Third Sphere, LLC: Comprehensive Company Profile

Background

Overview

Third Sphere, formerly known as Urban.Us, is a venture capital firm established in 2013, headquartered in Brooklyn, New York. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on startups that aim to transform global systems through innovative solutions. With a portfolio exceeding 100 companies, Third Sphere has made significant investments in notable firms such as Cove Tool, OneWheel, and Bowery Farming.

Mission and Vision

Third Sphere's mission is to support founders who are actively working to build a better world by reimagining and upgrading global systems. The firm envisions a future where climate solutions are seamlessly integrated into everyday products and services, leading to a more sustainable and resilient world.

Industry Significance

Operating within the venture capital and private equity sector, Third Sphere plays a pivotal role in the climatetech industry. By investing in early-stage companies, the firm contributes to the acceleration of climate-positive innovations, addressing challenges such as greenhouse gas reduction, climate adaptation, and resilience.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Third Sphere aims to identify and support startups that offer scalable solutions to climate-related challenges. The firm's investment strategy emphasizes rapid deployment of technologies that can achieve significant impact without requiring premium pricing.

Areas of Specialization

The firm specializes in sectors including mobility, sustainable building, governance, service delivery, and resilience. This focus aligns with their commitment to transforming urban environments and infrastructure to better address climate change.

Key Technologies Utilized

Third Sphere invests in companies leveraging technologies such as electrification, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to develop innovative solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation.

Primary Markets Targeted

While primarily focused on the United States, Third Sphere has extended its reach to international markets, including Switzerland, Germany, Israel, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, supporting startups aiming to scale globally.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Third Sphere has raised three funds to date:

Fund I: Launched in 2014.

Fund II: Launched in 2016.

Fund III: Launched in 2019.

The firm has made over 140 investments across its funds, with a focus on early-stage companies addressing climate challenges.

Recent Funding Rounds

In July 2025, Third Sphere led a seed round for Nevoya, a company specializing in sustainable transportation solutions. The firm has also invested in Near Space Labs, a provider of high-resolution aerial imagery for climate monitoring, and Sention Technologies, a developer of smart energy management systems.

Notable Investors

Third Sphere is backed by leading financial institutions, insurance firms, family offices, and foundations, including Citi and Gerdau Next Ventures. These investors are aligned with the firm's mission to achieve both financial returns and positive environmental impact.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Third Sphere's portfolio includes companies such as:

ChargeLab: A provider of electric vehicle charging infrastructure solutions.

Cycle: A full-service mobility solution for delivery services and couriers.

Domatic: A developer of smart building technologies for energy efficiency.

Earth Force Technologies: A company focused on sustainable water management solutions.

Firedome: A provider of cybersecurity solutions for connected devices.

Loamist: A developer of sustainable building materials.

Near Space Labs: A provider of high-resolution aerial imagery for climate monitoring.

Nevoya: A company specializing in sustainable transportation solutions.

Sention Technologies: A developer of smart energy management systems.

Singularity Energy: A provider of AI-driven energy optimization solutions.

Wasted: A company focused on waste management and recycling technologies.

These companies are at various stages of development, with some in early product development and others in scaling phases. Third Sphere continues to support these ventures through strategic guidance and additional funding as needed.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Third Sphere has developed proprietary platforms such as Sync, which connects portfolio companies with potential investors, and MATCHA and ALIGN, AI-powered tools that assess the best fit for venture capital and non-dilutive capital partners.

Significant Scientific Methods

The firm employs AI-driven tools and frameworks to enhance investment decision-making and operational efficiency. These methodologies assist in sourcing promising investments and facilitating introductions within their network to increase portfolio impact at scale.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

Shaun Abrahamson: Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Shaun has a background in urban technology and has been instrumental in shaping Third Sphere's investment strategy.

Yana Andrea Klimova: Chief Financial Officer. Yana oversees the firm's financial operations and has extensive experience in financial management within the venture capital sector.

Miela Mayer: Climate Tech VC Fellow. Miela focuses on identifying and supporting climate technology startups, leveraging her expertise in the field.

Stonly Baptiste Blue: Co-Founder. Stonly contributes to the firm's strategic direction and has a strong background in technology and entrepreneurship.

Leadership Changes

In March 2022, Urban.Us rebranded to Third Sphere, reflecting a renewed focus on climate technology investments and a broader perspective on global system transformation.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The climate technology investment sector is experiencing significant growth, with increasing interest from both institutional and individual investors. This trend is driven by the urgent need to address climate change and the potential for substantial returns from innovative solutions.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the venture capital space focusing on climate technology include:

Breakthrough Energy Ventures: Invests in sustainable energy solutions.

Energy Impact Partners: Focuses on energy transition investments.

Chrysalix Venture Capital: Specializes in resource efficiency and cleantech.

These firms, along with Third Sphere, contribute to a dynamic and competitive landscape, driving innovation and investment in climate-positive technologies.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Third Sphere collaborates with a network of investors, including financial institutions, insurance firms, family offices, and foundations, to provide comprehensive support to its portfolio companies. These partnerships enhance the firm's ability to offer diverse resources and expertise to startups addressing climate challenges.

Operational Insights

Third Sphere's hands-on approach distinguishes it from competitors. The firm emphasizes close collaboration with founders, offering not only capital but also strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a vast network of industry connections. This comprehensive support system enhances the likelihood of portfolio companies achieving rapid impact and scaling effectively.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Third Sphere is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for climate technology solutions. The firm's focus on hardware-enabled innovations and its commitment to rapid deployment align with global efforts to mitigate climate change. Future opportunities include expanding investments in emerging markets, leveraging AI and automation to enhance operational efficiency, and fostering deeper collaborations with corporate partners to accelerate the adoption of climate-positive technologies.