The energy efficiency industry in the US focuses on reducing energy consumption and optimizing resource use. It comprises companies that develop technologies and services, such as energy management systems, insulation innovations, and smart buildings. From startup ventures to established corporations, players in this sector work to enhance sustainability across various environments. Notably, the industry has seen a surge in investments supporting advanced solutions, such as AI-powered energy analytics and renewable integration. As climate concerns rise, there's an increasing push for more efficient energy practices, paving the way for growth in energy efficiency investments and innovations.


This list features 14 significant energy efficiency investors, ranging from corporate giants to venture capital firms. They operate across major US cities such as Washington D.C., New York, and San Francisco. Established between 1956 and 2023, their size varies, with most managing over 50 employees. Notably, these investors made a substantial impact in 2024, participating in over 1,200 deals that support innovations in energy efficiency. Each firm demonstrates a unique approach to funding—from government-backed initiatives to private equity strategies, showing an ongoing commitment to an efficient energy future.


Top 14 Energy Efficiency 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 significant transactions that highlight its focus on energy efficiency. For instance, it provided a grant of $11.4 million to Honeywell in 2009, aimed at enhancing energy efficiency technologies. In 2022, the DOE awarded a grant of $4.4 million to the Rocky Mountain Institute, which focuses on advancing energy efficiency and sustainability. More recently, in 2024, the DOE granted $1.5 million to Siemens and $1,147,922 to Performance Systems Development, both of which are involved in energy efficiency projects. These transactions underscore the DOE's active role in promoting energy efficiency across various sectors.


2. 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 provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses through structured programs and resources like the Startup School. With over 4,000 startups launched, Y Combinator has established itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has made significant investments in the energy sector, including a $3 million seed funding round for Elyos Energy, which focuses on creating a resilient energy system through energy flexibility and demand response. Additionally, Y Combinator has invested in other energy-related startups such as Electric Air and Airthium, indicating its engagement in the energy efficiency domain.


3. 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 resources to help startups grow and succeed. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Powerhouse Dynamics, a company that focuses on energy management solutions, through multiple convertible note rounds from 2016 to 2018. This involvement highlights SOSV's commitment to supporting companies that contribute to energy efficiency and climate technology, making them a significant player in the energy efficiency investment landscape.


4. Elemental Impact


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 energy efficiency, including investments in BlocPower, which focuses on energy efficiency in urban buildings, and Carbon Lighthouse, which specializes in energy efficiency solutions for commercial buildings. Their recent investment in Gradient, a company that raised $9.5 million in a Series A round, further emphasizes their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the energy efficiency sector. Through these activities, Elemental Impact fosters partnerships that enhance community benefits and promote sustainable practices.


5. 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 alone, they made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Maiven Energy, a startup focused on energy solutions, and Sapient Industries, which is involved in energy efficiency technologies. Other relevant investments include SmartLocus and Voltmao, both of which contribute to advancements in energy management and efficiency. This diverse portfolio highlights their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the energy sector, making them a significant player in the energy efficiency investment arena.


6. 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 energy efficiency sector, such as a $40 million Series C funding for Dandelion Energy, which focuses on geothermal heating, and a $67 million Series B funding for Aeroseal, a startup that reduces CO2 emissions by sealing air leaks in buildings. These investments highlight Breakthrough Energy's commitment to supporting technologies that enhance energy efficiency and contribute to climate change mitigation.


7. 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, particularly in the energy efficiency sector. For instance, it participated in the Series D funding for EnergySavvy, a company that develops cloud software solutions for utilities, which raised $14 million to enhance its offerings. Additionally, the fund was involved in funding rounds for Arcadia, which raised significant amounts in Series D and Series E funding to expand its technology platform that helps companies monitor and manage their carbon impact. These transactions highlight the fund's engagement with companies that are directly contributing to energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives.


8. 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, facilitating access to capital and expertise to promote economic growth. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development. Among its notable transactions, IFC has participated in significant debt financing for companies like Engie, Iberdrola, and ACCIONA, which are involved in energy and sustainability initiatives. Additionally, IFC co-created Infuse Ventures, an India-centric investment fund aimed at supporting start-ups in the sustainable energy and clean technology sector, highlighting its commitment to energy efficiency and innovation in this field. Their investments in companies like Masdar further underscore their role in advancing energy efficiency solutions.


