Junction Growth Investors: A New Dawn for Europe's Energy Transition
February 11, 2025, 3:32 pm
BNP Paribas Fortis
Location: Belgium, Brussels-Capital, Brussels
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1990
Location: Belgium, Liège, Hollogne-aux-Pierres
Employees: 11-50
Founded date: 2010
Total raised: $15.34M
In the heart of Antwerp, a financial revolution is brewing. Junction Growth Investors has successfully closed its inaugural fund at €115 million, surpassing its initial target of €100 million. This is not just a number; it’s a beacon of hope for Europe’s energy transition. Founded in 2022 by a dynamic team of entrepreneurs and investment professionals, Junction is poised to bridge the funding gap for growth-stage companies in the energy sector.
The firm’s founders, Bruno Vanderschueren and Pieter-Jan Mermans, are not newcomers to the business world. They bring a wealth of experience from their previous roles at Lampiris and REstore. They are joined by seasoned investors Dirk Dewals and Vincent Gregoir, who have a track record of successful investments. Together, they form a robust team of eight professionals, each armed with expertise and a vision for a sustainable future.
Junction’s focus is clear: invest in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and scale-ups that are pivotal to the energy transition. The fund has already deployed capital into seven distinct investments, targeting areas such as grid-enhancing technologies, sustainable buildings, and energy management systems. Each investment is a stepping stone toward a greener future, with equity tickets reaching up to €15 million.
The fund's portfolio includes notable players like Ampacimon and Eneida, which specialize in high- and low-voltage grid technologies. These companies are not just local heroes; they have global aspirations, with Ampacimon boasting 50% of its order book in the USA. This international reach underscores the potential for European technology to make waves on the global stage.
But Junction’s ambitions extend beyond mere investment. The firm aims to empower the energy transition by reducing Europe’s reliance on geopolitically sensitive carbon fuels. This is a strategic move, positioning Europe as a leader in the global energy landscape. The energy transition is not just about combating climate change; it’s about seizing opportunities. It’s about building a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand.
Backing Junction are influential family offices, including owners of AB-Inbev and Umicore, as well as prominent technology entrepreneurs. This diverse group of investors reflects a shared commitment to climate technology and sustainable growth. The European Investment Fund (EIF) and BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity also lend their support, adding credibility to Junction’s mission.
Junction’s approach is hands-on. The firm doesn’t just provide capital; it offers expertise and a network that can propel portfolio companies to new heights. This is crucial in the fast-evolving energy sector, where innovation is key. Junction’s deep domain knowledge allows it to identify and nurture the next generation of climate tech leaders.
One of the standout investments is Eturnity, a Swiss company that enhances efficiency in the renewable energy sector through software solutions. This investment highlights Junction’s commitment to digitalization, a vital component of modern energy management. Similarly, EET, based in Austria, offers smart battery solutions that cater to renters and apartment dwellers, enabling them to participate in the energy transition.
The firm’s strategy also includes investments in software solutions for HVAC systems and energy utilities. Hysopt, another Belgian company, provides a Software-as-a-Service platform that optimizes energy use in commercial real estate. Meanwhile, Haulogy offers tools for distribution system operators, enhancing the efficiency of energy utilities. These investments reflect Junction’s holistic approach to the energy transition, addressing various facets of the industry.
Junction’s recent buyout of Solora, a leading B2B installation and maintenance provider for solar panels and battery systems, further solidifies its position in the market. This acquisition, made in partnership with BNP Fortis Private Equity, allows Junction to take a majority stake in a company that is critical to the deployment of renewable energy solutions across the Benelux and France.
The relationship between Junction and its portfolio companies is symbiotic. Ampacimon’s CEO has noted the transformative impact of Junction’s investment on their growth trajectory. This partnership has attracted high-profile board members, enhancing Ampacimon’s credibility and market reach. Such collaborations are essential in an industry where trust and expertise can make all the difference.
As Junction Growth Investors embarks on this journey, it stands at the intersection of finance and sustainability. The firm’s commitment to the energy transition is not just a business strategy; it’s a mission to create a sustainable future. With a robust fund, a talented team, and a clear vision, Junction is ready to make waves in the energy sector.
