Dow logo

Dow

North America, Michigan, United States, Midland

Description

Dow Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Dow, a global leader in materials science. Established to accelerate innovation and explore new growth opportunities, Dow Ventures strategically invests in startups developing breakthrough technologies and business models that align with Dow's long-term objectives. Its primary focus is on areas critical to the future of materials science, including sustainable solutions, advanced materials, digital technologies, and the circular economy. This external investment strategy complements Dow's extensive internal research and development efforts, providing a pathway to integrate cutting-edge innovations into its product portfolio and operations.

The venture arm targets early to growth-stage companies, seeking to partner with entrepreneurs who are addressing global challenges through scientific and technological advancements. Dow Ventures aims to provide not only capital but also strategic guidance, technical expertise, and access to Dow's global network and resources, fostering the development and scaling of promising ventures. This collaborative approach helps portfolio companies accelerate their market penetration and achieve their full potential, while also offering Dow insights into emerging trends and disruptive technologies.

Typical first check sizes for Dow Ventures range from $1 million to $10 million, though the firm has the flexibility to make larger investments for highly strategic opportunities. This investment range allows Dow Ventures to support a diverse set of companies, from those in early commercialization phases to more mature startups seeking to scale. Notable investments include companies focused on advanced recycling technologies, such as Mura Technology, which is pioneering a process to convert plastic waste into new plastics, and firms contributing to sustainable energy solutions, demonstrating Dow's commitment to a more sustainable future through strategic capital deployment.

Investor Profile

Dow has backed more than 46 startups, with 2 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 9 rounds, about 20% of its total and boasts 13 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series Unknown, Series B, Series C rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland.
  • Strong thematic focus on Manufacturing, Health Care, Biotechnology.
  • Led 1 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $1M – $10M.

Stage Focus

  • Series Unknown (30%)
  • Series B (30%)
  • Series C (20%)
  • Series A (4%)
  • Series D (4%)
  • Post Ipo Equity (2%)
  • Private Equity (2%)
  • Corporate Round (2%)
  • Grant (2%)
  • Series E (2%)

Country Focus

  • United States (70%)
  • United Kingdom (15%)
  • Switzerland (9%)
  • Germany (2%)
  • Kenya (2%)
  • The Netherlands (2%)

Industry Focus

  • Manufacturing
  • Health Care
  • Biotechnology
  • Software
  • Electronics
  • Semiconductor
  • Medical
  • Chemical
  • Enterprise Software
  • Energy
circle-line
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Who does Dow frequently co-invest with?

Intersouth Partners
North America, North Carolina, United States, Durham
Co-Investments: 4
Molten Ventures
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 4
CMEA Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
SAIL Capital Partners LLC
North America, California, United States, Corona Del Mar
Co-Investments: 3
vSpring Capital
North America, Utah, United States, Salt Lake City
Co-Investments: 3
Polaris Partners
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 3
Prelude Trust
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 6
TV
Europe, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, Melbourn
Co-Investments: 4
Tredegar Investments
North America, Virginia, United States, Richmond
Co-Investments: 5
ARCH Venture Partners
North America, Illinois, United States, Chicago
Co-Investments: 7

What are some of recent deals done by Dow?

Xycle

Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands

Xycle Group is building a chemical recycling factory that will handle 21 kilotons of mixed plastic trash annually.

ChemicalPlastics and Rubber ManufacturingRecycling
Series UnknownMar 10, 2025
CorrosionRADAR

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

Smarter infrastructure using Industrial Internet of Things and Predictive Analytics

AnalyticsArtificial Intelligence (AI)ElectronicsInformation TechnologyInternet of ThingsMessagingPredictive AnalyticsSensor
Series BJul 30, 2024
Amount Raised: $6,428,718
SAS Chemicals

Moers, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

SAS Chemicals produces sealants and components for Insulating Glass manufacturing, keeping up with industry developments.

ChemicalChemical EngineeringManufacturing
Corporate RoundMay 16, 2024
Mr. Green Africa

Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

Mr. Green Africa is a tech-enabled plastic recycling company that tackles waste management problems.

Environmental EngineeringRecyclingWaste Management
Series BJan 13, 2022
Flyability

Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland

Flyability is a Swiss company building safe drones for inaccessible places.

Consumer ElectronicsDrone ManagementDronesRoboticsSecurity
Series BNov 12, 2018
Amount Raised: $11,000,000
Delta College - University

University Center, Michigan, United States

Delta College - University is a school in University Center.

GrantJun 22, 2018
Amount Raised: $7,400,000
RainStor

San Francisco, California, United States

RainStor is a database for large enterprises to manage and analyze multi-structured big data.

AnalyticsBig DataEnterprise SoftwareSoftware
Series COct 5, 2012
Amount Raised: $12,000,000
Primet Precision Materials

Ithaca, New York, United States

Primet Precision Materials is an advanced materials company with technologies capable of producing materials sized from micron to nano.

Advanced MaterialsManufacturing
Series UnknownMay 19, 2011
Amount Raised: $2,505,000
Xtreme Power Conversion

Kyle, Texas, United States

Xtreme Power Conversion supplies real-time power management and energy storage systems for power and commercial end users.

ElectronicsEnergyEnergy EfficiencyEnergy Storage
Series CJul 27, 2010
Amount Raised: $29,500,000
Xtreme Power Conversion

Denver, Colorado, United States

Xtreme Power is a global provider of power quality solutions, is dedicated to providing the most reliable power protection.

Consumer ElectronicsElectronicsEnergy
Series UnknownJul 27, 2010
Amount Raised: $29,500,000