Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about WasteVC, waste management venture capital, and how to work with us.
About WasteVC
What is WasteVC?
WasteVC is a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in startups that transform waste into valuable resources. We invest from Seed to Series B in companies building technology for e-waste recycling, battery recovery, chemical recycling, composting, smart waste operations, and circular economy infrastructure. Founded in 2020, we've deployed over $270M across 24 portfolio companies.
What sectors does WasteVC invest in?
We invest across the waste value chain: e-waste recycling, EV battery recycling, chemical recycling, organic waste (anaerobic digestion, composting, insect bioconversion), waste-to-energy, ocean plastics, construction & demolition waste, textile recycling, hazardous waste remediation (including PFAS), medical waste, mining waste valorization, and waste management software/hardware.
What stage and check size does WasteVC invest?
We invest from Seed through Series B with check sizes ranging from $500K to $15M. We lead or co-lead rounds at Series A and beyond, typically taking board seats. At Seed, we often co-invest alongside other climate or deep-tech focused funds.
Where is WasteVC based?
Our team is based in San Francisco, New York, and Stockholm. We invest globally, with primary focus on North America and Europe.
How many companies has WasteVC invested in?
As of 2026, WasteVC has 24 portfolio companies across 8 sectors and 12 countries. We've had 8 successful exits with an average MOIC of 3.2x.
Pitching & Fundraising
How do I pitch my startup to WasteVC?
Submit through our contact form with your pitch deck, a brief description of your technology and market, your fundraising target, and current traction metrics. We respond to every inquiry within 2 weeks. We don't require warm introductions—we've funded companies that came through our website.
What does WasteVC look for in a waste-tech startup?
The four things we evaluate most: (1) Feedstock security—where does your waste come from and is supply reliable? (2) Unit economics at scale—can you process waste profitably? (3) Technology readiness—have you demonstrated your process at pilot scale? (4) Regulatory positioning—do current or upcoming regulations support your business? Beyond these, we look for deep domain expertise in the founding team.
What's WasteVC's investment process and timeline?
Typical process: (1) Initial review of deck and materials (1-2 weeks), (2) First meeting with the team (30-60 minutes), (3) Deep-dive technical and commercial due diligence (4-6 weeks), (4) Term sheet and closing (2-4 weeks). Total timeline from first contact to close is typically 8-12 weeks.
Do I need a warm introduction?
No. We evaluate every inbound inquiry on its merits. While introductions from portfolio founders or co-investors can help us prioritize, some of our best investments came through cold outreach. Submit through our contact form.
What's the most common reason WasteVC passes on a deal?
The top reasons we pass: (1) Unclear feedstock access—if you can't demonstrate reliable waste supply, the business model doesn't work. (2) Unproven unit economics—technology that works in the lab but can't demonstrate a path to profitability at scale. (3) Regulatory headwinds—businesses that depend on regulations that haven't passed or may not pass. (4) Commodity price dependency—models that only work at peak commodity prices.
Industry & Market
How big is the waste management venture capital market?
Waste and circular economy startups raised over $14 billion in venture capital in 2025, and the market is projected to exceed $18 billion in 2026. Battery recycling, chemical recycling, and e-waste processing are the fastest-growing segments. The underlying waste management industry is worth $500B+ annually.
What's the difference between mechanical and chemical recycling?
Mechanical recycling physically processes waste (shredding, washing, melting) to produce recycled material. It's cheaper but degrades material quality over cycles and can't handle mixed or contaminated streams. Chemical recycling breaks materials down to molecular components (monomers) that can be rebuilt into virgin-quality products. It's more expensive but handles complex waste streams and produces higher-quality output.
What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
EPR is a policy framework that shifts the cost of managing end-of-life products from taxpayers to the producers who sell those products. Producers pay fees based on the volume and recyclability of their packaging. These fees fund recycling infrastructure. 14 US states have passed EPR laws for packaging, with 8+ more considering legislation in 2026.
What are PFAS and why does remediation matter?
PFAS are 'forever chemicals' used in non-stick coatings, firefighting foam, and waterproof textiles. They don't break down in the environment and are linked to health effects. The EPA set drinking water limits at 4 parts per trillion in 2024, triggering mandatory remediation at thousands of sites. The cleanup market is estimated at $30-50 billion over the next decade.
How does waste management contribute to climate change?
Waste management accounts for roughly 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The largest source is methane from landfills (organic waste decomposing anaerobically). Other sources include incineration CO2, collection fleet emissions, and the embodied carbon in materials that are landfilled instead of recycled. Waste-tech solutions can reduce these emissions through landfill diversion, methane capture, and material recycling.
What's the current global recycling rate?
The global recycling rate is below 20%. In the US, the EPA reports a 32% recycling rate for MSW, but this figure varies dramatically by material: aluminum cans (~50%), paper (~66%), plastics (~5%), textiles (~15%), e-waste (~22%), and C&D waste (~variable, often below 30% for mixed debris).
Still Have Questions?
We respond to every inquiry. Reach out and we'll get back to you within 48 hours.
Contact Us