The polymeric materials industry in the US is a vital sector, driving innovation across various applications. Companies range from startups focusing on biodegradable options to large corporations producing synthetic materials. This industry plays a crucial role in sectors like automotive, construction, and healthcare, tackling challenges like sustainability and recyclability. As consumer awareness and regulatory pressures rise, businesses are increasingly exploring biopolymers and recycling technologies. Growth is expected as firms respond to the demand for eco-friendly solutions, featuring advanced materials that prioritize both performance and environmental responsibility.


The group of investors featured here includes experienced venture capitalists, private equity firms, and government entities, headquartered across the United States. They range in size from small firms to large, established institutions. Founded from 1976 to 2023, these investors made an impressive total of 639 investments specifically in polymeric materials in 2024. Whether investing in startups like Danimer Scientific or supporting initiatives at agencies like the U.S. Department of Energy, each plays a strategic role in shaping the future of this dynamic industry.


Top 17 Polymeric Materials 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 made significant investments in the polymeric materials sector, including a $375 million grant to Eastman Chemical Company for a molecular recycling facility aimed at recycling hard-to-recycle plastic waste. This facility is expected to create over 200 jobs and recycle approximately 110,000 metric tons of plastic annually. Additionally, the DOE has provided grants to companies such as Danimer Scientific, Novomer, and Chemours, further demonstrating its commitment to advancing technologies and solutions in the polymeric materials industry.


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. With a focus on sectors like health and climate technology, SOSV operates globally, connecting innovative companies with investors. Notably, they have invested in ZymoChem, a Californian bio-materials startup, which has raised significant funding to scale its bioprocesses for commercial products. This investment highlights SOSV's engagement in the polymeric materials context, as ZymoChem's work is directly related to the development of bio-based materials. Additionally, SOSV has been involved in other relevant transactions, such as their early investments in ZymoChem during its seed rounds, indicating a sustained interest in the bio-materials space.


3. 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. IndieBio has been involved in several transactions relevant to the polymeric materials context, notably their investment in ZymoChem, a Californian bio-materials startup. ZymoChem has raised significant funding, including a $4 million Seed financing round in 2021, which IndieBio participated in. This investment aims to scale ZymoChem's bioprocesses for commercial products, highlighting IndieBio's commitment to advancing biopolymer technologies. Additionally, IndieBio's involvement in other biotech ventures further emphasizes their role in fostering innovation in materials that could include polymeric applications.


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 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 investments, Y Combinator has backed companies like Genecis, which raised $1,685,148 in a seed round in 2019 and focuses on sustainable materials, and AesculaTech, which raised $120,000 in a seed round in 2018, also related to innovative materials. Other relevant transactions include ALT TEX and Birch Biosciences, which further demonstrate Y Combinator's engagement in the polymeric materials space, showcasing its commitment to supporting diverse innovations in materials science.


5. 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. The firm specializes in supporting early-stage companies, particularly those focused on deep tech innovation. They provide a variety of funding options, including venture capital and grants, along with business guidance and accelerator programs. Among their notable transactions, MassVentures invested in Z-Polymers, which raised $300,000 in a convertible note in June 2023, highlighting their engagement in the polymeric materials sector. This investment, alongside their other activities, positions them as a supportive entity for startups looking to commercialize research and technology in various fields, including polymeric materials.


6. 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, the government 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 actively invested in the polymeric materials sector, providing grants to companies such as GreenMantra Technologies, which received $300,000 in June 2021 and $754,663 in February 2020, aimed at promoting sustainable practices in polymer recycling. Additionally, Exxel Polymers secured $2,115,024 in debt financing in May 2024, further highlighting the government's role in supporting the growth of businesses within the polymeric materials industry. These transactions reflect the government's commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in this sector.


7. United States Department of Defense

  • Website: defense.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1949
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: deptofdefense

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) is a public entity responsible for national security and military operations, founded in 1949. It provides military forces and services to deter war and ensure the safety of the nation. In recent years, the DoD has engaged in various grant transactions aimed at advancing technology and materials relevant to its operations. Notably, in 2024, the DoD provided grants to companies such as Danimer Scientific, which focuses on biodegradable polymers, and Zymochem, which is involved in biopolymer production. Additionally, the DoD has supported Porex, a company that specializes in porous polymer materials, and Novoloop, which develops advanced recycling technologies for plastics. These transactions highlight the DoD's commitment to fostering innovation in polymeric materials that can enhance military capabilities and sustainability efforts.


8. Advantage Capital


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, particularly in underserved communities. They focus on supporting entrepreneurs through flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Advantage Capital has been involved in several notable transactions in the polymeric materials sector, including investments in Danimer Scientific, which raised $6.5 million in a venture round and is known for its work in biodegradable plastics. They also invested in Hybrid Plastics, which raised funds in a Series B round and specializes in advanced polymer technologies. These transactions highlight Advantage Capital's commitment to the polymeric materials industry, alongside their broader investment strategy that includes agribusiness and solar projects.


