2025: SOFTWARE & AI FOR CLIMATE
Decarbon8-US 2025 will focus on capital-light AI and/or software based innovations focused on making a significant positive impact on climate. Solutions could focus on optimizing energy systems, improving resource management, enhancing infrastructure efficiency, advancing material science, streamlining transportation & logistics, and enabling climate-focused financing & project development.
Entrepreneurs participating in Decarbon8-US have the opportunity receive:
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Investment capital - Previous winners received an average of $300,000 in combined funding, from the Decarbon8-US Fund and co-investment.
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Potential investment in future funding rounds - E8 investors actively participate in subsequent fundraising efforts.
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Engagement and support from cleantech investment specialists - winners are able to leverage E8's expertise and networks.
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Visibility and advocacy - E8 promotes Decarbon8-US companies through member engagement and press coverage.
Investment
Details
Eligible enterprises must:
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Operate within the Software & AI for Climate sector within the focus areas described above.
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Have generated revenue or have field trials/pilots leading to revenue in 2025.
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Be in Pre-seed to Series A-round phase of growth financing.
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Have an open investment round (equity, note, or debt) accepting investments from September to November 2025.
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Be incorporated as for-profit entities in the United States or Canada.
Former Decarbon8-US applicants and E8 portfolio companies are encouraged to apply. Applications are evaluated by a Selection Committee specialized in cleantech investing and software & AI. Consideration criteria include: decarbonization impact, product innovation, competitive advantages, management and execution, and investment terms.
Criteria
TIMELINE
May 1, 2025
RFA Release. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
June 21, 2025
Application window closes.
Late June
Screening committee selects 12-16 companies for pitch round.
Early July
Companies present in Pitch Round.
Mid-July
Deeper Evaluation of semi-finalists.
August
Early September
Due Diligence with Finalists.
Selection of Companies for investment.
September 11, 2025
Investment celebration and winners presentation to E8 membership for additional co-investing.
Background
E8 Angels: E8 is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) membership organization for accredited angel investors. The E8 member community comprises 130 families and funds worldwide. E8 exclusively supports and invests in clean technology and sustainability companies. Since its founding in 2006, E8 members have invested over $62M into cleantech ventures. In the summer months, E8 runs the Decarbon8-US fund.
Decarbon8-US: Decarbon8-US is an impact fund administered by Realize Impact, our 501(c)(3) partner. The fund accepts philanthropic donations and grants and subsequently makes equity and debt investments in early-stage companies aligned with decarbonization priorities. Winners of Decarbon8-US 2025 will receive investment from the fund and have an opportunity to pitch E8’s member community for additional investment.
LEARN MORE
For more information, please contact us at director@e8angels.com.
Due to the volume of applications, we regret that we cannot respond to all applicants regarding their status. However, companies not advancing to the final rounds may still be considered for E8's standard funding process, which runs from September to May.