June 16th, 2025

Sydney, Australia – 17 June 2025 – Climate Tech Partners (CTP) has reached first close for its new fund, anchored by $15 million each from Australian Ethical Investments (AEI) and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC). This achievement comes despite a challenging environment for tech and venture capital fundraising.

The strong institutional support reflects an appetite for a new model of venture capital funding, one that deploys capital in collaboration with corporate partners who are likely to be the end users of such technology. CTP’s co-operative approach with industry brings benefits for all parties involved by: Demand validation – de-risking investments through corporate validation
Decarbonisation solutions – Addressing corporate needs through a curated deal flow of targeted technology solutions
Portfolio acceleration – Creating high-probability customer pathways for early-stage companies

The first close builds on a cornerstone investment from the BESEN Family Office, a renowned private equity investor, and separate vehicle commitments from Qantas and Airbus focused on aviation decarbonisation opportunities. CTP has so far secured over $50 million in commitments across the fund and aviation vehicle. In addition, CTP has secured 11 corporate partners across its core focus sectors of energy, transport, industrials, and mining.

Climate Tech Partners is set to deploy capital into a pipeline of high-potential startups focusing on companies at Series A. Guided by deep engagement with corporate partners, the fund has prioritised areas such as gridtech, low carbon fuels, and climate adaptation technologies.

The fund’s first close comes against broader global momentum for decarbonisation, despite US volatility. China, the world’s second largest economy, continues to accelerate investments in renewables, electrification, and advanced energy technologies. The European Union remains steadfast in its regulatory, policy, and capital market alignment toward emissions reduction and green innovation.

The recent election in Australia delivered policy certainty for the cleantech sector. This clarity drives investment to scale with greater confidence and long-term focus.

“We are thrilled to support Climate Tech Partners and their model, which is driven by industry demand,” said Ian Learmonth, CEO of the CEFC. “The team at Climate Tech Partners has a strong background in venture capital and tech investments and is well-placed to identify the next wave of technologies that will drive emissions reduction across key sectors. We are confident this team will deliver both environmental and commercial outcomes.”

Malcolm Thornton, Head of Growth Capital at the CEFC, said:
“This investment supports the advancement of technology essential to Australia’s climate transition – including rapid prototyping, manufacturing, and exposure to market competition. The climate tech space in Australia is vibrant, and this is an important time to back innovative companies making breakthroughs in critical technologies.”

Ludovic Theau, Chief Investment Officer at Australian Ethical, said:
“We’re pleased with this opportunity to advance our investment in early-stage climate technology. This Fund allows us to feed capital to the emerging companies in energy and climate tech that will shape a net-zero tomorrow. We’re confident in the growth opportunity this represents and are committed to climate and tech as a source of competitive returns for our investors.”

“This partnership aligns with our Ethical Charter and our approach to be at the forefront of investment in future focused sectors that support a net-zero economy.”

Patrick Sieb, Co-Founder of Climate Tech Partners said: “We’re seeing a wave of breakthrough climate tech – electrification, sustainable fuels, next-gen grids -gaining real traction.”

“With tech readiness, corporate demand, and policy aligning, it’s a powerful moment to invest. Even in the US, bipartisan backing for energy security and sustainable fuels shows just how durable this opportunity is.”

Tom Kline, Co-Founder of Climate Tech Partners said: “The Australian Government is committed to long-term climate ambition, which sends a powerful signal to innovators and investors alike.”

“This is a once-in-a-generation chance for Australia to lead in climate solutions – and we’re proud to be driving it, backed by family offices, super funds, and government with corporate partners to derisk and accelerate our investments.”

About the Partners

Climate Tech Partners (CTP) is an Australian-based climate venture platform focused on deploying capital into early-stage technologies that address industrial decarbonisation across energy, transport, mining, and industry. With deep sectoral expertise and a unique corporate partnership model, CTP is designed to accelerate commercialisation pathways for startups while delivering strong returns to investors.
Website: www.climatetech.partners

Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC)

The CEFC is Australia’s specialist climate investor, helping cut emissions in the race towards net zero by 2050. We invest in the latest technologies to generate, store, manage and transmit clean energy. Our discounted asset finance programs help put more Australians on the path to sustainability, in their homes and on the road. CEFC capital is also backing the net zero transformation of our natural capital, infrastructure, property and resources sectors, while providing critical capital for the emerging climate tech businesses of tomorrow. With access to more than $32 billion from the Australian Government, we invest to deliver a positive return for taxpayers. Website: www.cefc.com.au

Australian Ethical Investment (AEI)

Australian Ethical is one of Australia’s leading ethical investment managers1. Since 1986, Australian Ethical has provided investors with investment management products that align with their values and provide long-term, risk adjusted returns. Investments are guided by the Australian Ethical Charter which shapes its ethical approach and underpins both its culture and its vision. Australian Ethical has over $13 billion in funds under management across managed funds and superannuation. Visit: www.australianethical.com.au

1 Please refer to https://www.australianethical.com.au/why-ae/investment/#awards for specific awards Australian Ethical has won, including the specific categories.