Climate Insider Brief:
- Blue Bear Capital has closed its $160M Fund III, targeting AI-powered solutions for sustainable energy, electric grid infrastructure, logistics, and climate sectors like wildfire protection and water management.
- Fund III has already invested in companies like ChargerHelp! (EV reliability), Delos (wildfire analytics), SKOON (industrial electrification), and Pioneer (capital management tools).
- The fund is supported by notable investors, including Rockefeller Brothers Fund, UBS, and McKnight Foundation, demonstrating confidence in Blue Bear’s strategy to combine AI and sustainability for financial returns and climate impact.
PRESS RELEASE – November 21, 2024 – Blue Bear Capital, a venture and growth equity firm specializing in AI-powered solutions for global energy and climate challenges, has announced the successful close of its $160 million Fund III along with additional follow-on vehicles. This new fund extends Blue Bear’s commitment to digital technology entrepreneurs tackling critical industries such as sustainable energy, electric grid infrastructure, logistics, and climate-focused sectors like wildfire protection and water management.
Founded in 2016, Blue Bear has built a strong track record with previous investments through its $150M Fund II announced in 2021. The firm’s latest fund will continue supporting companies leveraging operational AI to accelerate their commercial growth, with Blue Bear playing a key role through its network of private equity, infrastructure, and energy industry partnerships.
Investing in the Intersection of AI and Sustainability
“There is nothing artificial about artificial intelligence,” said Ernst Sack, Partner at Blue Bear Capital. “It represents the next step in transforming how information is utilized to improve the world. At Blue Bear, we unite machine intelligence with human creativity to advance a sustainable, intelligent energy economy.”
Blue Bear’s Fund III draws backing from senior executives across private equity and infrastructure funds, alongside returning institutional investors such as Rockefeller Brothers Fund, McKnight Foundation, and Zoma Capital. New partners include UBS and WovenEarth Ventures, reflecting strong confidence in Blue Bear’s vision for climate and energy innovation.
New Investments Shaping the Future
Fund III has already invested in four promising companies, including:
- ChargerHelp!, which uses remote asset management to enhance EV infrastructure reliability.
- Pioneer, offering AI-based tools for energy and climate entrepreneurs to manage capital.
- SKOON, an online marketplace for electrified industrial equipment.
- Delos, which provides AI-driven wildfire risk analytics for insurers.
These investments align with Blue Bear’s track record of success with companies like Raptor Maps, TruckLabs, Mira, Urbint, and Hydrosat.
Championing the Data Revolution
“With our third fund, we’re driving the data revolution in energy and industry,” added Partner Vaughn Blake. “By investing in the intelligence behind the transition, we’re building a cleaner, smarter energy future that delivers both financial returns and meaningful climate impact.”
As Fund III expands its portfolio, Blue Bear Capital continues to push the boundaries of AI-driven innovation, empowering industries to adapt to the challenges of climate change and modern energy demands.
Climate Insider Notes:
- Focus on AI-Driven Innovation: Blue Bear targets companies applying operational AI in energy, infrastructure, and climate.
- Diverse Portfolio: Investments span EV reliability, climate risk management, and industrial electrification.
- Proven Success: Blue Bear builds on a track record of supporting innovative startups achieving scalability and impactful exits.
- Global Partnerships: Strong backing from institutional investors, private equity executives, and infrastructure funds ensures wide-reaching industry support.
Blue Bear Capital’s Fund III underscores the growing importance of AI in shaping a sustainable and competitive energy economy.
Source: Yahoo Finance
Featured Image: Credit: Blue Bear Capital
