The European Innovation Council (EIC) & EuroQuity - Bpifrance Investor Day dedicated to Climate Tech in Paris, brought together +130 attendees, including 100 investors, corporates, and business partners, to explore the potential of groundbreaking climate tech solutions. The event featured 18 top EIC Fund Climate Tech companies and a panel of 36 jury members from leading venture capital funds.
Through engaging discussions, insightful pitches, and strategic encounters, every moment was a step towards accelerating a greener and more sustainable future. Here, we delve into the highlights and key takeaways from this impactful event.
Each of the selected EIC Fund companies had the opportunity to present their solution in one of the three pitching sessions held throughout the day. Each of the sessions showcased companies from a different vertical, with sessions on 1. Mobility & Smart City, 2. Environmental Services B2B, 3. Energy storage and efficiency solutions.
The jury experts meticulously selected the featured companies AVILOO Battery Diagnostics, Deftpower, Elonroad, Enersens, SABI AGRI, RAIKU Packaging, Circu Li-ion, CO2BioClean GmbH, Energy Robotics, GAFT - Sustainable Aviation Fuel Technology, Sakowin Green energy, SOLAR MATERIALS, Water Challenge, DynamicAirCooling, Electrochaea, Energy Dome, Magneto and Ocean Grazer, from the pool of hundreds of EIC awardees who applied to pitch at the event.
Pascal Lagarde Executive Director - Head for International Affairs, Strategy, Research & Development at Bpifrance and Angelo Wille Deputy Head of Unit Industrial Research, Innovation & Investment Agendas, EC DG RTD, warmly welcomed all participants, while Michiel Scheffer, President of the EIC board and Gilles Le Cocguen - Head of EuroQuity at Bpifrance, presided over the award ceremony and delivered the closing words.
How this Investor Day Catalyzed Connections between Companies and Investors
To gain insight into the tangible benefits that companies gained from this Investor Day, we interviewed several innovators who delivered the pitches. Through their experiences, we can better comprehend how this event facilitated meaningful connections between pitching companies and potential investors.
According to Fabiana Fantinel, CEO and Co-Founder of CO2BIOCLEAN GMBH, "EIC trully promotes the growth of companies, small companies like ours in this field, providing both financial and strategic support."
Fabiana emphasizes the crucial role of EIC in fostering the development of companies, especially small ones like theirs in this particular field. CO2BIOCLEAN GMBH, based in Germany, provides technology for sustainable bio polymers, to address both climate change and plastics pollution. When it came to Investor Day, Fabiana also highlighted the networking sessions and the opportunity to speak directly with investors.
"There are a lot of investors that are interested in our sector and there are also a lot of networking sessions in which we have the opportunity to speak directly with the investors and to present our company, what we do and our technology. So, it is a really a great opportunity for us!" Susana García, CEO of Water Challenge S.L.
On the other hand, Susana, highlighted the support received from EIC, stating that: "The support of the EIC Accelerator fund has enabled us to accelerate the development of our technology and build a pilot plan for the drugging material, preparing it for the go-to-market phase."
The Spanish startup is revolutionizing wastewater treatment with patented, renewable energy-powered technology that converts contaminated fluids into purified water and commercial solids, achieving zero pollution and liquid discharge—aligning with UN Goals and European environmental initiatives.
Jon Dyar Boles, CFA, the Chief Investment Officer of Electrochaea, emphasized the remarkable backing provided by the EIC. He stated, "EIC has provided us with both grant and equity funding, allowing us to fuel our ambitious projects and drive innovation."
He further added “This comprehensive support includes additional grant funding available through the innovation Council, as well as equity co-investments alongside funds invested by the EIF”. Additionally, the availability of the venture debt product has made it possible for first-of-its-scale projects to secure financing.
Electrochaea is a German clean tech company that offers innovative and proven Power-to-Methane (P2M) technology. Their unique solution uses methanogenic archaea to convert renewable power and carbon dioxide into synthetic, low-carbon BioCat Methane. The EIC's commitment to providing diverse funding options has played a pivotal role in enabling companies like Electrochaea to thrive and make strides in their respective industries.
