--- title: What Climate VCs Are Actually Looking for beyond 2026 description: Discover what climate VCs are seeking in 2026 and learn how to align your startup with Article 9 Fund requirements for successful fundraising. image: https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/hubfs/mario-gogh-VBLHICVh-lI-unsplash.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/what-climate-vcs-are-actually-looking-for-beyond-2025#main-content) [![Fiegenbaum Solutions Logo](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/hubfs/Branding/Fiegenbaum-Solutions_Logo.svg) ![Fiegenbaum Solutions Logo](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/hubfs/Branding/Fiegenbaum-Solutions_Logo.svg)](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/?hsLang=en) - Services - [Climate Risk Assessment](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/climate-risk-analysis-for-companies) - [VSME Report](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/vsme-reporting-for-smes) - [ESG Due Diligence VCs & Series A+](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/esg-due-diligence-vcs-series-a-startups) - [Product Carbon Footprint](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/product-carbon-footprint-lifecycle-assessment) - [Corporate Carbon Footprint](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/company-carbon-footprint-methods-tools-best-practice) - Solutions - [Materiality Screening](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/double-materiality-analysis-definition-process-best-practice#fs-screening) - [Atlas](https://atlas.fiegenbaum.solutions/en) - [Load Profile Check](https://atlas.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/lastgang-check) - [Pricing](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/esg-climate-consulting-fixed-prices-carbon-footprint-vsme-due-diligence-climate-risk) - [About me](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/about-me) - [Blog](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog) - [Contact](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/contact) ###### 15 min read # What Climate VCs Are Actually Looking for beyond 2025 By: [Johannes Fiegenbaum](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/author/johannes-fiegenbaum) on 3/31/25, 11:27 AM · Last updated October 11, 2026 [Climate VC & Impact Investing](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/tag/climate-vc-impact-investing) [ClimateTech Startups](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/tag/climatetech-startups) ![Team working in the evening in a glass-walled meeting room](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/hubfs/mario-gogh-VBLHICVh-lI-unsplash.jpg) The climate tech funding landscape is maturing, fast. The easy money of 2021 is long gone, but something better is taking shape: smarter capital, deeper conviction, and a growing pool of investors focused on **climate impact at scale**. At the heart of this shift are **Article 9 Funds. A** new breed of VC fund governed by the **EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR)**. These "dark green" funds are laser-focused on measurable sustainability outcomes. If you're building a climate startup and raising in 2025, understanding what these investors are actually looking for can make or break your next round. But don't worry, this isn't a regulation manual. It's a **founder-first checklist** based on what leading [climate VCs](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/esg-venture-capital?hsLang=en) are already funding, and how startup teams can set themselves up for success. ### Table of Contents - [What Are Article 9 Funds & Why Should Founders Care?](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/what-climate-vcs-are-actually-looking-for-beyond-2025#article9) - What's Changed Since 2022? - Why Angel Syndicates Still Lead at Pre-Seed - The 2025 Climate VC Checklist - Case Study: How Konfidens Embedded ESG Before Seed - Suggested Fundraising Flow - FAQs - Final Thoughts: Fundraising for Impact-Driven Growth   ## What Are Article 9 Funds & and Why Should Founders Care? ![headway-jfR5wu2hMI0-unsplash (1)-1](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/hs-fs/hubfs/headway-jfR5wu2hMI0-unsplash%20(1)-1.jpg?width=1920&height=1280&name=headway-jfR5wu2hMI0-unsplash%20(1)-1.jpg) **Article 9 Funds** are a new class of regulated investment vehicles under the EU's **Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR)**. These funds are required to invest exclusively in ventures that make a **measurable contribution to environmental or social goals**. In plain terms? 