Image credits: Carbon Equity
Amsterdam-based Carbon Equity, a fintech platform that democratises access to impact private equity, announced on Thursday that it has secured €1.8M in an oversubscribed Seed round of funding.
4Impact, The Hague-based VC, led the round with participation from Germany-based WiVenture and AENU. A group of experienced angels, including the founders of Bloomon and sustainable aviation pioneer SkyNRG also participated.
The Dutch fintech says the proceeds will allow it to launch its retail investing programme and expand its investor base and its technology platform.
PwC’s State of Climate Tech report reveals that climate tech now accounts for 14 cents of every venture capital dollar. Around $87.5B has been invested over H2 2020 and H1 2021.
“By investing in a VC fund, you benefit from the expertise of top climate investing experts — plus, you gain greater diversification since you invest in a basket of companies instead of just one company,” says Jacqueline van den Ende, co-founder and CEO of Carbon Equity.
“The risk profile of this type of investing is, therefore, a lot lower than that of angel investments or crowd equity,” she adds.
Carbon Equity: What you need to know
Carbon Equity was founded by Jacqueline van den Ende, Tim Molendijk, Lara Koole, Jeff Gomez, and Liza Rubinsten. Based out of Amsterdam, Carbon Equity allows regular investors to invest, along with experts in top climate venture capital and private equity funds, with a minimum as low as €100,000, and soon €10,000.
“The key barrier is the sizable capital contribution,” says van den Ende. “Previously, you would need at least €5-10mn to participate in top venture capital or private equity funds. We currently bring that down to €100K, and will launch a retail programme in the coming months that unlocks access from €10K.”
With its platform, the company aims to grow a highly motivated community of investors ready to fight climate change with their capital.
“In the coming decade, you will see huge demand for CO2-free alternatives from consumers, companies, and governments,” says van den Ende. “This is driving a historically large wave of innovation across all sectors. By investing in Carbon Equity funds, you can put your capital to work with real impact, but also exceptional financial returns.”
Over the past 9 months, Carbon Equity invested in venture capital and growth equity funds, including Astanor, Energy Impact Partners, and 2150 VC.
These funds power companies such as
- Form Energy – that produces grid-scale batteries
- Zap Energy – who recently successfully tested their prototype fusion reactor
- Umiami – who produces plant-based whole cuts using an innovative fermentation technology
The Dutch company saw a strong growth period, where it increased its AUM by 10x and customer base by 11x since its prior round of funding in 2021.
Catch our interview with Paul Down, Head of Sales at Intigriti.
