Cleantech Startup Investments

NextSTEP is Investing €590k in Sustainably Innovative Startups

NextSTEP, the venture capital fund of NextEnergy Group, has announced investments totaling €590,000 in five UK-based CleanTech startups. These startups are developing innovative and sustainable solutions around recycling, resource efficiency, and emissions reduction. With headquarters in London and Milan, NextSTEP focuses on backing ventures dedicated to reducing ecological footprints through innovative approaches. The fund, launched in 2022, aims to be a leader in CleanTech investments, targeting ventures at the pre-seed and seed stages.

The five startups to receive funding include Pulpatronics, which is disrupting RFID technology with metal-free and chipless tags designed to protect natural resources. Algapelago is developing sustainable seaweed-based products aimed at revolutionizing regenerative agriculture and beyond. ClearWatt has developed a machine learning-powered app that accurately measures and certifies EV range and battery health. These investments align with NextSTEP's strategy to drive sustainable innovation and create stronger partnerships between Italy and the UK.

NextSTEP's Managing Director, Claudio Colombo, commented on the milestones achieved in 2024 and the commitment to identifying and supporting emerging initiatives that contribute to a better planet. The fund aims to expand its efforts in discovering and investing in UK-based startups and projects that drive meaningful and lasting change. This investment represents a significant step towards fostering sustainable development and promoting environmental responsibility through innovative solutions.

Image Credit: NextSTEP