💬 *They're the most serious climate investors in the market, and they're growing fast.*   ### What Sets Article 9 Funds Apart? They're not just impact-aligned, they're **impact-mandated**. That means: ✅ **Every investment must deliver a sustainable outcome** (not just ESG-aligned) ✅ **No significant harm:** companies must avoid causing damage elsewhere ✅ **EU Taxonomy disclosure:** [they must disclose what share of the portfolio is taxonomy-aligned, without a mandatory minimum](https://finance.ec.europa.eu/sustainable-finance/tools-and-guidance/eu-taxonomy-sustainable-activities/taxonomy-navigator_en) ✅ **Transparent public reporting:** from pre-investment disclosures to annual impact reports ✅ **Benchmarking against the Paris Agreement**, where applicable This isn't a marketing label. It's a regulatory standard with real consequences. And LPs, asset managers, and policymakers are taking it seriously.   ### What This Means for Startups If you're raising capital and considering Article 9-aligned VCs (like Climentum, Planet A, Pale Blue Dot, Contrarian Ventures, Rubio Impact, or Planet First Partners), here's what to know: - **They're not dabbling, they're deploying real capital**, especially in Europe - **They will ask tougher questions about your impact logic, emissions, and ESG** - **They expect you to be building a business that scales and decarbonises, not just a great pitch** Startups that meet these standards are more likely to land meaningful rounds, build long-term LP trust, and future-proof themselves against incoming regulation. ### What Article 9 Funds Expect from Founders | Article 9 Fund Requirements | What You Need to Show | | --- | --- | | **Sustainable investment objective** | Clear environmental impact (e.g. avoided emissions) | | **Do No Significant Harm** | Evidence you're not causing harm in other areas (e.g. waste, social impact) | | **EU Taxonomy alignment** | Tied to climate goals (energy, mobility, agtech, materials, etc.) | | **Transparent disclosures** | Be ready with ESG data, emissions estimates, and milestones | | **Annual impact reports** | Investors will ask how you're tracking and improving | Read more here: [From LCAs to Forward-Looking Impact: A Guide for VCs](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/from-lcas-to-forward-looking-impact-a-guide-for-vcs?hsLang=en). ## What's Changed Since 2022? ![christopher-burns-Kj2SaNHG-hg-unsplash (1)](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/hs-fs/hubfs/christopher-burns-Kj2SaNHG-hg-unsplash%20(1).jpg?width=1920&height=1280&name=christopher-burns-Kj2SaNHG-hg-unsplash%20(1).jpg) In 2022, storytelling and strong conviction could carry a round. In 2025, that's no longer enough. The 2021/2022 startups that struggle most often fall into two camps. I describe the typical patterns in [4 Types of Climate Startups That Will Struggle to Raise](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/4-types-of-climate-startups-that-will-struggle-to-raise-in-2025?hsLang=en). - First, those operating in overcrowded or overly mature markets, where differentiation is weak and margin pressure is high. Even strong operators can find it hard to raise follow-on capital if their model feels like a commodity rather than a category-definer. - Second, those with unclear or unquantified climate impact. Where the link to avoided emissions is vague, indirect, or hard to model. Today's climate VCs increasingly expect a tangible emissions reduction pathway, not just a broad alignment with sustainability goals. For founders, the message is simple: to stand out, you need to show not just that your solution works, but that it matters, and that it scales. Climate VCs, especially Article 9 funds, now demand more evidence, more discipline, and more alignment. I cover how to meet that bar in [How to Position Your Climate Tech Startup for Article 9 VC Funds](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/how-to-position-your-climate-tech-startup-for-article-9-vc-funds?hsLang=en). Here's what's shifted: ### 1. **Validated Tech \> Visionary Slides** VCs are still backing bold ideas. Albeit only if they're grounded in **de-risked hardware** or **validated software**. Or more broadly: Investing is becoming increasingly atom- and science-based, with funds