Participated · Series A · Feb 2026

DG Matrix’s core product, the Interport, is a solid-state transformer that acts like a power router, combining and distributing electricity from sources such as solar, batteries and the grid. Each Interport can handle up to 2.4 MW, replacing multiple legacy transformers and uninterruptible power supplies while shrinking space requirements from two large skids to a single four-by-four-foot unit. The device boosts overall conversion efficiency to 95-98% compared with 82-90% for traditional setups and reduces component count by as much as 85%, which the company says should increase reliability. Initial customer units are rolling out in June, and 90% of the sales pipeline targets data centers, with the remainder focused on fleet EV charging. DG Matrix is also developing a rack-level “sidecar” product and envisions deploying Interports in micro- and mini-grids for remote communities to alleviate energy poverty. Future expansion plans include broader building-power applications and larger grid-edge projects. The company’s financial footing was strengthened by a recent $60 million Series A round, its first disclosed institutional raise.

Participated · Series F · Dec 2025

Founded in 2016, ZincFive designs and manufactures nickel-zinc (NiZn) battery-based power solutions for immediate backup applications in data centers and other mission-critical environments. Its patented chemistry offers higher power density, zero thermal-runaway risk, minimal maintenance, and a 96 percent recyclable design compared with lead-acid or lithium-ion alternatives. The company recently introduced the BC 2 AI UPS battery cabinet tailored to the dynamic loads of AI workloads. ZincFive claims nearly 2 GW of NiZn battery backup cabinets have been deployed or contracted worldwide, underscoring accelerating commercial traction with hyperscalers, data center operators, and OEM partners. Recognition such as TIME’s Top GreenTech Companies, a 2024 Edison Award, and CleanTech Breakthrough’s 2024 Overall Innovation of the Year complements its technical credibility. The firm has raised a cumulative $254 million to date and is expanding manufacturing capacity to meet a rapidly growing order pipeline tied to the global AI infrastructure build-out. Headquarters are in Tualatin, Oregon.

Participated · Series A · Mar 2025

Coreshell Technologies develops metallurgical silicon anode materials intended for use in battery anodes. The company has been selected as a recipient of a $50 million DOE award to expand its manufacturing capacity for that material. This award is part of a larger $500 million DOE program aimed at strengthening domestic energy supply chains and supporting startups. The program emphasizes goals such as reducing dependence on foreign sources, enhancing national security, and advancing U.S. energy leadership, with defense demand highlighted as an important market signal. The company’s near-term plan, as reflected in the award, centers on scaling production capability. The article did not provide revenue, user, founding year, location, or prior financing details.

Led · Series A · Jun 2024

Maxterial is a Pleasanton, CA-based material science technology company commercializing advanced coatings. It leverages an eco-systemic lean tech approach to develop solutions that protect against wear, heat, and corrosion while reducing carbon footprint and eliminating toxic materials such as hexavalent chromium. The company is led by CEO Dr. Mehdi Kargar and CTO Dr. Amy Haghdoost. Maxterial intends to use its recent funding to accelerate R&D, including large-scale trials. It plans to expand its product offerings and scale operations across North America and Europe. Ongoing trials in Europe and North America are attracting early adopters and indicate significant initial traction.

Participated · Series A · Sep 2023

Ambient Photonics builds low-light solar energy harvesting technology designed to replace disposable batteries in connected devices such as remote controls, keyboards, mice, electronic shelf labels, and sensors. Its low-light solar cells deliver high power density at mass-market price points and are integrated with global electronics manufacturers. The company was founded in 2019 and is based in Scotts Valley, California, where it recently opened a flagship manufacturing facility. Ambient plans to use new funding to expand manufacturing capabilities and drive mass-market adoption of its technology. Its technology originated at the Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry and initial funding was provided by Cthulhu Ventures LLC. Ambient positions its solution as a way to reduce e-waste and eliminate battery replacements across consumer, retail, and industrial IoT applications. Ambient Photonics, founded in 2019 in California, develops low-light solar PV cells that harvest energy across the full light spectrum for connected devices. Its technology reportedly generates more than three times the power of conventional solutions from ambient light and can reduce the carbon footprint of battery-powered devices by up to 80 percent. The company positions its cells as an alternative to disposable and rechargeable batteries, aiming to eliminate associated landfill waste. Ambient works with global smart home and IoT device manufacturers to embed its cells for improved design possibilities, performance, and sustainability. The company is planning to open what it describes as the world’s largest low-light solar cell production facility in the U.S. to scale low-cost, high-power cells to the mass IoT market. Recent financing activity — equity and equipment debt — is being used to support that U.S. manufacturing buildout. Ambient Photonics develops low-light energy-harvesting photovoltaic (PV) cells that generate as much as three times more power than conventional technology by harvesting across the entire light spectrum, including artificial and natural light. The company works with global smart-home and IoT manufacturers, including Universal Electronics Inc., to embed its cells and reduce or eliminate disposable batteries, cutting landfill waste and device carbon footprints by up to 80%. Ambient plans to build the world’s largest U.S.-based low-light solar cell production facility in Mill Valley, California, featuring a fully automated production line with capacity for tens of millions of units per year to enable mass-market adoption. The company was founded in 2019 and its technology was originally developed at the Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry; initial funding since inception came from Cthulhu Ventures LLC. Ambient is pursuing a Part II application for a $162 million DOE Title XVII loan guarantee to support scaling; the facilities are projected to generate hundreds of local U.S. jobs and reduce Scope 3 emissions. Its technology targets batteryless or lower-battery-mass IoT devices, enabling new product form factors with operational and sustainability benefits.