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

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. The fund has been involved in several notable transactions, including investments in ARRIS, a 3D-printing startup that raised significant funding to expand its manufacturing capabilities, which often utilize polymeric materials. Additionally, the fund's involvement in Tipa, a producer of compostable flexible packaging solutions, highlights its commitment to sustainable materials, further emphasizing its relevance in the polymeric materials sector. Overall, the Deep Tech Fund is positioned to support innovative companies in the polymeric materials industry, making it a valuable player in this space.


10. 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 already made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in Polymer-X, a company focused on polymeric materials, and AesculaTech, which has raised multiple rounds of funding through convertible notes. These transactions highlight their engagement in the polymeric materials sector, reinforcing their commitment to supporting innovative technologies in this field.


11. 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 notable transactions such as Bloom Biorenewables Ltd, which raised significant funding to develop sustainable materials, and Dioxycle, which focuses on industrial emissions reduction. These investments reflect Breakthrough Energy's commitment to fostering advancements in technologies that may involve polymeric materials, particularly in the context of sustainability and environmental impact.


12. Advent


Advent International Corporation is a private equity firm founded in 1984 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm specializes in buyouts and investments across various sectors, focusing on long-term value creation for its portfolio companies. Advent has a global presence and provides capital and strategic guidance to help companies achieve growth and navigate market challenges. Notably, Advent has made significant investments in the polymeric materials sector, acquiring companies such as Roehm for $3.4 billion in 2019, Allnex for $1.13 billion in 2013, and Vinnolit Holdings, Vestolit, and Profine in earlier years. These transactions highlight Advent's commitment to the polymeric materials industry and its strategy of partnering with companies that have strong growth potential in this field.


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 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 involved in significant transactions within the polymeric materials context, such as leading a $10 million Series A funding round for Genecis Bioindustries, a company focused on converting organic waste into sustainable materials. Additionally, they have invested in LanzaTech, which has raised substantial funds over multiple rounds, focusing on converting carbon emissions into valuable products, including polymers. These investments highlight Khosla Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative companies that are likely to influence the future of polymeric materials.


14. The Carlyle Group

  • Website: carlyle.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group

The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a focus on delivering tailored investment solutions to institutional investors, Carlyle aims to drive long-term value. Among its notable transactions, Carlyle acquired Nouryon B.V. for approximately $11.7 billion in 2018, a company that operates in the specialty chemicals sector, which often intersects with polymeric materials. In 2016, Carlyle acquired a minority stake in Logoplaste, a Portuguese company known for its plastic packaging solutions, directly linking them to the polymeric materials industry. Additionally, their investment in Spiber, a company focused on bio-based materials, further emphasizes their engagement with innovative materials that may include polymers. These transactions highlight Carlyle's strategic interest in the polymeric materials sector, making them a significant player in this field.


15. 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 global leader in asset management, providing tailored solutions to institutional investors and individual clients. The firm has been actively involved in the polymeric materials industry through several key transactions. Notably, KKR acquired Minnesota Rubber & Plastics, a company focused on rubber and plastic manufacturing, highlighting its strategic interest in the sector. Additionally, KKR's investment in Trinseo, which raised $150 million in post-IPO debt, further emphasizes its engagement with companies that produce polymeric materials. Other relevant transactions include the acquisition of Chase Corporation and Charter Next Generation, both of which operate within the broader industrial and materials sectors. These activities reflect KKR's commitment to leveraging its expertise and resources to support growth in the polymeric materials industry.


16. The Riverside Company


The Riverside Company is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in providing flexible capital solutions and strategic guidance to smaller middle-market businesses across various industries. Founded in 1988, Riverside manages a diverse portfolio of over 140 companies globally. Notably, Riverside has made significant investments in the polymeric materials sector, including the acquisition of Xcentric Mold & Engineering, a company known for its technology-enabled injection molding services, which is crucial for the production of polymeric products. Additionally, their acquisition of Viking Plastics highlights their commitment to the polymer industry. These transactions reflect Riverside's strategic approach to investing in companies that contribute to transformative growth within the polymeric materials space.


17. SK Capital Partners


SK Capital Partners is a private investment firm based in New York, specializing in the specialty materials, ingredients, and life sciences sectors. Founded in 2007, the firm focuses on transforming portfolio companies through strategic investments and operational improvements to create sustainable value for stakeholders. Notably, SK Capital has made significant investments in the polymeric materials industry, including the acquisition of Techmer PM, a company known for its advanced polymer solutions, and the establishment of GEON Performance Solutions through the acquisition of PolyOne Corporation's Performance Products & Solutions division, which specializes in plastic compounded solutions, particularly in polyvinyl chloride compounds. Additionally, SK Capital acquired Deltech Holdings' European businesses, which include monomers and polymers, further emphasizing their commitment to the polymeric materials sector.



Polymeric Materials 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
IndieBioSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201576
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
MassVenturesWaltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-10197828
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
United States Department of DefenseWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+194953
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Breakthrough EnergyKirkland, Washington, United States (USA)51-200201538
AdventBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)501-1000198417
Khosla VenturesMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200200497
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
The Riverside CompanyNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500198812
SK Capital PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-20020073


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