2024 Scope:
This year’s Decarbon8-US Fund theme is Renewable Energy, with a focus on innovations in power generation, alternative fuels, and technologies that significantly advance the decarbonization of energy. We invite applications from enterprises whose technologies and business models significantly accelerate the transition to sustainable solutions. The scope for consideration includes the below categories.
Power Generation
Natural resources converted into electricity: novel innovations in solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, marine energy
Alternative Fuel
Derived from renewable sources: hydrogen, biofuels, synthetic fuels
Energy Storage
Non-battery storage forms: pumped hydro, compressed air energy, hydrogen storage
Implementation & Deployment
Grid Infrastructure
Energy distribution and management systems: modernization, maintenance tools, analytics
Financing for energy projects: debt vehicles, capital platforms
Entrepreneurs participating in Decarbon8-US have the opportunity receive:
-
Investment capital - Previous winners received an average of $300,000 in combined funding, from the Decarbon8-US Fund and co-investment.
-
Potential investment in future funding rounds - E8 investors actively participate in subsequent fundraising efforts.
-
Engagement and support from cleantech investment specialists - winners are able to leverage E8's expertise and networks.
-
Visibility and advocacy - E8 promotes Decarbon8-US companies through member engagement and press coverage.
Investment
Details
Eligible enterprises must:
-
Operate within the Renewable Energy sector within the focus areas described above.
-
Have generated revenue or have field trials/pilots leading to revenue in 2024.
-
Be in Pre-seed to Series A-round phase of growth financing.
-
Have an open investment round (equity, note, or debt) accepting investments from September to November 2024.
-
Be incorporated as for-profit entities in the United States or Canada.
Former Decarbon8-US applicants and E8 portfolio companies are encouraged to apply. Applications are evaluated by a Selection Committee specialized in cleantech investing and renewable energy. Consideration criteria include: decarbonization impact, product innovation, competitive advantages, management and execution, and investment terms.
Criteria
Timeline
May 1, 2024
June 21, 2024
Late June
RFP Release. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
Application window closes.
Screening committee selects 12-16 companies for pitch round.
Early July
Mid-July
Companies present in Pitch Round.
Deeper Evaluation of semi-finalists.
August
Due Diligence with Finalists.
Early September
Selection of Companies for investment.
September 9, 2024
Investment celebration and winners presentation to E8 membership for additional co-investing.
Background
E8 Angels: E8 is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) membership organization for accredited angel investors. The E8 member community comprises 130 families and funds worldwide. E8 exclusively supports and invests in clean technology and sustainability companies. Since its founding in 2006, E8 members have invested over $62M into cleantech ventures. In the summer months, E8 runs the Decarbon8-US fund.
Decarbon8-US: Decarbon8-US is an impact fund administered by our 501(c)(3) partner, Realize Impact. The fund accepts philanthropic donations and grants and subsequently makes equity and debt investments in early-stage companies aligned with decarbonization priorities. Winners of Decarbon8-US 2024 will receive investment from the fund and have an opportunity to pitch E8’s member community for additional investment.
Learn More and Apply
Learn more about E8, our community and portfolio here. For more information, please contact us at director@e8angels.com.
Due to the volume of applications, we regret that we cannot respond to all applicants regarding their status. However, companies not advancing to the final rounds may still be considered for E8's standard funding process, which runs from September to May.