IP Group media release
IP Group Australia and The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) have launched the Climate Catalyst Fund to support Australian companies developing technology to decarbonise hard to abate industries. First close has been reached with IP Group Australia contributing $30 million and the CEFC $20 million as cornerstone investors. Fundraising is underway to welcome new investors.
IP Group Australia is one of the most active venture capital investors in Australian climate tech and has deep experience in supporting climate tech companies from inception to maturity. Its investees include companies such as Hysata, developing the world's most efficient hydrogen electrolyser; Electralith, an innovator in lithium extraction and refining; Optigrid, an asset optimisation platform for grid-scale batteries; and Banksia Minerals Processing, which is developing a novel process for refining copper from challenging ores.
This is a strategic relationship between IP Group Australia and the CEFC that is targeting a USD30-50 trillion global decarbonisation opportunity by investing in Australian-emerging climate technologies. Mobilising private capital directed at decarbonising industry is a huge part of what the CEFC is trying to achieve.Malcolm Thornton
CEFC Head of Growth Capital
IP Group Australia's investment model has been refined over 25 years of working with leading deep technology companies across the UK, US and Australia, enabling the team to bring unique global insights and networks to support companies as they scale.
The IP Group Climate Catalyst Fund will maintain this focus and target Seed and Series A investments in areas including industrial processes (cement, steel and chemicals); mineral processing and supply chain; heavy transport (aviation, shipping and freight); energy-efficient AI and data centres; agriculture and land use; and dispatchable energy and grid balancing.
"The global race to decarbonise is driving unprecedented demand for breakthrough technologies, and achieving material emissions reductions will require the largest reallocation of capital in modern history, creating a generational investment opportunity," said IP Group Australia CIO Alistair McCreadie.
"While renewable energy has led the charge, the hard-to-abate sectors (accounting for over 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions) represent the next frontier. These sectors demand transformative innovation, not incremental change."
Malcolm Thornton, CEFC Head of Growth Capital, said the Climate Catalyst Fund is purpose-built to seize this moment.
"This is a strategic relationship between IP Group Australia and the CEFC that is targeting a USD30-50 trillion global decarbonisation opportunity by investing in Australian-emerging climate technologies," Malcolm said.
"Mobilising private capital directed at decarbonising industry is a huge part of what the CEFC is trying to achieve. "This Fund will make landmark investments in technologies with the potential to meaningfully contribute to emissions reduction targets, reshape industries and in the long run deliver material positive impact in Australia and Globally."
