Sustainable Tech Ventures

Have you ever wondered how we can balance the rapid pace of technological innovation with the urgent need for sustainability? I came across an incredible example in Phaidra, a Seattle-based startup that's making waves by securing $12 million to enhance its AI software aimed at optimizing energy use in data centers. This remarkable funding round, led by Index Ventures, highlights the growing recognition of AI's potential to drive sustainability. Kudos to them for leading the charge! The focus on energy consumption is more crucial than ever. Data centers are essential for our current high-tech landscape, powering everything from cloud services to AI. However, their energy usage is staggering, accounting for about 1% of global electricity consumption. Ok, hear me out now 😅 I know I know...1% doesn't sound like a big number. However, while 1% of global electricity use might not sound like much, to put it into perspective, it’s equivalent to the annual energy consumption of entire countries like Argentina or the Netherlands (here's a link for my fellow data nerds: https://lnkd.in/guExKSVW). Plus, as AI technology advances at these incredible exponential rates we're seeing, the demand for cloud computing—and its energy footprint—will continue to surge as well. 🔍 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐈 𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐞: Phaidra’s AI software operates like a "virtual plant operator," continuously fine-tuning operations to maximize energy efficiency. By crunching vast amounts of real-time data, it can anticipate and adjust to energy needs, cutting waste and boosting resource efficiency. This not only slashes costs but also dramatically reduces the carbon footprint of data centers. 🌿 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞: Phaidra’s innovation proves that cutting-edge technology and sustainability can go hand in hand. It’s a powerful reminder that our digital future doesn’t have to come at the expense of our planet. 📊 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Phaidra’s success is part of a larger movement towards smarter, greener systems. Similar innovations are emerging across various sectors—from smart grids that improve electricity distribution to AI-driven agriculture that optimizes water and fertilizer use. I hope to see more of these game-changing endeavors. Got any that you’re watching? Please share them below! Let’s spotlight and support these initiatives. By championing them, we can shape a future where technology and sustainability evolve hand in hand. Looking forward to seeing and to being a part of delivering what's to come next. Stay inspired and keep pushing the boundaries of what's 𝚒̶𝚖̶possible 😉! Read more about Phaidra’s innovation here: https://lnkd.in/gqg5suwj #Sustainability #AI #EnergyEfficiency #ClimateAction #TechForGood

♻️🌏 In today's world, the traditional linear economy, driven by a "take, make, waste" model, no longer holds. Instead, the circular economy offers a sustainable path forward, enabling us to rethink and redesign how resources are consumed, reused, and reintroduced into the system. 📈 This shift is not just an option but a necessity, as consumption at current levels is depleting the planet faster than it can regenerate. ✈️ Damien Tan, DHL shared bold decarbonization targets. As part of their 2030 goal, DHL aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to <29M metric tons, a significant decrease from the current levels of 40M metric tons. By using 30% sustainable fuels for air and ocean freight and ensuring 66% of their vehicles are electric, they are committed to reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 42% and 25% respectively. Decarbonization is a central part of their strategy, driving efficiency while prioritizing sustainability. 🏞️👆 This vision aligns with Accenture’s findings, where 48% of companies say technology-led sustainability initiatives have led to increased revenues, and 53% state that investing in sustainable technology plays a pivotal role in meeting ESG as shared by Jason Tang, Ngee Ann Polytechnic. HP's long-standing commitment to reducing, reusing, refurbishing, and reselling its products highlights that achieving sustainability goals is possible when circular economy principles are applied rigorously. 😎♨️ Yet, the global consumption pattern remains unsustainable. If everyone adopted the lifestyle of an average U.S. citizen, we would need 5 planet Earths to sustain ourselves. Even globally, we are consuming at 1.75 times the planet's biocapacity, with Singapore's footprint at an alarming 3.6 times. We must rethink how we consume and accelerate the transition to a circular economy. 🙋I'm also proud to introduce a few forward-thinking startups that are making impactful contributions to this space: 1. WasteViz Pte. Ltd.: Offers AI-driven waste sorting as a service, enabling granular waste accounting at the source. 2. Circular Connect: Connect businesses with waste offtakers 3. Pure Active Water Pte Ltd: Innovating in water sanitation with their patented ActivH2O technology, removing biofilm from water systems to provide clean potable water. 4. GEPP Sa-Ard: A comprehensive waste data platform as a service, supporting efficient waste management. 5. Inno Green Tech: With their mobile bio-conversion system Entomal, they are revolutionizing organic waste treatment through insect-based solutions. As we move forward, collaboration between corporations, governments, and innovative startups is crucial to scaling these efforts and accelerating our transition to a more sustainable, circular future. Let’s change the way we think about waste—because waste isn’t waste until we waste it. #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #WasteManagement #Decarbonization #GreenInnovation #DHL #Startups #TechForGood

