The biofuels industry in the U.S. focuses on creating renewable energy sources made from organic materials. Companies in this sector range from large corporations to innovative startups, offering products like biodiesel, ethanol, and other advanced biofuels. The industry is evolving, driven by a commitment to reduce carbon footprints and enhance energy security. Recent technological advancements and growing support for sustainable practices are pushing biofuels to the forefront of energy discussions. As the demand for cleaner fuels rises, the industry is likely to see significant growth, highlighting the importance of innovation and investment in this expanding market.


This list features a selection of investors actively backing biofuels in the U.S. They include venture capital firms like Y Combinator and corporate giants like Chevron. With founding years spanning from 1976 to 2023, these investors vary in size from small teams to large networks, showcasing over 1,000 deals in 2024 alone. Their headquarters are spread across key locations, from Washington, D.C., to California and beyond, reflecting the geographical scope of biofuels investment in the country.


Top 19 Biofuels 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 is responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. The DOE 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 the context of biofuels, the DOE has been actively involved in funding initiatives that support the development and production of biofuels. Notable transactions include grants to companies such as Green Plains, which raised $500,000, Viridos with $2,000,000, and Synhelion with $2,700,000, all aimed at advancing biofuel technologies. Additionally, the DOE has provided grant funding to Marquis to accelerate domestic biofuel production, highlighting its role in promoting the biofuels 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 venture capital investment but also resources to help startups grow and succeed. Notably, SOSV has invested in XFuel, a company focused on biofuels, through multiple funding rounds, including a Seed Round in 2022 and a Series A in 2025. Additionally, they have supported Khepra, another startup in the biofuels space, through Seed Round investments in 2020 and 2021. This involvement in biofuel-related ventures highlights SOSV's commitment to advancing climate technology and sustainable energy solutions.


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 specializes in providing funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Over the years, Y Combinator has successfully launched more than 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among their notable investments, they have backed companies such as Alga Biosciences, which raised $4,000,000 in a Seed Round in April 2023, focusing on algae-based solutions that are pertinent to the biofuels industry. Additionally, they invested in Phase Biolabs in March 2022, a company that may explore biological innovations relevant to biofuels. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement with the biofuels sector, despite their broader focus on technology startups.


4. 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 activities include significant funding in the biofuels sector, such as a $25 million Series A investment in Viridos, aimed at enhancing algae oil productivity. They also granted $50 million to LanzaJet's Freedom Pines Fuels SAF plant, which focuses on sustainable aviation fuel production. Additionally, their involvement with ClearFlame Engine Technologies, which develops technology for renewable liquid fuels, showcases their commitment to advancing biofuels technologies. Overall, Breakthrough Energy plays a crucial role in supporting the development of clean energy solutions, including biofuels.


5. 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. In 2024, IndieBio has been particularly active, with 76 investments, including notable transactions in the biofuels sector. For instance, they invested in VIA BioFuels, which raised funds through seed rounds and convertible notes in 2024. This involvement in biofuels startups highlights IndieBio's commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions, making them a significant player in the biotechnology investment landscape.


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, 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 also engaged in funding initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable energy solutions, particularly in the biofuels sector. Notable transactions include grants to BioFuelNet Canada ($5,300,000), Carbonaxion Bioénergies ($200,000), EnerPure (undisclosed amount), and Aurora Hydrogen ($3,000,000). These investments reflect the government's commitment to advancing biofuels technology and supporting innovation in the energy sector.


7. 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 private sector development in emerging markets. Based in Washington, D.C., IFC provides investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions, helping them access capital and expertise to foster economic growth. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing the challenges of poverty and promoting sustainable development. Notably, IFC has been involved in significant transactions within the biofuels sector, including debt financing for Vicentin S.A.I.C., which raised $35 million in 2018 and $25 million in 2015, both of which are key players in the biofuels industry. Additionally, IFC supported Usina Santa Adélia with a $50 million debt financing in 2022, further emphasizing its engagement in the biofuels market. These transactions highlight IFC's role in facilitating investments that contribute to sustainable energy solutions.


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 been particularly active, with 253 investments, including notable transactions in the biofuels context such as BioOilSolv, which raised an undisclosed amount in a Pre-Seed round, and Ammobia, which raised $4.2 million in a Seed round. These investments highlight their engagement in the biofuels sector, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in this field.


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. The firm 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 participated in a Series B funding round for Air Company, which raised $69 million on September 18, 2024, focusing on sustainable fuel production from CO2. Additionally, the fund was involved in the funding of Carbo Culture, which raised $18.3 million in a Series A round aimed at advancing carbon dioxide removal technologies, relevant to the biofuels sector. These investments highlight the fund's interest in sustainable technologies that can contribute to the biofuels industry.


10. Elemental Impact


Elemental Impact is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2012, based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Their mission is to scale climate technologies with significant community impact by providing funding opportunities, community engagement strategies, and educational resources. They aim to address the funding gap for early-stage climate projects and foster partnerships that enhance community benefits. Notably, Elemental Impact has been involved in several transactions relevant to the biofuels sector, including a seed round investment in Twelve, which focuses on carbon transformation technologies, and participation in funding rounds for Dimensional Energy, a company developing advanced power-to-liquid fuels. These transactions highlight their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the biofuels industry, alongside their broader focus on climate technologies.


