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Counteract is a venture capital organization founded to tackle climate change through innovative carbon removal solutions. Established by Andrew Shebbeare, Andy Bonsall, and Matt Isaacs, the firm is headquartered in London, UK. Counteract's mission is to catalyze the removal of 5 billion tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) by 2050 by investing in early-stage companies that develop carbon removal technologies.
The firm manages an inaugural fund, Counteract One, with a size of approximately $42 million. It focuses on pre-seed and seed stage investments, targeting companies across various sectors including climate, energy, and biotech. Counteract has built a diverse portfolio of 12 companies, emphasizing a responsible and self-sustaining approach to scaling carbon removal capabilities.
Counteract's notable milestones include partnerships with significant players in the industry, such as Equinor Ventures and Anglo American. These collaborations enhance their ability to drive impactful investments in carbon removal technologies.
Counteract invests in early-stage companies that are pioneering solutions for carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Their investment strategy encompasses pre-seed and seed stage funding, focusing on diverse pathways such as direct air capture, mineralization, biomass carbon storage, and the restoration of forests and soils. The firm emphasizes scalability, sustainability, and viable long-term business models in the technologies they support.
Counteract's investment thesis is centered around catalyzing the removal of 5 billion tons of CO2 equivalent by 2050. They seek technologies that not only address carbon removal but also provide co-benefits, such as carbon-sequestering materials. This approach allows them to invest across the full spectrum of carbon removal methods rather than limiting themselves to a single pathway.
Counteract's portfolio consists of 12 companies focused on advancing carbon removal technologies. Notable projects include:
Andrew Shebbeare - Co-founder. He has a background in venture capital and has led multiple investments in the climate sector.
Andy Bonsall - Co-founder. He brings extensive experience in sustainable technologies and has been involved in various successful startups.
Matt Isaacs - Co-founder. He has a strong track record in investment management and focuses on carbon removal technologies.
Jenny Record - Fund Operations Manager. She oversees the operational aspects of the fund, ensuring efficient management of resources.
Jo Brass - General Counsel. She provides legal guidance and support for the firm's investments and operations.
Poppy Russell - Research Manager. She conducts research on emerging trends in carbon removal technologies.
Richard Barker - Partner. He has expertise in venture capital and has led investments in various sectors.
Sahaj Kumar - Investment Manager. He focuses on identifying and evaluating potential investment opportunities in the carbon removal space.
When pitching to Counteract, founders should clearly outline their technology's scalability and sustainability. Including details about the long-term business model and potential co-benefits of the solution will strengthen the pitch.
On February 15, 2023, Counteract announced the closing of its inaugural fund, Counteract One, with a total size of approximately $42 million. This funding will support their mission to catalyze the removal of 5 billion tons of CO2 equivalent by 2050.
Counteract has been actively expanding its portfolio, with recent projects including Automated Soil Carbon Analysis in Scotland and various initiatives in the USA and Australia that combine direct air capture with mineralization.
In early 2023, Counteract was featured in multiple industry reports, highlighting its commitment to investing in carbon removal technologies and its partnerships with major players like Equinor Ventures and Anglo American.
What are Counteract's investment criteria?
Counteract invests in early-stage companies focused on carbon dioxide removal technologies. They prioritize solutions that demonstrate scalability, sustainability, and viable long-term business models.
How can founders apply or pitch to Counteract?
Founders can reach out to Counteract through their official website or LinkedIn page. A detailed pitch deck outlining the technology, market potential, and business model is recommended.
What makes Counteract different from other venture capital firms?
Counteract exclusively focuses on carbon removal technologies, aiming to catalyze the removal of 5 billion tons of CO2 equivalent by 2050. Their commitment to diverse pathways in carbon removal sets them apart.
What is the geographic scope of Counteract's investments?
Counteract invests in companies located in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with a global perspective on carbon removal technologies.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Counteract typically provides initial checks ranging from $250,000 to $1 million for their portfolio companies.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Counteract have?
Counteract emphasizes a portfolio approach that is catalytic and responsible, providing support to portfolio companies to help scale their carbon removal capabilities effectively.
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