We wrote this article while researching for our list of the 300 largest clean technologies startup focused venture capital funds. The list can be downloaded with a few clicks and includes the most relevant investors for clean technologies startups. We identified the included funds based on our sophisticated crawler technology and manual research.
Introduction to Global Cleantech Capital
Global Cleantech Capital (GCC) is a prominent growth-stage venture capital firm with a strategic focus on scaling exceptional companies into new market leaders. Based in the Netherlands, GCC has a rich history of investing in the clean energy, mobility, smart cities, and fintech sectors. With over two decades of experience, GCC’s founding partners have managed four successive funds dedicated to the clean energy sector.
Investment Philosophy and Strategy
GCC stands out as an active investor that not only provides growth capital but also supports entrepreneurs who demonstrate the ability to ‘pivot to value’ when building market leaders in their respective sectors. The firm invests primarily in Europe and the US, leveraging its deep commercial, finance, and renewable networks to help portfolio companies scale effectively.
Driving Climate Transition Through Investments
The commitment of GCC towards accelerating the climate transition is evident through its investments in growth companies leveraging new technology and business models. These investments target the highest emitting sectors such as energy, mobility, cities, and also include fintech solutions that incentivize energy transitions. By focusing on these areas, GCC aims to contribute significantly towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050—a goal that requires rapid transitions across all sectors with an estimated annual investment of $1-2 trillion.
Geographical Focus and Office Location
GCC’s geographical focus primarily spans across Europe and the United States. With its headquarters located at Herengracht 338 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, GCC operates from a central position within Europe’s vibrant cleantech ecosystem.
Portfolio Companies
The current portfolio of GCC includes a diverse range of innovative startups such as Nacero for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), Sustain.Life offering sustainability software for businesses, Klimato specializing in carbon management software for the food industry, Crowdz—an SME finance marketplace integrating ESG risk scoring—and many others. Each company within GCC’s portfolio applies new technologies to make significant impacts on reducing carbon emissions while fostering sustainable economic growth.
Past Investments and Select Exits
GCC has an impressive track record with past investments including Origis Energy—a US-based solar power developer—and Pirelli Solar Utility which was acquired by Pirelli Holding. Other notable exits are G3 Energy acquired by Babcock & Brown and Renewable Energy Trust specializing in finance for renewable power projects.
Commitment to Sustainability and Responsibility
A signatory of UN Principles for Responsible Investing (UNPRI), GCC integrates Environmental Social Governance (ESG) aspects into their investment selection process. This approach is rooted in their belief that companies which use ESG as a tool for value creation will yield more robust returns while establishing more sustainable businesses.
Contacting Global Cleantech Capital
To learn more about Global Cleantech Capital or explore potential collaborations or investments opportunities with them, visit their website. They offer updates on press releases and portfolio company developments for those interested in staying informed about their latest activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Global Cleantech Capital plays a pivotal role in driving forward clean technologies through strategic investments that align with global sustainability goals. Their focused approach on high-impact sectors combined with extensive industry expertise positions them as key players within the cleantech investment landscape.
Picture source: Austin Distel
