Third Sphere
San Francisco, CA · Invests in MENA; North America; US · Website
Check size
🔒 $•• – $••Thesis
We fundamentally reshape broken global systems by supporting founders who turn theory into action to build better world. Hardware-enabled solutions (80% portfolio) with software components solve transformative climate challenges in energy, infrastructure, transportation, water, and adaptation. We run toward hardware because less competition and less noise. Climate is about more than carbon—it's adaptation, resilience, and systems change.
Likely not a fit for
No pure software plays. No companies without clear climate/resilience impact. No founders relying only on subsidies/policy. No teams unwilling to engage with hands-on support and transparency.
How they invest
- Lead or follow
- Usually leads
- Typical decision
- ~2 months
- Warm intro
- Not required
- Involvement
- Advisor
- Fund status
- Actively deploying
- Assets under mgmt
- $200M
- Decision process
- Partnership vote
Partners & team
5 contacts on file
Portfolio
Urbint helps leading utilities and infrastructure companies prevent incidents, protect workers, and prepare for the next 50 years of operational resilience through AI-powered solutions.
Rachio provides smart watering devices and solutions that integrate with home automation systems to optimize irrigation based on weather conditions, helping users save water and maintain healthy landscapes.
ChargeLab is the operating system for EV chargers, providing back-end software for EV charger manufacturers, turnkey installers, and network operators in North America.
Mark43 is a public safety technology company that provides a cloud-based platform for law enforcement and public safety agencies, offering tools for records management, analytics, and compliance.
Circuit offers local electric shuttle services, providing a sustainable transportation solution for urban areas.
Bowery Farming is a modern farming company that reimagines agriculture by growing flavorful, sustainable, and safe produce indoors, right outside of cities. Utilizing vertical farming techniques and advanced technology, Bowery aims to maximize yield while minimizing resource consumption, ensuring that their produce is both delicious and environmentally friendly.
Sonic Fire Tech develops innovative fire suppression systems using patented infrasound technology to prevent wildfires without water or chemicals. Founded by former NASA engineers, their solutions provide rapid, damage-free protection for homes and critical infrastructure.
Near Space Labs specializes in providing high-resolution aerial imagery and data analytics using advanced balloon technology to capture images from the near-space environment.
AccessGrid provides an API for NFC access passes on mobile devices, enabling secure access control solutions compatible with MIFARE DESFire technology. The platform allows users to manage mobile keys for Apple and Google Wallet, catering to startups, access control integrators, and large enterprises.
Sention Technologies provides measurement and data solutions for the electrochemical power industry, specializing in ultrasound, X-ray computed tomography, and electrochemical testing, combined with artificial intelligence to enhance battery development and manufacturing.
Nevoya is a fully-electric trucking carrier focused on zero-emissions freight movement, utilizing AI-first operations to optimize logistics and enhance efficiency.
EvolOH specializes in high-throughput manufacturing of electrochemical stacks for clean hydrogen production, focusing on decarbonizing the chemical industry with innovative electrolyzer technology.
Recent activity
- Mar 2026
Shellworks
Series A
- Mar 2026
Forest3
Seed
- Oct 2025
Sonic Fire Tech
Seed · Lead
- Sep 2025
AccessGrid
Series A · Participated
- May 2025
Sention Technologies
Seed · Lead
- Apr 2025
Near Space Labs
Series B · Follow-on
- Apr 2025
Nevoya
Seed · Lead
Third Sphere in the news
citybiz.co
Sonic Fire Tech Closes $15M Seed Financing Led by O.H.I.O. Fund
18 days ago
ImpactAlpha
Private equity energy power players + A venture studio stakes out agricultural innovation in Southeast Asia
19 days ago
greenqueen.com.hk
UK Startup Shellworks Bags $15M to Expand Plastic-Free Packaging from Waste & Microbes
6 months ago
UKTN
Biomaterials startup seeks US expansion after £11m raise
6 months ago
Tech.eu
Shellworks raises $15M to scale sustainable plastic alternative Vivomer
6 months ago
Business Wire
Sonic Fire Tech Raises $3.5M to Launch the World’s First Infrasound Fire Defense Solutions for Homeowners, Enterprises, First Responders, and Public Utilities
10 months ago
TechCrunch
Exclusive: Inaudible sound might be the next frontier in wildfire defense
10 months ago
alleywatch.com
The Weekly Notable Startup Funding Report: 7/28/25
Jul 2025
siliconangle.com
Electric trucking startup Nevoya raises $9.3M to grow zero-emissions freight network
Jul 2025
UKTN
Sention Technologies scores £3.7m seed round
May 2025
Silicon Canals
London-based Sention Technologies secures €4.3M to help manufacturers ‘listen’ to batteries
May 2025
TechCrunch
Near Space Labs nabs $20M to take its high-res imaging Swift robots into the stratosphere
Apr 2025
Cities Today
Start-up accelerator URBAN-X to close
Jan 2025
inc.com
This Startup Has an AI-Powered Solution to Fight Wildfires
Dec 2024
calcalistech.com
FireDome nets $4.5 million to transform autonomous wildfire defense
Dec 2024
TechCrunch
Nevoya wants to break the EV truck adoption logjam
Oct 2024
Techpoint Africa
South Africa’s Plentify secures funding to bolster expansion into global markets
Jul 2024
africaprivateequitynews.com
E3 Capital leads investment in South Africa's Plentify
Jul 2024
TechCrunch
Jobs for the Future’s new $50M fund looks to invest in underrepresented founders
Apr 2024
Bike Europe
German fleet and subscription startup Cycle Mobility raises €10.3 million
Jul 2023
EU-Startups
Berlin-based CYCLE swifts €10.3 million in Series A to e-bike last mile logistics around Europe
Jul 2023
AlleyWatch
The 9 Largest NYC Tech Startup Funding Rounds of May 2023
May 2023
Bloomberg.com
A Startup Is Turning Porta-Potties Into Sources of Fertilizer
Jan 2023
businessinsider.com
GetHenry: Mobility Startup Raises $17.4 Million for European Expansion
May 2022
GovTech
Urban.Us Rebrands as Third Sphere and Renews Climate Focus
Mar 2022
techcrunch.com
VC firm Urban US rebrands to Third Sphere, doubles down on climate focus
Mar 2022
TechCrunch
VC firm Urban US rebrands to Third Sphere, doubles down on climate focus
Mar 2022
Crunchbase
Third Sphere
Nov 2014
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