The green building construction industry in the U.S. focuses on creating energy-efficient, environmentally friendly structures. Companies operate in various domains, including sustainable material production, energy-efficient design, and innovative construction techniques. This industry is rapidly evolving with advancements such as 3D printing and smart-home technologies, attracting significant investments aimed at reducing carbon footprints. In 2023, the sector grew significantly, driven by increased awareness of climate change and regulatory incentives. Initiatives like LEED certification further motivate buildings to be environmentally friendly, making these actions vital for both business sustainability and community development.

This list includes 16 investors with diverse backgrounds, from venture capitalists like Y Combinator in San Francisco to corporate giants like the DOE in Washington, D.C. Their firm sizes vary, employing between 51 and over 10,000 people. Founded from 1956 to 2023, these investors collectively facilitated over 2,000 deals in 2024 alone, reflecting significant engagement in the green building sector. Each of these investors plays a crucial role in funding innovative solutions that address the pressing challenges of sustainable construction.

Top 16 Green Building Construction 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 plays a crucial role in promoting energy efficiency and sustainability through funding opportunities and research. In 2024, the DOE has been involved in several significant transactions that support green building initiatives, including grants to Hempitecture for sustainable building materials, Southface for energy-efficient building practices, and Prometheus Materials for innovative construction solutions. These transactions highlight the DOE's commitment to advancing green building construction and energy efficiency.

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 through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. With over 4,000 startups launched, Y Combinator has established itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments, Y Combinator has funded companies in the green building construction space, such as Mighty Buildings, which raised over $25 million in Series A funding for its innovative 3D-printed homes that utilize sustainable materials. Additionally, Y Combinator invested in BotBuilt, a startup focused on robotic homebuilding, which raised $12.4 million in seed funding. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's involvement in promoting sustainable construction technologies.

3. 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 align with green building and sustainability initiatives. For instance, it provided a grant of $745,176 to the Light House Sustainability Society, which focuses on promoting sustainable building practices. Additionally, it supported Carbicrete with $500,000 in debt financing, a company that develops sustainable concrete alternatives. Other notable transactions include grants to Nelplast Eco Ghana and Nature-Action Québec, both of which contribute to environmental sustainability. These investments reflect the government's commitment to fostering green initiatives and supporting the transition towards more sustainable building practices.

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, headquartered in Washington, D.C. It focuses on private sector development in emerging markets, providing investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions. The IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development. In recent transactions, the IFC has invested in companies such as Ayala Land, which raised $351,385,359 in post-IPO debt, and Vinte, which raised $238,021,207 in post-IPO equity. These investments indicate the IFC's involvement in the real estate sector, which is crucial for green building initiatives. Additionally, the IFC's support for companies like ACCIONA, known for its commitment to sustainable infrastructure, further emphasizes its role in promoting environmentally friendly construction practices.

5. Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund)

• Website: cdfifund.gov
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 40
• LinkedIn: community-development-financial-institutions-fund-cdfi-fund

The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) is a public entity established in 1994, located in Washington, D.C. It provides financial assistance and support to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to promote economic growth in underserved communities. The CDFI Fund offers various programs aimed at enhancing access to capital and financial services, addressing the needs of economically disadvantaged populations. In recent transactions, the CDFI Fund has supported several initiatives relevant to green building construction, including a $500,000 grant to the Solar and Energy Loan Fund aimed at promoting solar energy solutions, and a $9,000,000 grant to Community Housing Partners Corporation, which focuses on sustainable housing development. Additionally, the CDFI Fund has provided significant funding to organizations like Habitat For Humanity International, which is known for its commitment to building affordable and sustainable homes. These transactions highlight the CDFI Fund's role in facilitating projects that contribute to environmentally sustainable construction practices.

6. 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 and achieve strong financial returns. Among their notable transactions, KKR has invested in Arevia Power, a U.S. renewable energy developer, which focuses on the development of solar and wind projects, highlighting their commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Additionally, KKR India Asset Finance provided debt financing to Omkar Realtors & Developers for residential projects in Mumbai, indicating their involvement in the construction sector. These transactions reflect KKR's engagement in areas that support green building initiatives, particularly through renewable energy investments and residential construction financing.

7. 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 companies like CarbonCure Technologies, which focuses on reducing the carbon footprint of concrete—a critical material in construction. Breakthrough Energy Ventures has participated in multiple funding rounds for CarbonCure, including a strategic investment that enables the company to expand its impact and commercialize new solutions for the concrete industry. They also invested in Vantem Global, which is involved in sustainable building materials. These transactions highlight Breakthrough Energy's commitment to fostering advancements in the green building sector.

