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Nucleation Capital
Nucleation Capital is a venture fund focused on investing into advanced nuclear and carbon management innovations to accelerate the transition away from fossil...
Nucleation Capital
Nucleation Capital is a venture fund focused on investing into advanced nuclear and carbon management innovations to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. It offers Fund I for accredited and high net worth investors, Fund II for larger commitments, and a syndicate for deal-by-deal participation. The firm invests in advanced nuclear, carbon capture, and grid enhancement ventures.
General information
Firm type
Private Equity
Year founded
2020
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Menlo Park
Corporate office
Menlo Park, CA, United States
Principals
Valerie Gardner
Managing Partner & Founder
Rod Adams
Managing Partner
Jonathan Tiemann
CFO
Rick DeGolia
Managing Member
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
What does Nucleation Capital invest in?
The firm targets advanced nuclear fission and fusion, carbon capture and utilization, and grid-enhancement technologies. Portfolio companies include Aalo Atomics, Blykalla, Copenhagen Atomics, Deep Isolation, Radiant Nuclear, Zeno Power, Twelve, and Planetary Technologies. A full list is published on the firm's website.
How does Nucleation source its deals?
Deal flow draws from the deep industry networks of Managing Partners Rod Adams and Valerie Gardner — Adams through decades of Navy nuclear, startup and publishing experience via Atomic Insights, Gardner through Silicon Valley venture and investment-advisory relationships. The firm's syndicate structure also funnels opportunities from its investor network. Advisors spanning national labs, regulators and venture capital supplement origination.
Who runs investment decisions at Nucleation?
Valerie Gardner and Rod Adams are co-Managing Partners responsible for investment decisions. Gardner contributes venture-investment, fund-structuring and impact-investing experience; Adams provides nuclear-engineering, industry and technical due-diligence expertise. CFO Jonathan Tiemann, who co-founded the affiliated RIA with Gardner, oversees financial operations and investment strategy.
Does Nucleation participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
Nucleation invests directly into private nuclear and carbon-innovation companies. The firm does not disclose making fund-of-fund commitments. Its syndicate offers selective direct co-investment opportunities, while Fund I and Fund II pool capital for diversified exposure to the same venture stage.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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