9. 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. It supports early-stage companies in the region, focusing on deep tech innovation. The firm offers a variety of funding options, including venture capital and grants, alongside business guidance and accelerator programs. Notably, MassVentures has been involved in funding companies like Transaera, which raised $100,000 and $65,000 in grants in 2021 and 2018, respectively, for its energy-efficient air conditioning technology. Additionally, they have supported AeroShield, which raised $5 million in a seed round in 2024 and $4 million in 2022, along with a $200,000 grant in 2023. These transactions highlight MassVentures' engagement with companies that are contributing to energy efficiency advancements.


10. 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 also engaged in funding initiatives aimed at enhancing energy efficiency. Notable transactions include grants to MyHEAT, which focuses on energy efficiency solutions, and CORE Energy Recovery Solutions, which develops technologies for energy recovery. Additionally, the government has supported SaskPower, a utility company, in its efforts to improve energy efficiency. These investments reflect the Government of Canada's commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.


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 a diverse portfolio, but it has also made significant strides in the energy efficiency sector. Notable transactions include a $32.8 million investment in Barghest Building Performance, a Singapore-based energy savings solutions provider, as part of KKR's Impact strategy aimed at businesses with positive social or environmental impacts. Additionally, KKR's acquisition of Clearway Community Energy for $1.3 billion underscores its commitment to the energy sector, focusing on renewable energy and community energy solutions. These investments reflect KKR's strategic approach to supporting sustainable and energy-efficient initiatives while achieving strong financial returns for its clients.


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 based in New York, New York, founded in 1998. It 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 the energy efficiency sector through its investments in companies like GridPoint, which focuses on energy management solutions, and BlocPower, which specializes in energy efficiency upgrades for buildings. Notably, Goldman Sachs facilitated significant funding for BlocPower, raising $130 million in debt financing in February 2023 and $55 million in February 2021, as well as multiple rounds of investment in GridPoint totaling over $185 million from 2006 to 2008. These transactions highlight Goldman Sachs' active role in promoting energy efficiency initiatives.


13. Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator


The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2011, dedicated to fostering an inclusive green economy. Based in Los Angeles, California, LACI supports cleantech startups through various programs, including business acceleration and funding opportunities, while also providing workforce development initiatives aimed at underrepresented groups. In recent years, LACI has been involved in several transactions that highlight its commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable technologies. For instance, they supported MeterLeader, a startup focused on energy management solutions, in a Pre-Seed round in September 2021. Additionally, InPipe Energy, which specializes in energy efficiency solutions for water systems, received support from LACI in a Non-Equity Assistance round in April 2020. These transactions demonstrate LACI's active role in promoting innovations that contribute to energy efficiency within the broader cleantech sector.


14. Energy Impact Partners


Energy Impact Partners is an investment firm based in New York, founded in 2015, that specializes in the energy sector. The firm collaborates with entrepreneurs and corporate partners to enhance innovation in clean energy technologies, providing both capital and strategic guidance to their portfolio companies. Notably, Energy Impact Partners has invested in Sense, a company focused on energy monitoring and efficiency, participating in multiple funding rounds including Series A, B, and C, which collectively raised significant capital to support the development of energy efficiency technologies. Additionally, they have invested in FirstFuel Software, a company that offers energy analytics solutions aimed at improving energy efficiency for businesses. These transactions highlight Energy Impact Partners' commitment to supporting advancements in energy efficiency and sustainable energy solutions.



Energy Efficiency 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
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Elemental ImpactHonolulu, Hawaii, United States (USA)51-200201219
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Breakthrough EnergyKirkland, Washington, United States (USA)51-200201538
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
MassVenturesWaltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-10197828
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
Los Angeles Cleantech IncubatorLos Angeles, California, United States (USA)51-20020112
Energy Impact PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200201527


Want to find more investors focusing on the energy efficiency industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the energy efficiencyindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!