giving consequential LCAs and emission reduction pontentials a veto-right. > Moonshots are fine, but for VCs you need more than a master thesis and a dream. Exceptions exist, especially in **underhyped sectors** (like industrial biotech or materials), but even there, early pilots speak louder than promises. ### 2. **Impact = Numbers, Not Narratives** Expect investors to ask for: - Projected **\>100,000 or 1 million or 100 million tCO₂e avoided per year within 10 years** - [Consequential Lifecycle assessments](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/understanding-lca-methodologies-and-standards-a-guide-to-sustainable-product-development?hsLang=en), not just product-level claims - Theory of change, how and why a desired change is expected to happen - Alignment with real-world levers: scope 3, climate-risk, electrification > "We're tackling climate change" isn't a pitch, it's a starting point. ### 3. **Capital Efficiency Is Back** Even in hardtech, you'll need to show: - A clear **FOAK funding plan** (first-of-a-kind deployments) - Blended capital options (**grants**, non-dilutive, partnerships) - Smart staging: What can you achieve with €1M vs €5M? > We move atoms" isn't a free pass anymore. It's a CapEx challenge you need to solve. ### 4. **ESG Readiness Starts at Seed** Investors want to see signs that you: - Track and manage **operational and value chain emissions** - [Materiality Assessment for SMEs: From ESG Compliance to Growth](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/materiality-assessment-smes-esg-compliance-growth?hsLang=en) (risk *to* and *from* your company) - Engage stakeholders and are building toward [**CSRD-style transparency**](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/demystifying-esrs-a-comprehensive-guide-to-european-sustainability-reporting-standards-and-csrd-disclosure-requirements?hsLang=en) > ESG isn't a compliance box: it's an investor confidence signal. A full guide can be found here: [Unlocking ESG Value for Startups and Venture Capital: A Practical Guide](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/esg-venture-capital?hsLang=en)   ### 5. **VCs Are Hedging Against Policy Volatility** With shifting political winds across Europe and the U.S., VCs are looking for startups that **can scale in both policy-up and policy-down environments**. That means fewer bets on regulation-dependent business models, and more interest in companies that unlock carbon reduction through **unit economics, not subsidies alone**.   ## And What About Angel Syndicates? **Angel syndicates** play a different, albeit critical, role. They: - Aren't bound by Article 9 mandates or institutional compliance - Often invest **earlier, with less data and more belief** - Back founders in underfunded verticals or geographies - Can be flexible on governance, impact logic, and TRL levels But make no mistake: > Many angels are seasoned operators and LPs. Underestimate them and you'll lose them. In many cases, syndicates will get you off the ground, while **VCs pick you up for scale.** Use this to your advantage and build accordingly.   ## The 2025 Climate VC Checklist ![dylan-gillis-KdeqA3aTnBY-unsplash](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/hs-fs/hubfs/dylan-gillis-KdeqA3aTnBY-unsplash.jpg?width=1920&height=1280&name=dylan-gillis-KdeqA3aTnBY-unsplash.jpg) What leading Article 9-aligned VCs are screening for in early-stage deals: ### 1. Your Tech Is Ready for the Real World **✔️ TRL 7+** (prototype/pilot tested) **🚫 TRL 3 to 5**? Consider a grant round or angel support first Use the phrase: *"We've completed our pilot with \[X\] and are now raising to scale."* ### 2. You Can Quantify Avoided Emissions ✔️ Aim for \>100,000 tCO₂e per year within a decade ✔️ Include lifecycle impact or emission reduction potential 🚫 Don't rely on external forces to define your impact Use a methodology like Project Frame to build your assumptions, it's free and credible. ### 3. You're Capital-Efficient (Even in Hardtech) ✔️ Break your CapEx into stages ✔️ Show leverage (e.g. grants, soft loans, partners) 🚫 "We'll need €5M upfront" won't fly without serious traction Be ready to answer: *What would you do with €1M, €3M, and €5M?