $165 million. Additionally, they have invested in LanzaTech, a company focused on converting carbon emissions into valuable chemicals, further emphasizing their interest in sustainable chemical production. This track record highlights Khosla Ventures' active role in fostering innovation within the chemical manufacturing industry.


10. Breakthrough Energy


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 significant transactions in the chemical manufacturing context, such as their participation in the Series B funding round for DMC Biotechnologies, which raised $34 million, and their involvement in M2X Energy, which raised $40 million in Series B funding in 2024. Additionally, they supported Bloom Biorenewables Ltd in a Series A funding round, further emphasizing their focus on sustainable chemical solutions. Breakthrough Energy's customers include businesses and organizations in the clean energy sector seeking funding, research support, and policy advocacy to address climate change, highlighting their role as a key player in the intersection of clean energy and chemical manufacturing.


11. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing tailored solutions to institutional investors and individual clients. The firm has been actively involved in various sectors, including the chemical manufacturing industry. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Dynamit Nobel, a company with chemical manufacturing operations, and the recent acquisition of Central Tank Terminal, a Japanese chemical storage tank operator, for approximately $440 million. KKR's investment in Chase Corporation, which operates in the specialty chemicals sector, further highlights their strategic interest in chemical manufacturing. These transactions reflect KKR's commitment to supporting growth and innovation within the chemical industry while leveraging their extensive expertise and resources to achieve strong financial returns for their clients.


12. Polaris Partners

  • Website: polarispartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: polaris-partners

Polaris Partners is a venture capital firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 1996. The firm specializes in healthcare and biotechnology investments, partnering with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance to help innovate and grow their businesses. While their portfolio predominantly features companies focused on transformative healthcare solutions, they have also invested in AgBiome, a company dedicated to developing crop protection products and solutions. AgBiome has received multiple rounds of funding from Polaris, including a significant $65M Series C round in 2018 and earlier rounds totaling over $34.5M. This involvement in AgBiome highlights Polaris Partners' engagement with the agricultural chemicals sector, showcasing their capacity to invest in companies that contribute to chemical manufacturing, particularly in the context of agricultural applications.


13. Advent


Advent International Corporation is a private equity firm founded in 1984 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm specializes in buyouts and investments across various sectors, focusing on long-term value creation for its portfolio companies. Advent has a global presence and has made significant investments in the chemical manufacturing industry. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Allnex in 2013 for $1.13 billion, which specializes in resins for coatings, and the acquisition of Viakem in 2016, recognized as Latin America's only custom and toll manufacturer of crop protection chemicals. Additionally, Advent acquired Roehm in 2019 for over $3.4 billion, further solidifying its commitment to the chemical sector. These strategic investments highlight Advent's role as a key player in the chemical manufacturing landscape.



Chemical Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+1977597
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
IndieBioSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201576
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
Khosla VenturesMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200200497
Breakthrough EnergyKirkland, Washington, United States (USA)51-200201538
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
Polaris PartnersBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)11-50199619
AdventBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)501-1000198417


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