The environmental biotechnology industry in the US focuses on using biological processes to address environmental issues. Companies in this sector develop innovative solutions for waste management, pollution control, and sustainable agriculture, using microorganisms and plants to improve ecosystems. With increasing awareness of climate change and sustainability, this industry is evolving rapidly. Startups and established firms are pioneering methods for bio-remediation and bioenergy, paving the way for greener alternatives. Investments in this sector not only foster technology development but also contribute to a more sustainable future, attracting attention from environmental advocates and investors alike, eager to make a positive impact.


This list highlights 16 investors revolutionizing environmental biotechnology in the US. These investors range from venture capital firms like Y Combinator in San Francisco to prominent funds like Breakthrough Energy in Kirkland. With a mix of established names and emerging players, each investor varies in size, having been founded between the mid-1980s to the mid-2010s. In 2024, they each participated in numerous funding rounds—Y Combinator alone made 802 investments—reflecting a robust commitment to advancing environmental solutions through biotechnology.


Top 16 Environmental Biotechnology 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 significant transactions within the environmental biotechnology sector, providing grants to innovative companies. For instance, in December 2024, LanzaTech raised $200 million in a grant from the DOE, which focuses on converting carbon emissions into valuable products. Additionally, the DOE supported LanzaTech with another grant of $3 million in October 2024 and $1.64 million in January 2023. Other notable transactions include a grant of $199,722 to Bluestem Biosciences in May 2023 and $3.6 million to Global Algae Innovations in January 2023. These investments highlight the DOE's commitment to fostering advancements in environmental biotechnology.


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 but also resources to help startups grow and succeed. In 2024, they have made significant investments, including in AlkaLi Labs, which focuses on sustainable solutions, and Athos Bioindustries, which is involved in bio-based technologies. Additionally, their investment in Capra Biosciences further emphasizes their commitment to supporting companies that are likely to contribute to environmental biotechnology advancements. Overall, SOSV's portfolio reflects a strong alignment with climate technology and environmental sustainability.


3. 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 through a structured program that helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments is Solugen, a biomaterials startup that focuses on plant-based bio-peroxide technology. Y Combinator participated in multiple funding rounds for Solugen, including a $4.4 million seed funding round in 2017, followed by Series A and Series B rounds in subsequent years, raising a total of $87.7 million. This involvement highlights Y Combinator's interest in supporting innovative solutions within the environmental biotechnology space, particularly those that aim to create sustainable and eco-friendly products.


4. 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. IndieBio has been actively involved in funding various biotech companies, including AlkaLi Labs, which focuses on innovative solutions for environmental challenges, and Athos Bioindustries, which also aligns with sustainability goals. In 2024 alone, IndieBio participated in 76 investments, indicating a robust engagement in the biotech sector. Their portfolio includes companies like Capra Biosciences and Scindo, which further emphasizes their commitment to fostering innovation in biotechnology that can address pressing environmental issues.


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 recent years, the Government of Canada has been involved in several significant transactions in the environmental biotechnology sector, primarily through grants. For instance, it provided $1,000,000 to the Verschuren Centre in September 2023, $2,500,000 to InnoTech Alberta in January 2025, and substantial funding to the Saskatchewan Research Council, including $16,169,330 in August 2024 and $6,000,000 in March 2024. These transactions highlight the government's role in fostering innovation and research in environmental biotechnology, making it a relevant investor in this field.


6. ARCH Venture Partners

  • Website: archventure.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: arch-venture-partners

ARCH Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in biotechnology investments since its founding in 1986. The firm provides funding and strategic support to innovative companies in the life sciences sector, particularly early-stage biotech firms. Notably, ARCH has participated in significant funding rounds for AgBiome, a company focused on agricultural biotechnology, which has raised substantial capital to develop crop protection products aimed at enhancing sustainable agricultural practices. Their involvement in AgBiome's Series A, B, and C funding rounds highlights their commitment to supporting advancements in agricultural solutions that can positively impact the environment. Additionally, ARCH's investment in IngredientWerks, which is developing plant-based, bioidentical animal proteins, reflects their interest in sustainable food technologies that align with environmental biotechnology principles.


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 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. Notably, they have invested in several companies within the environmental biotechnology sector, such as Epoch Biodesign, which raised $11 million in a Seed Round in January 2022, and BioOilSolv, which secured funding in a Pre-Seed Round in April 2024. Their participation in these transactions highlights their focus on supporting businesses that contribute to environmental sustainability and biotechnology advancements.


8. 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, part of Alumni Ventures, is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions 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 transactions relevant to environmental biotechnology, including investments in Manus Bio, which focuses on sustainable bioprocessing, Capra Biosciences, which is engaged in developing biotechnological solutions, Ruby Bio, and Mycocycle, a startup that utilizes mushroom-based materials for sustainable applications. These investments highlight the fund's interest in supporting innovative companies that contribute to environmental sustainability through biotechnology.


9. Casdin Capital, LLC

  • Website: casdincapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: casdin-capital-llc

Casdin Capital, LLC is a venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in the life sciences sector. Founded in 2012, the firm focuses on investing in healthcare, biotechnology, synthetic biology, and technology, providing funding and strategic partnerships to innovative companies. Notable transactions include a $118 million Series C investment in Genomatica, a company that develops sustainable chemical processes, and participation in a $33 million Series B funding round for Arzeda, a protein design company that contributes to sustainable biomanufacturing. Additionally, Casdin Capital invested approximately $50 million in Codexis, which is involved in enzyme technology that can have applications in environmental sustainability. These investments reflect Casdin Capital's commitment to advancing research and development in areas that intersect with environmental biotechnology.


