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Adapt[us] Capital is a venture capital fund and venture builder founded by Darren Clifford, a former McKinsey partner, to invest in companies addressing climate adaptation challenges. Established with a global focus, the firm operates from offices in Toronto, Canada, and Oslo, Norway. Adapt[us] Capital emphasizes Nordic design principles in its investment approach, aiming to support early-stage founders in creating scalable and profitable businesses that respond to the demands of a changing climate.
The fund operates with a dual model, combining venture capital funding with embedded venture building, which includes offering strategic support through 3-week strategy sprints post-investment. Adapt[us] Capital is positioned to capitalize on the growing market for climate adaptation solutions, which is increasingly recognized as essential in a world projected to exceed 2.5°C of warming.
As an emerging player in the climate adaptation investment space, Adapt[us] Capital seeks to align profit drivers with improvements in quality of life, thereby creating shared value. The firm is actively promoting its mission to support scalable businesses that address climate adaptation, targeting sectors experiencing climate-driven demand acceleration.
Adapt[us] Capital invests in sectors that are critical for climate adaptation, including water management, cooling technologies, resilient housing, food logistics, and healthcare. The firm operates from pre-seed to Series A stages, with check sizes ranging from $50K to $400K. Initial investments typically fall between $50K and $100K, while follow-on investments can reach $200K to $400K.
The investment thesis of Adapt[us] Capital is built on the premise that adaptation represents a significant market opportunity, with a focus on solutions that are better, faster, or cheaper. The firm emphasizes the importance of aligning profit motives with societal benefits, ensuring that investments not only yield financial returns but also contribute positively to quality of life. Adapt[us] Capital's approach is informed by the observation that for every $28 invested in climate mitigation, only $1 is directed towards adaptation, highlighting the potential for growth in this sector.
While specific portfolio companies are not disclosed, Adapt[us] Capital references several illustrative companies that align with its investment focus. These include:
These companies exemplify the market trends in climate adaptation that Adapt[us] Capital seeks to capitalize on, focusing on sectors that are experiencing significant demand due to climate change.
Darren Clifford - Founder and Managing Director. Darren has over 20 years of experience in venture building, finance, and strategy, including more than a decade at McKinsey & Company leading the Green Business Building practice. He has extensive experience in angel investing and is recognized as an emerging voice in the climate adaptation investment space.
Sajeev Kanesanathan - Venture Partner. Sajeev specializes in AI and technology, bringing expertise in leveraging advanced technologies to drive innovation in climate adaptation solutions.
Paula Alvarado - Strategic Communications Lead. Paula focuses on enhancing the firm's visibility and outreach, ensuring that Adapt[us] Capital's mission and investment focus are effectively communicated to potential partners and founders.
William Rudolf Lobkowicz - Venture Associate. William supports the investment team in sourcing and evaluating potential portfolio companies, contributing to the firm's mission of identifying scalable solutions for climate adaptation.
To pitch Adapt[us] Capital, founders should visit their website at aucap.vc. The firm prefers pitches that clearly outline the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup addresses climate adaptation challenges. A well-structured deck that highlights the scalability and profitability of the solution is essential.
While specific application forms or portals are not mentioned, founders should ensure that their proposals are concise and focused on the firm's investment thesis. Response times may vary, so founders should be prepared for potential follow-up discussions.
As of the latest research date, Adapt[us] Capital has been actively promoting its mission to support scalable and profitable businesses that address climate adaptation. The firm emphasizes its focus on sectors experiencing climate-driven demand acceleration, although no specific recent blog posts or updates have been detected.
Adapt[us] Capital is featured in various climate investment directories and publications, including The Adapt investor spotlight and Climatebase, highlighting its emerging presence in the climate adaptation investment space.
While no specific deals have been announced publicly, the firm appears to be actively deploying capital from an early cohort, indicating ongoing engagement with potential portfolio companies.
What are Adapt[us] Capital's investment criteria?
Adapt[us] Capital focuses on early-stage companies that address climate adaptation challenges. They invest in sectors such as water management, cooling technologies, resilient housing, food logistics, and healthcare. The firm looks for solutions that are better, faster, or cheaper, and that create shared value by aligning profit drivers with improvements in quality of life.
How can I apply or pitch to Adapt[us] Capital?
Founders interested in pitching to Adapt[us] Capital can visit their website at aucap.vc. The firm encourages early-stage founders to submit their proposals through the provided channels.
What makes Adapt[us] Capital different from other venture capital firms?
Adapt[us] Capital distinguishes itself by focusing specifically on climate adaptation rather than decarbonization. The firm operates with a dual model of venture capital funding and embedded venture building, offering strategic support through 3-week strategy sprints post-investment.
What is the geographic scope of Adapt[us] Capital's investments?
The firm operates globally, with a particular emphasis on Western markets and Nordic design principles. This allows them to tap into diverse opportunities across various regions.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Adapt[us] Capital typically invests between $50K and $100K for initial investments, with follow-on investments ranging from $200K to $400K. This check size indicates a focus on very early-stage and seed investments.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Adapt[us] Capital have?
Adapt[us] Capital provides strategic support to its portfolio companies through a dual model that includes embedded venture building. This involves conducting 3-week strategy sprints to help companies refine their business models and strategies post-investment.
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