Third Derivative

Founded by RMI and New Energy Nexus in 2020:

Third Derivative (D3) is an open, collaborative climate tech ecosystem that accelerates startups and moves markets.

By guiding and supporting climate tech entrepreneurs who are bringing new ideas and innovation to market, we accelerate the clean future worldwide. Through a vast global network of deep experts, corporate partners, and investors, we help startups go to market faster with their breakthrough ideas, create real impact, and transform markets.

Introducing D3's trailblazing portfolio startups

Meet our startups actively building a sustainable, scalable climate future for all.

We’re powering up the world’s most promising climate tech startups, proudly acting as their trusted guides to D3’s expansive network of investors, corporates, and mentors. From batteries and biofuels to business model innovations—and every climate tech category in between—our portfolio startups are decisively tackling challenges across all emissions sectors.

Insight Blog: Clean Mobile Power

Introducing the Clean Mobile Power Initiative

Entertainment industry leaders, including Netflix and The Walt Disney Company, have made a bold pledge to approximately halve their carbon emissions by 2030. To achieve these commitments, the entertainment industry needs alternatives to diesel generators, which account for roughly 15 percent of a production’s overall emissions and contribute the equivalent of 700,000 tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere each year.

The good news is that clean mobile power solutions, allied with energy efficiency measures, have the potential to drastically reduce the carbon intensity of film productions and the need for diesel power.

That’s why industry leaders Netflix and The Walt Disney Company have launched the Clean Mobile Power Initiative. Third Derivative is collaborating on the initiative and inviting innovative startups to apply to the clean mobile power accelerator program to help scale and deploy their solutions across the entertainment industry.

"Third Derivative’s pragmatic, integrative way of deploying innovative climate technologies faster perpetuates the ‘applied hope’ that the world needs more of right now."

Amory Lovins, Co-Founder & Chairman Emeritus
RMI

"Achieving our commitment to be carbon negative by 2030 will require the development of new carbon reduction and removal technologies. We look forward to serving on the Third Derivative advisory board and working with its member organizations to help accelerate the commercialization of global early-stage climate technologies."

JoAnn Garbin, Director of Innovation, CO+I Advanced Development
Microsoft

"If you're a founder doing hard things, you'd be hard pressed to find a better program/collection of people to bring along for the journey."

Nick Chadwick, CEO
Mission Zero Technologies

"D3 has delivered what they promise and more: We have easy access to a database of thousands of companies, reports on startup/technology trends, and one-on-one expert calls on various topics. Within a year, D3 introduced hundreds of startups to us and we ended up investing in seven of them. One of our star portfolio companies was introduced to us by D3. With the help of many experts in the ecosystem, we have also sharpened our investment thesis."

Anh Le, Partner
CRCM

Accelerate the clean future. Together.