TL;DR
Superorganism, which launched in 2023 and bills itself as a biodiversity-focused venture firm, has closed its debut fund with $25.9 million in commitments from institutional and individual backers. The firm will write pre-seed and seed checks and targets startups that slow extinction, link climate and biodiversity, or build tools for conservation.
What happened
Superorganism, founded by managing directors Kevin Webb and Tom Quigley, launched in 2023 after the pair began working on the strategy in 2022. The firm has closed its inaugural fund with $25.9 million in capital commitments from limited partners that include the Cisco Foundation, AMB Holdings, Builders Vision and individual investors such as Andreessen Horowitz partner Jeff Jordan. Superorganism says it focuses on three investment areas: technologies that slow or reverse species loss, startups operating at the intersection of climate and biodiversity, and tools that make conservation work more effective. The fund writes checks in the $250,000–$500,000 range for pre-seed and seed-stage companies and plans to direct 10% of its profits to future conservation initiatives. So far the firm has invested in about 20 companies and aims for a roughly 35-company portfolio; examples include Spoor, which uses computer vision to monitor birds around wind farms, and Inversa, which repurposes invasive species into leather goods.
Why it matters
- Creates a dedicated funding vehicle explicitly aimed at biodiversity, a niche not widely targeted by traditional climate funds.
- Targets early-stage companies that may both improve conservation outcomes and reduce regulatory risks for industries like renewable energy.
- A diversified portfolio across categories seeks to shield performance from single-industry or policy headwinds.
- The firm’s commitment to donate a portion of profits channels financial returns back into conservation efforts, aligning investor incentives with ecological goals.
Key facts
- Superorganism launched in 2023 and its founders began developing the strategy in 2022.
- Closed its first fund with $25.9 million in capital commitments.
- Notable backers include Cisco Foundation, AMB Holdings, Builders Vision, and investor Jeff Jordan.
- Focuses on three categories: tech to slow/reverse extinction, climate–biodiversity intersection startups, and conservation tools.
- Typical check size is $250,000 to $500,000 for pre-seed and seed-stage companies.
- The firm donates 10% of its profits to future conservation efforts.
- Has invested in about 20 companies to date and aims for a roughly 35-company portfolio.
- Portfolio examples: Spoor (computer vision for bird tracking near wind turbines) and Inversa (turning invasive species into leather goods).
- Partners sought to differentiate the fund from traditional climate-focused VCs when speaking with potential LPs.
What to watch next
- Whether Superorganism completes its target portfolio of about 35 companies as planned.
- Follow-on financing and commercial traction for portfolio firms such as Spoor and Inversa.
- Whether other venture funds increase allocations to biodiversity-focused strategies — not confirmed in the source.
- How political and regulatory environments affect demand for biodiversity solutions, including cross-party support — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Biodiversity: The variety of life in all its forms and interactions within ecosystems, including species, genes and ecosystems.
- Venture capital (VC): Investment financing provided to early-stage, high-potential startups in exchange for equity or ownership stakes.
- Pre-seed / Seed stage: Early phases of startup development when companies raise initial capital to build a product, test market fit, and hire core teams.
- Portfolio company: A startup or business in which a venture fund has made an investment.
Reader FAQ
How much did Superorganism raise for its first fund?
$25.9 million in capital commitments.
Who are some of the fund’s backers?
Investors named in reports include the Cisco Foundation, AMB Holdings, Builders Vision and individual backer Jeff Jordan.
What kinds of startups does the fund back?
Pre-seed and seed companies that slow or reverse extinction, operate at the climate–biodiversity intersection, or build tools for conservationists.
How large are the typical investments?
Checks generally range from $250,000 to $500,000.
Where is Superorganism headquartered?
not confirmed in the source
Superorganism launched in 2023 as what it claims is the first venture capital firm focused on biodiversity, aiming to serve as the conservationist on the cap table for nature-friendly startups….
Sources
- Superorganism raises $25M to back biodiversity startups
- All Venture Capital News and Press Releases …
- Articles written by PRNewswire
- All News Releases and Press Releases from PR Newswire
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