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WakeUp Capital is an early-stage climate and impact venture capital firm based in Dublin, Ireland. Founded in 2020, the firm was established to drive systemic change for people and the planet through investments in technology-driven solutions that enhance climate resilience and promote social equity. WakeUp Capital positions itself as a leader in Ireland's venture capital landscape, focusing on both hardware and software solutions that address pressing global challenges.
The firm manages a fund size of $54 million, with a target portfolio of up to 30 companies. WakeUp Capital has secured backing from notable limited partners, including the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF), Enterprise Ireland, and the European Investment Fund (EIF). These partnerships provide a strong foundation for the firm’s investment activities across Europe and selective deals in the United States.
WakeUp Capital has a clear mission to support visionary entrepreneurs who align with its values, particularly in sectors such as climate technology, sustainable food and agriculture, and accessible health and wellbeing. The firm emphasizes scalable impact alongside robust business models, ensuring that its portfolio companies are well-positioned for growth and success.
WakeUp Capital invests in early-stage technology companies that demonstrate scalable impact alongside strong business models. The firm targets a range of sectors, including climate technology, sustainable food and agriculture, sustainable energy, the blue economy, decarbonization, the circular economy, and accessible health and wellbeing. Investment stages include pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A, with check sizes ranging from €250,000 to €750,000 (approximately $270,000 to $820,000).
The firm seeks to back entrepreneurs who possess strong commercial acumen and align with its mission of promoting climate resilience and social equity. WakeUp Capital places a particular emphasis on B2B software and hardware solutions, supported by regulatory tailwinds across the EU and EFTA. The investment strategy is designed to ensure that portfolio companies not only achieve financial success but also contribute positively to society and the environment.
WakeUp Capital reserves 60% of its capital for follow-on investments, signaling a commitment to supporting portfolio companies as they scale. This approach allows the firm to maintain meaningful involvement in its investments and provide the necessary resources for growth.
WakeUp Capital's portfolio includes eight innovative companies that are making strides in various sectors related to climate and health:
These companies exemplify WakeUp Capital's commitment to investing in technology-driven solutions that address critical challenges in climate resilience and social equity.
Faye Walsh Drouillard - Founder & Managing Partner. Faye is the public face of WakeUp Capital and has been frequently quoted in industry publications such as ImpactAlpha and Silicon Republic. She has a strong background in impact investing and entrepreneurship.
Mark Peters - Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Mark brings extensive experience in venture capital and has played a key role in shaping the firm's investment strategy.
Andrew Parish - Partner. Andrew has a background in technology and finance, contributing to the firm's focus on scalable impact investments.
John Chapman - Investment Manager. John is responsible for sourcing and evaluating potential investments, leveraging his expertise in early-stage companies.
Matias Wibowo - Venture Partner. Matias provides strategic insights and guidance to portfolio companies, drawing on his experience in the venture capital space.
Deirdre Mortell - Impact Advisory Committee, Social Entrepreneurship. Deirdre advises on social impact initiatives and strategies within the firm.
Aine Kelly - Impact Advisory Committee, Impact Investment. Aine focuses on aligning investment strategies with social equity goals.
Sajjad Sabur - Impact Advisory Committee, Private Equity. Sajjad brings expertise in private equity to support the firm's investment decisions.
Submit your pitch through their website contact form for consideration.
In April 2023, WakeUp Capital announced a new allocation of €35 million under the Irish Innovation Seed Fund, further strengthening its position in the climate and impact investing space. This allocation is expected to enhance the firm's ability to support early-stage companies focused on climate resilience and social equity.
In March 2023, WakeUp Capital highlighted its commitment to investing in innovative technology companies that align with its mission. The firm showcased notable portfolio companies such as LUMOVIEW, SEES.AI, and FLOREO, emphasizing their advancements in energy management, drone technology, and healthcare.
WakeUp Capital has been actively engaging with the venture capital community, participating in discussions about the future of climate and impact investing. The firm continues to seek partnerships that align with its mission and values.
What are WakeUp Capital's investment criteria?
WakeUp Capital focuses on early-stage technology companies in sectors such as climate technology, sustainable food and agriculture, and healthcare. The firm looks for scalable impact alongside robust business models, particularly in B2B software and hardware solutions.
How can I apply or pitch to WakeUp Capital?
Interested founders can reach out through the contact form on WakeUp Capital's website. A well-prepared pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and alignment with the firm's mission is recommended.
What makes WakeUp Capital different from other VCs?
WakeUp Capital is distinct in its dual focus on hardware and software solutions, which is uncommon for early-stage investors. The firm emphasizes investments that promote both climate resilience and social equity.
What is WakeUp Capital's geographic scope?
The firm primarily invests in North America and Europe, with a strong emphasis on regulatory support across the EU and EFTA.
What is the typical check size for investments?
WakeUp Capital typically invests between €250,000 and €750,000 (approximately $270,000 to $820,000) in its portfolio companies.
What kind of post-investment involvement does WakeUp Capital have?
WakeUp Capital provides significant value-add through strategic guidance, access to a network of industry experts, and support in navigating regulatory landscapes. The firm reserves a substantial portion of its capital for follow-on investments to support portfolio companies as they scale.
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