The sustainable architecture industry in the US focuses on designing buildings that minimize environmental impact, using efficient resources, and reducing carbon footprints. Companies operating in this space include construction firms, architects, and material suppliers who offer innovative designs, sustainable building materials, and energy-efficient technologies. The industry is rapidly evolving, driven by a growing awareness of climate change and the need for eco-friendly living solutions. As energy efficiency standards become more stringent, architects and builders increasingly utilize renewable energies and smart technologies. This shift not only reduces waste but also enhances the quality of life for occupants, shaping a sustainable future for urban development.


The investors highlighted in this list reflect a robust mix of venture capital firms, corporate entities, and government organizations, primarily based in prominent states like California and New York. With a range of sizes from startups like IndieBio to institutions such as the U.S. Department of Energy, these investors were involved in various funding activities throughout 2024. Companies like Khosla Ventures made significant investments in breakthrough technologies for sustainable construction. Founded between 1956 and 2023, these investor types collectively supported over 2,000 unique projects, underscoring their commitment to advancing sustainable architecture and innovation.


Top 17 Sustainable Architecture 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 several significant transactions that support sustainable architecture. For instance, it awarded a grant of $1,996,677 to Advance Design Consultants in May 2023, aimed at enhancing energy-efficient design practices. In May 2024, Southface received a $2,000,000 grant to promote sustainable building practices. Additionally, Ecotope was granted $1,300,000 in September 2024 for projects likely focused on energy-efficient technologies. These transactions highlight the DOE's commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in the architecture sector.


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 capital but also resources to help startups grow. In 2024 alone, they have made 170 investments across various sectors, including health and climate technology. A notable transaction is their participation in Lingrove's funding rounds, where they contributed to raising $10 million in a Series B round aimed at ramping up production of ekoa®, a natural and carbon-negative alternative to conventional construction materials. This investment highlights SOSV's commitment to supporting sustainable architecture initiatives and 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. It addresses various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. 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 also made significant investments in sustainability initiatives. Notable transactions include grants to the Light House Sustainability Society, which focuses on sustainable building practices, and Waterfront Toronto, a project aimed at revitalizing urban waterfronts with sustainable design principles. Additionally, they have supported molo design, a company known for its innovative and sustainable architectural solutions, and Carbicrete, which is developing sustainable concrete alternatives. These transactions highlight the government's commitment to fostering sustainable architecture and urban development in Canada.


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 includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments, Y Combinator has backed companies like Mighty Buildings, which raised over $25 million in Series A funding in 2019. Mighty Buildings is known for its innovative approach to sustainable construction, utilizing 3D printing technology to create eco-friendly homes. This investment highlights Y Combinator's engagement with sustainable architecture, alongside other investments in diverse sectors such as food technology with Forward Kitchens and various tech startups.


5. 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 invested in Mighty Buildings, which raised $10 million in a seed round in April 2018. Mighty Buildings focuses on sustainable construction through innovative 3D printing technology, making it a significant player in the sustainable architecture space. Additionally, the fund has invested in other startups like Juno and Haddy, further diversifying its portfolio while maintaining a focus on innovative and potentially sustainable solutions.


6. 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, enabling them to access capital and expertise for economic growth. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development. Recent transactions highlight its involvement in significant projects that may align with sustainable architecture. For instance, IFC's investment in ACCIONA, which raised $600 million in post-IPO debt, indicates support for infrastructure projects that could include sustainable building practices. Similarly, its involvement with Ayala Land, which raised $351 million in post-IPO debt, suggests a focus on real estate development that may incorporate sustainable architecture principles. These activities demonstrate IFC's commitment to sustainability in its investment strategy.


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 primarily in the technology sector. In recent years, they have made significant investments in companies focused on sustainable architecture and building technologies. For instance, they participated in a seed funding round for Kubik, an Ethiopian startup that is expanding its sustainable building technology, and in Kambio, a proptech company that aims to innovate within the construction industry through sustainable practices. These transactions demonstrate Plug and Play's commitment to supporting sustainable architecture initiatives, alongside their broader investment strategy.


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 founded in 2015, based in San Francisco, California. It specializes in biotechnology and supports startups by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities. IndieBio has been actively involved in various transactions, including significant investments in companies like Lingrove, which raised over $5 million in a Series A round. Lingrove focuses on sustainable materials, which are crucial for sustainable architecture. Additionally, IndieBio has supported MAA'VA, which, while not directly related to architecture, operates in sectors that may intersect with sustainability. This diverse portfolio highlights IndieBio's commitment to fostering innovative solutions that can impact climate and sustainability, making them a potential ally in the sustainable architecture space.


9. 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. Notably, Elemental Impact has been involved in several transactions relevant to sustainable architecture, including investments in Modulous, which focuses on modular construction solutions, and CarbonCure Technologies, which innovates in carbon capture for concrete production. Additionally, their support for Bedrock Energy, which is involved in sustainable energy solutions, further underscores their commitment to fostering sustainable practices in various sectors, including architecture.


