The biomass energy industry in the US focuses on converting organic materials, like agricultural waste and forestry residues, into renewable energy. Companies in this space include producers of biogas, biodiesel, and biomass thermal energy products. Equally, startups innovate in biofuel technologies and waste management strategies. With an increasing shift towards sustainable energy solutions amidst climate change awareness, this sector is experiencing growth. Government policies frequently support biomass initiatives, and investments in this sector are seen as pivotal in the journey toward a carbon-neutral economy. Interestingly, biomass energy can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels.


The list of investors comprises a mix of corporate, private equity, and venture capital firms, predominantly based in major US cities like New York, Washington, and San Francisco. Founded between 1956 and 2023, these investment entities vary in size, with several employing thousands. In 2024, these investors engaged in 1,072 deals collectively, demonstrating robust interest in sustainable technologies, including biomass energy. Names like Chevron, KKR, and Morgan Stanley stand out, illustrating the commitment of both established and emerging players to this sector.


Top 16 Biomass 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, responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. It 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 transactions that support the biomass energy sector. For instance, it provided a grant of $500,000 to Green Plains in January 2023, which is known for its biofuel production. Additionally, the DOE awarded a grant of $2,000,000 to Viridos, a company focused on sustainable biofuels, in the same month. These transactions highlight the DOE's active role in promoting biomass energy initiatives and its commitment to fostering innovation in this field.


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. Their investment portfolio includes companies like Sierra Energy, which raised $33M to develop gasification technology, and Viridos, which secured $25M for R&D in algae oil productivity. These investments reflect Breakthrough Energy's commitment to advancing alternative energy technologies, including those relevant to biomass energy. They engage with businesses and organizations in the clean energy sector, providing funding, research support, and policy advocacy to address climate change.


3. 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, focused on fostering private sector development in emerging markets. Based in Washington, D.C., the IFC provides investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions, helping them access capital and expertise to promote economic growth. The IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development. Recent transactions include significant debt financing for companies like Husk Power Systems, which raised $60 million, and Engie, which raised over $551 million. While these transactions primarily focus on other renewable energy sources, the IFC's commitment to sustainable energy solutions indicates a potential interest in biomass energy projects as part of its investment strategy.


4. 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 portfolio to include renewable energy solutions and carbon capture technologies. In 2022, Chevron acquired Renewable Energy Group for $3.15 billion, a company known for its production of biodiesel and renewable diesel, marking a significant step into the biomass energy sector. In 2023, Chevron participated in a $25 million Series A investment in Viridos, Inc., which focuses on increasing algae oil productivity, a renewable energy source. Additionally, Chevron has shown interest in funding Raven SR, a renewable fuels company, indicating their commitment to advancing biomass energy technologies. Through these transactions, Chevron is positioning itself as a key player in the renewable energy landscape, particularly in biomass energy.


5. 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 leader in asset management, providing solutions to institutional investors and individual clients. The firm has been actively involved in the renewable energy sector, with significant transactions such as the acquisition of Albioma for approximately $1.68 billion, a company that focuses on biomass energy production. KKR also invested $450 million in Hero Future Energies, which is expanding its portfolio in various renewable technologies, potentially including biomass. Their diverse investment strategy and commitment to supporting renewable energy initiatives position KKR as a relevant player in the biomass energy industry.


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 variety of funding options, including venture capital and grants, along with business guidance and accelerator programs. MassVentures primarily serves startups aiming to commercialize their research and technology. Notably, it has been involved in transactions relevant to the biomass energy sector, such as providing a grant to Takachar, a company that focuses on biomass conversion technologies, and River Otter Renewables, which also operates within the renewable energy space. These investments highlight MassVentures' commitment to fostering innovation in the biomass energy industry, alongside its broader focus on technology commercialization.


7. 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 engaged in several transactions that support the biomass energy sector, including grants to Carbonaxion Bioénergies, which raised $200,000 in September 2023, and BioFuelNet Canada, which secured $5,300,000 in August 2023. These investments reflect the government's commitment to advancing biomass energy technologies and research, contributing to the growth of sustainable energy solutions in Canada.


8. 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 made significant investments, including in BioOilSolv, which raised funds in a Pre-Seed round, indicating a focus on bio-oil solutions that are relevant to the biomass energy sector. Other transactions include investments in companies like Ammobia and General Galactic, which, while not directly related to biomass energy, showcase their active role in supporting innovative technologies. Their model emphasizes partnerships and resources to enhance business development across various sectors, including those that may impact energy solutions.


9. 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. Notably, the fund has participated in significant transactions such as Carbo Culture, which raised $18.3 million to advance carbon dioxide removal and biochar technology, highlighting its commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Other investments include Bloom Energy and Mainspring Energy, which, while not directly related to biomass, indicate a focus on innovative energy technologies.