Impact startups in MENA are growing fast but funding strategies must evolve just as quickly. One of the questions I’m asked most often by founders is: “Where do we start when it comes to raising funds for climate or sustainability-focused ventures in this region?” Here’s how I usually break it down in 4 key pathways I’ve worked with or closely observed, each requiring a clear narrative, regional awareness, and the right positioning: 1. Government-backed innovation platforms These are not just about incubation, they are increasingly designed to de-risk startups and connect them to capital. 🔹 Example: Hub71 (Abu Dhabi) offers access to corporates, sovereign investors, and a growing base of VC partners through its Incentive Program. It's a launchpad for startups aligned with national priorities. 2. Climate-aligned positioning Framing your solution around climate resilience or adaptation is no longer optional—it’s a strategic funding move. 🔹 Example: ALTÉRRA, the $30B climate investment fund launched by the UAE at COP28, is designed to mobilize capital into areas like clean energy, food security, and nature-based solutions. Startups that clearly align with these priorities stand a stronger chance of attracting institutional and private funding. 3. Corporate sustainability partnerships Corporates in MENA are increasingly partnering with startups to accelerate their ESG goals—often offering pilot funding, technical support, or access to infrastructure. 🔹 Example: PepsiCo Middle East has launched several open innovation challenges in the region, focusing on sustainable packaging, water reuse, and food system transformation. These partnerships are a valuable entry point for startups ready to co-create scalable solutions. 4. Strategic VC alignment Venture capital in MENA is increasingly aligning with long-term sustainability themes—especially in climate tech and resource efficiency. 🔹 Example: VentureSouq, a MENA-based VC, launched its Climate Tech Fund I to invest in technologies tackling the climate crisis—from energy and mobility to the circular economy. They’re actively backing companies that blend strong commercial potential with measurable impact. The takeaway? It’s not just about raising funds, it’s about raising strategically. That’s how you align with where capital is moving in the region. If you found this useful, share it with a founder or ecosystem builder working on climate and impact in MENA. Let’s make these conversations more visible ;-) #ClimateFinance #MENA #ImpactStartups #StrategicFunding #GreenTransition #BusinessWithPurpose

I discovered a sustainability strategy that feels like tapping into the future of business: Venture capital is pouring into climate tech startups—$32 billion in 2023 alone. That’s five times faster than any other investment category. Why? Because entrepreneurs are finally getting serious about eco-friendly practices and circular economy models. If you’re not thinking about reducing your environmental footprint, you’re going to get left behind. In my previous startup, we integrated a circular economy approach, focusing on reducing waste and repurposing materials. Not only did this save us 20% in operational costs, but it also attracted investors specifically looking for sustainable ventures. Our customer base grew by 35% after we highlighted our eco-friendly initiative. The trend is clear. Businesses that prioritize sustainability will be the ones leading the future. It’s not just good for the planet—it’s a competitive advantage. Are you paying attention?

