Superorganism Launches as First Venture Capital Firm Focused on Biodiversity

Superorganism, established in 2023, is recognized as the first venture capital firm dedicated to biodiversity. The firm aims to act as a conservationist on the cap table for startups that prioritize nature-friendly practices. Recently, Superorganism successfully closed its inaugural fund, raising $25.9 million in capital commitments from notable investors, including the Cisco Foundation, AMB Holdings, Builders Vision, and individual investors such as Jeff Jordan, a partner at Andreessen Horowitz.

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Superorganism targets investments in three primary categories: technologies that slow or reverse extinction, startups that bridge climate and biodiversity, and tools that enhance conservation efforts. The firm typically invests between $250,000 and $500,000 in pre-seed and seed-stage companies, while also committing to donate 10% of its profits to future conservation initiatives. Kevin Webb, a managing director at Superorganism, articulated the firm's unique approach, stating, “You could think of us a lot like a climate tech fund, but instead of thinking about, where can we emit less carbon dioxide or avoid emissions in the first place, we’re doing the same thing for nature loss.”

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One of the notable companies in Superorganism's portfolio is Spoor, which utilizes computer vision technology to monitor bird movements and migration patterns. This innovation aims to mitigate the impact of wind turbines on local bird populations, benefiting both biodiversity and wind farm developers who face regulatory challenges regarding avian impacts. Webb and co-founder Tom Quigley noted that their collaboration began in 2022, driven by a shared vision for a venture capital strategy focused on biodiversity.

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Despite the evolving political landscape surrounding environmental protection in the United States, Superorganism achieved its funding target without significant obstacles. Quigley mentioned that while some potential limited partners (LPs) required clarification on how Superorganism differs from traditional climate funds, the firm's diverse portfolio illustrates its unique position. “We are purposely building a diverse portfolio,” Quigley explained, emphasizing the importance of showcasing exemplary biodiversity companies across various industries and technologies.

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The firm has invested in 20 companies thus far, with plans to expand its portfolio to approximately 35. Quigley highlighted that many biodiversity issues transcend partisan divides, citing support from Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for Inversa, a portfolio company that addresses invasive species in the Everglades. This indicates a growing recognition of biodiversity's importance across political lines.

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• “You could think of us a lot like a climate tech fund, but instead of thinking about, where can we emit less carbon dioxide or avoid emissions in the first place, we’re doing the same thing for nature loss,” — Kevin Webb, Managing Director, Superorganism

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• “We are purposely building a diverse portfolio,” — Tom Quigley, Co-founder and Managing Director, Superorganism

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• “We recognize that we’re the first and we need to be there to sort of bring others along where they might be interested in taking their first bet on biodiversity, helping them find and support the right ones that can move the needle,” — Tom Quigley, Co-founder and Managing Director, Superorganism

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Superorganism's innovative approach to venture capital represents a significant step towards integrating biodiversity considerations into the investment landscape, potentially influencing future funding strategies in the environmental sector.

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