360 Capital's New Fund: A Green Light for Climate Tech Innovation
December 24, 2024, 5:26 am
In a world grappling with climate change, venture capital is stepping up. 360 Capital, a Paris-based firm, has announced the first closing of its €140 million climate tech fund, 360 LIFE II. This fund is not just a financial vehicle; it’s a lifeline for startups focused on sustainability. The goal? To reach €200 million by attracting key industrial partners and institutional investors.
At the helm of this initiative are four partners: Cesare Maifredi, Alexandre Mordacq, Alessandro Zaccaria, and Thomas Nivard. They are seasoned navigators in the turbulent waters of venture capital. Their mission is clear: to back innovative startups that can tackle the pressing challenges of our time.
A2A, an Italian utility company, is the anchor investor with a commitment of €40 million. This partnership builds on A2A's previous investment in 360 LIFE I, where it was the sole investor with a €25 million stake. A2A is not just throwing money into the pot; it’s laying the groundwork for a sustainable future. Their focus is on the circular economy and energy transition, two critical areas for ecological progress.
CDP Venture Capital is also on board, committing €44 million through the International Fund of Funds and the Green Transition Fund. This investment taps into resources from the EU’s NextGeneration EU initiative, emphasizing the fund's alignment with broader European goals for sustainability. The EU is betting on innovation as a cornerstone for economic recovery and environmental responsibility.
De Nora, another industrial partner, has pledged €10 million. This company is a key player in the climate tech sector, and its involvement signals a commitment to fostering disruptive technologies. Bpifrance, the French public investment bank, is also part of the mix, reinforcing the fund's institutional backing.
360 LIFE II is laser-focused on three main areas: energy transition, circular economy, and urban sustainability. Each area is a vital piece of the puzzle in combating climate change. Energy transition includes renewable energy, energy storage, and hydrogen technologies. The circular economy emphasizes waste reduction and resource protection. Urban sustainability targets pollution reduction and smart infrastructure.
The fund aims to invest in Series A and B startups across Europe. This is where the magic happens. Startups are the lifeblood of innovation. They are nimble, creative, and often unencumbered by the bureaucratic chains that bind larger corporations. By investing in these companies, 360 Capital is betting on the future.
The partners at 360 Capital understand the stakes. They recognize that multidisciplinary deep tech startups hold the key to transformative solutions. Their experience spans over a decade, marked by bold investments in frontier technologies. They are not afraid of complex engineering challenges. Instead, they embrace them, knowing that true innovation often lies in the most difficult problems.
The track record of 360 Capital speaks volumes. Established in 1997, the firm has built a reputation as a pioneer in the Deep Tech and Climate Tech sectors. Their portfolio includes high-growth companies like Exotec, France’s first industrial unicorn, and Preligens, acquired by Safran. With 28 exits since 2018, they have proven their ability to identify and nurture successful ventures.
A2A’s commitment to 360 LIFE II is a strategic move. It reinforces their role in the Italian and European innovation ecosystem. Their 2035 Industrial Plan focuses on ecological transition as a pathway to sustainable competitiveness. By investing in this fund, A2A is not just supporting startups; they are shaping the future of energy and sustainability in Europe.
De Nora’s involvement adds another layer of expertise. The company aims to create synergies between large corporations and emerging startups. This collaboration is essential for fostering innovation. By pooling resources and knowledge, they can accelerate the development of groundbreaking technologies.
The establishment of 360 LIFE II is a beacon of hope. It signals a growing recognition of the importance of climate tech. Investors are increasingly aware that sustainability is not just a trend; it’s a necessity. The challenges posed by climate change require urgent action, and venture capital is stepping up to the plate.
As the world shifts towards a greener economy, funds like 360 LIFE II will play a crucial role. They will provide the capital needed to fuel innovation and drive change. Startups will have the resources to develop solutions that can make a real impact.
