S2G Ventures
UnclaimedAt a Glance
- Check Size
- $1M – $15M
- Stage
- Seed, Series A, Series B+
- AUM
- $2.8B
- Sectors
- Agriculture, Climate, Consumer
- Founded
- 2014
- HQ
- Chicago, IL
About S2G Ventures
S2G Ventures is a Chicago-based venture capital firm founded in 2014 that focuses on investing in companies transforming food systems, oceans, and energy transition. The firm was established with the conviction that the global food system needs fundamental innovation to become more sustainable, healthy, and resilient. S2G invests across the entire food value chain, from agriculture technology and alternative proteins to supply chain logistics and consumer brands. The firm's portfolio includes breakthrough companies like Impossible Foods and Memphis Meats (now Upside Foods) that are revolutionizing protein production. S2G's investment approach combines traditional venture metrics with impact considerations, seeking companies that can deliver both financial returns and meaningful environmental or social benefits. The team includes former entrepreneurs, industry executives, and investment professionals who bring deep domain expertise in agriculture, food, and sustainability. What distinguishes S2G is its systems-thinking approach to food innovation and its commitment to backing entrepreneurs who are addressing some of the most pressing challenges in global food production and consumption.
Investment Thesis
“Investing in ventures that feed the world, power our lives, and create a healthier planet for future generations.”
Leadership Team
S2G was co-founded in 2014 by Chuck Templeton, Sanjeev Krishnan and Victor Friedberg. Templeton founded OpenTable and served as its chief executive before turning to food systems investing. Krishnan came from CLSA Capital and the Global Environment Fund and now sits as a managing partner. Friedberg co-founded the Launch accelerator. Aaron Rudberg joined the managing partner group and, with Templeton and Krishnan, oversees a bench of more than 60 investment and operating professionals. Sector teams run under managing directors Bala Nagarajan and Francis O'Sullivan in energy, Cristina Rohr and Matthew Walker in food and agriculture, and Kate Danaher and Larsen Mettler in oceans, with Andrea Woodside and Brian O'Connor co-heading structured finance. Walter Robb and Vikram Sharma serve as operating partners and Grant Leslie as operating partner for government and policy. Monica Jensen is Chief Financial Officer and Mohit Kalra General Counsel.
Sector Focus
Investment Stage
Notable Portfolio Companies
Fund History
S2G launched in 2014 with a $125 million debut fund, the largest food and agriculture venture vehicle of its vintage. Fund II closed at $180 million in September 2017 alongside a team expansion beyond the firm's Chicago base. In August 2020 S2G opened a third front, seeding an oceans and seafood strategy with $100 million in commitments, and later initiated a roughly $300 million special opportunities fund with a seafood focus. The firm registered as an investment adviser in 2024, rebranded as S2G Investments, and in May 2026 closed Solutions Fund I at $1 billion, a growth-stage vehicle backing companies across food and agriculture, energy and oceans in North America and Europe. Cumulative assets now stand at roughly $2.8 billion across venture, growth and structured finance strategies. S2G has backed more than 120 companies since inception and made over 90 investments through its venture strategy alone, working from offices in Chicago, San Francisco and Boston.
Frequently Asked Questions
What stage does S2G Ventures invest at?
S2G Ventures primarily invests at the Seed, Series A, Series B+ stages. This means they focus on companies that are building their initial product and finding product-market fit.
Where is S2G Ventures located?
S2G Ventures is headquartered in Chicago, IL. Many of their portfolio companies are also based in this region, though they invest across geographies.
What sectors does S2G Ventures focus on?
S2G Ventures focuses on investments in Agriculture, Climate, Consumer. Their portfolio reflects deep expertise and networks within these sectors.
What is S2G Ventures's typical check size?
S2G Ventures's typical investment check size ranges from $1M to $15M. Actual amounts may vary based on the stage, sector, and specific opportunity.
How much does S2G Ventures have under management?
S2G Ventures manages approximately $2.8B in assets under management (AUM) across their funds.
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