Net Zero - AI Accelerator 2025
Powered by Vectors Capital: A targeted 8-week in-person/hybrid accelerator for AI-enabled startups solving critical climate challenges from carbon markets to manufacturing, mobility to energy.
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Partnered with Amazon AWS - Startups in our program will receive AWS cloud credits (final amount to be confirmed) + AWS will help with deploy AI workloads on AWS
About the Program
Our Mission is to Decarbonize with AI
Vectors Capital is launching the Net Zero - AI Accelerator, a focused program designed to empower early-stage startups. We're dedicated to helping innovative teams apply cutting-edge AI technologies to tackle the most pressing climate challenges, specifically targeting hard-to-abate sectors.
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We seek ambitious founders with solutions that can drive significant emissions reductions and foster a sustainable future. Our program provides the critical resources, mentorship, and network needed to transform groundbreaking ideas into impactful, scalable ventures.
Program Details & Focus Areas
Investment: $60K per startup ($50K cash + $10K in kind support)
Valuation: $3M post-money SAFE (If a startup previously raised at a higher valuation, it will be a 2% warrant)
Cohort Size: 5 startups
Format: In person/hybrid with weekly live sessions & 1:1 mentorship (Highly recommend founders to come to San Francisco to be fully immersed in the innovation ecosystem)
Target Decarbonization Sectors:
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Energy & Grid
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Buildings & Energy Efficiency
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Transportation & Logistics
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Data Centers
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CCUS / Carbon Markets
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Nature-Based Solutions / Biodiversity / Food / Agriculture
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Advanced Materials / Biomanufacturing
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Industrial Manufacturing & Process Efficiency
Why Join Net Zero - AI Accelerator?
Accelerated Customer Access
Fast-track B2B traction: Access pilots, customers, and partners through our curated corporate network of 70+ partners including Shell Ventures, Amazon, United Airlines, and more. We help you navigate complex B2B sales.
Deep Industry Expertise
Built by industry veterans from DOE, utilities, industrial OEMs, and cleantech manufacturing. We know the systems you’re disrupting and bring battle-tested guidance.
De-risk Your Next Fundraise
​Hit key technical and commercial milestones to raise confidently after Demo Day. We provide milestone-based strategy to overcome early-stage funding challenges.
Founder-Aligned, Impact-Driven
We're not just another accelerator. Every aspect of our program is tailored and hands-on, supporting startups tackling the world’s hardest problems.
Program Timeline
Applications Open: Now
Deadline: August 23, 2025
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
Interview Week: August 25 – August 29
Program Period: September 2 – October 28 (9-Week)
Demo Day: October 28, 2025
In-person San Francisco, CA
Selection Committee
Our selection committee comprises seasoned experts and leaders from venture capital, corporate innovation, and deep industry sectors. Their diverse backgrounds ensure a holistic and rigorous evaluation process.
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They are committed to identifying and supporting the most promising AI-enabled climate startups ready to make a significant impact.
Jane Ge
Managing Partner, Vectors Capital
Johnny Huang
Venture Partner, Vectors Capital
Cece Zhao
Vice President, Vectors Capital
Zachary Keats
GS Futures
Joao Felix
Brisa Innovations
Bill Dong
Schreiber Food Ventures
Jerrod Wang
GC Ventures
How to Apply & Submission Requirements
To apply, please prepare the following:
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10–12 slide pitch deck
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1-page summary describing problem, solution (technology, product), market opportunity, business plan, and climate impact
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Team bios
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Cap Table
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Optional: Climate impact model, IP, 1-2 minutes intro video, product demo link
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Strongly encouraged: Commercial interest (LOIs, customer emails, or funded pilots), fund raising timeline
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We especially encourage teams planning to raise a seed round within 6–12 months and can demonstrate early customer interest.
Applications are open now through August 23, 2025.
FAQ's
1. We have already raised funds before. Can we join the program? What would be the valuation?
If you have raised funds before at a higher than 3M post-money valuation, or are in the middle of a round that is higher than 3M valuation, the share we take would be a standard 2% warrant.
2. Do you accept a single founder?
Yes, if you can demonstrate your ability to run a company with your traction.
3. Do you invest in overseas founders?
Yes. With our global focus, we welcome founders from outside of the US to apply. We will ask the company to establish a Delaware C-corp for easier investment for U.S. investors.
4. What kind of AI companies do you invest in?
We are agnostic towards how AI is used (the specific type of AI technology, hardware vs software, etc.), as long as AI is used to solve decarbonization problems as a critical component of the technology stack.
5. What would be a good KPI by the demo day?
You have demonstrated a few key commercial tractions. Investors are ready to invest in your next round. You have a clear roadmap for the fund spending and how you plan to achieve your next commercialization milestones. This can be hiring, R&D, customer engagements, etc.
6. Who are the mentors you can get access to?
Venture investors with expertise in climate and/or AI, who may also potentially invest in your future rounds. Industry experts and advisors (both AI and targeted sectors) who can provide early feedback and guide the strategy.
7. What guidance and support can I get from the program?
In addition to the weekly group sessions to accelerate your business, product, commercial, and fundraising strategy development, we provide one-on-one mentoring/coaching sessions to startups, as we understand different startups are different and the help you need has to be tailored to your situation.
8. Will you be able to introduce me to potential clients?
Yes, and this is one of the major factors that sets us apart from other accelerators. We have connections with over 70 major corporations worldwide, and we plan to introduce our startups to potential customers to establish early relationships for potential pilots and partnerships.
9. Do you review applications on a rolling basis?
Yes, please apply sooner rather than later.
10. Can I participate in the program remotely?
Yes, however, we strongly encourage you to come to San Francisco for the program to be fully immersed in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and build as many customer and investor relationships while you are in town. Our final demo day will also be physically in San Francisco.
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