Systemiq Secures $70 Million to Fund Early-Stage Climate Tech Founders

Introduction

Systemiq Capital, a prominent venture capital firm specializing in early-stage climate technology startups, has recently announced the successful securing of $70 million as its initial capital toward launching its second fund. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the London-based VC, which has already funneled $30 million into 19 impactful climate tech ventures since 2018.

The Growth of Systemiq Capital

Systemiq Capital’s journey is a testament to its unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable solutions while fostering innovation across key sectors. The firm, co-founded by Jeremy Oppenheim and Martin Stuchtey from the consulting giant McKinsey, has established itself as a pioneer in climate impact investing. Over the years, Systemiq has garnered substantial credibility through its partnerships with some of the world’s most renowned polluters, leveraging its expertise to drive meaningful change.

The Rationale Behind the Second Fund

The announcement underscores Systemiq Capital’s ambitious goal to expand its reach and capacity to support even more visionary climate tech startups. By securing $70 million, the firm aims to significantly enhance its ability to fund impactful projects that align with its mission of making industries and cities more efficient and sustainable. The capital will be deployed across various innovative areas, including regenerative land use, ocean sustainability, transportation efficiency, and the circular economy.

Key Areas of Investment

Systemiq’s strategic focus on climate tech aligns perfectly with Europe’s growing emphasis on greener initiatives. The firm will prioritize investments in startups that address critical challenges within these sectors:

• Regenerative Land Use: Projects that promote soil carbon capture and sustainable agriculture.
• Oceans Sustainability: Solutions aimed at combating marine pollution and conserving marine ecosystems.
• Transportation Efficiency: Innovations focused on electric vehicles, smart transportation systems, and renewable energy integration.
• Circular Economy: Ventures exploring recycling technologies, waste-to-resource solutions, and sustainable supply chains.

A Closer Look at Systemiq’s Historical Dealmaking

Systemiq’s track record is a blend of visionary leadership and meticulous execution. Its past investments have included:

• Jupiter: A climate data company that provides actionable insights to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.
• Nautilus Labs: A shipping data firm that has evolved into Bedrock, a leader in maritime data analytics, further cementing Systemiq’s reputation for strategic partnerships and impactful acquisitions.

The Role of OpenInvest

Prior to its acquisition by J.P. Morgan, Systemiq had invested significantly in the growth of OpenInvest, a fintech platform dedicated to sustainable finance and green banking solutions. This partnership underscores the firm’s ability to identify and nurture opportunities at the intersection of climate change and financial innovation.

The Team Behind the Second Fund

The launch of the second fund is led by Irena Spazzapan, a seasoned venture capitalist with a deep understanding of Systemiq’s mission. Spazzapan brings extensive experience in directing high-performing funds and has successfully navigated complex deal pipelines to realize impactful investments for previous ventures.

A Spotlight on Paul Polman

The second fund is also spearheaded by former CFO of Unilever, Paul Polman, who brings his global perspective and industry expertise to steer the firm’s portfolio. Polman’s extensive experience in driving organizational transformation and fostering innovation will be instrumental in guiding Systemiq through its next phase of growth.

The Impact of Systemiq Capital

The funds raised by Systemiq Capital represent a significant step forward in its mission to catalyze climate tech innovation across Europe and beyond. By leveraging its deep industry knowledge, strategic investments, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, the firm is well-positioned to drive meaningful change in the global economy.

Conclusion

Systemiq Capital’s announcement marks not only an evolution in its financial strategy but also a forward-looking commitment to climate impact investing. With $70 million on the table for its second fund and a clear vision for impactful growth, Systemiq is poised to continue leading the charge in advancing sustainable solutions for cities and industries worldwide.

This article continues from Crunch reporting on venture capital trends and innovation.