Energy Foundry

Energy Foundry is a Chicago-based seed and Series A venture capital firm focused on clean energy and climate technology companies, backing early-stage founders developing innovative solutions in energy efficiency, smart grid technology, distributed energy resources, and sustainable building systems. The firm invests with initial checks from $250,000 to $2 million and focuses on companies where the core technology addresses a fundamental challenge in the energy system. Energy Foundry brings deep operational expertise in the energy sector and strong relationships with Midwest-based utilities, energy service companies, and real estate owners who can serve as pilot customers and commercial partners. The firm is one of a small group of dedicated seed-stage climate technology investors operating in the Midwest. Portfolio companies include Brainbox AI, the autonomous AI building optimization platform; Inpensa, an energy management technology company; Optio Energy, a building energy optimization platform; and Voltus, the distributed energy resource aggregation and demand response platform. Beyond its original investments, the portfolio includes additional clean energy and building technology companies.