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World Fund is a climate tech venture capital firm based in Europe, founded to finance the transition to a decarbonized global economy. Established by Daria Saharova, Danijel Višević, and Craig Douglas, the firm has positioned itself as a leader in climate-focused investments. World Fund manages a fund size of €300 million and has a portfolio of 10 companies, reflecting its commitment to scalable climate technologies.
The firm employs a rigorous, science-based methodology developed in collaboration with TU Berlin, Project Drawdown, and Project Frame. This methodology emphasizes quantitative analysis of CO2e savings and qualitative assessments of environmental and social impact. World Fund's headquarters are located in Berlin, and it has garnered significant institutional support, including a €50 million investment from EIF/InvestEU.
World Fund invests in startups that demonstrate high climate performance potential across various sectors, including climate, energy, food-agtech, biotech, and industrial. The firm targets investments at the seed, Series A, and Series B stages, with check sizes ranging from €1 million to €10 million. Their investment strategy is guided by a unique, science-based methodology that evaluates potential investments based on their ability to achieve significant emissions reductions.
World Fund's thesis centers on financing scalable technologies that align with their vision of a regenerative world. This includes a focus on renewable energy, material circularity, and climate equity. The firm requires that every investment has the potential to save at least 100 million tons of CO2 equivalent per year, making it one of the most rigorous climate impact thresholds in the venture capital space.
World Fund's portfolio includes notable companies that are making strides in climate technology:
This diverse portfolio reflects World Fund's commitment to supporting technologies that contribute to a sustainable future.
Daria Saharova: General Partner. Daria co-founded World Fund and has extensive experience in venture capital and climate technology. She has led numerous investments in the climate sector and is known for her expertise in sustainable business practices.
Danijel Višević: General Partner. Danijel brings a wealth of knowledge in climate tech investments and has a strong background in engineering and sustainability. He has been instrumental in shaping World Fund's investment strategy.
Craig Douglas: Partner. Craig has a diverse background in venture capital and has played a key role in building World Fund's portfolio. His focus is on identifying innovative startups that align with the firm's mission.
Dr. Nadine Geiser: Principal. Dr. Geiser specializes in climate impact assessment and has a strong academic background in environmental science. She contributes to the firm's rigorous evaluation methodology.
Dr. Mark Windeknecht: Principal. Dr. Windeknecht has expertise in sustainable technologies and plays a critical role in assessing potential investments for their climate impact.
Larissa Skarke: Principal. Larissa focuses on operational support for portfolio companies, helping them scale their technologies effectively.
Jan Schierle: Chief Financial Officer. Jan oversees the financial operations of World Fund and ensures the firm's fiscal health.
Morgan Sheil: Head of Impact. Morgan leads the firm's impact assessment initiatives, ensuring that investments align with World Fund's climate goals.
To pitch to World Fund, founders should visit their pitch page. It is essential to include detailed information about the startup's technology, market opportunity, and potential climate impact. World Fund prefers pitches that clearly demonstrate how the startup aligns with their investment criteria and climate performance goals.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to receive feedback on their submissions. Warm introductions are beneficial, but not strictly necessary for consideration.
In March 2026, World Fund successfully closed a €300 million fund, with significant backing from EIF/InvestEU, which invested €50 million into the fund. This closing marks a significant milestone for the firm as it continues to focus on financing the transition to a decarbonized global economy.
World Fund has been actively engaging with its portfolio companies and the broader climate tech community, highlighting notable companies such as CYLIB, JUICY MARBLES, and IQM. These companies are recognized for their innovative solutions in battery recycling, sustainable food production, and quantum computing, respectively.
What are World Fund's investment criteria?
World Fund invests in startups that demonstrate high climate performance potential, focusing on scalable technologies with significant emissions savings potential. They evaluate investments through a rigorous, science-based methodology that includes quantitative analysis of CO2e savings and qualitative assessments of environmental and social impact.
How can I apply or pitch to World Fund?
Founders can pitch to World Fund by visiting their pitch page. It is recommended to include detailed information about the startup's climate impact, technology, and business model in the pitch.
What makes World Fund different from other VCs?
World Fund distinguishes itself through its rigorous climate impact assessment, requiring every investment to have the potential to save at least 100 million tons of CO2 equivalent per year. This unique threshold ensures that their portfolio companies are aligned with their mission of achieving significant emissions reductions.
What is the geographic scope of World Fund's investments?
World Fund primarily invests in startups located in Europe, with a focus on scalable climate technologies that can contribute to a decarbonized economy.
What is the typical fund size and check size for World Fund?
World Fund manages a fund size of €300 million and typically invests between €1 million and €10 million in each startup.
What kind of post-investment involvement does World Fund have?
World Fund adds value to its portfolio companies by providing access to a network of industry experts, strategic guidance, and resources to help scale their technologies. They emphasize ongoing support to ensure alignment with their climate impact goals.
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