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Clean Energy Venture Group

We provide seed capital and management expertise to climate tech start-ups. We are seasoned operating executives and investors with strong capabilities in the energy and environmental sectors.

Cambridge, MA, USA

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Description

Clean Energy Venture Group (CEVG) is a leading investment group based in Boston, Massachusetts, that provides seed and early-stage capital to startups focused on clean energy and climate technology. Founded in 2005, it is one of the most established angel groups in the sustainability sector, leveraging the deep technical and operational expertise of its members. 

  • Seed & Series A: CEVG primarily targets companies raising their first or second institutional rounds.
  • Post-Concept: They invest in startups that have moved beyond basic research and possess a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or a proven technology prototype ready for commercial pilot testing. 
  • Method: Founders apply through the CEVG application portal, which is hosted on the Dealum platform.
  • Materials: A comprehensive pitch deck, an executive summary, and a detailed "Carbon Impact" analysis are required.
  • Focus: They seek companies that can demonstrate significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential alongside commercial scalability. 

Eligibility

  • Sectors: Renewables, Energy Storage, Energy Efficiency, Electric Mobility, Circular Economy, and Climate-Smart Agriculture.
  • Geography: Primarily United States (with a focus on the Northeast), but they consider international deals with high impact.
  • Exclusions: They generally do not invest in project finance, large-scale infrastructure, or companies with no technical innovation (e.g., pure service businesses). 

Process

  1. Online Screening: Applications are reviewed by the screening committee for technical feasibility and climate impact.
  2. Preliminary Meeting: Selected founders participate in an initial video call or meeting with a small group of subject matter experts.
  3. Member Presentation: The top companies are invited to pitch to the full network of 50+ accredited investors (many of whom are serial clean energy entrepreneurs).
  4. Due Diligence: Interested members form a team to conduct an intensive 8-to-12 week review of the technology, IP, and market strategy.
  5. Investment: Members make independent decisions, which are typically aggregated into a single LLC. 

What an Applicant can Obtain

  1. Direct Capital: Funding from a network that has invested over $50 million in more than 40 companies.
  2. Strategic Mentorship: Hands-on guidance from members who have successfully built, scaled, and exited clean energy companies.
  3. Technical Validation: Due diligence from some of the most knowledgeable technical minds in the climate sector.
  4. Syndication: Strong ties to Clean Energy Ventures (the affiliated VC fund) and other climate-focused investors to support larger rounds.