New System Ventures

Ian Samuels sits as Founder & Managing Partner and guides the firm's investment thesis. His professional background includes roles at Blackstone, the U.S. Treasury focusing on climate finance and capital markets, and a founding position at Alphabet's Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners. No investment committee disclosures beyond Samuels appear in public materials.

The firm says it uses systems-level research to identify undervalued or misunderstood segments within the energy transition. Rather than relying on broad thematic trends, NSV examines entire value chains — from critical minerals extraction through grid transmission and building electrification — to locate specific bottlenecks. This focus translates into deal origination in hardware, software, and manufacturing technologies.

Yes — NSV's website states, 'in select cases, we partner with exceptional founders to co-create new companies.' The firm played a central role in incubating Crux Climate, a software marketplace for transferable tax credits, suggesting co-creation is a material part of the strategy rather than a footnote.

Portfolio company testimonials describe NSV as a 'thought partner' involved in strategy, policy, team, product, financing, and go-to-market decisions. While board composition is not publicly listed, the depth of operational engagement described implies lead-investor or strong board-observer roles on multiple early-stage rounds.

Policy expertise is a publicly stated pillar of the firm's value-add. NSV helps companies navigate B2G opportunities — including permitting, non-dilutive grants, tax incentives, and other government programs. This reflects the sector reality that many energy transition startups depend on the Inflation Reduction Act and related federal support.

NSV has not published a negative-sector list. Based on its described primary sectors — energy, mobility, and industry — it appears to avoid consumer-facing software, healthcare, and financial technology unless directly adjacent to energy or industrial infrastructure. The absence of named investments in these areas reinforces that perimeter.

The website lists four investment professionals: Ian Samuels (Founder & Managing Partner), Mathilde Beniflah (Director of Partnerships & Operations), Daniel Nilsson Sjolander (Principal), and Aly Hudson (Technical Associate). The firm also names four external advisors with technical or built-environment expertise. This suggests a lean team designed around Samuels' investment judgment.