DBL Partners

DBL Partners, a San Francisco-based venture capital firm, distinguishes itself through its pioneering "Double Bottom Line" investment strategy. Founded by Nancy Pfund, the firm spun out of JP Morgan Partners in 2007 with a clear mandate: to generate both superior financial returns for its limited partners and measurable positive social and environmental impact. This dual focus positions DBL Partners as a leader in the impact investing space, demonstrating that venture capital can be a powerful tool for addressing societal challenges while delivering robust economic growth.

The firm strategically invests in companies across a diverse array of sectors, including clean energy, sustainable agriculture, advanced manufacturing, education technology, and healthcare. Each investment is meticulously evaluated not only for its market potential and scalability but also for its capacity to create jobs, foster community development, and promote environmental stewardship. DBL Partners has a track record of identifying and supporting disruptive innovations, famously making early investments in companies such as Tesla and SolarCity, which went on to achieve significant market success and contribute to the clean energy transition.

DBL Partners has successfully raised substantial capital to execute its unique vision. The firm closed its third fund, DBL Partners III, with $400 million in 2018, followed by the successful closing of DBL Partners IV at $600 million in 2022. This consistent ability to attract significant capital underscores investor confidence in their dual-mandate approach. With over $1 billion in capital raised across their funds, DBL Partners typically participates in Series A, B, and later-stage growth rounds. Their initial check sizes generally range from $5 million to $20 million, allowing them to be a significant lead or co-investor in promising ventures poised for both financial and societal impact.