Clean Capital

Climate technology startups in Washington state are raising new funding rounds even as the AI boom draws investor dollars away from other sectors. Founders in the Pacific Northwest are still managing to close deals, a sign that venture capital interest in clean energy and climate innovation has not dried up entirely, though founders face a tougher environment as AI companies absorb a growing share of available cash.

Axios has published its weekly roundup of energy and climate-related deals, covering the latest funding, mergers and investment activity in the sector. The roundup tracks which clean energy and climate startups and companies secured capital or struck agreements over the past week, offering a snapshot of where investor money is flowing in the energy transition.

Biden's administration has put forward a plan to expand solar energy in the United States. In related infrastructure news, Dutch pension asset manager APG is directing investment toward smart city projects, while global infrastructure firm I Squared has made its first move into hydrogen. The roundup signals continued momentum in energy transition and digital infrastructure investing, with major institutional players committing capital to renewables, urban technology and emerging clean fuels.

A 1921 provision in US tax law wipes out capital gains liability when an asset holder dies, known as the stepped-up basis. Because of it, trillions of dollars in unrealized stock and real estate gains held by Americans will pass to heirs without ever being taxed. Critics say this lets the wealthiest families avoid capital gains tax indefinitely, while defenders see it as protecting family assets from double taxation.

Clean Capital's community solar model is being highlighted alongside pv magazine's October 2026 events lineup. Community solar lets households and businesses subscribe to shares of a local solar project and receive credits on their electricity bills, expanding access to renewable energy without rooftop installation. Industry watchers are following how such business models develop as solar markets mature.

The UN Environment Programme is asking whether electric vehicles could help an African capital reduce air pollution and combat climate change. The piece highlights the potential of electric mobility to cut emissions in rapidly growing cities. Interest in electric transport across Africa is growing as governments weigh cleaner alternatives to petrol and diesel vehicles.

Lydian has obtained a $300 million loan from Infranity to support its solar and energy storage projects in the United States. The financing backs the company's expansion in renewable energy infrastructure, adding to a growing flow of private credit into the US clean power sector as developers seek capital for large-scale solar and battery assets.