The Dutch firm’s second fund focuses on investments in early-stage digital and sustainability ventures in north-western Europe.
Netherlands-based 4impact Capital, an early-stage impact investor in European digital startups, has closed its second fund at €68m after it received backing from Invest-NL, the country’s main national promotional institution, the European Investment Fund (EIF), regional Dutch development company Oost NL and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
Since its first close last year, 4impact’s second fund has invested in six ventures that are working on finding scalable solutions to global challenges. These include Coolgradient, a Dutch company whose technology helps data centres save energy, durable carbon removal credit firm Carbonfuture, and Deftpower, a provider of EV charging software solutions aimed at addressing grid imbalances.
Pauline Wink, a founding partner of 4impact Capital, said the firm was driven by “the opportunity to catalyse positive change, and we are excited to help shape the businesses of the future”.
‘Visionary entrepreneurs’
Ali Najafbagy , also a founding partner of 4impact, said he was “very grateful” to the firm’s investors for backing “visionary entrepreneurs who are working hard on making our planet future proof through technology enablement”.
Through digital technologies such as AI and big data, as well as emerging technologies such as blockchain, “we can help solve parts of labour shortage and contribute to a sustainable and competitive Europe and beyond”, Najafbagy said.
“In tackling the innovation financing gap, we have to do all we can to support innovative small businesses, so that they can both start-up in Europe but also stay and grow in Europe,” said Marjut Falkstedt, chief executive officer of the EIF, which provides risk finance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) across Europe.
Funds like 4impact, which back innovative startups, “have the potential to make a significant impact on Europe’s sustainable future”, Falkstedt said.
‘Leverage AI for good’
Invest-NL’s additional investment in 4impact, as part of the Dutch Future Fund initiative, “highlights our strong partnership with the EIF”, said Jellie Banga, member of the executive board of Invest-NL. “Our combined ticket resulted in a successful final closing, providing increased capital to support impactful ventures.”
The acceleration of AI presents “not just opportunities, but responsibilities”, said Victor Straatman, a partner at 4impact. “How can we leverage AI for good – e.g. using predictive analytics to reduce emissions and foster a more sustainable society? The time to act is now, and we’re here to support those bold enough to take on this challenge,” Straatman said.