10. 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 clientele includes businesses and organizations in the clean energy sector seeking funding, research support, and policy advocacy to address climate change. Notably, Breakthrough Energy Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like CarbonCure Technologies, which focuses on reducing carbon emissions in concrete production, and Vantem Global, which specializes in sustainable building materials. These transactions highlight Breakthrough Energy's commitment to fostering advancements in sustainable architecture and clean energy solutions.


11. 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. LACI provides various programs, including business acceleration and funding opportunities, while also focusing on workforce development initiatives aimed at underrepresented groups. In recent years, LACI has been involved in several transactions that highlight its commitment to sustainable technologies. For instance, they participated in the Pre-Seed funding rounds for startups like TBM Designs, which focuses on innovative design solutions, and BASEstud.io, which is likely involved in sustainable building practices. These investments reflect LACI's mission to promote sustainable practices and technologies, making them a relevant player in the sustainable architecture sector.


12. 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, agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. They focus on supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities, offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Advantage Capital has been involved in several transactions that may align with sustainable architecture, including multiple debt financing rounds for Lawrence Group, a company that engages in architecture and design, which could encompass sustainable building practices. Their investment in Faciliteq, which may relate to innovative building solutions, further highlights their potential interest in sustainable architecture. Overall, Advantage Capital's diverse investment portfolio and focus on community development suggest they could play a role in advancing sustainable architecture projects.


13. 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, New York, founded in 1998. It provides a wide range of services including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele that includes corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. In recent years, Goldman Sachs has made significant investments in sustainable initiatives, particularly in the architecture and construction sectors. For instance, they participated in a Series B funding round for Sustainable Living Innovations, which raised $53 million in January 2022, focusing on sustainable living solutions. Additionally, they have invested in BlocPower, a company dedicated to enhancing energy efficiency in urban buildings, with notable debt financing rounds of $130 million in February 2023 and $55 million in February 2021. These transactions highlight Goldman Sachs' active role in promoting sustainability within the architecture industry.


14. 500 Global

  • Website: 500.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 98
  • LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm invests in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. In 2024, 500 Global has made 98 investments, showcasing its active role in the startup ecosystem. Among its notable transactions, 500 Global invested in Revolution Precrafted, which raised $15.4 million in a Series A round, focusing on sustainable and efficient prefabricated building solutions. Additionally, the firm has supported companies like GoPillar, which raised funds for innovative architectural solutions, further indicating its interest in the architecture sector. These investments highlight 500 Global's commitment to supporting innovative startups that may contribute to sustainable architecture practices.


15. 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 across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a reputation for delivering lasting value through its extensive portfolio and strategic investment approaches. Notably, Blackstone has made significant investments in the real estate sector, such as the acquisition of St. Modwen Properties for $1.7 billion, which includes a substantial pipeline of logistics projects. Additionally, their investment in Salas O’Brien, an engineering and technical services firm, highlights their engagement in sectors that could intersect with sustainable architecture. These transactions suggest that while Blackstone is not exclusively focused on sustainable architecture, it does have involvement in projects that may align with sustainable practices.


16. 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 specializes in supporting early-stage climate tech companies, providing funding and resources to entrepreneurs focused on emissions reduction and climate adaptation. In 2024 alone, Climate Capital has made 17 investments, showcasing their active role in the climate tech space. Notably, they participated in the Series A funding for CarbonBuilt, which is innovating low-cost and low-carbon concrete technology, a crucial material in sustainable architecture. Additionally, they were involved in the Seed funding round for Bedrock Energy, a startup developing all-electric geothermal HVAC systems aimed at helping real estate properties achieve Net Zero operations. These transactions highlight Climate Capital's commitment to investing in technologies that directly contribute to sustainable architecture and construction practices.


17. FJ Labs

  • Website: fjlabs.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 169
  • LinkedIn: fj-labs

FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015, that specializes in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. They provide capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. With over 1,000 companies in their extensive portfolio, many of which have achieved unicorn status, FJ Labs has established itself as a significant player in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have participated in transactions relevant to sustainable architecture, such as Assembly OSM, a modular construction startup that raised $38 million in Series A funding, indicating a focus on innovative building solutions. Additionally, their investment in Material Bank, which deals with construction materials, further highlights their engagement in the sustainable architecture space. Other transactions, such as those involving Juno and Little Worker, while not directly related to sustainable architecture, showcase their active investment strategy in various sectors.



Sustainable Architecture 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
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
IndieBioSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201576
Elemental ImpactHonolulu, Hawaii, United States (USA)51-200201219
Breakthrough EnergyKirkland, Washington, United States (USA)51-200201538
Los Angeles Cleantech IncubatorLos Angeles, California, United States (USA)51-20020112
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
Climate CapitalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201517
FJ LabsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502015169


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