About WasteVC
WasteVC is a venture capital firm dedicated to backing the founders who are transforming the world's waste into valuable resources. We invest from Seed to Series B in companies building technology for e-waste recycling, battery recovery, chemical recycling, composting, and smart waste operations.
Our Mission
The world generates over 2 billion tons of waste annually. Less than 20% is recycled. We exist to fund the technologies and companies that will close that gap—turning waste liabilities into resource opportunities while building profitable, scalable businesses.
How We Invest
Stage
Seed to Series B. Check sizes from $500K to $15M. We lead or co-lead rounds and take board seats at Series A and beyond.
Sectors
E-waste recycling, battery/EV recycling, chemical recycling, organic waste, waste-to-energy, ocean plastics, smart waste management (IoT/AI), and circular economy infrastructure.
Geography
Global, with primary focus on North America and Europe. We have team members based in San Francisco, New York, and Stockholm.
Value-Add
We bring deep waste industry networks, regulatory expertise, and operational experience. Our team has collectively spent 40+ years in waste management and cleantech.
Our Team
Alexandra Chen
Managing Partner
Former VP at Republic Services. 15 years in waste management operations and M&A. Led $2B+ in waste infrastructure transactions before founding WasteVC.
Marcus Williams
General Partner
Ex-Principal at Breakthrough Energy Ventures. PhD in Materials Science from MIT. Deep expertise in recycling technology, battery chemistry, and critical mineral recovery.
Sarah Lindqvist
Partner, Europe
Former Director at EQT Ventures. Built and scaled two cleantech companies in Scandinavia. Leads WasteVC's European investments and EU regulatory strategy.
David Okafor
Principal
Background in management consulting (McKinsey) and waste-tech startups. Covers deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio support across waste-tech and smart operations.
Our Journey
WasteVC founded with $50M Fund I
First 6 portfolio investments closed
Fund II raised at $120M, expanded to Europe
First two portfolio exits (3.8x, 2.9x MOIC)
Portfolio companies process 2M+ tons of waste annually
Fund III raised at $200M, 24 portfolio companies
Expanding into battery recycling, AI-driven waste sorting