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First Imagine! is a European venture capital firm founded in 2016 and headquartered in London. The firm specializes in the energy transition sector, targeting innovative startups across Europe and Israel that offer scalable business models and advanced technologies. Since its inception, First Imagine! has focused on supporting companies that can significantly contribute to decarbonization through breakthrough energy technologies.
The firm operates with a clear mission to invest in deep science- and engineering-based technologies, particularly in areas such as electric vehicle (EV) charging, energy storage, green hydrogen production, and big data analytics in the power sector. First Imagine! has established a strong presence in the energy investment landscape, with a portfolio that includes nine companies, reflecting its commitment to fostering sustainable solutions.
First Imagine! has a team of experienced professionals with backgrounds in energy, investment, and technology. The firm is currently in an active investment phase, seeking startups with innovative technologies, scalable business models, and strong entrepreneurial teams. Its office locations in London and Guernsey facilitate its operations across Europe and Israel, allowing it to tap into a diverse range of investment opportunities.
First Imagine! invests in companies that develop deep science- and engineering-based technologies and disruptive business models within the energy transition sector. The firm’s areas of interest include electric vehicle (EV) charging and e-mobility, energy storage, green power and heat generation, distributed energy resources, demand management, and green hydrogen production. The firm emphasizes the importance of scalable business models and strong founding teams in its investment strategy.
Investment stages range from seed to growth equity, with a focus on early commercialization rather than purely lab-stage science. First Imagine! seeks startups that demonstrate initial commercial traction and have the potential to materially advance decarbonization. The firm’s investment thesis posits that environmental sustainability and profitable growth can reinforce each other when applied to breakthrough energy technologies.
First Imagine! values companies that can turn game-changing technology into scalable solutions across the energy spectrum. The firm looks for evidence of commercial viability, unit economics, and regulatory awareness in founder pitches, as well as how their extensive network in the power sector can accelerate business growth.
First Imagine! has a diverse portfolio of nine companies, each contributing to the energy transition sector:
This portfolio reflects First Imagine!’s commitment to investing in innovative technologies that advance the energy transition and contribute to sustainability.
Alexander Starchenko: Managing Partner. Alexander has over 25 years of experience in energy and investment. He previously served as vice-president at Novolipetsk Steel Company, focusing on energy efficiency, and held C-suite roles in investment banking and utility companies.
Boris Dorin: Partner. Boris has a background in venture capital, strategy consulting, and innovation. He previously founded Bluetens, a digital health startup, and co-founded Branan, a corporate finance and management consulting firm.
Boris Starchenko: Investment Team. Boris supports deal flow by screening inbound companies and performing industry analysis. He has experience working for private energy companies in London.
Sergey Donskoy: Investment Team. Sergey leads portfolio valuation and financial due diligence. He joined First Imagine! in 2022 after over 20 years in equity research in Moscow and London, focusing on materials, logistics, and energy.
Yulia Kupriyanovskaya: Head of Operations. Yulia manages operations and risk/process management. She has over 10 years of experience in the European power and gas business development, including roles at a large international utility and PWC Russia.
Svetlana Sirotkina: Investment Team. Svetlana supports sourcing, evaluation, investment review, and events/marketing operations, contributing to the firm's overall investment strategy.
To pitch First Imagine!, founders should use the [pitch application URL](https://firstimagine.com/portfolio/contact/). It is essential to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the startup's technology, market potential, and business model. First Imagine! prefers pitches that demonstrate commercial traction and a clear path to scalability.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial, as they can enhance the chances of securing a meeting with the investment team.
In October 2025, First Imagine! participated in a £1.2M pre-seed round for HotGreen Solutions, a UK clean-tech startup developing ultra-efficient high-temperature heat pumps for industrial process heat.
In October 2024, First Imagine! led or was named as lead investor in PIONIERKRAFT’s high-seven-figure Series A round, which focuses on local energy sharing solutions for apartment buildings.
In March 2023, First Imagine! participated in a EUR 2.5M financing round for SOLAR MATERIALS, a German startup specializing in PV-module recycling.
What are First Imagine!'s investment criteria?
First Imagine! focuses on startups in the energy transition sector that develop deep science- and engineering-based technologies. They look for scalable business models, strong founding teams, and initial commercial traction. The firm is particularly interested in areas such as EV charging, energy storage, and green hydrogen production.
How can I pitch to First Imagine!?
Founders can pitch to First Imagine! through their [pitch application URL](https://firstimagine.com/portfolio/contact/). It is recommended to include evidence of commercial viability, unit economics, and how the startup's technology can advance decarbonization.
What makes First Imagine! different from other investors?
First Imagine! combines capital investment with energy-sector expertise and industry networks. The firm actively supports its portfolio companies by providing company-building resources and connections within the power sector.
What is the geographic focus of First Imagine!?
The firm primarily invests in startups located in Europe and Israel, reflecting its commitment to supporting the energy transition across these regions.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While First Imagine! does not publicly disclose specific check sizes, third-party sources indicate that they typically invest between $100K and $5M, depending on the stage and needs of the startup.
What is First Imagine!'s post-investment involvement like?
First Imagine! provides ongoing support to its portfolio companies through mentorship, operational assistance, and access to its extensive network in the energy sector, helping startups accelerate their growth.
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