Solar Impulse Foundation: matchmaking to accelerate cleantech investments

Through its Solar Impulse Efficient Solution, the Solar Impulse Foundation aimed to identify and recognise profitable solutions dedicated to environmental protection. The initiative would offer political and economic decision-makers a Guide to Solutions that can be implemented on a large scale and, with the support of the Foundation, establish a roadmap for adopting much more ambitious energy and environmental programs and thus achieve their carbon neutrality objectives.

More than 1000+ solutions that passed through a strict assessment process crafted by a pool of 350+ independent experts have received the Label. Building on this success, the Solar Impulse Foundation is igniting the next move, launching RUNWAY, building on the notion that cleantech innovations require accessible capital and investors seek viable sustainability projects. The inaugurated matchmaking platform brings together innovators who received the Solar Impulse Foundation’s Efficient Solution Label and investors from the World Alliance for Efficient Solutions to amplify positive change through sustainable technologies.

Besides connecting with the cleantech investor network, startups and innovators will have their current funding needs actively pushed to relevant investors in the fast-growing network.

More than 170 solutions from Switzerland have already been recognised by the Solar Impulse Foundation. Among them are many start-ups. Ten new Swiss start-ups were added in the first eight months 2023 alone. Given the difficult financing environment for venture capital, the new platform should be a great help to them.

“Solar Impulse's platform allows us easy access to pre-qualified opportunities, saving valuable time in targeting companies that meet our criteria. It provides detailed information and facilitates direct connections with project leaders,” said Thomas Beaugendre, Investment Manager at Demeter, a leading European VC firm and pioneer in cleantech investing.

Runway was first introduced in front of hundreds of investors and innovators during  the World Alliance for Efficient Solutions Summit in the recognized museum Cité des Sciences in Paris.

“Equity capital is key to growing a startup business and enables it to achieve its impact goals. Facilitating such investment by matchmaking contributes to the Solar Impulse Foundation’s mission of accelerating the adoption of clean and efficient solutions, thereby upholding its contribution to society as a foundation recognised for public interest,” said Willem van Hasselt, Director of Investor Relations at the Solar Impulse Foundation and initiator of the project.

(RAN)
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