In conclusion, Junction Growth Investors is more than just a new player in the investment landscape. It represents a shift in how Europe approaches the energy transition. By focusing on growth-stage companies and leveraging a network of influential backers, Junction is set to drive innovation and sustainability. The future is bright, and Junction is leading the charge.
The firm’s founders, Bruno Vanderschueren and Pieter-Jan Mermans, are not newcomers to the business world. They bring a wealth of experience from their previous roles at Lampiris and REstore. They are joined by seasoned investors Dirk Dewals and Vincent Gregoir, who have a track record of successful investments. Together, they form a robust team of eight professionals, each armed with expertise and a vision for a sustainable future.
Junction’s focus is clear: invest in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and scale-ups that are pivotal to the energy transition. The fund has already deployed capital into seven distinct investments, targeting areas such as grid-enhancing technologies, sustainable buildings, and energy management systems. Each investment is a stepping stone toward a greener future, with equity tickets reaching up to €15 million.
The fund's portfolio includes notable players like Ampacimon and Eneida, which specialize in high- and low-voltage grid technologies. These companies are not just local heroes; they have global aspirations, with Ampacimon boasting 50% of its order book in the USA. This international reach underscores the potential for European technology to make waves on the global stage.
But Junction’s ambitions extend beyond mere investment. The firm aims to empower the energy transition by reducing Europe’s reliance on geopolitically sensitive carbon fuels. This is a strategic move, positioning Europe as a leader in the global energy landscape. The energy transition is not just about combating climate change; it’s about seizing opportunities. It’s about building a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand.
Backing Junction are influential family offices, including owners of AB-Inbev and Umicore, as well as prominent technology entrepreneurs. This diverse group of investors reflects a shared commitment to climate technology and sustainable growth. The European Investment Fund (EIF) and BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity also lend their support, adding credibility to Junction’s mission.
Junction’s approach is hands-on. The firm doesn’t just provide capital; it offers expertise and a network that can propel portfolio companies to new heights. This is crucial in the fast-evolving energy sector, where innovation is key. Junction’s deep domain knowledge allows it to identify and nurture the next generation of climate tech leaders.
One of the standout investments is Eturnity, a Swiss company that enhances efficiency in the renewable energy sector through software solutions. This investment highlights Junction’s commitment to digitalization, a vital component of modern energy management. Similarly, EET, based in Austria, offers smart battery solutions that cater to renters and apartment dwellers, enabling them to participate in the energy transition.
The firm’s strategy also includes investments in software solutions for HVAC systems and energy utilities. Hysopt, another Belgian company, provides a Software-as-a-Service platform that optimizes energy use in commercial real estate. Meanwhile, Haulogy offers tools for distribution system operators, enhancing the efficiency of energy utilities. These investments reflect Junction’s holistic approach to the energy transition, addressing various facets of the industry.
Junction’s recent buyout of Solora, a leading B2B installation and maintenance provider for solar panels and battery systems, further solidifies its position in the market. This acquisition, made in partnership with BNP Fortis Private Equity, allows Junction to take a majority stake in a company that is critical to the deployment of renewable energy solutions across the Benelux and France.
The relationship between Junction and its portfolio companies is symbiotic. Ampacimon’s CEO has noted the transformative impact of Junction’s investment on their growth trajectory. This partnership has attracted high-profile board members, enhancing Ampacimon’s credibility and market reach. Such collaborations are essential in an industry where trust and expertise can make all the difference.
As Junction Growth Investors embarks on this journey, it stands at the intersection of finance and sustainability. The firm’s commitment to the energy transition is not just a business strategy; it’s a mission to create a sustainable future. With a robust fund, a talented team, and a clear vision, Junction is ready to make waves in the energy sector.
In conclusion, Junction Growth Investors is more than just a new player in the investment landscape. It represents a shift in how Europe approaches the energy transition. By focusing on growth-stage companies and leveraging a network of influential backers, Junction is set to drive innovation and sustainability. The future is bright, and Junction is leading the charge.