Claudia Del Monte

A couple of interesting write-ups of this week's ESG_VC research from Maddyness and Tech.eu... Paul Ferretti of Maddyness has taken a look at the growing role of ESG standards in the venture industry, and how benchmarking is helping start-ups to understand and improve ESG performance. Lucy Adams has written up a nice piece for Tech.eu delivering into how performance has differed between start-ups based in the UK and Europe. A first for our research with the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA), this geographical analysis highlights the differing priorities and strengths of the two regions and gives us a new angle to approach to problem of supporting start-ups on their ESG journey across international markets. cc: Suzi Gillespie Ewa Skornas David Johnson Dianne Skurray David Strong Cate Lawrence Check out the Maddyness piece below, and the Tech.eu article in the comments! #ESG_VC #sustainability #ESGstandards

30

1 commento

At The Climate Brick we are building a common ecosystem framework to define how success looks like in the climate tech company scale-up journey

29

A recipe for building an impact VC fund thesis 📋 by August Solliv, Author of Impact Supporters 👇 Why it matters.👇 Impact VC funds are gaining traction, but building a successful one requires careful planning and strategic choices. August Soliv outlines a comprehensive recipe, from defining your unique edge to filling market gaps and making core investment decisions. Whether you're a seasoned GP or new to impact investing, this guide provides a blueprint for aligning your fund with market needs and maximizing impact. For GPs, this means understanding geography, sector focus, investment stages, and more. The goal is to stand out, attract LPs, and drive meaningful change while achieving strong returns. Read the full article on EUVC Insights! 🔽 https://buff.ly/3Ws7iQy #venturecapital #startupfunding #Europe #EUVCInsights

6

Last year in May, we launched our #JustTransitionCriteria - a ‘first of its kind’ practical tool for fund managers who want to invest in a transition to a net zero world that prioritises the needs of the planet and the people living on it. Since then, our #JustTransitionFinanceChallenge, the community of practice that co-created the Criteria, has grown to more than 25 global financial institutions with over £5 trillion of assets, or assets under management. We have had interest in the Criteria from more than 250 organisations and individuals and five organisations are currently piloting the Criteria. So why should you use them? They make it easier for fund managers to design financial products that can deliver on the three critical elements of a just transition, as defined by the G7-backed Impact Taskforce (or help them identify investment products and solutions that are already aligned with a just transition): ✅ Advancing climate and environmental action – including greenhouse gas emission mitigation, reduction and removal ✅ Improving socio-economic distribution and equity – through, for example, inclusive opportunities for decent jobs ✅ Improving community voice – through, for example, engagement and dialogue with affected communities that are often excluded and marginalised One of the organisation piloting the Criteria is BlueOrchard Finance Ltd a global impact investment manager that has used the Criteria to develop an investment strategy that aims to improve the resilience of poor and vulnerable households in emerging and frontier markets to weather events and natural disasters. You can read the full case study here: https://lnkd.in/egJjN-VM If you would like to find out more about our work on the just transition, reach out here or speak to our programme lead David Krivanek. #justtransition #impactinvesting #casestudy #example

35

3 commenti

Read about how BlueOrchard’s strategy aiming to improve the resilience of vulnerable populations in emerging and frontier markets to weather events and natural disasters aligns with the framework of the Just Transition Criteria. The Just Transition Criteria were launched last year by the Impact Investing Institute in partnership with 21 global financial institutions, including BlueOrchard. The strategy supports the three critical elements of a just transition, as defined by the G7-backed Impact Taskforce: 🔹 Advancing climate and environmental action 🔹 Improving socio-economic distribution and equity 🔹 Increasing community voice Maria Teresa Zappia, Felix Hermes, Alessandra Nibbio, Edoardo Toscano, Clément Casavant #justtransition #impactinvesting #EmergingMarkets #ClimateInsurance #ClimateAction #BlueOrchard #ImpactMeasurement #MarketingMaterial

35

Last year in May, we launched our #JustTransitionCriteria - a ‘first of its kind’ practical tool for fund managers who want to invest in a transition to a net zero world that prioritises the needs of the planet and the people living on it. Since then, our #JustTransitionFinanceChallenge, the community of practice that co-created the Criteria, has grown to more than 25 global financial institutions with over £5 trillion of assets, or assets under management. We have had interest in the Criteria from more than 250 organisations and individuals and five organisations are currently piloting the Criteria. So why should you use them? They make it easier for fund managers to design financial products that can deliver on the three critical elements of a just transition, as defined by the G7-backed Impact Taskforce (or help them identify investment products and solutions that are already aligned with a just transition): ✅ Advancing climate and environmental action – including greenhouse gas emission mitigation, reduction and removal ✅ Improving socio-economic distribution and equity – through, for example, inclusive opportunities for decent jobs ✅ Improving community voice – through, for example, engagement and dialogue with affected communities that are often excluded and marginalised One of the organisation piloting the Criteria is BlueOrchard Finance Ltd, a global impact investment manager that has used the Criteria to develop an investment strategy that aims to improve the resilience of poor and vulnerable households in emerging and frontier markets to weather events and natural disasters. You can read the full case study here: https://lnkd.in/egJjN-VM If you would like to find out more about our work on the just transition, reach out here or speak to our programme lead David Krivanek. #justtransition #impactinvesting #casestudy #example

