Funding a regenerative and sustainable future.

Our mission is to empower founders to drive positive change at a global scale. Today, we spotlight over 10 years of impact across our three funds and dedicated accelerator: AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Tech.

Our goals and approach to ESG

In 2023, we achieved Article 8 compliance under the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). This signifies our exclusive focus on investing in solutions that promote environmental or social characteristics.

Mitigating & adapting to climate change

  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to at least 55% below 1990 levels by 2030.
  • Achieve 40% renewable energy generation in 2030.
  • Restore Europe’s forests, soils, wetlands, and peatlands, increasing absorption of CO2.
  • Aim to remove -310 Mt natural carbon by 2030.

Future-proofing society

  • Protect the health and wellbeing of citizens from environment-related risks and impact.
  • Adapt EU society to the unavoidable impacts of climate change by 2050.

Accelerating purpose driven founders to scale sustainably

  • Train at least 200 startups on ESG and Impact via Rockstart accelerator programs by 2030.
2023 Highlights

974

FTEs created

65%

of startups have gender diverse boards

30%

of our investments have gender diverse leadership teams

92%

of investments focus on climate change adaptation

63%

of investments contribute to climate change mitigation

41%

of startups measure or plan to measure GHG emissions within the next year

Startup Stories

Our portfolio companies have made important achievements in terms of positive impact.

Klimate

Klimate aids companies in achieving Net Zero by integrating the world’s top carbon removal methods into portfolios tailored to their clients’ budgets and aspirations. Internally, Klimate actively reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions. From sustainable office practices to attaining B-Corp status in 2023, Klimate prioritizes its own ESG initiatives as much as those of its clients.

 
  1. Emissions of 20.707t CO2e in 2023, using a location-based approach.
  2. Business travel necessitated internal approval, prioritizing train travel over air travel to circumvent 0.826t CO2e in potential emissions yearly.
  3. Certified B Corporation 

Willicroft

Willicroft leads the way in sustainable dairy solutions. They transitioned from cashews to white bean-based alternatives, reducing emissions and environmental impact, guided by their rigorous Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) system. Transparent comparisons with dairy and other plant-based cheese producers underscore their commitment.
 
  • CO2 Measurement: Emissions/product tracked from 2020 onwards. All Willicroft products offer significant carbon emission reductions up to 25% lower compared to equivalent dairy products.
  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Comprehensive system for measuring emissions.
  • Certified B Corporation since 2021

Annual Reports

We’re proud of our progress and prepared to face the challenges ahead. Our mission remains clear—to support and empower founders driving global change.

 

In the end, a more sustainable future is the only path forward.

Report 2022
Report 2023
Forward Report 2023
Forward Report 2022

Sustainability Policies

Explore our commitment to sustainability through the Rockstart policies, encompassing our funds in AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Tech.