The biofuel production industry in the U.S. focuses on creating renewable energy from organic materials. With companies spanning various sectors, from advanced biofuels to traditional ethanol, innovations continue to emerge. This sector plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and leveraging waste to generate energy. Cutting-edge technologies, such as algae biofuel and waste conversion processes, are gaining traction. As environmental concerns grow, the industry aims for increased efficiency and lower costs, positioning itself as a key driver in the global transition to cleaner energy solutions. The future looks promising with governmental support and rising demand for sustainable energy.

This compilation showcases 15 prominent biofuel production investors, each contributing to the field through varied types such as corporate, venture capital, or private equity. Their headquarters span from Washington, D.C. to New York and beyond, covering strategic locations pivotal for investment in renewable energy. Established from 1956 to 2023, each firm varies in size, with many employing over 10,000 people, and has engaged in a substantial number of transactions in 2024, pointing to their active role in the biofuel sector's growth and innovation.

Top 15 Biofuel Production 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 biofuel production, the DOE has been involved in several significant transactions, including grants to companies such as Marquis, which received funding to accelerate domestic biofuel production, and Green Plains, which raised funds through a grant. Additionally, Viridos and Blue Biofuels also received grants from the DOE, highlighting the department's active role in supporting the biofuel industry and its commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions.

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, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. The firm provides venture capital investment and resources to help startups in sectors like health and climate technology grow and succeed. In recent years, Sosv has been active in the biofuel production space, notably investing in companies such as XFuel, which raised funds in multiple rounds, including a Series A and Seed rounds, indicating a strong interest in advancing biofuel technologies. Additionally, Sosv has invested in Khepra, another startup in the biofuel sector, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting innovations that contribute to sustainable energy solutions. By connecting innovative companies with investors globally, Sosv plays a significant role in fostering advancements in the biofuel industry.

3. 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 significant contributions to biofuel production, such as a $25 million Series A equity investment in Viridos, Inc., aimed at enhancing algae oil productivity. Additionally, they granted $50 million to LanzaJet's Freedom Pines Fuels SAF plant, which focuses on sustainable aviation fuel production. These investments highlight Breakthrough Energy's active role in the biofuel sector, alongside their broader mission to support clean energy initiatives.

4. 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 been involved in significant transactions within the biofuel sector, including debt financing for Vicentin S.A.I.C., which raised $35 million in 2018 and $25 million in 2015, both of which are key players in the biofuel industry. Additionally, IFC supported Usina Santa Adélia with $50 million in debt financing in 2022, further emphasizing its role in financing biofuel production initiatives. These transactions highlight IFC's commitment to investing in sustainable energy solutions, including biofuels, making it a relevant player in this sector.

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 biofuel production, the Government of Canada has been involved in several significant transactions, including grants to BioFuelNet Canada ($5,300,000), Carbonaxion Bioénergies ($200,000), and Aurora Hydrogen ($3,000,000). These investments reflect the government's commitment to advancing the biofuel industry and supporting innovative energy solutions, making it a relevant player in the biofuel production sector.

6. 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 companies relevant to the biofuel production sector, such as Phase Biolabs, which focuses on biotechnological solutions, and Phoenix Hydrogen, which is involved in hydrogen production. These investments reflect Y Combinator's engagement with innovative technologies that can impact the biofuel industry, showcasing its role as a key player in supporting advancements in renewable energy.

7. 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 based in Houston, Texas, specializing in oil and natural gas exploration, production, and distribution. Founded in 1999, Chevron has expanded its focus to include renewable energy solutions and carbon capture technologies. In 2022, Chevron acquired Renewable Energy Group for $3.15 billion, significantly enhancing its position in the biofuels market. Furthermore, Chevron has invested in companies like Viridos, which is working on increasing algae oil productivity, and Raven SR, a renewable fuels company, showcasing its active role in supporting biofuel innovation. Chevron's commitment to sustainable practices and its investments in biofuel production align with its goal to meet the world's energy demands responsibly.

