ESG in VC Insights
Hello ESG in VC followers,
Welcome to the 3rd edition of ESG in VC Insights. Curated with 🖤 every month by ESG in VC team.
ESG in the News
The flow of capital into European ESG ETFs outperforms the broader market despite ongoing headwinds
As many US state legislatures become an ESG battleground, research from Wharton finds that state-imposed barriers on financial institutions with fossil fuels and firearms ESG restrictions may cause unintended costly impacts
Global consulting firm, Tata Consultancy Services, introduces its new ESG Integration Solution to accelerate sustainable investing
In a recent article, The Economist argues that corporations should prioritize emissions reductions over compliance with existing ESG frameworks
Pitchbook releases new research, discussing ESG risks and opportunities in the private real estate sector
The Regulatory Report
US Senator Joe Manchin’s sudden reversal now positions US democrats to pass $369 billion in climate and energy spending projected to cut US carbon emissions by 40% from 2005 levels by 2030, if passed, despite oil & gas concessions
The UK commits to achieving net-zero emissions in its domestic aviation industry by 2040 via its new 6-point Jet Zero strategy
The EU is expected to delay many ESG efforts, including those related to gender equality and exploitative labour practices, amid political infighting
The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Marketplace issues new guidance to ensure that high-quality carbon credit standards are maintained
Noteworthy Raises in E
🇬🇧 UK
EV start-up, Onto, a Warwick-based electric vehicle subscription platform, raises $60 million of Series C funding led by Legal & General to support the firm’s expansion across Europe
Circular economy start-up, Itero, a London-based developer of chemical recycling technologies for plastic waste, raises £5.1 million in venture funding led by Infinity Recycling
Energy storage start-up, Nyobolt, a Cambridge-based developer of fast charging batteries for automotive applications, raises £50 million of Series B funding led by H.C. Starck
🇪🇺 EU
Electric charging start-up, Leap24, a Netherlands-based provider of hyper charging stations for electric delivery vans and trucks, raises €15 million of venture funding led by Meewind to expand the company’s network across the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK
Energy transition start-up, Node.Energy, a Frankfurt-based developer of energy management solutions and software, raises €7 million of Series A funding led by BitStone Capital
Emissions data start-up, Root Global, a Berlin-based developer of environmental impact and carbon emissions management software for food manufacturers, processors, and retailers, raises €2.5 million of seed funding led by Project A
🇱🇷 US
Clean fuel start-up, Aircela, a New York City-based developer of solar-powered direct air capture (DAC) units intended to capture carbon for use in eco-fuels, raises $5.5 million in seed funding from an undisclosed investor
Energy data analytics start-up, Odyssey Energy Solutions, a Colorado-based platform intended to make distributed energy data useable and actionable, raises $7.2MM of venture funding from undisclosed investors
Energy storage start-up, Wildcat, a developer of advanced materials for rechargeable batteries, raises $90 million of Series D funding led by Koch Strategic Platforms
🌏 Asia & Australia
Waste wood processing start-up, 3RT, an Australian-based producer of hardwood intended to convert waste wood materials into sustainable products, raises its first VC funding round for an undisclosed amount led by Henkel Tech Ventures
Alternative protein start-up, Liberate Foods, an India-based developer of plant-based proteins, raises $2 million in seed funding led by Better Bite Ventures, Blue Horizon, and Panthera Peak
Noteworthy Raises in S
🇪🇺 EU
Web3 start-up, Jet Learn, a Netherlands-based Web 3.0 education platform for grades K-12, raises €1.2 million led by the INSEAD endowment
Digital Health start-up, UnoBravo, a Italy-based online psychology services platform intended to provide access to mental health services anywhere at any time, raises €17 million of Series A funding led by Insight Partners
EdTech start-up, Seabery, a Spain-based developer of sustainable professional training software for industrial workers utilizing AI and augmented reality, completed its third funding round led by Spain Oman Private Equity Fund and Seaya Ventures
🇱🇷 US
HealthTech start-up, Sage, a New York City-based developer of integrated healthcare operating systems aiming to improve care and quality of life for older adults, raises $9 million in seed funding led by Goldcrest Capital
SDGs - 3
Blockchain start-up, Topl, a Texas-based developer of blockchain technology to allow businesses to verify and monetize ethical and sustainable practices, raises $15 million in Series A funding led by Mercury, Republic Asia, and Cryptology
HealthTech start-up, NightWare, a Minnesota-based developer of a digital therapeutic platform intended to reduced the traumatic nightmares associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, raises $1 million in funding from the US Air Force
SDGs - 3
EdTech start-up, The Diversity Movement, a North Carolina-based provider of professional training services to drive improved business outcomes through diversity, equity, and inclusion, raises $0.8 million in venture funding led by Resilient Ventures
Infrastructure start-up, Altaeros, a Massachusetts-based developer of airborne wind turbines intended to deliver advanced technology and infrastructure to rural and remote communities, raises $34.8 million of venture funding from undisclosed investors
🌍 Africa
FinTech start-up, Qwili, a South Africa-based developer of hybrid hardware-software products to promote financial inclusion among merchants in rural communities, raises $1.2 million of seed funding led by Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs Africa
🌏 Asia
EdTech start-up, Geekster, an India-based platform designed to help people learn technical skills and get employed, raises $0.2 million in pre-seed funding led by Inflection Point Ventures
HealthTech start-up, Kindly, an India-based fertility care platform making infertility treatments more affordable and accessible, raises $3.25 million of seed funding from Olive Tree Capital, Goodwater Capital and Soma Capital
SDGs - 3
Noteworthy Raises in G
We’re always on the lookout for new start-ups addressing governance challenges – If you know of any you think should be highlighted, please reach out!
Latest Funds Announcements
Founded in 2016 and based in Marina Del Rey, California, VC firm Fifth Wall raises a $500 million fund aimed at decarbonizing the real estate sector
Founded in 2022 and based in Berlin, Germany, AENU raises its €100 million evergreen fund to invest in companies solving the climate crisis and advancing social equality
Founded in 2020 and based in London, Kiko Ventures raises a $450 million fund to support climate tech start-ups