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REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS:
DECARBON8-US PHILANTHROPIC IMPACT FUND 2025

Accepting Applications from Climate-Focused Software and AI Companies
Application Deadline: June 20, 2025

E8 Angels, a nonprofit membership community of accredited angel investors specializing in cleantech, invites applications from early-stage companies to its 2025 Decarbon8-US funding round focused on Software and AI solutions driving climate innovation and decarbonization.

 

Background

 

E8 Angels: E8 is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) membership organization for accredited angel investors. The E8 member community comprises 130+ accredited investors worldwide. E8 exclusively supports and invests in clean technology and sustainability companies. Since its founding in 2006, E8 members have invested over $67M into cleantech ventures. In the summer months, E8 runs the Decarbon8-US fund. Learn more here. 

 

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 2025 will receive investment from the fund and have an opportunity to pitch E8’s member community for additional investment. Learn more here. 

 

2025 Scope

 

This year’s Decarbon8-US Fund is focused on “Software and AI for Climate,” seeking capital-light AI and/or software based innovations that drive meaningful climate impact. We invite applications from companies whose technologies and business models significantly accelerate the transition to a sustainable, decarbonized future.

 

Solutions could focus on areas such as:

  • optimizing energy systems

  • improving resource management

  • enhancing infrastructure efficiency

  • advancing material science

  • streamlining transportation and logistics

  • enabling climate-focused financing and project development

 

Investment Details

 

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-investors.

  • Potential investment in future funding rounds — E8 investors actively participate in subsequent fundraising rounds for selected companies.

  • Expert engagement and support — winners are able to leverage E8's expertise and networks.

  • Visibility and advocacy — Promotion through E8’s member network, events,  and external press coverage.

 

Applicant Criteria

 

Eligible companies must:

  • Have a Software and AI solution driving climate innovation and decarbonization within the focus areas described above.

  • Have generated revenue or secured signed Letters of Intent (LOIs) leading to revenue in 2025. 

  • Be in Pre-seed to Series A stages of growth financing.

  • Have an open investment round (equity, note, or debt) accepting investments from September to November 2025. 

  • Be incorporated as a for-profit entity in the United States or Canada. 

 

Former Decarbon8-US applicants and E8 portfolio companies are encouraged to apply. Applications are evaluated by a screening committee specialized in cleantech investing and software and AI. Consideration criteria include decarbonization impact, product innovation, competitive advantages, management and execution, and investment terms.

 

Timeline

​

  • May 1: RFA released. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

  • June 20: Application window closes. 

  • Late June: Screening committee selects 12-16 companies for pitch round.

  • Early July: Companies present to the screening committee and panel of judges in the pitch round. 6-8 semi-finalists selected.

  • Mid-July: Deeper evaluation of semi-finalists. 4 finalists selected.

  • August: Streamlined due diligence with finalists (business, technology/innovation, and finance review).

  • Early September: Selection of companies for investment.

  • September 11: Opportunity for winners to pitch to the full E8 membership for additional co-investment.

 

Learn More and Apply

 

Apply to Decarbon8-US 2025 here and learn more about E8, our community, and portfolio here. For more information, please contact us at director@e8angels.com.  


Companies that apply to Decarbon8-US may also still be considered for E8's standard funding process, which runs from September to May. Learn more on our website.

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