11. 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 made a significant move in the biofuels sector by acquiring Renewable Energy Group for $3.15 billion, enhancing its capabilities in the production of renewable fuels. In 2023, Chevron participated in a $25 million Series A investment in Viridos, Inc., aimed at increasing algae oil productivity, showcasing its focus on innovative biofuel technologies. Furthermore, Chevron has also invested in Raven SR, a renewable fuels company, contributing to their funding rounds in both 2021 and 2024. These transactions highlight Chevron's active role in the biofuels industry while maintaining its broader energy focus.


12. 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 supports early-stage companies, particularly those focused on deep tech innovation, by offering a variety of funding options, including venture capital and grants, as well as business guidance and accelerator programs. In recent years, MassVentures has been involved in several transactions relevant to the biofuels sector, such as providing grants to companies like Takachar, which focuses on converting agricultural waste into biofuels, and River Otter Renewables, which is engaged in renewable energy solutions. These investments highlight MassVentures' commitment to fostering innovation in the biofuels industry alongside its broader focus on technology commercialization.


13. 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 and individual investors. In recent years, KKR has made significant investments in the renewable energy sector, including a $450 million investment in Hero Future Energies to support its expansion into solar, wind, battery storage, and green hydrogen technologies. Additionally, KKR acquired Albioma, a company focused on renewable energy production, for over $1.6 billion. The firm has also invested in Serentica Renewables, committing a total of $650 million to help the company install 4000MW of renewable energy capacity, which is crucial for delivering clean energy to industrial customers. These transactions highlight KKR's strategic focus on renewable energy, positioning it as a key player in the transition towards sustainable energy solutions.


14. Collaborative Fund

  • Website: collabfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 29
  • LinkedIn: collaborative-fund

Collaborative Fund is a venture capital investment firm based in New York, founded in 2010. The firm focuses on backing innovative companies across various sectors, including renewable energy, consumer goods, and health technology. They provide financial support and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs and startups aiming to create positive societal and environmental impacts. Their investment strategy is centered around identifying businesses that align with their mission of pushing the world forward. Notably, Collaborative Fund has invested in companies relevant to the biofuels sector, such as Amogy, which raised $3.1 million in a seed round in March 2021 and focuses on ammonia as a clean fuel, and Alga Biosciences, which raised $4 million in April 2023 and is involved in biofuel production from algae. These transactions highlight their commitment to supporting innovations in renewable energy and biofuels.


15. 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, particularly in technology, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. Notably, Khosla Ventures has been involved in several funding rounds for Gevo, a company that develops renewable fuels and biofuels. Their investments in Gevo include a Series A round in 2007, followed by Series B, C, and D rounds in subsequent years, showcasing their long-term commitment to supporting advancements in the biofuels industry. This involvement highlights Khosla Ventures' interest in sustainable energy solutions, making them a relevant player in the biofuels investment landscape.


16. 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. The firm 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 been involved in several significant transactions within the biofuels sector. Notably, they participated in the funding round for Godavari Biorefineries, which raised approximately $19.7 million in October 2024. Additionally, they were part of the Series B funding for Accelergy, which raised $25 million in December 2006, a company focused on alternative energy solutions. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their engagement in the biofuels industry, alongside their broader investment activities across various sectors.


17. 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 provides a wide array of services including wealth management, investment banking, and capital markets. Morgan Stanley has a global presence and leverages its expertise to offer tailored financial solutions to individuals, families, corporations, and governments. Notably, Morgan Stanley has made significant investments in the biofuels sector, including a Series B investment of $100 million in Range Fuels in 2008, followed by a Series C investment of $28.19 million in the same company later that year. Additionally, they invested $12.4 million in Edeniq in 2010, further showcasing their engagement in the biofuels industry. These transactions highlight Morgan Stanley's active role in supporting the development of biofuels, alongside their broader investment portfolio.


18. Energy Impact Partners


Energy Impact Partners (EIP) is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015, that specializes in the energy sector. EIP focuses on funding and supporting innovative companies that are driving the transition to sustainable energy. They provide both capital and strategic guidance to their portfolio companies, collaborating with entrepreneurs and corporate partners to enhance innovation in clean energy technologies. Notably, EIP has made significant investments in companies like Metafuels, which raised $9 million in a Series A round in December 2024 and previously secured $8 million in seed funding in December 2023 for establishing a pilot facility. This involvement highlights EIP's commitment to advancing biofuels and related technologies, making them a relevant player in the biofuels investment landscape.


19. 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 focuses on supporting early-stage startups that aim to mitigate climate change across various sectors, including energy, food and agriculture, and manufacturing. Prelude Ventures has made significant investments in companies like Covercress, which is dedicated to developing crops for biofuels and sustainable agriculture. Covercress has raised multiple rounds of funding with Prelude Ventures participating in these rounds, indicating their interest in biofuels. Additionally, Prelude Ventures has invested in Benson Hill, a company that innovates in the food system, which may also intersect with biofuels through sustainable agricultural practices. Overall, Prelude Ventures is committed to funding innovative companies that address critical environmental challenges, including those in the biofuels sector.



Biofuels 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
Breakthrough EnergyKirkland, Washington, United States (USA)51-200201538
IndieBioSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201576
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
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
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Elemental ImpactHonolulu, Hawaii, United States (USA)51-200201219
ChevronHouston, Texas, United States (USA)10001+199916
MassVenturesWaltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-10197828
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
Collaborative FundNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201029
Khosla VenturesMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200200497
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
Morgan StanleyNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+198679
Energy Impact PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200201527
Prelude VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201216


Want to find more investors focusing on the biofuels industry?

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