Energy Capital Ventures

Energy Capital Ventures (ECV) is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2020 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with a presence in New York. It is the only VC fund solely dedicated to the natural gas value chain, investing under its trademarked 'Green Molecules®' thesis — encompassing decarbonization, renewable natural gas, hydrogen, biofuels, carbon capture, methane detection, energy efficiency, and the digital/automation transformation of natural gas infrastructure. ECV is backed by publicly-traded natural gas and diversified utilities as corporate limited partners, including Vistara, Black Hills Corporation, Eversource, National Fuel, NiSource, Southwest Gas, and Spire. Fund I closed at $61M; Fund II is currently active with a Pre-Seed to Seed focus and initial commitments of $1.5M–$2M, with capacity for larger investments via SPVs and LP co-investment. ECV prefers to lead rounds and take board seats, though it will co-lead and syndicate. Up to 30% of the fund may be deployed outside North America, and up to 25% in broader energy-related technologies adjacent to the natural gas value chain.