29

Last year in May, we launched our #JustTransitionCriteria - a ‘first of its kind’ practical tool for fund managers who want to invest in a transition to a net zero world that prioritises the needs of the planet and the people living on it. Since then, our #JustTransitionFinanceChallenge, the community of practice that co-created the Criteria, has grown to more than 25 global financial institutions with over £5 trillion of assets, or assets under management. We have had interest in the Criteria from more than 250 organisations and individuals and five organisations are currently piloting the Criteria. So why should you use them? They make it easier for fund managers to design financial products that can deliver on the three critical elements of a just transition, as defined by the G7-backed Impact Taskforce (or help them identify investment products and solutions that are already aligned with a just transition): ✅ Advancing climate and environmental action – including greenhouse gas emission mitigation, reduction and removal ✅ Improving socio-economic distribution and equity – through, for example, inclusive opportunities for decent jobs ✅ Improving community voice – through, for example, engagement and dialogue with affected communities that are often excluded and marginalised One of the organisation piloting the Criteria is BlueOrchard Finance Ltd a global impact investment manager that has used the Criteria to develop an investment strategy that aims to improve the resilience of poor and vulnerable households in emerging and frontier markets to weather events and natural disasters. You can read the full case study here: https://lnkd.in/egJjN-VM If you would like to find out more about our work on the just transition, reach out here or speak to our programme lead David Krivanek. #justtransition #impactinvesting #casestudy #example

2

Last year in May, we launched our #JustTransitionCriteria - a ‘first of its kind’ practical tool for fund managers who want to invest in a transition to a net zero world that prioritises the needs of the planet and the people living on it. Since then, our #JustTransitionFinanceChallenge, the community of practice that co-created the Criteria, has grown to more than 25 global financial institutions with over £5 trillion of assets, or assets under management. We have had interest in the Criteria from more than 250 organisations and individuals and five organisations are currently piloting the Criteria. So why should you use them? They make it easier for fund managers to design financial products that can deliver on the three critical elements of a just transition, as defined by the G7-backed Impact Taskforce (or help them identify investment products and solutions that are already aligned with a just transition): ✅ Advancing climate and environmental action – including greenhouse gas emission mitigation, reduction and removal ✅ Improving socio-economic distribution and equity – through, for example, inclusive opportunities for decent jobs ✅ Improving community voice – through, for example, engagement and dialogue with affected communities that are often excluded and marginalised One of the organisation piloting the Criteria is BlueOrchard Finance Ltd a global impact investment manager that has used the Criteria to develop an investment strategy that aims to improve the resilience of poor and vulnerable households in emerging and frontier markets to weather events and natural disasters. You can read the full case study here: https://lnkd.in/egJjN-VM If you would like to find out more about our work on the just transition, reach out here or speak to our programme lead David Krivanek. #justtransition #impactinvesting #casestudy #example

19

💡 Debt financing emerges as a powerful tool for climatetech startups Climatetech companies are increasingly turning to debt financing alongside venture capital (VC) to fund their projects. This trend goes beyond large corporations like Enpal and Northvolt, and presents a valuable opportunity for startups as well. Here's why debt financing matters for climatetech startups: ➡ Beyond software: Many climatetech solutions involve physical components or hardware. Factoring in debt early helps secure the necessary capital for these aspects. ➡ Specialized skillset needed: Understanding debt structures, covenants, and project presentations requires a different skillset than attracting VCs. Startups considering debt financing may need to adjust their team accordingly. ➡ Hybrid models are key: Combining VC funding with debt or asset-backed securities allows for faster scaling, especially crucial in the rapidly evolving decarbonization space. ➡ Creative business structures: Companies have demonstrated the potential for separate entities within a startup, attracting investors for specific project aspects. ❓ Is there an optimal time for startups to consider their future financing needs? ❓ Will hybrid VC-debt models become commonplace in climatetech? ❓ Which areas of climatetech are best suited for these structures? At Fost, we are happy to discuss with climatech companies on their debt funding challenges ! https://lnkd.in/eRqTxW6m

