clim8 Raises $8M to Democratize Climate Investing

Navigating the Complexities of Ethical Investing

The realm of ethical investing can often feel intricate and opaque, frequently marred by instances of “greenwashing.” A recently established U.K.-based company is aiming to address these challenges with the introduction of a novel application and platform designed for individual investors.

Clim8 Invest Secures $8 Million in Funding

Clim8 Invest has successfully secured $8 million in funding from a consortium of investors. These include 7pc Ventures – known for their early support of Oculus, which was later acquired by Facebook – the British Business Bank Future Fund, and a diverse group of technology leaders and executives.

Notable individual investors encompass Marcus Exall (Monese), Marcus Mosen (N26), Paul Willmott (Lego Digital, McKinsey), Doug Scott (Redbrain), Matt Wilkins (Thought Machine), Andrew Cocker (Skyscanner), Steve Thomson (Redbrain), Monica Kalia (Neyber, Goldman Sachs), Doug Monro (Adzuna), and Erik Nygard (Limejump).

Focus on Climate Change Solutions

The platform will empower consumers to allocate capital to businesses and supply networks actively dedicated to mitigating climate change. This positions Clim8 Invest in a competitive landscape alongside similar ventures.

Key competitors include London-based Tickr (supported by $3 million from Ada Ventures), Helios in Paris, and Yova in Zurich.

Market Trends and Future Outlook

According to Duncan Grierson, CEO of Clim8, the launch occurs during a period of significant growth in sustainable investing. He notes that 2020 witnessed a surge in environmentally-focused investment options.

Investors increasingly prioritized opportunities related to climate considerations. Furthermore, sustainable investments have demonstrated strong performance relative to broader markets since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, a trend the company anticipates will persist.

Leadership and Regulatory Compliance

Mr. Grierson brings two decades of experience within the environmental sector to his role, and has previously been recognized with the EY Entrepreneur of Year Cleantech award.

The startup intends to leverage updated, more stringent EU regulations concerning disclosure requirements for sustainable investment funds. Investors will have the option of utilizing either stocks and shares ISAs (with a limit of £20,000) or a standard taxable investment account.