TLDR:
- A Houston investor has launched a venture studio, Flathead Forge, to focus on early-stage hardtech startups in the energy transition sector.
- The venture studio is targeting technologies at the intersection of legacy industries and the energy transition, with a focus on water and industrial gas.
A Houston investor named Doug Lee has launched a new venture studio called Flathead Forge to target high-potential hardtech startups within the energy transition sector. Lee aims to focus on early-stage technologies that intersect legacy industries and the energy transition, with his expertise lying in the water and industrial gas space, which he believes are crucial to the energy transition. Lee and his brother are transitioning their family office into a venture studio model, with a focus on supporting companies in developing sustainable technologies. Flathead Forge currently has seven portfolio companies and is working with around 15 corporations to identify needs and opportunities.
One key aspect that sets Flathead Forge apart from other venture studios is its dedication to giving back. Lee has set aside a quarter of the carried interest for scholarships and grants, which will support future engineers interested in the energy transition and researchers studying high-potential technologies. Additionally, Lee’s hands-on approach, which he refers to as being like sherpas, involves closely working with companies and being fully committed to their success. The venture studio is also gearing up to secure a $100 million fund to further support early-stage hardtech startups in the energy transition sector.