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 supports startups by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them develop innovative solutions across various sectors, including climate and food. In 2024, IndieBio has been particularly active, with notable investments in biofuel production, such as VIA BioFuels, which raised funds through seed rounds and convertible notes. This involvement in biofuel-related startups highlights IndieBio's commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and positions them as a relevant player in the biofuel production industry.

9. 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 by providing funding opportunities, community engagement strategies, and educational resources. They focus on addressing the funding gap for early-stage climate projects and fostering partnerships that enhance community benefits. Notably, Elemental Impact has been involved in several transactions relevant to biofuel production, including investments in Dimensional Energy, which secured $20 million in a Series A funding round to advance initiatives for constructing an advanced power-to-liquid fuels plant. Additionally, they have supported Terviva, a company that has raised funds for sustainable agricultural practices, which can intersect with biofuel production. Their engagement in these transactions highlights their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the climate technology space, including biofuels.

10. 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 have been particularly active, with 253 investments, including notable transactions in the biofuel sector such as BioOilSolv, which raised an undisclosed amount in a Pre-Seed round on April 2, 2024. This investment highlights their engagement in the biofuel production industry, alongside other technology-focused investments like General Galactic and Ammobia, which, while not directly related to biofuels, showcase their broad investment strategy aimed at innovative solutions.

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 provides asset management solutions to institutional investors and individual clients, helping them navigate complex investment landscapes to achieve strong financial returns. In recent years, KKR has made significant strides in the renewable energy sector, including the acquisition of Albioma, a company focused on biomass energy, and a $450 million investment in Hero Future Energies, which is expanding its portfolio in renewable technologies such as solar, wind, and green hydrogen. Furthermore, KKR's acquisition of ContourGlobal, which operates numerous renewable power plants, underscores their commitment to supporting the energy transition and reaching net zero commitments. These transactions highlight KKR's active role in the renewable energy landscape, making them a potential player in the biofuel production industry.

12. 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 focuses on supporting early-stage companies, particularly in the realm of deep tech innovation. The firm offers a variety of funding options, including venture capital and grants, along with business guidance and accelerator programs. MassVentures has been actively involved in funding startups that seek to commercialize their research and technology. Notably, they have made several investments in the biofuel sector, including grants to River Otter Renewables, which raised $75,000 in December 2023, and Takachar, which received $65,000 in September 2012. Additionally, they supported Emvolon with a $500,000 seed round in October 2023 and a $100,000 grant in May 2024, indicating their ongoing commitment to fostering innovation in renewable energy and biofuels. Their focus on providing essential resources to help startups succeed positions them as a valuable player in the biofuel production landscape.

13. 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

The 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. Notably, the fund has participated in significant transactions such as Carbo Culture, which raised $18.3 million in a Series A funding round aimed at advancing carbon dioxide removal and biochar technology, both of which are critical in the context of biofuel production and sustainability. Additionally, the fund has invested in Capra Biosciences, which raised $3.4 million in a seed round, further indicating its engagement in innovative technologies that may intersect with biofuel production.

14. 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, founded in 1998. It offers a wide range of services, including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele. In recent years, Goldman Sachs has demonstrated a commitment to sustainable investments, particularly in the biofuel sector. Notably, they participated in a funding round for Godavari Biorefineries, which raised approximately $19.7 million in October 2024. Additionally, their involvement in Accelergy, which raised $25 million in 2006, and their role in funding rounds for clean-tech companies like Bloom Energy, highlight their engagement in the renewable energy space. These transactions reflect Goldman Sachs' strategy to support innovative energy solutions, including biofuels, as part of their broader investment portfolio.

15. 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, based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in providing funding and strategic guidance to startups, particularly in technology, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. Khosla Ventures has been actively involved in the biofuel production industry through its investments in Gevo, a company dedicated to producing renewable fuels and biofuels. Khosla Ventures participated in several funding rounds for Gevo, including Series A, B, C, and D, demonstrating a sustained interest in advancing biofuel technologies. Their support for Gevo highlights their commitment to sustainability and innovation in the energy sector, making them a significant player in the biofuel investment landscape.

Biofuel Production Insights: Key Investors in the US

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