ESG and Sustainability
The rise of ESG factors in investment decision making will have a dramatic impact on returns and opportunities in the 21st century. A recent survey by LGT Capital Partners and Mercer showed that 57% of respondents believe that incorporating ESG standards into investment decisions will raise returns. Just 9% argued they reduce returns on investment.
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Atom bank and Kamma have formed a significant partnership aimed at addressing the pressing concerns of climate change. This collaboration brings together Atom bank’s cutting-edge banking technology with Kamma’s climate tech expertise, creating a comprehensive approach to understanding and mitigating climate risks associated with Atom bank’s mortgage portfolio.
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More Stories on ESG and Sustainability
Artificial Intelligence: Tree-Strapped AI Sentries Warn Of Deforestation In Real Time
Small AI-equipped boxes called “curupiras” have been deployed in the Brazilian Amazon to combat deforestation. These boxes use sensors and AI software to detect sounds of chainsaws and tractors, signaling potential threats in real-time.
FinTech: Brazilian Agro-Focused Fintech Nagro Raises $49M
Brazil’s agro fintech company Nagro has secured $49 million in funding from equity and debt sources, including Kinea Ventures and Revolution. The funding will be used to expand Nagro’s credit solutions for rural producers, focusing on credit analysis, risk monitoring, and digital credit allocations.
Venture Capital: HSBC Readies $1B Warchest For Funding ClimateTech Startups
HSBC (LON: HSBA) has made a significant commitment in the fight against climate change by pledging to provide $1 billion in financing to early-stage climate tech startups worldwide. This initiative aims to accelerate the development of innovative solutions in areas such as electric vehicle charging, battery storage, sustainable agriculture, and carbon removal technologies.
Venture Capital: Trailhead Capital Concludes Its First $50 Million Fund Focused On Companies In The Regenerative Food And Agriculture Sector
Trailhead Capital, a mission-driven venture capital firm based in Boulder, Colorado, has successfully closed its inaugural fund, the Trailhead Capital Regeneration Fund I, with commitments totaling approximately $50 million. This achievement highlights the strong investor confidence in Trailhead’s team and its focus on expanding regenerative agriculture practices and products through tech-enabled solutions.
Artificial Intelligence: AI Detection System To Help Humans And Tigers Co-Exist
In a groundbreaking development for wildlife conservation, the Global Tiger Forum, National Tiger Conservation Authority, the NGO RESOLVE, and Clemson University have introduced a cutting-edge AI-powered camera-alert system known as TrailGuard AI. This innovative technology is designed to enhance coexistence between tigers and humans, addressing the increasing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in India’s tiger habitats.
Venture Capital: Galvanize Closes On $1B+ Climate Innovation Fund
Galvanize Climate Solutions, a prominent global climate-focused investment firm, has successfully concluded its Innovation + Expansion Fund, raising more than $1 billion. This achievement marks a significant milestone in climate venture funding, attracting a diverse group of institutional investors, such as endowments, foundations, and family offices. The Fund’s primary goal is to invest in early- to growth-stage climate companies that play a crucial role in advancing decarbonization efforts. Beyond financial support, the Fund offers interdisciplinary resources to expedite the journey to commercial scalability.
Alternative Investments/ESG: BlackRock Launches Climate ETF In Singapore
BlackRock (NYSE: BLK) has made a significant move in the world of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with the listing of the iShares MSCI Asia ex-Japan Climate Action ETF on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). This marks a milestone as the largest equity ETF launch in Singapore’s history, boasting an impressive US$426 million ($579.45 million) in assets. The fund’s foundation is bolstered by Prudential and a group of investors that includes Temasek and Singlife.
FinTech: Optera Raises $12M For Its Carbon Management Services
Optera, a leader in ESG and carbon management software, has secured $12 million in Series A funding. Next Frontier Capital led the funding round, with participation from Blackhorn Ventures, Mucker Capital, Overture, Engage, Massive, SaaS Ventures, Valo Ventures, AngelList, and Stout Street Capital.
Alternative Investments/ESG: KraneShares And Rockefeller Launch ETF Focused On The “Blue Economy”
Rockefeller Asset Management and KraneShares have jointly introduced the KraneShares Rockefeller Ocean Engagement ETF (KSEA), an innovative investment opportunity aimed at addressing the intersection of finance and ocean health. This ETF, under the ticker KSEA, is designed to invest in public companies that play a significant role in the well-being of oceans and their resources, aligning with the concept of the blue economy. This sector emphasizes sustainable solutions that yield positive outcomes for the ocean environment.
Fintech: Payhawk And Lune Make It Easier For Companies To Take More Sustainable Decisions Related To Company Spending
Payhawk, a provider of spend management solutions, has introduced “Payhawk Green,” a platform feature set aiding companies in sustainable spending decisions and Scope 3 emissions. Scope 3 emissions include indirect value chain emissions like business travel, transport, fuel, and capital goods. These features ensure compliance with UK and EU sustainability regulations and support internal initiatives such as emission offsetting.
Venture Capital: Finland’s NordicNinja VC Launches US$214M Climate Fund
Helsinki-based venture capital firm NordicNinja has launched its second fund, totaling €200 million (US $214 million), with substantial backing from Japanese investors. The Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC) is the cornerstone investor for NordicNinja Fund II, with additional support from European investors BaltCap and Swedbank pension funds, along with existing Japanese investors Honda and Omron.
