KittyHawk, a Los Angeles-based technology investment firm focused on innovative companies from seed stage through pre-IPO, has announced its acquisition of Exit Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm specializing in energy, AI infrastructure, and sustainable materials. As part of the deal, Exit Ventures founder Paul Burgon will join KittyHawk as a Partner, where he will lead the firm’s growing portfolio in energy and climate investments.
The acquisition strengthens KittyHawk’s leadership in frontier technology investing by expanding its platform into sectors at the forefront of global innovation. By integrating Exit Ventures with its Frontier funds, KittyHawk aims to deepen its presence in energy transition and climate resilience markets while enhancing its network of corporate investors and strategic partners. The firm’s goal is to accelerate the commercialization of transformative technologies and create high-value exit opportunities for founders and investors.
Paul Burgon brings more than 30 years of investment and operating experience to his new role. Over the course of his career, he has led nearly 100 mergers, acquisitions, and venture investments totaling more than $3 billion. Burgon played a key role in establishing the Danaher acquisition and corporate venture system, widely regarded as one of the most successful in the United States. His background also includes senior executive positions at Danaher, Steel Partners, and SWK Holdings, as well as tenure as CEO of a climate technology startup that achieved a successful exit. Through Exit Ventures, Burgon has developed a proven track record in advancing early-stage energy and sustainability innovations, often working in close partnership with corporate investors.
The integration of Exit Ventures’ portfolio and relationships will broaden KittyHawk’s reach into next-generation sectors such as clean energy, advanced materials, and AI-powered infrastructure. With global capital increasingly flowing toward climate and sustainability initiatives, the acquisition positions KittyHawk to play a leading role in financing technologies that address critical environmental challenges.
KEY QUOTES:
“The acquisition of Exit Ventures brings a highly complementary portfolio of energy, climate, and AI infrastructure companies and relationships that will immediately strengthen KittyHawk’s platform. By combining our firms, we’re expanding our reach into some of the most critical frontier markets. Paul’s proven ability to create strategic exits and his unmatched network of corporate and strategic investors will be invaluable in accelerating outcomes for both our new and existing founders and investors. This combination positions KittyHawk at the forefront of next-generation energy and climate innovation.”
Will Weisman, Founder and Managing Partner, KittyHawk
“I am honored to join KittyHawk and look forward to collaborating with this amazing team. I was drawn to KittyHawk’s commitment to highly disruptive technologies that address critical global issues and massive markets. I’m especially excited to bring the Exit Ventures portfolio into KittyHawk, where these companies will benefit from the firm’s global platform and resources. Together, we can accelerate commercialization of critical technologies, create meaningful liquidity for founders and investors, and drive real impact.”
Paul Burgon, Partner, KittyHawk and Founder, Exit Ventures