8. Advantage Capital

• Website: advantagecap.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1992
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: advantage-capital-partners

Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses, agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing, with a strong emphasis on supporting entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Their investment strategy includes flexible capital solutions aimed at fostering growth and sustainability. Notably, Advantage Capital has been involved in transactions such as Zip Kit Homes, which raised debt financing to support modular home construction, potentially incorporating green building practices. They also financed the Gulf Coast Housing Partnership, which focuses on affordable housing development, further indicating their interest in projects that may align with sustainable building practices. Overall, Advantage Capital's diverse investment portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting innovative and socially responsible business models.

9. 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 primarily in the technology sector. In recent years, they have made significant investments in companies that focus on sustainable practices in the construction industry. For instance, they participated in a seed funding round for Kubik, an Ethiopian startup that is expanding its sustainable building technology, and in a pre-seed round for Kambio, a proptech company aiming to innovate within the construction industry through sustainable practices. Additionally, they have invested in ByFusion Global, which focuses on sustainable building solutions. These transactions highlight their active role in promoting green building initiatives.

10. 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. Among its notable transactions, the fund has invested in Mighty Buildings, which raised $10 million in a Seed Round in April 2018. Mighty Buildings is known for its innovative approach to construction, utilizing 3D printing technology to create sustainable and efficient building solutions. This aligns with the principles of green building construction, making the fund's involvement in such transactions significant in the context of sustainable development.

11. 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 diverse range of services including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. In recent years, Goldman Sachs has made significant investments in companies that are actively contributing to sustainable building practices. For instance, they participated in a Series B funding round for Sustainable Living Innovations, which raised $53 million to promote sustainable living solutions. Additionally, they invested in BlocPower, which raised $130 million to enhance energy efficiency in urban buildings. These transactions highlight Goldman Sachs' engagement in the green building construction sector, reflecting their commitment to supporting environmentally sustainable initiatives.

12. 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 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 recent years, Elemental Impact has been involved in several significant transactions that align with green building construction. For instance, they participated in funding rounds for Modulous, a company focused on modular construction solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability in building practices. Additionally, their involvement with BlocPower, which specializes in energy efficiency upgrades for buildings, showcases their commitment to improving the sustainability of the built environment. These transactions highlight Elemental Impact's active role in promoting innovations that contribute to green building practices.

13. 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. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, the firm offers a diverse range of services including wealth management, investment banking, and capital markets. Morgan Stanley serves a wide array of clients, including individuals, families, corporations, and governments, helping them manage and grow their financial assets. In recent years, Morgan Stanley has made notable investments in the green building construction sector. For instance, their participation in a $55 million Series B funding round for Factory_OS highlights their commitment to advancing sustainable construction practices through innovative technologies. Additionally, their involvement in financing the Idemitsu Renewables solar project underscores their focus on renewable energy, which is integral to green building initiatives. These transactions reflect Morgan Stanley's strategic interest in supporting sustainable development and environmentally friendly construction practices.

14. Fifth Wall

• Website: fifthwall.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 15
• LinkedIn: fifth-wall-ventures

Fifth Wall is a corporate venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2016, that specializes in technology investments for the real estate industry. The firm focuses on funding innovative technology companies that tackle critical issues such as climate change and infrastructure challenges. Notably, Fifth Wall has a dedicated climate tech fund that has participated in significant transactions within the green building construction context. For instance, they were involved in the Series D funding of Veev, a technology-enabled homebuilding company, and the Series A funding of Assembly OSM, a modular construction startup. Additionally, Fifth Wall participated in the funding round for Brimstone Energy, a startup focused on zero-carbon Portland cement, which is crucial for sustainable construction practices. These investments reflect Fifth Wall's commitment to enhancing operations in the real estate sector through cutting-edge, environmentally friendly solutions.

15. Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator

• Website: laincubator.org
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: 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 by supporting cleantech startups through various programs, including business acceleration and funding opportunities. LACI also emphasizes workforce development initiatives aimed at underrepresented groups. In recent years, LACI has been involved in several transactions that align with green building construction, such as Connect Homes, which focuses on modular housing solutions that promote sustainability. Additionally, LACI has invested in Mack Designs and TBM Designs, both of which are engaged in innovative design practices that can enhance sustainable building methods. These investments reflect LACI's commitment to advancing sustainable technologies and practices within the construction industry.

16. 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. Khosla Ventures has been actively involved in the green building construction space, with notable investments in companies like Veev Group Inc., which raised $97 million to develop a panelized building system aimed at improving construction efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, Khosla Ventures invested in Mighty Buildings, a company that leverages 3D printing technology to create sustainable homes, raising $52 million to scale production and establish manufacturing operations. These transactions reflect Khosla Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the construction industry that align with green building principles.

Green Building Construction Insights: Key Investors in the US

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