10. Morgan Stanley

  • Website: morganstanley.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 79
  • LinkedIn: morgan-stanley

Morgan Stanley is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1986, headquartered in New York, New York. The firm offers a wide array of services, including wealth management, investment banking, and capital markets, catering to individuals, families, corporations, and governments. With a global presence and a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, Morgan Stanley leverages its expertise to provide tailored financial solutions. Notably, Morgan Stanley has been involved in significant transactions within the biomass energy sector, such as investing in Range Fuels, which raised substantial funding in 2008 for the development of biofuels. This investment highlights their engagement in the biomass energy industry. Additionally, their recent financing activities, including a $520 million project financing for Energix Renewables, although primarily focused on solar projects, demonstrate their broader commitment to renewable energy solutions, which may encompass biomass energy initiatives as well.


11. Climate Capital

  • Website: climatecapital.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: climatecap

Climate Capital is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The firm focuses on supporting early-stage climate tech companies, providing funding and resources to entrepreneurs working on emissions reduction and climate adaptation. Their investment strategy emphasizes community building and access to a network of investors and industry experts, which helps founders scale their businesses effectively. Notably, Climate Capital has participated in transactions relevant to the biomass energy sector, such as Carbo Culture, which specializes in large-scale CO2 removal using woody waste, and Pow.bio, which is expanding operations with a demonstration plant that may involve biomass technologies. These investments highlight Climate Capital's commitment to supporting innovative solutions that align with biomass energy principles.


12. 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. Founded in 1985, the firm has built a diverse portfolio that includes private equity, real estate, and credit solutions for institutional and individual investors. Blackstone has been actively involved in the renewable energy sector, particularly through its investments in Invenergy, where it has made substantial contributions totaling nearly $4 billion to support the expansion of Invenergy's renewables business. This includes a notable follow-on equity investment of $1 billion announced in June 2023. Additionally, Blackstone's earlier transactions, such as its involvement with Rentech, further demonstrate its engagement in the energy sector, although Rentech's focus was more on alternative fuels rather than biomass specifically. Overall, Blackstone's strategic investments in renewable energy projects position it as a significant player in the biomass energy landscape.


13. 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. Notably, Khosla Ventures has made significant investments in the biomass energy sector, including multiple funding rounds for Range Fuels, which raised a total of $100 million across Series A, B, and C rounds between 2006 and 2008. Range Fuels focuses on converting biomass into renewable fuels, highlighting Khosla's commitment to advancing biomass energy solutions. Additionally, Khosla Ventures has invested in Gevo, a company that produces renewable fuels and chemicals from biomass, further emphasizing their involvement in the biomass energy landscape. Through these investments, Khosla Ventures supports innovative approaches to sustainable energy, aligning with their mission to foster entrepreneurship in impactful sectors.


14. 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 is dedicated to supporting early-stage startups that aim to mitigate climate change, investing across various sectors such as energy, food and agriculture, and manufacturing. Prelude Ventures provides essential funding and strategic support to help these startups succeed in addressing critical environmental challenges. Notably, they have invested in Covercress, a company that has raised significant funding over the years, which focuses on sustainable agricultural practices that could relate to biomass energy. Covercress has raised a total of $9 million across multiple funding rounds, indicating Prelude's commitment to innovative solutions that may contribute to biomass energy initiatives. Additionally, Prelude Ventures' investment in Graphyte, which raised $30 million in 2024, further demonstrates their active role in supporting companies that may have implications for energy sustainability.


15. 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, particularly in technology and life sciences. With a history of backing over 900 ventures, Kleiner Perkins has established itself as a significant player in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in Renmatix, which raised $50 million in Series C funding in 2012 and $15 million in Series B funding in 2008, focusing on converting biomass into sugars for biofuels. Additionally, their investments in Bloom Energy, which raised substantial funds across multiple rounds, highlight their commitment to clean energy technologies. These transactions reflect Kleiner Perkins' strategic support for companies that contribute to sustainable energy solutions, including biomass energy.


16. Hax

  • Website: hax.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 55
  • LinkedIn: hax

HAX is a venture capital firm and startup incubator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012. They specialize in supporting hard tech startups by providing funding, engineering support, and access to manufacturing resources. HAX aims to accelerate the growth of early-stage companies that develop innovative solutions in sustainability, climate, and health. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in XFuel, which has raised multiple rounds of funding, indicating a focus on energy solutions. Additionally, they have invested in Altiro Energy, which also aligns with energy innovation. These investments suggest HAX is actively engaging with companies that may contribute to the biomass energy sector, although their primary focus remains broader than just biomass.



Biomass 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
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
ChevronHouston, Texas, United States (USA)10001+199916
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
MassVenturesWaltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-10197828
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Morgan StanleyNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+198679
Climate CapitalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201517
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
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
HaxSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201255


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

If you want to find more investors that are active in the biomass 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!