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LFV is a venture capital firm investing in early-stage climate tech startups.
Key people at Leap Forward Ventures.
Leap Forward Ventures operates as a venture capital firm, strategically investing in early-stage climate technology startups. The firm is dedicated to identifying and supporting companies that are actively developing solutions to accelerate global decarbonization efforts and enhance carbon removal capabilities, aiming to propel impactful environmental and technological advancements. It focuses on equipping portfolio companies with the necessary resources to scale their operations and achieve significant market presence.
The firm was established in 2022 by David Rusenko, an experienced entrepreneur renowned for founding and leading Weebly, a successful website building platform acquired by Square. Rusenko's extensive background in scaling technology companies from inception to a substantial acquisition informs Leap Forward Ventures’ approach, providing founders with a valuable perspective on growth and market penetration derived from his own successful ventures.
Leap Forward Ventures primarily partners with early-stage founders in the climate tech sector, offering capital and strategic guidance to help them navigate complex challenges. The firm's overarching vision is to foster the growth of companies that not only offer innovative climate solutions but also possess the potential to capture substantial market opportunities, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Leap Forward Ventures (LFV) is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm dedicated to investing in early-stage climate tech startups that are accelerating the decarbonization of the global economy. Their mission centers on backing founders who are building transformational solutions in the energy transition, deep tech, and climate adaptation & resilience. LFV’s investment philosophy emphasizes capital efficiency, founder support, and rapid decision-making, aiming to help startups scale quickly while maintaining sustainable growth. They focus on sectors such as energy storage, energy efficiency, construction, software, and marketplaces, with a strong emphasis on technologies that can meaningfully reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By providing not just capital but also hands-on operational guidance and access to a robust network, LFV plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of climate innovators.
Leap Forward Ventures was founded in 2021 by David Rusenko, a serial entrepreneur best known for co-founding Weebly, which was acquired by Square for $365 million. Rusenko’s experience building and scaling a capital-efficient tech company informed his approach to venture investing, leading him to launch LFV with a focus on climate tech. The firm’s evolution reflects a broader shift in the venture ecosystem, as climate change has become a top priority for investors and entrepreneurs alike. Rusenko’s background as a founder gives him unique insight into the challenges startups face, and he has built LFV to be the kind of investor he wished he had during Weebly’s early days—responsive, supportive, and deeply engaged when needed, but hands-off when founders are ready to run.
Leap Forward Ventures is riding the wave of the global energy transition, a trend that has gained unprecedented momentum due to climate urgency, regulatory shifts, and technological breakthroughs. The timing is critical: as governments and corporations commit to net-zero targets, the demand for scalable climate solutions is surging. LFV is positioned at the intersection of deep tech innovation and climate impact, backing startups that are not just incremental improvements but potential game-changers in decarbonization. Their focus on early-stage companies allows them to influence the direction of emerging technologies and shape the future of climate tech. By supporting founders who are building the infrastructure for a sustainable world, LFV is helping to drive systemic change across industries.
Leap Forward Ventures is poised to play an increasingly influential role in the climate tech ecosystem as the sector continues to mature and attract more capital. The firm’s founder-centric, capital-efficient approach will likely resonate with a new generation of climate entrepreneurs who are looking for more than just a check—they want partners who understand the challenges of building and scaling in a high-stakes, rapidly evolving space. As climate tech becomes a mainstream investment theme, LFV’s ability to identify and support exceptional founders will be a key differentiator. The future of climate innovation depends on firms like LFV that are not only funding startups but also shaping the culture and trajectory of the industry. In a world where the stakes couldn’t be higher, Leap Forward Ventures is helping to build the foundation for a more sustainable future.
Key people at Leap Forward Ventures.
