BE

Bezos Earth Fund

North America, District of Columbia, United States, Washington

Description

The Bezos Earth Fund is a philanthropic initiative launched by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, established with an ambitious $10 billion commitment to combat climate change and protect nature. Headquartered in Washington, United States, the fund operates by issuing substantial grants to scientists, activists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other entities globally that are dedicated to environmental solutions. Its core mission revolves around addressing the climate crisis through various strategic pillars, including decarbonization of industries, advancing clean energy, transforming food systems, conserving biodiversity, and promoting environmental justice.

The fund's approach is characterized by its focus on high-impact, scalable solutions. It strategically deploys capital to foster innovation and accelerate progress in critical environmental sectors. For instance, in its initial round of funding in 2020, the Bezos Earth Fund disbursed grants totaling $791 million to 16 organizations, signaling its intent to make significant investments in established and emerging climate initiatives. These grants support a diverse range of projects, from developing sustainable technologies to advocating for policy changes and restoring vital ecosystems.

Beyond direct financial support, the Bezos Earth Fund often engages in collaborative efforts, partnering with various stakeholders to amplify its impact. It seeks to catalyze systemic change by supporting research, on-the-ground conservation efforts, and community-led initiatives that address the disproportionate effects of climate change on vulnerable populations. While not a traditional venture capital firm, its substantial financial backing positions it as a major player in global environmental philanthropy, aiming to drive transformative change in the fight against climate change and for the preservation of our planet.

Investor Profile

Bezos Earth Fund has backed more than 44 startups, with 26 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 42 rounds, about 95% of its total and boasts 0 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Grant, Seed rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, United Kingdom, Kenya.
  • Strong thematic focus on Education, Non Profit, Universities.
  • Led 26 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $10M – $400M.

Stage Focus

  • Grant (98%)
  • Seed (2%)

Country Focus

  • United States (48%)
  • United Kingdom (18%)
  • Kenya (7%)
  • The Netherlands (7%)
  • Rwanda (2%)
  • Brazil (2%)
  • Singapore (2%)
  • Italy (2%)
  • Canada (2%)
  • Switzerland (2%)

Industry Focus

  • Education
  • Non Profit
  • Universities
  • Environmental Consulting
  • Higher Education
  • Sustainability
  • Association
  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Venture Capital
  • Impact Investing
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Bezos Earth Fund frequently co-invest with?

Rockefeller Foundation
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 1
The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 1
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 1
Autodesk Foundation
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 1
Ikea Foundation
Europe, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands, Leiden
Co-Investments: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Bezos Earth Fund?

University of Leeds

Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom

The University of Leeds is Yorkshire's oldest and largest university

EducationHigher EducationUniversities
GrantOct 23, 2025

Food System Innovations is a philanthropic impact platform investing in a humane and sustainable future of food.

Food and BeverageNon ProfitSocial Assistance
GrantOct 23, 2025
Cornell University

Ithaca, New York, United States

Cornell University is a federal land-grant research university that offers major, minor, and challenging dual-degree programs.

AssociationEducationHigher EducationUniversities
GrantOct 23, 2025
National Audubon Society (USA)

New York, New York, United States

National Audubon Society (USA) is an Education company.

EducationNon ProfitPublishingWildlife Conservation
GrantOct 23, 2025
Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Ithaca, New York, United States

Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a nonprofit environmental research organization and a world leader in the study.

GrantOct 23, 2025
New York Botanical Garden

Bronx, New York, United States

The New York Botanical Garden is New York City's premier botanical garden and a top NYC tourist attraction.

LifestyleNon ProfitTravel
GrantOct 23, 2025
Bioversity International

Rome, Lazio, Italy

Bioversity International is a CGIAR Research Center.

AgricultureForestryHealth CareImpact InvestingNatural ResourcesNutritionProduct Research
GrantOct 23, 2025
The Nature Conservancy

Arlington, Virginia, United States

The Nature Conservancy is a non-profit conservation organization that works to protect terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems.

Environmental ConsultingNatural ResourcesNon ProfitWaterWildlife Conservation
GrantOct 23, 2025
Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut, United States

Yale University is a research and education institution that prioritizes its students.

AssociationBusiness DevelopmentEducationMedicalSocial Entrepreneurship
GrantOct 23, 2025
Wildlife Conservation Society

New York, New York, United States

The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide.

Non ProfitWildlife Conservation
GrantOct 23, 2025