Blue Bear Capital, a prominent venture and growth equity firm specializing in AI-powered solutions for energy, infrastructure, and climate challenges, has successfully closed its $160 million Fund III and additional follow-on vehicles. This milestone underscores Blue Bear’s dedication to supporting entrepreneurs transforming sustainable energy, electric grid infrastructure, logistics, and climate-focused industries.
Expanding the AI Revolution Across Critical Industries
The new fund will invest in digital technology companies addressing pivotal markets such as:
- Sustainable Energy Production
- Electric Grid Modernization
- Transportation and Logistics Optimization
- Energy-Intensive Industries
- Climate Solutions (e.g., wildfire protection, pollution reduction, and water management)
Building on the success of its $150M Fund II launched in 2021, Fund III continues Blue Bear’s mission to support companies applying operational AI to scale commercially. Through its extensive network of private equity, infrastructure funds, and energy industry relationships, Blue Bear accelerates the growth trajectory of these companies.
Leadership Perspective: AI Meets Human Creativity
“There is nothing artificial about artificial intelligence,” remarked Ernst Sack, Partner at Blue Bear Capital. “It’s the next evolution in how we process and utilize information to improve the world. At Blue Bear, we’re merging machine intelligence with human creativity to advance a sustainable and globally competitive energy economy.”
Fellow Partner Vaughn Blake added, “With Fund III, we are championing the data revolution in energy and industry. Companies can now achieve exceptional financial returns while making a significant climate impact. Together, we are shaping a cleaner, smarter energy future.”
Backing the Energy and Climate Transition
Fund III has received support from leading private equity executives, returning institutional investors like the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and new contributors such as UBS and WovenEarth Ventures (a Walton Family affiliate).
Jane Woodward, co-founder of WovenEarth Ventures, highlighted Blue Bear’s unique expertise: “Their industry experience bridges the gap between the energy supply chain of the past and the future, enabling impactful investment in decarbonization.”
Portfolio Highlights: Driving Innovation Across Diverse Sectors
Fund III has already made significant investments in cutting-edge companies, including:
- ChargerHelp!: Remote asset management software for EV infrastructure reliability.
- Pioneer: AI tools enabling energy and climate entrepreneurs to secure and manage capital.
- SKOON: Online marketplace for electrified industrial equipment like batteries and generators.
- Delos: AI analytics platform helping insurers quantify wildfire risks.
These investments reflect Blue Bear’s track record of success with previous portfolio companies, such as:
- Raptor Maps: Analyzing over 100 gigawatts of utility-scale solar assets.
- TruckLabs: Improving trucking fuel efficiency by over 5% (acquired by a Tier 1 auto supplier).
- Mira: Augmented reality for factory efficiency (acquired by Apple).
- Urbint: Digital twins for critical grid infrastructure used by 30+ U.S. utilities.
- Hydrosat: Monitoring water resource risks for agriculture and commodities.
A Leadership Team Committed to Sustainability and Innovation
Blue Bear’s leadership combines decades of experience in energy, industrial investment, and digital technology:
- Ernst Sack: Energy private equity veteran with board roles at 30+ energy tech companies.
- Vaughn Blake: Deep tech and venture investment expert.
- Dr. Carolin Funk: Energy transition specialist with policy and startup experience.
- Dr. Rob MacInnis: CTO with a computer science doctorate and expertise in cloud and blockchain.
- Hank Hattemer: COO and former leveraged finance attorney at Latham & Watkins.
Note: We are also on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and YouTube, to get the latest news updates, Join our Channels. WhatsApp– Click here, and for LinkedIn– Click Here