Forward.one
Forward.one invests in smart, defensible innovations that target large markets, with exceptional teams hyper-focused on scaling. Their investment strategy centers around backing resilient founders with a strong emphasis on commercialization, speed, and pragmatism. They aim to partner with ventures that possess a competitive edge, offer solutions that customers find indispensable, and address sizable, expanding markets. The firm prefers to enter at the early seed stage but will support winning companies through further rounds. Forward.one positions itself as more than just an investor, acting as a true partner to its portfolio companies. They prioritize transparency, direct communication, and cooperation with entrepreneurs and limited partners (LPs). With a team comprising diverse skills and backgrounds across engineering, business development, and finance, they aim to understand and navigate the complexities of scaling innovative ventures effectively. The firm looks for companies that can become European tech champions. This involves identifying and supporting businesses with strong foundations and the potential for significant growth and impact in their respective industries. They are ambitious, like the entrepreneurs they invest in, and actively work to unlock stellar returns for their investors. Forward.one demonstrates a commitment to long-term success and alignment with LPs and GPs. They look for innovative ventures that align with sustainability goals, evidenced by investments in climate tech and energy storage. This focus showcases a dedication to creating a positive impact through their investments, driving Europe towards energy efficiency, reduced dependence on external resources, and significant reductions in CO2 emissions.
SHIFT Invest
SHIFT Invest is a venture capital fund dedicated to investing exclusively in innovative enterprises with significant positive environmental impact potential. Recognizing the critical role of innovation and entrepreneurship in restoring the balance between nature and society, SHIFT Invest operates as an impact investor, willingly embracing financial and impact risks that traditional investors may avoid. This proactive approach allows the firm to contribute meaningfully to the sustainability transition by providing promising environmental startups with access to vital growth capital, a valuable network, and over 13 years of impact investment experience. The firm's investment strategy revolves around identifying and supporting companies that actively address pressing environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. SHIFT Invest aims to foster a world where business success is intrinsically linked to positive environmental outcomes. By carefully selecting and nurturing innovative startups, the fund seeks to accelerate the development and deployment of solutions that benefit both the planet and society. SHIFT Invest's commitment extends beyond mere financial investment. The firm actively supports its portfolio companies by leveraging its extensive network of partners and providing hands-on guidance. This collaborative approach ensures that startups have the resources and expertise they need to scale their operations and achieve their environmental impact goals. With a long-term investment horizon, SHIFT Invest is dedicated to helping its portfolio companies grow and thrive, ultimately creating a more sustainable and resilient future.
Pjotr van Schothorst
PVS Investments is a private investor providing seed funding for climate tech startups. Pjotr van Schothorst, the founder, leverages his entrepreneurial experience and technical background in applied physics to identify and invest in early-stage companies with the potential to limit global warming. He is particularly interested in university spin-outs with technical innovations in areas such as improved batteries, CO2 capture, and renewable energy. His early-stage focus allows him to step in much earlier than most VCs. He focuses on startups with potential for disruption when scaled up. PVS Investments targets companies working on innovative clean energy production, battery technologies, e-mobility, green chemicals, precision fermentation, CO2 capture and sequestration, and industrial decarbonization. He invests in venture builders like Marble Studio and Food Founders Studio, as well as aquaculture investors and PV and biogas projects. Pjotr's investment decisions are driven by a desire to contribute to solving global energy, water, and food supply problems through clean energy and waste valorization solutions. Beyond financial investment, Pjotr offers his experience to founders. This includes reviewing their go-to-market strategy, investor pitch, and team composition. He also leverages his network to introduce them to VC investors for the next funding round. His technical background allows him to quickly assess the viability of deep tech innovations. The firm operates as a personal investment venture, supported by experienced partners with expertise in entrepreneurship, chemical engineering, intellectual property (IP) protection, and strategy & risk analysis.