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E8 Angels

Non-profit cleantech angel network investing in early-stage sustainability innovations.

Seattle, WA, USA

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Description

E8 Angels (formerly Element 8) is a premier, member-led angel investment group based in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 2006, it is one of the first and most active angel groups in North America exclusively focused on cleantech and climate-positive innovations. 

  • Seed & Series A: E8 focuses on early-stage companies that have moved beyond basic R&D.
  • Traction Required: Startups should have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and, ideally, early customer validation through pilots, revenue, or strategic partnerships.
  • Method: Founders must apply via the E8 Angels website, which utilizes the Dealum platform.
  • Requirements: A complete submission includes a pitch deck, executive summary, and a detailed explanation of the venture's environmental impact (carbon reduction, resource efficiency, etc.).
  • Decarbon8 Fund: In addition to angel investments, E8 manages the Decarbon8 Fund, a specialized vehicle for philanthropic and impact-first capital for earlier-stage "decarbonization" breakthroughs.

Eligibility

  • Sectors: Renewable Energy, Energy Storage, Smart Grid, Agriculture, Water, Transportation, and Circular Economy.
  • Geography: Primarily targets the United States and Canada, with a strong presence in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Climate Impact: The technology must offer a clear, measurable benefit to the environment or resource sustainability. 

Process

E8 follows a structured, monthly vetting cycle: 
  1. Staff Screening: The professional team reviews applications for sector fit and climate impact.
  2. Screening Committee: Approximately 3–5 companies per month are invited to a virtual deep-dive interview with a smaller committee.
  3. Member Meeting: Selected finalists pitch to the full network of 100+ accredited investors during monthly virtual meetings.
  4. Due Diligence: Interested members form a collaborative team to conduct a 4–8 week rigorous review of the technology, IP, and financials.
  5. Investment: Individual members commit capital, which is typically aggregated for the cap table. 

What an Applicant can Obtain

  1. Direct Capital: Access to funding from a network that has invested over $50 million into 100+ companies.
  2. Subject Matter Expertise: Mentorship from investors who are often former executives or technical experts in the energy and environmental sectors.
  3. Strategic Networking: Connections to corporate partners, utilities, and follow-on venture capital firms.
  4. Technical Validation: Diligence from some of the most knowledgeable climate-tech minds in the angel community.