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 founded in 2004, 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 been a key investor in LanzaTech, a pioneering company in the environmental biotechnology space. Over the years, Khosla Ventures has participated in several funding rounds for LanzaTech, including a Series A investment of $3.5 million in 2007, followed by subsequent rounds of Series B ($18 million in 2010), Series C ($55.8 million in 2013), Series D ($112 million in 2014), and a Post-IPO Equity round of $185 million in 2023. These investments highlight Khosla Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions that address environmental challenges through biotechnology.


11. GV (Google Ventures)

  • Website: gv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: gv

GV (Google Ventures) is a venture capital firm founded in 2009, based in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. With over $10 billion in assets under management, GV provides funding and support to innovative technology startups across various sectors, including life sciences and artificial intelligence. Notably, GV has made significant investments in companies that align with environmental biotechnology, such as Benson Hill, which raised $150 million in a Series D funding round to develop sustainable food and ingredient options through its CropOS™ platform. Additionally, GV invested in Fyto, which raised $15 million in Series A funding, indicating their interest in agricultural innovations that may contribute to environmental sustainability. These transactions highlight GV's engagement in the environmental biotechnology space, despite their broader investment focus.


12. 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 strategy includes backing companies in the clean energy sector, with a notable focus on environmental biotechnology. For instance, they participated in the Series A and Series B funding rounds for DMC Biotechnologies, which focuses on sustainable biotechnological solutions. Additionally, they were involved in multiple funding rounds for Pivot Bio, a company that develops innovative agricultural biotechnology products aimed at reducing the environmental impact of farming. Through these investments, Breakthrough Energy plays a significant role in fostering advancements in environmental biotechnology.


13. Invus

  • Website: invus.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 35
  • LinkedIn: invus

Invus is a venture capital investment firm based in New York, specializing in equity investments and investment management since its founding in 1985. The firm partners with owner-managers across various industries to enhance business performance and create sustainable value. In 2024, Invus has been active with 35 investments, showcasing its commitment to long-term growth and navigating complex investment landscapes. Notably, Invus has participated in significant funding rounds for biotechnology companies such as Endeavor BioMedicines, which raised $132.5 million to advance its drug pipeline, and Harpoon Therapeutics, which secured substantial funding through private placements. These transactions highlight Invus's engagement in the biotechnology sector, which, while primarily focused on therapeutic applications, can intersect with environmental biotechnology principles.


14. Janus Henderson Investors

  • Website: janushenderson.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 39
  • LinkedIn: janus-henderson-emea

Janus Henderson Investors is a private equity firm based in Denver, Colorado, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in asset management, offering a diverse range of investment products such as ETFs, mutual funds, and managed accounts. They cater to individual investors, financial professionals, and institutional clients, aiming to achieve superior financial outcomes through disciplined investment strategies. Janus Henderson operates globally, with its headquarters in London. In recent years, they have participated in several notable transactions in the biotechnology sector, including a $92 million Series E financing for BioTheryx, which focuses on advanced molecular therapies. They also took part in funding rounds for Kymera Therapeutics and Lycia Therapeutics, both of which are involved in innovative therapeutic solutions. These transactions highlight Janus Henderson's engagement in the biotechnology field, which can encompass environmental applications.


15. Redmile Group

  • Website: redmilegroup.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: redmile-group

Redmile Group is a San Francisco-based investment management firm founded in 2007, specializing in venture capital. The firm focuses on providing asset management and investment strategies to high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors. Redmile Group has been actively involved in various funding rounds, including notable investments in biotechnology firms. For example, they led a $15 million Seed financing round for Home Biosciences, which is likely to develop biotechnological solutions. Additionally, they participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Nurix Therapeutics and Kymera Therapeutics, which, while primarily focused on drug discovery and development, operate within the broader biotechnology sector. Their diverse portfolio indicates a strategic interest in innovative biotech solutions, which may include environmental applications.


16. 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 a strong emphasis on community impact. They provide funding opportunities, community engagement strategies, and educational resources to support climate technology companies and local governments in deploying sustainable solutions. In 2024, Elemental Impact has been involved in 19 investments, including notable transactions in the environmental biotechnology sector. They have invested in Microvi Biotechnologies and CarbonCure Technologies, both of which focus on innovative solutions for environmental challenges. Additionally, they have supported FORAY bioscience and C16 Biosciences, which are also engaged in biotechnology solutions aimed at sustainability. Through these investments, Elemental Impact addresses the funding gap for early-stage climate projects and fosters partnerships that enhance community benefits.



Environmental Biotechnology 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
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
IndieBioSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201576
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
ARCH Venture PartnersChicago, Illinois, United States (USA)11-50198632
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
Casdin Capital, LLCNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5020129
Khosla VenturesMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200200497
GV (Google Ventures)San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States (USA)51-200200974
Breakthrough EnergyKirkland, Washington, United States (USA)51-200201538
InvusNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200198535
Janus Henderson InvestorsDenver, Colorado, United States (USA)1001-5000201739
Redmile GroupSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50200715
Elemental ImpactHonolulu, Hawaii, United States (USA)51-200201219


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