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Capricorn Investment Group

North America, California, United States, Palo Alto

Description

Capricorn Investment Group, based in Palo Alto, California, stands as a prominent global investment firm with a distinctive focus on sustainable and impact-driven strategies across a diverse range of asset classes. Managing capital primarily for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and endowments, the group oversees approximately $9 billion in assets under management. Their investment philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that impactful investments can also generate superior financial returns, integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into their rigorous investment process across public equity, fixed income, private equity, and real assets markets.

Within its private equity and venture capital arm, Capricorn is particularly active in disruptive technologies and solutions that address global challenges. The firm targets sectors such as clean energy, sustainable food systems, advanced materials, and resource efficiency. They typically engage with companies in growth equity and later-stage venture rounds, providing significant capital to scale innovative businesses. Their approach is characterized by a long-term perspective, often partnering with management teams to foster sustainable growth and market leadership.

While Capricorn's investment scope is broad, their typical first cheque for private market investments, including venture and growth equity, generally ranges from $10 million to $75 million. This substantial commitment reflects their preference for meaningful stakes in companies with proven business models and clear pathways to impact and profitability. They are known for their patient capital, often participating in follow-on rounds and supporting portfolio companies through various stages of development. Their strategic partnerships extend beyond capital, leveraging their extensive network and expertise to accelerate the growth of their portfolio companies.

Capricorn's portfolio includes notable investments in companies like Impossible Foods, a leader in plant-based meat alternatives, and Redwood Materials, focused on sustainable battery recycling. These investments underscore their commitment to fostering innovation that contributes to a more sustainable future. The group's disciplined yet forward-thinking investment strategy positions them as a key player in the evolving landscape of impact investing, demonstrating that financial success and positive global impact can be mutually reinforcing objectives.

Investor Profile

Capricorn Investment Group has backed more than 108 startups, with 10 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 27 rounds, about 25% of its total and boasts 19 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series B, Series A, Series C rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Canada, India.
  • Strong thematic focus on Renewable Energy, Energy, Software.
  • Led 6 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $10M – $75M.

Stage Focus

  • Series B (27%)
  • Series A (25%)
  • Series C (14%)
  • Series Unknown (12%)
  • Series D (9%)
  • Series E (5%)
  • Seed (3%)
  • Series F (3%)
  • Debt Financing (1%)
  • Post Ipo Equity (1%)

Country Focus

  • United States (92%)
  • Canada (4%)
  • India (2%)
  • United Kingdom (2%)
  • Norway (1%)

Industry Focus

  • Renewable Energy
  • Energy
  • Software
  • Manufacturing
  • Information Technology
  • Electric Vehicle
  • Electronics
  • Battery
  • Financial Services
  • Big Data
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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 Capricorn Investment Group frequently co-invest with?

Prelude Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 11
Congruent Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 5
Valor Equity Partners
North America, Illinois, United States, Chicago
Co-Investments: 7
Temasek Holdings
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 7
Breakthrough Energy Ventures
Europe, Ile-de-France, France, Paris
Co-Investments: 13
Social Capital
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 8
Energy Impact Partners
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 9
Lux Capital
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 6
DCVC
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 9
Founders Fund
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 6

Which angels does Capricorn Investment Group often collaborate with?

BL
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
LD
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Shared Deals: 2
Shared Deals: 1
JM
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Shared Deals: 1
AS
North America, United States
Shared Deals: 1
JS
North America, Quebec, Canada, Montréal
Shared Deals: 2
EH
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Shared Deals: 2
DR
North America, New Jersey, United States, Maywood
Shared Deals: 1
SA
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 3
OB
Europe, United Kingdom
Shared Deals: 2

What are some of recent deals done by Capricorn Investment Group?

Heron Power

Santa Cruz, California, United States

Heron Power is an energy technology startup focused on developing power electronics for the modern electrical grid.

Electrical Distribution
Series AMay 29, 2025
Amount Raised: $38,000,000
Electra

Boulder, Colorado, United States

Electra produces clean iron using low-temperature electrochemistry powered by renewables to decarbonize and transform steel production.

EnergyIndustrialRenewable Energy
Series BApr 24, 2025
Amount Raised: $186,000,000
Heartflow

Mountain View, California, United States

Heartflow is a medical technology company that provides various methods of diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)BiotechnologyHealth CareHealth DiagnosticsMedical
Convertible NoteMar 26, 2025
Amount Raised: $98,000,000
Summit Nanotech

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Summit Nanotech is a B2B company that deploys patented direct lithium extraction technology to create lithium economically and sustainably.

EnergyInformation TechnologyMineralMining TechnologyNanotechnology
Series UnknownMar 18, 2025
Amount Raised: $25,500,000
Closed Loop Partners

New City, New York, United States

Closed Loop Partners invests in sustainable consumer goods, advanced recycling technologies and the development of the circular economy.

Consumer GoodsFinancial ServicesRecyclingSustainability
Series UnknownFeb 10, 2025
Helion Energy

Everett, Washington, United States

Helion Energy develops fusion power technology for clean electricity generation.

EnergyEnvironmental EngineeringRenewable Energy
Series FJan 28, 2025
Amount Raised: $425,000,000
Harbinger

Garden Grove, California, United States

Harbinger is a commercial electric vehicle company that focuses on chassis architecture design.

AutomotiveAutonomous VehiclesElectric Vehicle
Series BJan 14, 2025
Amount Raised: $100,000,000
Fervo Energy

Houston, Texas, United States

Fervo Energy develops clean energy technology to generate carbon-free energy from geothermal systems.

EnergyEnergy EfficiencyNuclear
Series DDec 19, 2024
Amount Raised: $135,000,000
Form Energy

Somerville, Massachusetts, United States

Form Energy is an energy technology company that produces electric grids and accelerates the transition to clean energy.

BatteryEnergyEnergy StoragePower GridRenewable Energy
Series FOct 9, 2024
Amount Raised: $405,000,000
Twelve

Berkeley, California, United States

Twelve is a carbon transformation company converting captured carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals, fuels, and other essential products.

Carbon CaptureChemicalFuelGreenTechOil and Gas
Series CSep 19, 2024
Amount Raised: $200,000,000