The short answer
Our database lists 108 startup investors in Illinois focused on climate & energy — 10% of the 1,033 startup investors we list in the state. Most are in Chicago (102). (Zalarma investor database, as of 2026-11-01.)
What these investors look for
- Separate the technology risk from the market risk, and show what has been proven in the lab, at pilot scale and with a paying customer.
- Non-dilutive capital (grants, utility programs, state energy offices) stacks well with angel and seed rounds; investors like seeing it in the plan.
- Corporate investors from energy, utilities and industrial companies can be the first strategic check and the first customer.
Where they are
| City | Investors |
|---|---|
| Chicago | 102 |
What stages they back
Of the 108 records in this group that list a stage, here is how many invest at each one (investors often list several).
Investors by stage
Who they are
The mix of investor types tells you where your first checks are most likely to come from.
Investors by type
Sectors they focus on
Sector focus as listed on each record. Generalists who list many sectors are counted in each.
Investors by sector focus
Typical check sizes
Based on the 99 records that list a check size (we use the low end of a stated range).
Investors by typical check size
Firms with the most of these investors in Illinois
Firms ranked by how many of their investors in this slice appear in our database with a stage listed. A starting map, not a ranking of quality.
| Firm | Main stages | Listed |
|---|---|---|
| Energize Capital | Series A, Series B+ | under 10 |
| Google Ventures | Pre-seed, Seed | under 10 |
| Energy Capital Ventures | Pre-seed, Seed | under 10 |
| Capitalize VC | Pre-seed, Seed, Series A | under 10 |
| Earth Foundry | Seed, Series A | under 10 |
| Cultivian Sandbox Ventures | Seed, Series A | under 10 |
| LongJump VC | Pre-seed, Seed | under 10 |
| Buoyant Ventures | Seed, Series A | under 10 |
| Dipalo Ventures | Pre-seed, Seed, Series A | under 10 |
| F3A - Ambition Amorçage Angels @ Bpifrance | Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, Series B+ | under 10 |
| Evergreen Climate Innovations | Seed, Series A | under 10 |
| Impact Engine | Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, Series B+ | under 10 |
Next steps
- See all startup investors in Illinois.
- Compare with Climate & energy nationally.
- Plan your outreach with the warm intro playbook.
About this data
Counts are records in the Zalarma investor database, as of 2026-11-01: angels, venture firms and their partners, micro-VCs, family offices, corporate VCs and accelerators that list startup investing. One investor can appear in several stage or sector rows. Stage, sector and check size come from what each record lists, so not every record has every field. Counts under 10 are not shown. Firm names are listed; we do not publish personal contact details on this site. Read how we build and check the data.
Frequently asked questions
How many climate & energy investors are in Illinois?
The Zalarma investor database lists 108 startup investors in Illinois focused on climate & energy, as of 2026-11-01.
Where in Illinois are they?
In our data: Chicago (102).
How do I reach them?
Shortlist the investors whose check size and focus fit your round, look for a warm path through founders they backed or local angel groups, and send a short, specific note to the rest. Zalarma can build the shortlist for you.