SJF Ventures

SJF Ventures is a leading venture capital firm with a distinctive focus on impact investing, targeting companies that deliver both compelling financial returns and significant positive social and environmental outcomes. Headquartered in Durham, NC, with additional offices in New York, San Francisco, and Philadelphia, SJF has established itself as a key player in the sustainability, resource efficiency, and technology-enhanced services sectors. Their investment thesis centers on supporting innovative businesses that address critical global challenges, including climate change, health equity, and sustainable resource management.

The firm typically invests in growth-stage companies, often serving as a lead or co-lead investor in funding rounds. SJF Ventures is known for its hands-on approach, providing strategic guidance and leveraging its extensive network to support portfolio companies through various stages of their development. Their initial investment checks generally range from $3 million to $10 million, with the capacity for follow-on investments to support continued growth and expansion. This strategic deployment of capital allows them to back companies poised for significant scale and impact.

SJF Ventures has demonstrated consistent growth in its fundraising efforts, reflecting strong investor confidence in its impact-driven strategy. For instance, their fifth fund, SJF Ventures V, successfully closed at $175 million in 2021, building on previous fund successes. More recently, SJF Ventures VI closed at $225 million in 2024, further expanding their capacity to invest in promising ventures across North America. Their diverse portfolio spans sectors such as clean energy, sustainable food and agriculture, enterprise software, circular economy solutions, and health tech, all aligned with their mission to foster a more sustainable and equitable economy.