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Una Terra Venture Capital Fund is an early-growth impact fund founded in 2021 and based in Zurich, Switzerland. The fund focuses on facilitating the global transition to a circular economy by investing in European asset-light companies that are commercially viable and poised for growth. Una Terra aims to support businesses primarily in the Series A+ stage, enhancing existing infrastructures while minimizing technology and market risks.
The fund has a total size of $50 million and is actively involved in sectors significantly impacted by biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas emissions. These sectors include packaging, waste management, sustainable materials, apparel, food systems, and marine pollution control. Una Terra's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its investment strategy, which emphasizes the adoption of circular use models and sustainable practices.
With a strong partnership ecosystem, Una Terra collaborates with organizations such as Climate-KIC and the University of St. Gallen to promote sustainability and responsible leadership training. The fund's notable milestones include its first close of €50 million for its flagship Circular Economy Growth Fund, with a final close expected in 2026.
Una Terra Venture Capital Fund invests in sectors that are under pressure from biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas emissions. The fund's primary focus areas include packaging, waste management, sustainable materials, apparel, food systems, and marine pollution control. It targets European companies in the early growth stage, specifically those in Series A and Series A+ rounds, that have validated their products and are ready for commercial scaling.
The fund emphasizes minimizing technology and market risks while enhancing existing infrastructures with circular models. Una Terra seeks to partner with asset-light companies that can contribute to sustainability efforts and the transition to a circular economy. The average ticket size for investments is approximately $10 million per company, allowing for significant support in scaling operations.
Una Terra's investment thesis revolves around the Circular Economy Transition, which aims to replace linear production models with circular practices that emphasize product longevity, reuse, recycling, and integration into biological cycles. The fund's goal is to remove 1 million tons of plastic waste and avoid 2 gigatons of CO2 emissions through its investments.
Una Terra's portfolio includes several notable companies that are making strides in their respective sectors:
These companies exemplify Una Terra's commitment to supporting businesses that contribute to the circular economy and address critical environmental challenges. The fund's focus on asset-light companies allows for flexibility and scalability, positioning its portfolio for growth in a rapidly evolving market.
Luca Zerbini: Chief Executive Officer of Una Terra, Luca has a background in venture capital and sustainability. He has led various initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable business practices and has extensive experience in the impact investment space.
Costas Papaikonomou: Chief Investment Officer, Costas brings expertise in investment strategy and portfolio management. He has a strong track record in identifying and supporting companies that align with sustainability goals and the circular economy.
Startups interested in pitching to Una Terra should use the contact email welcome@unaterra.vc to submit their proposals. It is advisable to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and sustainability impact.
Founders should expect a response time of approximately 2-4 weeks after submission. Warm introductions are preferred, but cold pitches are also accepted. The pitch deck should highlight the company's readiness for commercial scaling and its alignment with Una Terra's focus on the Circular Economy Transition.
In early 2025, Una Terra announced a €50 million close for its flagship Circular Economy Growth Fund, with a final close expected in 2026. This milestone reflects the fund's active fundraising efforts and commitment to supporting the Circular Economy Transition.
Recently, Una Terra has been assisting its portfolio companies, such as Pulpex, with market strategies and connections to major corporations like Unilever and PepsiCo. Tumelo is also receiving support in devising a strategy for entering the US market.
What are Una Terra's investment criteria?
Una Terra invests in European asset-light companies that are in the early growth stage, specifically those in Series A and Series A+ rounds. The fund focuses on sectors impacted by biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas emissions, such as packaging, waste management, and sustainable materials.
How can startups apply or pitch to Una Terra?
Startups can pitch to Una Terra by visiting their website at unaterra.vc and using the contact email welcome@unaterra.vc. It is recommended to provide a detailed overview of the business model, market potential, and sustainability impact.
What makes Una Terra different from other venture capital firms?
Una Terra is distinct in its exclusive focus on the Circular Economy Transition and its commitment to sustainability. The fund not only provides financial support but also operational assistance, market strategies, and connections to major corporations to enhance the growth trajectories of its portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Una Terra's investments?
Una Terra primarily invests in European companies, with a strong emphasis on those that are asset-light and ready to scale. The fund also considers opportunities in the Middle East and North America.
What is the average check size for investments?
The average ticket size for investments made by Una Terra is approximately $10 million per company, allowing for substantial support in scaling operations and achieving growth.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Una Terra have?
Una Terra provides ongoing support to its portfolio companies, including strategic guidance, market introductions, and assistance with promoting sustainable practices. The fund leverages its extensive partnership ecosystem to enhance the growth trajectories of its investments.
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