The Westly Group

The Westly Group is a prominent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, dedicated to investing in companies that address global challenges through sustainable innovation. Founded in 2007 by Steve Westly, former California State Controller, the firm has established itself as a leading investor in the cleantech and sustainability sectors. Their core thesis revolves around supporting businesses that drive resource efficiency, improve infrastructure, and develop advanced technologies across various industries.

The firm's investment focus spans a broad range of critical areas, including clean energy, water technology, sustainable food systems, waste management, smart infrastructure, and enterprise software that enhances efficiency and sustainability. The Westly Group primarily targets growth-stage companies, typically participating in Series B and C rounds, though they maintain flexibility for earlier or later-stage opportunities with high potential. They manage over $1 billion in capital across multiple funds, enabling them to provide substantial support to their portfolio companies as they scale.

Beyond capital, The Westly Group offers strategic guidance and leverages its extensive network to help portfolio companies achieve their growth objectives. They are known for their long-term investment horizon and commitment to supporting companies through multiple funding rounds. For initial investments, The Westly Group typically writes checks ranging from $5 million to $25 million, with the capacity for significant follow-on investments as companies mature and demonstrate continued progress. Their approach emphasizes partnering with strong management teams to build market-leading companies that deliver both financial returns and positive environmental impact.