Claremont Creek Ventures, a seed- and early-stage venture capital firm, invests in various industries, including healthcare and energy.
Key people at Claremont Creek Ventures.
Claremont Creek Ventures (CCV) is a seed- and early-stage venture capital firm based in Oakland, California, dedicated to empowering visionary entrepreneurs building transformative companies. The firm’s mission centers on being the “Entrepreneurs Behind the Entrepreneurs,” providing not just capital but strategic guidance and operational support to help startups scale efficiently. CCV’s investment philosophy emphasizes lean operations, capital efficiency, and team development, leveraging a proprietary life-cycle venturing program to nurture companies from inception through growth.
Claremont Creek Ventures invests across high-impact sectors, with a strong focus on healthcare and energy—particularly clean technology and life sciences. By partnering closely with leading academic and research institutions such as UC Berkeley, UC Davis, and the Lawrence Livermore and Berkeley National Laboratories, CCV taps into a deep pipeline of innovation. Its impact on the startup ecosystem is marked by a track record of supporting breakthrough technologies and fostering the next generation of industry leaders.
---
Founded in 2005 by Nat Goldhaber and Randy Hawks, Claremont Creek Ventures emerged from a shared vision to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and commercial innovation. Both founders brought extensive experience in technology and venture capital, with Goldhaber notably recognized for his early investments in clean tech and biotech. The firm’s roots in the Bay Area positioned it at the epicenter of scientific discovery and entrepreneurial energy.
Over the years, Claremont Creek Ventures has evolved its focus to prioritize sectors where deep science meets scalable business models. The addition of key team members—including Brian Berger, MD, and Dave Lyons, former Tesla head of engineering—has further strengthened its expertise in healthcare and clean technology. This evolution reflects a deliberate strategy to align with the most pressing global challenges, from climate change to healthcare innovation.
---
---
Claremont Creek Ventures is riding the wave of two defining trends: the acceleration of life sciences innovation and the urgent transition to clean energy. The convergence of advances in genomics, diagnostics, and sustainable technologies has created fertile ground for startups tackling global challenges. Timing is critical—growing regulatory support, increased public awareness, and rising demand for sustainable solutions are all working in CCV’s favor.
By connecting academic research with entrepreneurial ambition, Claremont Creek Ventures plays a pivotal role in translating scientific discovery into real-world impact. Its influence extends beyond individual portfolio companies, shaping the broader ecosystem by fostering collaboration between institutions, entrepreneurs, and investors.
---
Looking ahead, Claremont Creek Ventures is well-positioned to continue driving innovation in healthcare and energy. As the world grapples with climate change and healthcare disparities, the demand for scalable, science-driven solutions will only intensify. CCV’s deep sector expertise and collaborative approach will be key assets in identifying and nurturing the next wave of breakthrough companies.
The firm’s influence is likely to grow as it expands its network and refines its investment model to meet the evolving needs of startups. By staying true to its mission of empowering entrepreneurs, Claremont Creek Ventures will remain a vital force in shaping the future of technology and innovation—proving once again that the most impactful ventures are built on a foundation of vision, collaboration, and resilience.
Key people at Claremont Creek Ventures.
