Chicago, IL
CBRE Arranges HQ Expansion Lease for Growing Climate Investment Firm
Energize Capital will move into new space to accommodate growing headcount
November 13, 2024
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CBRE has arranged a new headquarters lease for their client, Energize Capital, a leading Chicago-based investor in climate solutions. The firm, which invests venture capital and growth equity capital to scale asset-light climate startups, is expanding and will occupy 11,070 square feet at 1 South Wacker Drive, more than doubling their footprint within Chicago’s Loop.
CBRE’s Brad Serot and Bill Sheehy represented Energize Capital in the transaction.
Energize Capital is relocating within their current building, having outgrown the spec suite it has occupied since October of 2021. The new space will accommodate a headcount of greater than 60, enabling the firm to continue its growth trajectory and more than double its current number of full-time employees. The firm will undergo a buildout within the new space. 1 South Wacker Drive is a forty-story building that has undergone a complete lobby renovation and includes such amenities as a voluminous three-story glass atrium lounge, a full-service executive-style health club, and one of the few rooftop decks on Wacker Drive.
“Energize is scaling our aspirations to meet the climate market opportunity, and we need a bigger team and space to deliver the results our entrepreneurs and investors expect. We have increased our footprint by more than 6 times over the last three years and anticipate continued growth.” said John Tough, Managing Partner of Energize Capital. “We’re excited to continue to expand our physical presence here in Chicago with our new lease at 1 S Wacker, and we’re appreciative to the team at CBRE for their support and partnership in our next phase of growth.”
“This move underscores the power of premium, adaptable spaces,” said Serot “Energize Capital seamlessly expanded into a reimagined space that meets their high standards, enabling them to grow in a location that reflects their vision and ambition.”
According to a recent CBRE report, Class A office vacancy in the West Loop sits at 13.7% as of Q3 2024, the lowest mark of any downtown submarket.
Energize Capital is a leading investor in climate solutions. Founded in 2016 and based in Chicago, Energize seeks to scale sustainable innovation by partnering with the builders and operators shaping the future. To date, Energize has funded 30 companies and deployed more than $750 million through its venture capital and growth equity strategies. Anchored by founding partner Invenergy, the firm is backed by strategic, institutional, and impact LPs including CDPQ, Credit Suisse, GE Vernova, Xcel Energy, Caterpillar, HASI and more. For more information on Energize, please visit www.energizecap.com.