In conclusion, 360 Capital’s new fund is more than just a financial initiative. It’s a commitment to a sustainable future. By investing in climate tech, they are not only seeking returns but also contributing to the ecological transition. The journey ahead is fraught with challenges, but with the right investments, the path to a greener world is within reach. The future is bright, and it starts now.
At the helm of this initiative are four partners: Cesare Maifredi, Alexandre Mordacq, Alessandro Zaccaria, and Thomas Nivard. They are seasoned navigators in the turbulent waters of venture capital. Their mission is clear: to back innovative startups that can tackle the pressing challenges of our time.
A2A, an Italian utility company, is the anchor investor with a commitment of €40 million. This partnership builds on A2A's previous investment in 360 LIFE I, where it was the sole investor with a €25 million stake. A2A is not just throwing money into the pot; it’s laying the groundwork for a sustainable future. Their focus is on the circular economy and energy transition, two critical areas for ecological progress.
CDP Venture Capital is also on board, committing €44 million through the International Fund of Funds and the Green Transition Fund. This investment taps into resources from the EU’s NextGeneration EU initiative, emphasizing the fund's alignment with broader European goals for sustainability. The EU is betting on innovation as a cornerstone for economic recovery and environmental responsibility.
De Nora, another industrial partner, has pledged €10 million. This company is a key player in the climate tech sector, and its involvement signals a commitment to fostering disruptive technologies. Bpifrance, the French public investment bank, is also part of the mix, reinforcing the fund's institutional backing.
360 LIFE II is laser-focused on three main areas: energy transition, circular economy, and urban sustainability. Each area is a vital piece of the puzzle in combating climate change. Energy transition includes renewable energy, energy storage, and hydrogen technologies. The circular economy emphasizes waste reduction and resource protection. Urban sustainability targets pollution reduction and smart infrastructure.
The fund aims to invest in Series A and B startups across Europe. This is where the magic happens. Startups are the lifeblood of innovation. They are nimble, creative, and often unencumbered by the bureaucratic chains that bind larger corporations. By investing in these companies, 360 Capital is betting on the future.
The partners at 360 Capital understand the stakes. They recognize that multidisciplinary deep tech startups hold the key to transformative solutions. Their experience spans over a decade, marked by bold investments in frontier technologies. They are not afraid of complex engineering challenges. Instead, they embrace them, knowing that true innovation often lies in the most difficult problems.
The track record of 360 Capital speaks volumes. Established in 1997, the firm has built a reputation as a pioneer in the Deep Tech and Climate Tech sectors. Their portfolio includes high-growth companies like Exotec, France’s first industrial unicorn, and Preligens, acquired by Safran. With 28 exits since 2018, they have proven their ability to identify and nurture successful ventures.
A2A’s commitment to 360 LIFE II is a strategic move. It reinforces their role in the Italian and European innovation ecosystem. Their 2035 Industrial Plan focuses on ecological transition as a pathway to sustainable competitiveness. By investing in this fund, A2A is not just supporting startups; they are shaping the future of energy and sustainability in Europe.
De Nora’s involvement adds another layer of expertise. The company aims to create synergies between large corporations and emerging startups. This collaboration is essential for fostering innovation. By pooling resources and knowledge, they can accelerate the development of groundbreaking technologies.
The establishment of 360 LIFE II is a beacon of hope. It signals a growing recognition of the importance of climate tech. Investors are increasingly aware that sustainability is not just a trend; it’s a necessity. The challenges posed by climate change require urgent action, and venture capital is stepping up to the plate.
As the world shifts towards a greener economy, funds like 360 LIFE II will play a crucial role. They will provide the capital needed to fuel innovation and drive change. Startups will have the resources to develop solutions that can make a real impact.
In conclusion, 360 Capital’s new fund is more than just a financial initiative. It’s a commitment to a sustainable future. By investing in climate tech, they are not only seeking returns but also contributing to the ecological transition. The journey ahead is fraught with challenges, but with the right investments, the path to a greener world is within reach. The future is bright, and it starts now.