
SE Ventures
Description
SE Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and industrial automation. Established in 2018 with an initial $500 million fund, SE Ventures significantly expanded its capital to over $1 billion in 2022, solidifying its position as a major player in the corporate venture landscape. Based in Menlo Park, California, the fund operates globally, leveraging Schneider Electric's extensive network and industry expertise to identify and support innovative startups. Its mandate is dual-pronged: to generate strong financial returns while also fostering strategic alignment with Schneider Electric's core business objectives and long-term vision.
The fund primarily targets companies operating in critical sectors such as energy management, industrial automation, smart buildings, smart grids, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT, and electrification. SE Ventures typically invests across various growth stages, from Series A to Series D, demonstrating a commitment to supporting companies throughout their development lifecycle. Their investment thesis is centered on identifying disruptive technologies and business models that can accelerate the energy transition and drive industrial innovation, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and climate technology solutions.
SE Ventures distinguishes itself by offering more than just capital. Portfolio companies gain unparalleled access to Schneider Electric's global customer base, extensive R&D capabilities, and deep industry knowledge. This strategic partnership approach helps startups scale their operations, refine their products, and navigate complex market landscapes. Initial investments from SE Ventures typically range from $5 million to $20 million, with the capacity for substantial follow-on funding as companies achieve milestones and require further capital for expansion. This flexible investment strategy allows them to back promising ventures from early growth to more mature stages, fostering a robust ecosystem of innovation aligned with Schneider Electric's strategic priorities.
Investor Profile
SE Ventures has backed more than 49 startups, with 11 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 13 rounds, about 27% of its total and boasts 4 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series B, Series A, Series Unknown rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, Germany, Canada.
- Strong thematic focus on Software, Energy, Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Led 1 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $5M – $20M.
Stage Focus
- Series B (31%)
- Series A (18%)
- Series Unknown (18%)
- Series C (14%)
- Convertible Note (4%)
- Series E (4%)
- Seed (4%)
- Series D (2%)
- Pre Seed (2%)
- Series F (2%)
Country Focus
- United States (73%)
- Germany (10%)
- Canada (8%)
- Israel (4%)
- Australia (2%)
- India (2%)
Industry Focus
- Software
- Energy
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
- Renewable Energy
- Machine Learning
- Manufacturing
- Cleantech
- Analytics
- Saas
- Internet Of Things
Frequently Asked Questions
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