🌍 As we close out another month, I'm excited to bring you this week’s top climate tech startups, each pioneering sustainable solutions across various sectors. From revolutionizing energy use in industry and buildings to advancing transport, let’s dive into who’s making waves this week: ⚙️ smalt - Led by Aleksandar Kalabic in Berlin, Smalt is tackling Europe's green energy transition by revolutionizing the talent supply chain. Addressing the critical shortage of skilled trade workers, Smalt's innovative training and employment model is crucial for scaling up sustainable energy solutions across Europe. 🚌 Clearly - Founded by Danielle Walsh & Pedro Baiz, PhD in London, Clearly empowers fleets and cities to achieve net-zero emissions through transparent and actionable data insights. Their B2B SaaS platform facilitates precise tracking and optimization of decarbonization efforts, pushing for a systematic shift to net-zero. 🔌 Splight - Innovators Fernando Llaver, Thomas Vadora, and Carlos Caldart in San Mateo are transforming grid management with Splight. Their technology uses real-time data and machine learning to enhance grid reliability and increase renewable energy integration, ensuring a smoother transition to clean energy. 🚲 Vapaus - Mikko Ampuja 🚲 🚘 in Helsinki is changing how companies promote sustainable mobility with Vapaus's zero-emission benefit bike service. This initiative not only supports a healthier lifestyle for employees but also aligns with corporate sustainability goals. 🌐 altrove - Thibault Martin & Joonatan Laulainen, PhD in Paris are pushing the boundaries of material science at Altrove. Their use of AI and automated lab technologies accelerates the development of inorganic materials essential for sustainable technologies, paving the way towards achieving Net Zero. For more details, check out the link in the comments. If you know other startups making significant impacts, let’s hear about them! #climatetech #sustainability #innovation #environmentalimpact #ecofriendly #climateinvestorsalliance #startupbasecamp

Clean Tech, Climate Tech, Tough Tech, or Frontier Tech? Why Labels Matter Solving our biggest environmental challenges—climate change, pollution, resource scarcity—requires innovation. But how we label solutions shapes investment, policy, and commercialization and new labels seem to pop up every year. Here’s a quick breakdown of the ones most relevant today: - Clean Tech – Efficiency & sustainability in energy, water, waste, and materials (solar, EVs, recycling). - Climate Tech – Directly tackles climate change—carbon capture, low-carbon mining, sustainable fuels, and climate finance. - Tough Tech – High-risk, high-reward science-based innovations that take time to scale—like fusion energy, synthetic biology, and advanced materials. - Frontier Tech – The cutting edge of technology, from space mining to AI-driven biomanufacturing.   Why does this matter? The right label can open doors—or close them. Investors, policymakers, and partners rely on these categories to guide funding and adoption. A mining decarbonization startup might be climate tech for ESG investors but tough tech for deep-tech funds. A synthetic biology company cleaning up pollution could be clean tech for industry partners, but frontier tech for DARPA. The way we frame innovation shapes who joins us in solving these challenges.     At Allonnia, we tackle rare earth extraction, emerging contaminant remediation, and mining decarbonization—so the way we frame our work influences who joins us in solving these global challenges. Do these labels help or hinder innovation? Would love to hear others thoughts on this topic. #CleanTech #ClimateTech #DeepTech #Innovation #Sustainability

Interested in #greentech? You'll want to know about the two businesses I just visited in India. Through our #Greenr accelerator program, hundreds of high-growth #SMEs in #India are advancing their #ecofriendly businesses to achieve strong environmental and economic impact. TriNANO Technologies and Organica Biotech Pvt. Ltd. are among them. TriNANO has invented a coating that improves #solarpanels' efficiency by ~10% and reduces water usage for cleaning by 55% 😎 I was intrigued that they developed the technology by studying elements that occur in nature – like a self-cleaning element that draws from lotus leaves, which naturally repel water droplets and contaminants. Next -- Organica Biotech 🌿 They have developed a way to use natural microbes instead of potentially harmful chemicals across a range of sectors: - #Agriculture: Improving crop and soil health and productivity - #Sanitation: Treating wastewater and improving hygiene with natural cleaning products - #Composting: Breaking down solid waste into valuable resources like compost and biogas These two exciting ventures are among hundreds in the #Greenr program, which have achieved an average of 43%-69% revenue growth over 12 months. (Investors, take note!) Visiting TriNANO and Organica Biotech, I could see why. These entrepreneurs are smart, passionate, and determined to apply our business training to create long-lasting impact in their communities--and the world. It was an honor to see these businesses at a critical point in their development. I'll be following them closely in the future!