Dow Venture Capital Grant

About this grant

Dow Venture Capital is the corporate venture arm of Dow, focused on pursuing strategic investments in attractive start-up companies around the world that enable and accelerate Dow's business growth and value. The programme takes an active role in the companies it invests in, deploying Dow's capabilities and resources to maximize value creation. Portfolio companies benefit from Dow's global brand equity, deep market knowledge, and industry-leading positions across diverse high-growth sectors. Dow Venture Capital also provides access to Dow's world-renowned R&D expertise in materials science, catalysis, silicone and polymer science, process and high-throughput technologies, analytical science and toxicology, as well as an extensive global network of internal and external experts for technology and commercial due diligence. The programme invests across multiple business segments and markets, serving as a vital part of Dow's growth engine.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are start-up companies operating globally in sectors that are strategically aligned with Dow's business segments and growth areas, including specialty chemicals, advanced materials, plastics, and related materials science fields. There is no stated geographic restriction, as Dow Venture Capital pursues investments in start-ups around the world. No specific stage, revenue, or prior-recipient restrictions are described on the page.

How it's scored

Applications or investment opportunities are assessed based on strategic alignment with Dow's business growth and value creation objectives. Dow evaluates opportunities across dimensions including brand and market fit, technology and scientific expertise alignment, access to Dow's strategic relationships, and commercial potential. No formal scoring criteria, weightings, or panel composition details are disclosed on the page.

Key requirements

• ✓Company must develop technologies or solutions in specialty chemicals, advanced materials, plastics, or materials science
• ✓Business model must enable or accelerate Dow Inc.'s growth across its business segments
• ✓Willingness to engage with Dow's capabilities, resources, and strategic guidance post-investment
• ✓Global operations acceptable; alignment with Dow's sustainability and circular-economy priorities preferred

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for Dow Venture Capital?

Eligibility covers organisations in GLOBAL; startup, sme. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Low-carbon materials funding covers cement, concrete, steel, chemicals, timber and novel building materials with lower embodied carbon. It ranges from research grants to demonstration plants and public procurement that specifies lower-carbon products. Calls often ask for lifecycle assessment, product testing against standards and interest from buyers in construction or manufacturing.