Facts
- Sectors
- Climate/ClimateTech, Energy, Infrastructure, Venture Capital, Media/Podcast
- Founded
- 2023
Investors at Pacific Northwest Climate Week urge funding for grid upgrades, EVs, solar and ag‑tech over data-center and some nuclear bets
At a Pacific Northwest Climate Week rooftop happy hour in Seattle, investors and founders said current tools can decarbonize the economy but urged capital to focus on proven infrastructure solutions like grid upgrades, EVs, solar and ag-tech rather than overhyped areas such as data centers and some nuclear startups. Participants highlighted increasing individual investor commitment despite federal and geopolitical headwinds and noted the event drew nearly 7,000 people across 313 events.
Nate Bek and Kirby Winfield invest in AZX’s $6M pre-Seed round to scale vertical AI for critical infrastructure
Nate Bek and Kirby Winfield announce a $6 million pre-Seed investment in AZX, a 2024-founded vertical AI platform for critical infrastructure serving utilities and energy operators, citing 10x revenue growth, customers like Puget Sound Energy and CBRE, and a team led by CEO Aaron Goldfeder.
Seattle Startup AZX Raises $6M to Develop Custom AI Solutions for Energy Sector Amid 10x Revenue Growth
AZX, a Bellevue-based startup founded by Seattle tech veterans, raised $6 million in a pre-seed round as its Q1 revenue grew tenfold year-over-year. The company builds custom AI solutions for energy and utility clients using advanced AI technologies integrated into existing systems.
Stepchange Raises $7M for Climate-Focused Venture Fund Targeting Software Startups in Transportation, Energy, and Resilience
Seattle-based venture firm Stepchange raised $7 million for its inaugural fund to invest in climate-focused startups targeting sectors like transportation, energy, and resilience with asset-light, cost-competitive software solutions. Founded by Anay Shah and Ben Eidelson, the fund has already backed 13 startups and plans 30 investments, supported by over 100 investors including Bain Capital Ventures and tech leaders from major companies.
Ben Eidelson Launches Stepchange, a $3M Seattle Venture Fund to Accelerate Carbon-Cutting Tech Adoption
Ben Eidelson, former tech entrepreneur, launched Stepchange, a Seattle-based climate-focused venture fund investing $100,000-$200,000 in early-stage carbon-reducing startups, aiming to deploy $3 million within 18 months. Eidelson also hosts the Climate Papa podcast and engages the community to accelerate climate technology adoption.
Ben Eidelson, Former Engineer, Launches 'Climate Papa' Initiative to Support Climate Tech Startups in Seattle
Ben Eidelson, known as 'Climate Papa,' left his tech career to invest in and promote climate tech startups, creating a podcast and hosting meetups to engage the community in climate action. He aims to inspire other software engineers to contribute their skills towards addressing the climate crisis.
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Ben Eidelson Founder, Co-founder and Partner, Co-founder and General Partner & Co-Host
