Climate & environment

Sharp declines in venture capital flows to impact startups impede progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and there is little sign of a pick-up in the near-term. 

The Dutch bank reportedly violated its own ‘zero-tolerance’ policy towards deforestation. Extensive data research conducted by FD in collaboration with NGO Repórter Brasil shows Rabobank’s involvement with illegal deforesters.

The close underscores the firm’s commitment to contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The fund will target four key investment themes: climate action, sustainable living, lifelong learning and inclusive growth.

Nanogence, a Swiss building material innovation company, has received capital commitments from investors, including the UK’s Planet First Partners, CirCap, and the EIC Fund.

The fund will invest in countries where conditions for the development of green hydrogen projects and associated infrastructure are good, aiming to bridge the bankability gap and boost local economies.

Finnish engineering company Coolbrook Oy has been granted loan financing by Nefco to launch a ‘game-changing’ technology which may slash industrial carbon emissions by 30%

The company, which has just completed a second year of planting at one of its first projects in Sierra Leone, aims to generate high-quality carbon credits to help large buyers meet their net-zero commitments.

Impact investors need to address the data centre energy challenge, particularly in emerging markets. While it is essential for investors to support the development of digital infrastructure, sustainability is a key consideration.

Carbon Equity has received additional financial backing, bringing total funding to €9m. It now plans to grow distribution through a variety of different channels, including targeting high net worth and mass affluent investors.

The funding comes shortly after myenergi secured £30m in debt finance from UK lender HSBC.