Led · Series B · Sep 2024

AIR COMPANY develops a modular, energy-efficient AIRMADE™ platform that transforms captured CO₂ and hydrogen into high-demand synthetic fuels and chemicals. The company is focused on scalable sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) that integrates into existing aircraft and infrastructure. Its technology is designed to strengthen fuel supply chains, bolster energy security, and support domestic job creation. AIR COMPANY has validated its approach through commercial partnerships with airlines including JetBlue and Virgin Atlantic and through multiple government contracts, including with NASA and the Defense Innovation Unit. The company has received industry recognition such as the EPA Green Chemistry Challenge Award and the XPrize for Carbon Removal. New Series B capital will bolster engineering and R&D to accelerate large-scale production of CO₂-derived SAF. Air Company makes vodka, hand sanitizer and eau de parfum from CO2 using a process that converts carbon dioxide, water and solar energy into pure ethanol. The company sells consumer products direct and through distribution partners, and reports its vodka is frequently sold out. Air Company operates its own facilities (not contract manufacturers) to limit transportation emissions and runs them on renewable power, though current volumes are relatively low versus traditional manufacturers. Leadership says the firm intends to transition its technology into industrial sectors to scale impact and displace fossil carbon. The company plans to use new capital to build a third facility housing a commercial-scale carbon utilization system to exponentially increase CO2-derived ethanol and sustainable fuel production. Air Company debuted its CO2-made alcoholic beverage in 2019 and positions itself as a carbon technology company focused on carbon-negative alcohols.

Participated · Series A · Jul 2022

Founded in 2017 and based in Daytona Beach, Fla., VerdeGo Aero builds hybrid-electric powerplants that convert jet fuel or sustainable aviation fuel into electric power for a wide range of electric aircraft segments. Its hybrid powertrain programs span from roughly 150 kW up to multiple megawatts of continuous electrical output. The company is developing its third generation of full-scale hybrid-electric powerplant hardware and has delivered pre-production powerplants for flight test operations. VerdeGo is expanding its team of electric propulsion experts and recruiting across engineering, marketing, finance, and project management. The company recently closed a $12 million Series A funding round to support expansion and continued product development. VerdeGo plans to grow its portfolio offerings, including the VH-3 185 kW powerplant, and to leverage partnerships with larger OEMs for future product work.