Climate / Energy Transition Growth Funds
Currently a 1Y at an investment bank covering power / renewables. Know I’d like to do growth-stage climate / ET tech investing post banking.
My current list of funds is I’d like to take a stab at is Lowercarbon Capital, EIP, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, GA BnZ, Lightrock and Galvanize. Are there any others that I should be thinking about strongly here?
In terms of interview prep, aside from classic VC / growth questions (why xyz fund, what are companies that you think fit our mandate, sectors / trends you’re following, etc…) what types of technicals should I prep ? Assume ARR mechanics for software and pref. / distribution math would come up but anything else of note?
Thanks in advance!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, your list of funds is already strong, but there are a few additional names you might want to consider for growth-stage climate and energy transition (ET) tech investing. Funds like TPG Rise Climate, Generate Capital, Prelude Ventures, and Fifth Wall Climate Tech are also well-regarded in this space. Additionally, S2G Ventures and Congruent Ventures are worth exploring, as they focus on sustainability and climate innovation.
Interview Prep:
For technical preparation, you're on the right track with ARR mechanics and preferred equity/distribution waterfalls. Here are additional areas to focus on:
Valuation Techniques:
Unit Economics:
Market Sizing:
Sector-Specific Knowledge:
Case Studies:
Financial Modeling:
Impact Metrics:
Lastly, networking with professionals at these funds and staying updated on their portfolio companies can give you an edge in interviews. Good luck, and remember, preparation is key to standing out in this competitive space!
Sources: Impact Funds Oncycle Recruiting?, Troubled fundraising processes, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/renewable-energy?customgpt=1
Generation, tpg rise, capricorn, bain double impact right? Im not close to the space
Thanks - I think these firms tend to play a bit later, or have a slightly different thesis. TPG RC does a lot of infra and Bain is definitely looking to do control investing.
There are two funds under Rise Climate: TPG Rise Climate is the growth equity / early-buyout climate PE fund. Think corporate carveouts, late stage growth, and some deals that straddle buyouts and infra. TPG Rise Climate Transition Infrastructure is the dedicated climate infrastructure fund, which was announced last year.
On Capricorn, this is more of an allocator firm that does some directs. Originally founded as a family office, they now have two major arms. The first is focused on venture capital investing tailored to impact opportunities such as decarbonization and energy transition. The second is OCIO / portfolio management for larger families and institutional clients. Comp is definitely in line with that but if you are looking for a climate investing opportunity focused on fund allocation this is a great firm to pursue.
Other names not listed but potentially worth looking into are Circle Loop Partners, YAnalytics, General Atlantic, as well as some of the megafunds. Ares and Blackstone now have climate funds either in market or actively investing.
At one of the funds in the space. For full list, I’d check Sightline Climate’s investor / fund tracker, but you’ve got most of the bigger guys in the list above and in comments.
As for technicals, really depends on the stage you are investing. Largely, you could likely break-up the funds between early stage venture, late stage venture / growth and more PE buy-out. PE buy-out (GA, TPG) are going to be more typical growth buy-out style questions / modeling on profitable business with different growth levers and minimal leverage. Late stage venture / growth is going to be more focused on scaled but likely unprofitable businesses and modeling different paths to exit (IPO / M&A) where you are a minority preferred investor and somewhat along for the ride. Early stage is likely going to be modeling light but a mix of captable math + need to believes around getting the business to the next round of financing at an up round.
Coming from banking, two biggest gaps I’ve seen coming in have been around captable math / waterfall (since you just don’t get those reps in banking) and broader business quality accessment across business models (Pureplay Software vs. HW-enabled SW vs. Tech Enabled Services vs straight HW). While probably a third / half the investable space is still on the SW side, a good chunk falls into these more complex business models where gross margins / capital intensity is much more acute. So there is a good amount of judgment if the business model matches the valuation / potential returns. Pretty common for momentum VC investors to price low margin HW businesses like its SaaS and end up underwater when the business inevitably becomes messy and realizing it’s difficult to find industrial buyer at attractive exit valuations unless you get to EBITDA.
Super helpful - thank you so much!
What’s the pulse in this space right now given the US policy agenda and state of SaaS?
And how are these funds doing from a return standpoint? Are we talking 3x+ funds or are there issues with product market fit (compromising returns, fund / carry economics, fundraising etc)?
buddy. you're pe way of thinking is precisely why all large scale infra projects die. you cant have a short term return mindset for something thats longterm and needs the potential to take losses. writing a 5-7/10 year strategy plan is gonna cook any infra or infra related company
bro no cap are u 0 iq? go join an operator. pe firms are anticonducive to longterm energy projects
Commodi aut ducimus quasi rem magni amet quidem. Tempore ut excepturi dicta saepe.
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