13

Causation or correlation? Maybe both. What's clear is that you can't manage what you don't measure. We love to see research studies that link sustainability disclosures (and even SFDR!) to decarbonization. Read below 👇

21

Interested in place-based impact investment? The Impact Investing Institute (our National Partner colleague on GSG Impact) has released a report highlighting developments over the past few years in the UK (since its major study in 2021) – offering valuable insights for impact investors here in Australia. This new report highlights: ✅ The emergence of a place-based impact investment (PBII) market, with increasing awareness and adoption of PBII as an approach and the allocation of capital to place-based impact. ✅ How government is using public funding to leverage private finance for local impact. ✅ The work being done to connect investors to opportunities. ✅ Some of the barriers that are holding back PBII from reaching greater scale. ✅ Some of the pathways to scale and spread PBII.   And the good news is progress is being made: 1️⃣ The supply of capital seeking place-based impact investment is increasing. 2️⃣ There is an increasing demand for impact capital. 3️⃣ The enabling infrastructure to support PBII is being built. Read the report 👇 #ImpactInvesting #SustainableDevelopment #communityengagement #EconomicGrowth

7

2 commenti

📰 🌍 Last week remained eventful for climate tech developments, with significant developments across various sectors highlighting global efforts towards sustainability. Here’s Climate Insider’s weekly news breakdown: 👉 Planeteers, led by Florian Birner, successfully Closed seed funding round for Carbon Capture Technology. 👉 Helios Investment Partners raised an initial $200 million for Africa-Focused Climate Fund. 👉 Bill Gates-backed Breakthrough Energy has raised $839 million for its third flagship fund, making it the largest climate fund of the year, according to a regulatory filing. 👉 Applied Carbon, led by Jason Aramburu, a tech company creating automated biochar production machines for agricultural waste, announced raising $21.5 million in Series A funding. 👉 EV battery manufacturer Neuron Energy, led by Pratik Kamdar, has raised INR 20 Cr (approximately $2.3 Mn) in Series A funding from existing investors Chona Family Office and Capri Global Family Office. 👉 Iberdrola, ICO, Banco Sabadell and HSBC signed a EUR 500 million syndicated green loan with Cesce coverage. 👉 Quantum computing firm Riverlane, led by Steve Brierley, announced raising $75 million in Series C funding led by Planet First Partners, to address the growing global demand for quantum error correction (QEC) technology. 👉 Lucid Group, Inc. announced agreements with its majority stockholder, Ayar Third Investment Company, to purchase $750 million of convertible preferred stock and provide a $750 million unsecured delayed draw term loan facility. 👉 Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, led by David Scaysbrook, exceeds target for net zero power strategy, raising USD 3 billion in capital commitments. #CarbonCapture #ClimateTech #GreenFinance #AfricaClimateFund #Biochar #EVBatteries #QuantumComputing #SyndicatedLoan #NetZero #SustainableInvestment #ClimateInnovation #CleanEnergy #TechFunding #RenewableEnergy #ClimateAction

9

Why and how the European Investment Fund backs impact VC by August Solliv, Consultant at Monitor Deloitte & Author of Impact Supporters 👇 Why it matters.👇 The European Investment Fund (EIF) is key in driving impact VC across Europe. By backing funds focusing on social and environmental issues. EIF helps fill critical market gaps and mobilizes significant capital to tackle pressing global challenges. Understanding the EIF's criteria and strategy can guide emerging impact funds in aligning their missions with potential funding opportunities. 🌍 Read August's interview with Anna Finizio, Investment Manager at EIF, on EUVC Insights! 🔽 https://buff.ly/4cHgiHr #venturecapital #startupfunding #Europe #EUVCInsights

16

2 commenti

Our Free Regenerative Investing Workshop in London has changed its date and time to 2pm-4pm on the 22nd April! To reserve your place, introducing you to the "Principles of Regenerative Investing - creating strategies to future proof your assets from market volatility" - we look at real case studies from across sectors and geographies - Hosted together with EthicalFin, Henmil Group Family Office and Vedra Partners, reserve your place. Places are limited! Book your place on the link below #finance #familyoffice #investing #regenerativeinvesting

1

📚 In SISTAFUND’s library:  ‘BEYOND RETURNS’ by European Women in VC 🌟 Check out the key findings from the new European Women in VC Report: Beyond Returns: 1️⃣ Impact Investing Surge: In 2023, ⅓ of the €53B raised by European Startups were directed to impact startups aligned with UN SDGs. 🌍 2️⃣ LPs’ Green Goals: Environmental impact is a top priority for 1/3 of LPs surveyed. Reducing carbon footprints is key in their investment decisions. 🍃 3️⃣ ESG on the Rise: Improving ESG performance is a major focus for 1/2 of VCs in the next 12 months. 📈 4️⃣ Diversity = Success: 90% of VCs and LPs believe diversity enhances investment decisions and financial returns. 💼✨ Congrats to European Women in VC, Founders Forum Group, Tech Nation, and more for producing these great insights! Let’s continue to support and celebrate the positive impact and diversity in the VC landscape! 🌟 🔗 Full report in the comments section. 

