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Third Sphere is an early-stage venture capital firm investing in companies that reshape global systems. It provides capital and strategic support to founders developing solutions across infrastructure, supply chains, and climate technology. Its investment targets sectors failing public responsibility, aiming to upgrade foundational systems and drive systemic change through scalable ventures.
Founded in 2013 by Shaun Abrahamson and Jack Altman, Third Sphere emerged from the insight that entrepreneurial solutions are crucial for complex global challenges. The founders created the firm to empower companies transforming foundational systems. Their belief: early-stage capital catalyzes founders in translating theoretical solutions into tangible outcomes.
The firm serves founders leading early-stage companies with climate-positive solutions and commitment to systemic transformation. Third Sphere partners with entrepreneurs, offering funding and guidance to accelerate impact. Its long-term vision cultivates a portfolio of ventures building a sustainable, equitable future by connecting capital with innovators.
Key people at Third Sphere.
Third Sphere is a climate-focused venture capital firm that invests primarily in early-stage hardware-enabled startups addressing rapid, scalable climate action. Its mission centers on empowering visionary founders to revolutionize global systems by upgrading sectors that are currently underperforming, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and systemic impact. The firm targets investments in areas such as affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities, manufacturing, pharma, diagnostics, biotechnology, and health tech, focusing on solutions that align human systems with planetary systems. Third Sphere typically invests at the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, providing not only capital but also expert coaching and extensive network connections to accelerate growth and impact[1][2][3].
Founded in 2013, Third Sphere (formerly known as Urban Us) was established by a team of three general partners—Shaun Abrahamson, Stonly Blue, and Shilpi Kumar—who bring over two decades of combined venture capital and operational experience. The firm evolved from a focus on sustainable cities to a broader climate tech mandate, emphasizing hardware solutions for climate mitigation and resilience. Over more than a decade, Third Sphere has built a portfolio of nearly 100 companies and developed a unique investment thesis that avoids hype cycles and enterprise SaaS, instead focusing on transformative, techno-economic innovations. Their early traction includes strong financial returns and measurable environmental impact, such as avoiding 30 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent across their portfolio[2][3][4].
Third Sphere rides the growing global trend toward climate tech innovation, particularly in hardware solutions that enable electrification and resilience. The timing is critical as climate change mitigation and adaptation demand urgent, scalable technological interventions beyond software alone. Market forces such as increasing regulatory pressure, corporate sustainability commitments, and rising consumer demand for clean technologies favor Third Sphere’s investment focus. By backing startups that upgrade foundational systems like infrastructure and supply chains, Third Sphere influences the broader ecosystem by accelerating the deployment of impactful climate technologies and fostering a community that bridges capital, innovation, and operational expertise[1][2][3][6].
Looking ahead, Third Sphere is poised to deepen its leadership in early-stage climate hardware investing, potentially expanding its global footprint and doubling down on follow-on investments in companies proving their climate thesis. Trends such as electrification, decarbonization, and climate resilience will continue to shape its portfolio strategy. The firm’s commitment to active founder support and network-driven deal flow positions it to maintain outsized financial returns alongside meaningful environmental impact. As climate challenges intensify, Third Sphere’s role as a catalyst for systemic change through venture capital is likely to grow, reinforcing its mission to upgrade global systems for a sustainable future[2][3].
Key people at Third Sphere.
