PRIME Coalition

PRIME Coalition is a unique 501(c)(3) public charity based in Cambridge, United States, dedicated to accelerating market-driven climate solutions by channeling philanthropic capital into early-stage, deep decarbonization technologies. Unlike traditional venture capital firms that deploy their own funds, PRIME acts as a crucial intermediary, connecting a network of philanthropists—including Donor-Advised Funds, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals—with innovative climate-tech startups. Their model focuses on deploying "catalytic" and "patient" capital, which is often more flexible and risk-tolerant than conventional venture capital, enabling breakthrough technologies that might otherwise struggle to attract initial funding due to long development cycles or high upfront costs.

The organization's core function involves rigorous due diligence on promising climate ventures, identifying those with significant potential for both environmental impact and market viability. They then present these vetted opportunities to their philanthropic network, facilitating impact-first investments that aim to de-risk and scale critical climate innovations. This approach helps bridge the funding gap for nascent technologies, allowing them to advance from research and development to commercialization. Their efforts are particularly vital for technologies that address hard-to-abate sectors, such as heavy industry, long-haul transport, and agriculture.

Since its inception in 2014, PRIME Coalition has demonstrated significant impact, having mobilized over $200 million in philanthropic capital for climate innovation. This substantial funding has been directed towards more than 20 climate-critical companies, supporting a diverse portfolio of solutions ranging from advanced materials to sustainable energy systems. The typical investment facilitated by PRIME's platform averages around $10 million, though the range of individual philanthropic commitments can vary significantly. These investments generally fall within a range from $1 million up to $25 million or more, reflecting the diverse needs of early-stage climate ventures and the varying capacities of their philanthropic partners. Through this innovative model, PRIME Coalition plays a pivotal role in de-risking and scaling the next generation of climate solutions, fostering a more sustainable future.