19

1 commento

VCs and LPs focused on climate impact - don’t miss the @Project Frame Community Meeting today at 17:00 CET! Sam Levac-Levey from Starshot Capital and me from Future Energy Ventures will each present a case study based on a real-life investment, showcasing how we assess the impact of startup climate solutions during due diligence. Don't know Project Frame already? It is a community purpose-built to organize investors around forward-looking emissions impact methodology and reporting best practices, helping us support the climate solutions our planet urgently needs 🌍 What to expect: 🔹 Practical steps investors follow when assessing the GHG impact of early and growth-stage climate solutions 🙏 🔹 Sneak-peak on new methodology guidance 👀 💚 It’s free and online!

20

1 commento

Since there is currently speculation about whether the "Valley of Death" for European climate tech startups even exists (the investment gap in Series B): unfortunately it does, the data is clear. 📊 The numbers are based on the most extensive database about European climate tech companies (i3 Connect; part of the Cleantech Group). Read more about it in World Fund's whitepaper "Investing in Climate Tech - An Opportunity for Europe" 🌍 https://lnkd.in/ehJK2Twu 🌍

109

9 commenti

American climate tech VC Clean Energy Ventures closes €281 million fund, opens London office to invest in European startups EU-Startups 2024-05-29 Stefano De Marzo Clean Energy Ventures (CEV), a leading global venture capital firm funding early-stage climate innovations, announced the closing of an oversubscribed second flagship fund with total capital commitments of €281 million. In addition to significantly expanding the firm’s investment opportunities in North America, the latest fund allows CEV to bring its strategy and expertise to climate […] The post American climate tech VC Clean Energy Ventures closes €281 million fund, opens London office to invest in European startups appeared first on EU-Startups. <div><div><div><div><div><p><a rel="noopener" href="https://lnkd.in/gekPUqTP" target="_blank"><span>Clean Energy Ventures</span></a><span> (CEV), a leading global venture capital firm funding early-stage climate innovations, announced the closing of an oversubscribed second flagship fund with total capital commitments of €281 million. In addition to significantly expanding the firm’s investment opportunities in North America, the latest fund allows CEV to bring its strategy and expertise to climate technology entrepreneurs in Europe and Israel. </span></p> <p><span>Since the early days of Cleantech 1.0, CEV’s team of veteran climate investors have guided the next generation of companies spanning mobility, renewable energy, carbon capture utilization and storage, energy storage, critical minerals, and more through seismic market shifts. With a unique investment thesis, the CEV team positions quantitative climate impact alongside financial performance – requiring that each investment be capable of mitigating at least 2.5 gigatons of CO2e emissions cumulatively between the initial investment and 2050. CEV takes a hands-on approach to commercialize its portfolio companies by leveraging a deeply technical and commercial team with support from a group of venture partners and angel investors with extensive industry executive experience and a Strategic Advisory Board led by former U.S. Secretary of Energy, Ernest Moniz.</span></p> <p><i><span>“Demand for climate investment opportunities is rising from all corners of the globe, and we are grateful for the amount of interest from our new and existing LPs,”</span></i><span> said Temple Fennell, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Clean Energy Ventures. </span><i><span>“As we look to scale decarbonization technologies globally, we’re doubling down on our thesis to invest in novel hardware-oriented climate-saving technologies with the potential to bring outsized emissions reductions and top-tier financial returns.”</span></i></p> <p><span>With a 15+ year track record of growing climate tech companies, CEV now works alongside more than 70 strategic co-investors, and is backed by LPs including Carbon Equity, The Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, Builders Vision, and New S

1

ELEVA Capital is pleased to present the new impact report of ELEVA Sustainable Impact Europe! This impact fund (Art. 9) focuses on 6 sustainable, environmental, and social themes. It is built around circa forty convictions. This European multi-cap fund invests in companies that stand out for their positive contribution to environmental and societal transition through their products and services. It is labeled in France and Belgium. Saint-Gobain in the field of green cities and RELX in social inclusion are highlighted in this report. We invite you to discover our approach and commitments by reading the full impact report available here. ➡ https://lnkd.in/eDNhqXuk Happy reading! Produced in collaboration with Stone Soup Consulting #ELEVACapital #ESG #ImpactInvesting #SDG #article9SFDR #SaintGobain #Coloplast #Belimo #RelX #Capgemini #Amplifon Any investment decision should be based on more than just sustainability information alone

25