"This Investor Day has been a really good platform", said Karin Ebbinghaus the CEO of ELONROAD. Elonroad's charging solutions revolutionize transportation by enabling electric vehicles to charge while driving or parked. Additionally, they pioneer road digitization, going beyond just electrifying roads.
"For us, being able to address a multitude of investors that we would never have been in contact with otherwise has provided me with many valuable contacts, and I will be sure to follow up afterwards."
This event has not only allowed Karin to connect with potential investors, but it has also opened doors for collaboration, partnerships, and future growth. The exposure gained through this event has significantly increased visibility.
Accelerating Europe’s Climate Tech Growth: Europe's Path to a Sustainable Future through Investments and Strategic Partnerships
The event attracted 100+ investors, corporate and business partners including jury members representing top VC funds such as 360 Capital, 3xP Global, Acciona Energia, Act Venture Partners, Air Liquide Venture Capital , Alter Equity, Bpifrance, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Cathay Innovation, Cleantech France, Climate Invest, Core Angels, DeepTech & Climate Fonds, Demeter, Edenia, EIT Urban Mobility, Elaia, Elewit, France Deeptech Future Positive Capital, GP Bullhound, GTT, Honda Xcelerator Ventures, Investment Circle, Jolt Capital, Junction Growth, kopa ventures, Martram Ventures, matterwave ventures, Mirova, NCI, Net Zero Ventures, Orsted Ventures, Planet A, Renault, Repsol, SE Ventures, Supernova Invest, Terna, Vinci Venture Capital, Walter ventures, and World Fund.
Natalia Medianero, the Investment Manager at Net Zero Ventures, expressed "This was a great opportunity to meet scaleup companies that are very aligned with what we are looking for." She revealed that after having meetings with some of the innovators, there might be an "opportunity to meet new potential investments." Natalia emphasized the value of engaging with investors at a similar stage of investment, fostering the exchange of valuable insights and knowledge within the industry.
"The startup pitches were well organized in a highly qualitative manner," remarked Aurianne Legris, Investor at HONDA Xcelerator, emphasizing not only the efficiency of the event’s organization but also the demonstration of high standards of professionalism. “EIC Investors Days offer invaluable networking opportunities,” Aurianne continued “bringing together investors coming from different countries to discuss together on partnerships and investment cases.”
Blanca Sastre, Investment Associate at Elewit, emphasized the value of the event “EIC Investor Days provide huge knowledge for investors in order to get to know the best startups and understand the market trends that are currently raising funding”
Pablo Garrido, Investment Principal at EIT Urban Mobility, spoke to us about his experience: “You have unique access to very prominent investors. This setup and forum are the right platform to strengthen relationships with key ecosystem players.”
He highlighted how the environment offers a conducive atmosphere for meaningful interactions and collaborations, allowing participants to showcase their potential and attract partnerships and investments.
The EIC Ecosystem Partnerships and Co-Investment Support Programme
The Ecosystem Partnerships and Co-Investment Support Programme is expanding the EIC’s Business Acceleration Services (BAS) by creating a network of specialized, sector-focused partners that can help innovators access the services they need. It is also dedicated to promoting co-investment along with the EIC Fund, by preparing beneficiaries to interact with investors and connecting them through matchmaking and dedicated events.
If you have any inquiries about the event, please don't hesitate to reach out to us via email at investments@eicfund.eu.
About EuroQuity - Bpifrance
Operated by Bpifrance (the French Public Investment Bank), EuroQuity is a matchmaking platform dedicated to economic development and an essential source of financing for SMEs. Its mission is to accelerate the growth of companies throughout Europe and beyond by giving concrete credentials to companies to maximize their opportunities to meet and match with investors, through their membership in e-communities and e-labels.
The EIC and EuroQuity-Bpifrance have previously teamed up to deliver several successful ePitchings and Investor Days.
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided in the interest of knowledge sharing and should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission, or any other organisation.