Digital Assets: Environmentalists Demand Non-Renewal Of Air Permit To Crypto Miner Digihost
Environmental advocates in New York are vehemently opposing the renewal of an air permit for a cryptocurrency mining facility in North Tonawanda. They argue that this operation not only threatens the quality of life for local residents but also contradicts the state’s climate goals.
Venture Capital: Gobi Partners Makes Strategic Investment In Malaysian E-Waste Recycler ERTH
Gobi Partners, an Asian venture capital firm, has invested in Electronic Recycling Through Heroes (ERTH), a Malaysian electronic waste (e-waste) recycling company. ERTH distinguishes itself with a unique approach—it not only manages responsible e-waste disposal but also rewards contributors with cash or vouchers, fostering a community-driven commitment to environmental preservation.
Venture Capital: ABB’s Venture Arm Invests In Wind Turbines Analytics Provider WindESCo
ABB has entered into a strategic partnership with WindESCo, a clean energy start-up, to enhance its presence in the wind energy sector. In this venture, ABB Motion has acquired a minority stake in WindESCo through its venture capital unit, ABB Technology Ventures (ATV). WindESCo, a US-based company, specializes in analytics software designed to improve the performance and reliability of wind turbines.
Artificial Intelligence: AI-Powered Sensors Aboard Satellites Help Detect Methane Leaks On Earth
Orbital Sidekick, a California-based Earth-observation startup, has launched a new constellation of microsatellites equipped with hyperspectral sensors. These satellites utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor methane leaks with unparalleled precision from space.
Alternative Investments/ESG: Neuberger Berman Unveils Climate Innovation Fund
Neuberger Berman has recently introduced the Neuberger Berman Climate Innovation fund, aiming to invest in cutting-edge climate technologies and solutions. This fund, managed by New York-based portfolio managers Evelyn Chow and Charlie Lim, is designed to maintain a portfolio of 30 to 60 global equity holdings.
Venture Capital: Growth Warrior Capital Launches Elevo, An AI-Powered Pitch Deck Generator
Growth Warrior Capital is introducing Elevo, an innovative AI-powered pitch deck generator designed to assist founders in the complex world of venture capital. Promise Phelon, the firm’s managing partner (pictured), conceptualized this tool to streamline the process of identifying promising startups that could transform various industries.
Artificial Intelligence: The Allen Institute Launches The Satlas AI Platform For Viewing Satellite Imagery
The Allen Institute for AI has unveiled Satlas, a new platform harnessing AI to analyze global geospatial data derived from satellite imagery. Satlas presently provides three monthly-updated data products:
• Marine Infrastructure: This includes the positions of offshore wind turbines and platforms.
• Renewable Energy Infrastructure: It offers positions of solar farms and onshore wind turbines.
• Tree Cover: This data reveals the tree canopy coverage percentage within 100 m² cells.
Digital Assets: Nodal Power Raises $13M For Converting Landfill Methane To Green Energy
Nodal Power, based in Utah, has successfully raised $13 million in a seed funding round for its innovative technology that converts landfill gas into energy to power Bitcoin mining centers. The company aims to reduce methane emissions from landfills by utilizing the gas for mining operations.
Venture Capital: BlackRock Amongst Investors Funding NorthVolt With $1.2B
Northvolt, while producing its first battery systems at its facility in Poland (Northvolt Dwa), has secured $1.2 billion through a convertible note to support its expansion plans in Europe and North America. This funding is an extension of a previous $1.1 billion convertible note signed in 2022. The financing includes investments from environmentally focused funds in compliance with the EU’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation. Major investors in this round include Investment Management Corporation of Ontario (IMCO), BlackRock, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), and OMERS.
Venture Capital: UK-Based PropTech Kamma Raises $4.6M For Decarbonizing Real Estate
UK property data and analytics company, Kamma, has secured a £3.6 million ($4.6 million) investment led by the Clean Growth Fund to further develop its property data engine. The engine utilizes advanced geospatial technology to gather and process property data, enabling the formulation of efficient strategies for achieving Net Zero in the UK property sector, encompassing both residential and commercial properties.
Digital Assets: GDA’s New 8 MW Bitcoin Mining Facility In Sweden To Run On Clean Hydro Energy
Genesis Digital Assets Limited (GDA), a prominent bitcoin mining company with a substantial hash rate, has announced a further expansion of its mining capabilities in Sweden. The new “sustainable” facility, operational since June 2023, is located in the northern part of the country and is currently equipped with an 8 MW data center.
Venture Capital: Alternative Meat Startup ENOUGH Lands €40M
Scottish startup ENOUGH, a mycoprotein producer, has secured €40 million ($43.5 million) in equity funding to expand its plant-based chicken, mince, and dairy offerings for supermarkets and fast-food chains. ENOUGH utilizes mycoprotein, derived from fungus, as a vegan protein source, intending to sell it to businesses for incorporation into their own meat products including plant-based chicken, mince and dairy. It counts Unilever and Marks & Spencer amongst its partners in food technology.
Venture Capital: Jiangsu Guoqiang Singsun Energy Technology Lands $137.4 Million in Series A+ Funding
Jiangsu Guoqiang Singsun Energy Technology, a specialized Chinese company focused on advanced tracking technology for intelligent solar plant applications, has raised 1 billion yuan ($137.4 million) in a recent funding round.