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Powerhouse Ventures

North America, California, United States, Oakland

Description

Powerhouse Ventures is an Oakland, California-based venture capital firm dedicated to accelerating the decarbonization of global energy and mobility systems. The firm primarily invests in seed-stage software startups that leverage innovative technology to address critical climate challenges. Their investment thesis centers on a software-first approach, recognizing the transformative potential of digital solutions in driving efficiency, intelligence, and sustainability across the energy and transportation sectors. Powerhouse seeks out companies with strong founding teams, defensible intellectual property, and scalable business models poised to make a significant environmental and economic impact.

Powerhouse Ventures typically provides initial checks ranging from $500,000 to $1.5 million, focusing on early-stage companies that are developing groundbreaking software solutions. Beyond capital, the firm offers strategic support, leveraging its deep industry expertise and extensive network within the energy and climate tech ecosystems. This hands-on approach helps portfolio companies navigate market complexities, secure follow-on funding, and scale their operations effectively. Their commitment extends to fostering a community of innovators dedicated to building a sustainable future.

To date, Powerhouse Ventures has built a robust portfolio of over 50 companies across three distinct funds, demonstrating their consistent activity and belief in the sector's growth. Their portfolio companies have collectively raised more than $1.5 billion in follow-on capital, a testament to the quality and potential of the startups they back and the firm's ability to identify promising ventures. Their latest vehicle, Fund III, closed at $20 million in 2021, further solidifying their capacity to support the next generation of climate tech leaders. Powerhouse Ventures remains a pivotal player in the climate tech investment landscape, actively shaping the future of clean energy and sustainable transportation.

Investor Profile

Powerhouse Ventures has backed more than 48 startups, with 7 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 8 rounds, about 17% of its total and boasts 2 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Series A, Pre Seed rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Canada, The Netherlands.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Energy, Solar.
  • Led 1 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $500K – $1.5M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (65%)
  • Series A (21%)
  • Pre Seed (8%)
  • Convertible Note (4%)
  • Series Unknown (2%)

Country Focus

  • United States (81%)
  • Canada (10%)
  • The Netherlands (4%)
  • Australia (2%)
  • United Kingdom (2%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Energy
  • Solar
  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
  • Saas
  • Machine Learning
  • Renewable Energy
  • Cleantech
  • Electric Vehicle
  • Clean Energy
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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 Powerhouse Ventures frequently co-invest with?

MCJ Collective
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 3
AF
North America, Colorado, United States, Denver
Co-Investments: 3
Wireframe Ventures
North America, California, United States, Mill Valley
Co-Investments: 4
Ascend
North America, Washington, United States, Seattle
Co-Investments: 2
Climate Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
VV
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
Congruent Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 6
Active Impact Investments
North America, British Columbia, Canada, North Vancouver
Co-Investments: 4
Blue Bear Capital
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Co-Investments: 3
Lorimer Ventures
North America, New York, United States, Brooklyn
Co-Investments: 3

Which angels does Powerhouse Ventures often collaborate with?

HW
North America, United States
Shared Deals: 2
LL
North America, California, United States, Santa Clara
Shared Deals: 1
RL
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
JS
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
SD
North America, California, United States, Santa Monica
Shared Deals: 1
MT
North America, District of Columbia, United States, Washington
Shared Deals: 1
IV
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
BC
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
AN
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
AR
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Powerhouse Ventures?

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
Adaptis

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Adaptis is a decision-support platform for whole life cycle carbon reduction planning of existing and new construction buildings.

ArchitectureConstructionHome RenovationInnovation Management
SeedApr 8, 2025
Amount Raised: $4,000,000
Presto

Oakland, California, United States

Presto is a software platform to power magical charging experiences for fleets, mobility providers, and businesses.

Information TechnologyInternet
SeedFeb 6, 2025
Amount Raised: $15,000,000
Tyba

San Francisco, California, United States

Tyba is a modeling platform for developing, financing, operating solar and storage projects.

Energy StorageSoftwareSolar
Series AFeb 6, 2025
Amount Raised: $13,900,000
CapeZero

Kingston, New York, United States

CapeZero streamlines complex project and infrastructure financing like tax equity, empowering you to make smarter, faster capital decisions.

Clean EnergyCleanTechEnergy StorageFinTechRenewable EnergySoftwareSolarSustainabilityWind Energy
SeedJan 23, 2025
Amount Raised: $2,600,000
AmpUp

Santa Clara, California, United States

AmpUp is an electric vehicle charging company that enables drivers, hosts, and fleets to charge stress-free.

AutomotiveClean EnergyElectric VehicleFleet ManagementTransportation
Series ASep 26, 2024
Amount Raised: $15,000,000
Sybill AI

Mountain View, California, United States

Sybill analyzes verbal and non-verbal cues to generate meeting summaries, crafting deal notes and CRM updates using AI models.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)CRMEnterpriseMachine LearningSaaSSalesSoftware
Series AJul 30, 2024
Amount Raised: $11,000,000
Sesame Sustainability

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Sesame Sustainability is a SAAS company that offers industrial decarbonization platform for modeling, optimization, and analysis.

AnalyticsEnergySaaS
SeedJun 11, 2024
Amount Raised: $2,400,000
ThinkLabs AI

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

ThinkLabs AI is a specialist AI development and deployment firm.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Sustainability
SeedMay 23, 2024
Amount Raised: $5,000,000
SHAED

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

SHAED offers a mobility platform. It focuses on Shared, Hydrogen, Autonomous, Electric, and Distribution technologies.

Electric VehicleSoftwareSustainability
SeedMay 14, 2024
Amount Raised: $5,700,000