Introducing our Impact Report 2021
We started Future Positive Capital with a singular conviction: the greatest value creation in the next decades will be driven by companies that define the technology-sustainability revolution as it scales to all sectors of the global economy.
Over the last two years, the first pieces of evidence for this thesis have started to materialise, transforming the deal flow and the exit landscape.
In public markets, companies like Tesla (electric cars), NextEra (renewable energy), Vestas Wind Systems (wind), or Beyond Meat (alternative protein) are now worth tens of billions of dollars or more while new entrants like Zymergen (green chemistry) or Proterra (electric buses) hold much promise. In private markets, companies like Ynsect (insect protein), Babylon Health (digital health) or Orcam (assistive technologies) have raised hundreds of millions of dollars, often at over billion- dollar valuations. These companies are creating immense shareholder value as they upend global industries by offering competitive and sustainable alternatives to conventional industrial models.
When we started, we thought this shift would be pushed mostly by entrepreneurs — with an increasing number of mission-driven individuals who are turning towards solving global challenges. We understood, but had probably underestimated, the foundational role of regulation and corporate governance in creating these new market opportunities. The past 12 months have shown us that the forces that underpin this global transition are unstoppable. In April 2021, Europe committed to slash 55% of its emissions by 2030 (the UK announced they would cut 78% by 2035); the US followed suit when the Biden administration announced a 50% cut of 2005 emissions by that same year. Echoing those announcements, commitments from global corporations continue to pour in, with companies like Microsoft, Shopify, Stripe, Kering, or Unilever paving the way.
How, then, will we transform our global economy to meet those commitments? As every company in the world embarks on this transition, the need for disruptive, sustainable solutions increases and accelerates.
The number of companies working on this — and resulting deal flow universe — is increasing. As Atomico highlighted in their latest State of European Tech report, over 6 billion dollars have been invested in purpose-driven companies in Europe in both 2019 and 2020 — a 3x-increase compared to 2016.
At FPC, our north star since 2016 has been consistent: find and back companies that hold the keys to this future. Companies that leverage breakthrough technologies to solve global and complex environmental or societal challenges, and address unmet needs. Companies that upend existing industries or define new markets, all while creating asymmetric positive outcomes.
The entrepreneurs that build these businesses inspire us. Whether they’re a first time founder or leading their fourth venture, they share a relentless desire to reimagine and reshape the world through purpose and performance.
This report shares their work, insights and stories.
You’ll read about Meatable’s progress in developing scalable infrastructure for lab- grown meat, Sweetch Energy’s ability to produce continuous predictable renewable energy, Dendra Systems’ solution to restore hundreds of thousands of acres of land with a focus on natural ecosystem biodiversity, or Cervest’s ability to quantify and predict climate risk at the asset level.
We are still in the early innings of what will become the most important decade for positive innovation. These companies set the bar high — and we’re excited to continue to find and back more entrepreneurs that are building this future.
Enjoy the read.
Visit our website to download the report: https://www.futurepositivecapital.com/impact-report
