The nuclear energy industry in the US plays a critical role in producing electricity with minimal carbon emissions. It consists of various entities, including reactor operators, technology developers, and service providers. While traditional large-scale plants dominate, innovation is on the rise with startups exploring advanced small modular reactors and nuclear fusion technologies. This evolution aims to enhance safety and efficiency while addressing environmental concerns. As regulatory support grows and demand for cleaner energy rises, the industry is set for a transformative phase. With an aging workforce, new investments are pivotal to keeping the momentum in nuclear energy sustainable and strong.


This article spotlights top nuclear energy investors in the US, mainly consisting of venture capital and private equity firms. These investors are spread across key states such as California and New York and vary in size from small startups to large corporations. Founded between 1972 and 2023, many have a strong focus on advancing nuclear technology and promoting clean energy initiatives, with combined investments totaling hundreds in 2024. Their strategic contributions reflect a growing interest in fostering innovation within the nuclear sector, underscoring the industry's potential and significance in the quest for sustainable energy solutions.


Top 14 Nuclear Energy 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 the context of nuclear energy, the DOE has been actively involved in funding initiatives that support the development of nuclear technologies. Notable transactions include grants to Westinghouse Electric Company ($3.5 million in 2013), TerraPower ($8.55 million in 2022), NuScale Power ($40 million in 2018), and Centrus Energy (amount undisclosed in 2024). Additionally, the Idaho National Laboratory received a $7.5 million grant in 2024, further highlighting the DOE's commitment to advancing nuclear energy research and development.


2. 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. Notably, Breakthrough Energy has made significant investments in the nuclear energy sector, particularly through their involvement with Commonwealth Fusion. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Commonwealth Fusion, including a substantial $1.8 billion Series B round in December 2021, aimed at developing high-temperature superconducting magnets and the world's first net-energy-gain fusion system, SPARC. Additionally, they were involved in earlier funding rounds for Commonwealth Fusion, including a $115 million Series A in June 2019 and an $84 million A2 funding round in May 2020. These transactions highlight Breakthrough Energy's commitment to advancing nuclear fusion technology as part of their broader mission to support clean energy innovations.


3. 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 provides a range of products including transportation fuels, lubricants, and petrochemicals, while also investing in renewable energy solutions and carbon capture technologies. In recent years, Chevron has made significant investments in advanced energy technologies, including a notable $250 million investment in TAE Technologies in July 2022, a company focused on nuclear fusion energy. This investment aligns with Chevron's strategy to diversify its energy portfolio and explore sustainable energy solutions. Additionally, Chevron's acquisitions of Magnum Development and ACES Delta in September 2023 further demonstrate their commitment to enhancing their energy capabilities, including green hydrogen production, which complements their interest in nuclear energy. Their customers include businesses and consumers in need of reliable energy solutions, and Chevron operates globally, focusing on sustainable practices to meet the world's energy demands.


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 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. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments, Y Combinator has backed companies in the nuclear energy sector, including Helion Energy, a nuclear fusion startup that aims to achieve energy break-even in three years, and Oklo, which focuses on compact nuclear reactors. These investments highlight Y Combinator's engagement with innovative energy solutions, particularly in the nuclear domain.


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 nuclear energy, the Government of Canada has been actively involved in funding initiatives that promote research and development in this sector. For instance, it provided a grant of $7 million to ARC Clean Energy in October 2023, aimed at advancing clean energy technologies. Additionally, in April 2024, the government awarded a substantial grant of approximately $289 million to TRIUMF, a leading nuclear and particle physics research facility, to support its ongoing projects. Furthermore, the Saskatchewan Research Council received multiple grants totaling over $22 million in 2024, which are likely to contribute to nuclear energy research and development efforts. These transactions highlight the government's role in fostering innovation and supporting the nuclear energy industry in Canada.


6. 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 specializes in supporting early-stage companies, particularly those focused on deep tech innovation. The firm offers a range of funding options, including venture capital and grants, along with business guidance and accelerator programs. Notably, MassVentures has been involved in several transactions relevant to the nuclear energy sector, such as providing grants to Silverside Detectors and Radiation Monitoring Devices, both of which are engaged in radiation detection technologies. These investments highlight MassVentures' commitment to fostering innovation in areas that intersect with nuclear energy, alongside their broader focus on commercializing research and technology.


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 actively involved in the nuclear energy sector, with notable transactions including a $700 million Series C investment in X-energy, a company focused on advanced nuclear reactor technology, and a $29.4 million Series A investment in Aalo Atomics, which is engaged in nuclear technology development. Additionally, they participated in a $100 million Series C funding for Radiant, which is also relevant to the nuclear energy field. These transactions highlight the fund's commitment to supporting innovative companies within the nuclear energy industry.


