- Seaya closes €300 million climate-tech fund, Southern Europe’s biggest investment vehicle for impact-driven companies
- LPs in the fund include Iberdrola, Nortia, Santander, BNP Paribas Group, Next Tech Fund, and Bpifrance
- Seaya’s ‘Andromeda’ fund focuses on energy transition, decarbonization, sustainable food value chain, and circular economy
- Fund investments promote a sustainable society by reducing waste and pollution
- Seaya plans to make 25 investments by 2027, with a focus on female-founded and climate tech companies
Seaya Andromeda: Southern Europe’s Largest Climate-Tech Fund Investment
Seaya, a prominent venture capital firm with a focus on impact-driven companies, has recently closed a groundbreaking €300 million climate-tech fund named Seaya Andromeda. This fund, the first of its kind in Southern Europe, is aimed at supporting companies that are dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment and society. The successful fundraising has positioned Seaya as the largest VC investor in Spain, with a total assets under management (AUM) exceeding €650 million. This significant milestone underscores Seaya’s commitment to fostering innovation in the climate-tech sector and driving positive change through strategic investments.
Investing in Impact-Driven Growth Companies
Seaya Andromeda is designed to invest in impact-driven growth companies that specialize in key areas such as energy transition, decarbonization, sustainable food value chains, and circular economy initiatives. The fund exclusively targets companies that are dedicated to promoting sustainability by reducing waste and pollution, aligning with the principles of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation’s (SFDR) Article 9 classification. By adhering to these strict criteria, Seaya ensures that all investments made through the fund contribute to a more sustainable society and environment.
The fund has already made significant strides by deploying capital into five innovative companies that are at the forefront of impact technology. For instance, investments have been made in Recycleye, an AI-driven robot that enhances the sorting of recyclable waste, and 011h, an environmentally friendly construction firm that significantly reduces building-site CO2 emissions. These early investments highlight Seaya’s strategic focus on supporting companies that are driving positive environmental outcomes through innovative technologies and business models.
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Empowering Female Leadership in Climate-Tech Investing
One of the standout aspects of Seaya Ventures is its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the venture capital ecosystem. Founded in 2013 by Beatriz González, a former private equity investor, Seaya is one of the few female-founded venture capital firms in Europe. González’s vision and expertise in sustainability-focused investments have been instrumental in shaping Seaya’s investment strategy and success in the climate-tech space.
Despite the underrepresentation of women in key decision-making roles within the industry, González has been a trailblazer in championing impactful investments. Her early backing of Ecoalf, a sustainable and recycled clothing line, laid the foundation for Seaya’s subsequent investments in sustainability-focused startups. With a portfolio that includes companies like Clarity.ai, Biome Makers, RatedPower, and Wallbox (which went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2021), Seaya has demonstrated its commitment to supporting innovative solutions that address pressing environmental challenges.
Supporting Climate-Tech Entrepreneurs Through Specialized Investment
Seaya’s expertise in climate tech investing extends beyond financial support to providing strategic guidance and mentorship to portfolio companies. By investing primarily at the Series B+ stage in a diverse range of companies across Europe and the US, Seaya has leveraged its experience in global expansion to drive the growth and success of its portfolio companies. Notable unicorns like Glovo, Cabify, and Wallbox, along with companies such as RatedPower, Alma, and Descartes, have benefited from Seaya’s extensive network and support.
The unique challenges faced by deep-tech climate entrepreneurs require specialized support to navigate the complexities of bringing sustainable solutions to market and scaling them effectively. Seaya recognizes the importance of bridging the gap between research and market deployment for climate-tech startups, often referred to as the ‘valley of death.’ By providing tailored support and resources, Seaya aims to empower climate-tech entrepreneurs to overcome these challenges and achieve long-term success in the rapidly evolving sustainability landscape.
Seaya’s €300 million climate-tech fund, Seaya Andromeda, represents a significant milestone in Southern Europe’s investment landscape. By prioritizing impact-driven growth companies and fostering diversity in leadership, Seaya is at the forefront of driving positive change in the climate-tech sector. Through strategic investments, mentorship, and a commitment to sustainability, Seaya is poised to make a lasting impact on the environment and society while delivering strong returns for its investors.
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