8. Blackstone

  • Website: blackstone.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: blackstonegroup

Blackstone Inc. is a prominent investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a reputation for delivering lasting value through its extensive portfolio and strategic investment approaches. Notably, Blackstone has made significant investments in the energy sector, particularly through its involvement with Invenergy, where it has committed nearly $4 billion to support the company's expansion in renewable energy. This includes a recent follow-on equity investment of $1 billion announced in June 2023. Additionally, Blackstone's acquisition of a majority interest in Sithe Global Power in 2005 further highlights its engagement in the energy market. While Blackstone's investment strategy encompasses a wide range of industries, its active role in energy investments positions it as a relevant player in the nuclear energy sector.


9. Energy Impact Partners


Energy Impact Partners is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015, that specializes in the energy sector. The firm is dedicated to funding and supporting companies that drive the transition to sustainable energy. They collaborate 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 been involved in significant transactions within the nuclear energy context, particularly with Zap Energy. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Zap Energy, including a Series B round that raised $27.5 million to advance technologies related to fusion reactors, as well as Series C and D rounds that raised $160 million and $130 million, respectively. This involvement highlights their commitment to advancing nuclear energy technologies, particularly in the fusion domain.


10. 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 based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in providing funding and strategic assistance to startups, particularly in technology, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. Khosla Ventures has been involved in several notable transactions in the nuclear energy context, most prominently with Commonwealth Fusion. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Commonwealth Fusion, including a substantial $1.8 billion Series B round in December 2021, aimed at developing the world's first net-energy-gain fusion system. This investment highlights Khosla Ventures' commitment to advancing nuclear energy technologies. Additionally, they have invested in AltaRock Energy, which focuses on geothermal energy, another form of sustainable energy that can complement nuclear energy initiatives. Overall, Khosla Ventures is positioned as a forward-thinking investor in the energy sector, with a particular interest in innovative solutions that include nuclear energy.


11. Prelude Ventures

  • Website: preludeventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: prelude-ventures

Prelude Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012. The firm focuses on supporting early-stage startups that aim to mitigate climate change across various sectors, including energy, food and agriculture, and manufacturing. Prelude Ventures provides essential funding and strategic support to help these startups succeed. Among their notable transactions, they led a $20 million Series A funding round for Thea Energy, which is developing superconducting planar coil magnet array systems and a large-scale integrated neutron source stellarator system, indicating a strong focus on nuclear energy technologies. Additionally, they participated in a $100 million Series A funding round for Xcimer Energy, further emphasizing their involvement in the nuclear energy sector. Prelude Ventures also has investments in companies like Spark Thermionics and Quaise, which, while primarily focused on other energy solutions, contribute to the broader energy innovation landscape.


12. Kleiner Perkins

  • Website: kleinerperkins.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1972
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 38
  • LinkedIn: kleiner-perkins

Kleiner Perkins is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1972. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and growth companies, providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. With a focus on technology and life sciences, Kleiner Perkins has backed over 900 ventures, making it a key player in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in AltaRock Energy, which raised $26.25 million in Series B funding in 2008 and $4 million in Series A funding in 2007. AltaRock Energy is involved in geothermal energy, which is often discussed in the context of sustainable energy solutions alongside nuclear energy. This investment reflects Kleiner Perkins' interest in energy technologies, although their portfolio also includes significant investments in companies like Bloom Energy, a fuel cell manufacturer, which, while not directly related to nuclear energy, indicates their broader engagement in the energy sector.


13. Dcvc

  • Website: dcvc.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: data-collective

DCVC is a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in deep tech and life sciences, investing in innovative startups that tackle significant global challenges, particularly in climate and healthcare. In recent years, DCVC has made notable investments in the nuclear energy sector, including a $100 million Series C investment in Radiant, a company focused on advanced nuclear technology, and a $20 million Series A investment in Zeno Power, which develops radioisotope power systems. Additionally, DCVC has invested in Zap Energy, contributing $130 million in a Series D round and $160 million in a Series C round, both aimed at advancing fusion energy technologies. These transactions highlight DCVC's commitment to supporting groundbreaking solutions in the nuclear energy field.


14. Riverstone Holdings


Riverstone Holdings LLC is an investment management firm specializing in private equity and credit solutions within the energy, power, and infrastructure sectors. Founded in 2000 and based in New York, Riverstone partners with institutional investors to provide tailored investment strategies, focusing on capitalizing on market opportunities and managing risks associated with energy transitions. Notably, Riverstone has been involved in significant transactions in the nuclear energy sector, including the acquisition of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station in June 2016, which highlights their commitment to nuclear energy investments. Additionally, their merger agreement with Talen Energy Corporation, a competitive energy and power generation company, further demonstrates their active role in the energy market, which includes nuclear power. Riverstone's diverse portfolio also includes investments in hydro and coal power, showcasing their broad engagement in the energy landscape.



Nuclear Energy 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
Breakthrough EnergyKirkland, Washington, United States (USA)51-200201538
ChevronHouston, Texas, United States (USA)10001+199916
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
MassVenturesWaltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-10197828
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
Energy Impact PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200201527
Khosla VenturesMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200200497
Prelude VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201216
Kleiner PerkinsMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)11-50197238
DcvcPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)11-50201128
Riverstone HoldingsNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-50020000


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

If you want to find more investors that are active in the nuclear energyindustry, 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!