* ### 4. You Understand ESG and Governance ✔️ Complete a basic [ESG questionnaire](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-esg-questionnaires-understanding-the-relevance-components-and-data-collection-for-companies?hsLang=en) for startups ✔️ Prepare a back of the envelope double materiality matrix 🚫 Don't say "we're too early for ESG", they'll walk 🚫 The SDGs are three letters too, but they honestly don't matter here **Founder tip**: Even at Seed, they expect you to know your three letters. This is about data management, risk management (think double materiality, climate risk), stakeholder engagement eventually leading to CSRD-style reporting. ### 5. You're Policy-Aware ✔️ Know how your solution fits into EU Green Deal, CBAM, or CSRD ✔️ Mention relevant taxonomy-aligned sectors (e.g. building materials, circular economy) 🚫 If you don't know where you sit in the EU framework, investors won't spend time figuring it out for you Bonus: tie your pitch to the EU Taxonomy. It helps investors report on their own mandates. ### Case Study: How Konfidens Embedded ESG Before Seed > Getting a system in place from an early stage made it much easier to internalise ESG reporting as a core activity for the company as we're growing. > **Aleksander Erichsen, CEO, Konfidens** Mental health SaaS startup **Konfidens** wanted to raise their pre-seed round, but knew that sustainability would be a future must-have. Working with myself, they: - Measured their carbon footprint using the free [**SME Climate Hub tool**](https://smeclimatehub.org/) - Chose credible offset projects with low barriers to entry - Added an **ESG clause** to reflect ethical, flexible governance - Used accounting data to report and reduce emissions with transparency By [**embedding ESG early**](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/case-study-konfidens?hsLang=en), they avoided bigger changes later and built credibility with future VCs. ## Why Angel Syndicates Still Lead at Pre-Seed ![annie-spratt-hCb3lIB8L8E-unsplash](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/hs-fs/hubfs/annie-spratt-hCb3lIB8L8E-unsplash.jpg?width=1920&height=1260&name=annie-spratt-hCb3lIB8L8E-unsplash.jpg) While Article 9 Funds dominate the Seed and Series A landscape, **they're rarely the first cheque in**. That role still belongs to **angel syndicates.** Professional believers who: - Take **more risk** on lower TRL, early traction startups - Invest with **mission and personal interest** in climate impact - Bring **expertise and networks** beyond just capital > Syndicates help unlock capital for hardware moonshots and distribute risk among many. > *Yoann Berno, [Climate Insiders](https://www.climateinsiders.com/)* And the best part? You can often get: - Access to **climate-specific investor groups** - Faster feedback and shorter timelines - More flexibility around governance terms 🧠 Pro tip: Use angel rounds to **de-risk yourself** for Article 9 VCs later. Nail your pilot, tighten your pitch, and build your impact logic. ## Suggested Fundraising Flow (2025 Edition) | Stage | Ideal Funder Type | What to Focus On | | --- | --- | --- | | Pre-Seed | Angel syndicates | Early proof, ESG baseline, pilot potential | | Seed | Blended (Angels + early VCs) | Traction, emissions story, policy fit | | Series A | Article 9 Funds | Scale plan, governance, full LCA/impact logic | ## FAQ: What Climate VCs Are Looking for Beyond 2025 1\. What sectors are Climate VCs prioritising? Climate VCs are doubling down on clean energy tech, materials, sustainable infrastructure, and industrial deep tech. 2\. How important are ESG criteria in funding decisions? Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics are now baseline expectations. Wise's venture capital analysis shows that startups that fail to align with ESG priorities rarely progress past initial VC screening. 3\. Is AI influencing climate tech investments? Absolutely. From predictive energy modelling to AI-enhanced battery management, climate VCs are keen on tech that makes decarbonisation smarter. Carbon Credits' industry report highlights this emerging trend despite overall investment slowdowns. 4\. What types of startups attract Climate VC funding? VCs favour solutions with system-level potential that cut industrial inefficiencies (and emissions), and reduce resource waste, whether through supply chain optimisation, smarter chemistry and processes, water loss detection or better materials. While software may seem secondary in this atoms-first challenge, it remains a critical enabler, powering everything from optimisation and monitoring to accessibility and scalability across the climate tech landscape. 5\. Are blockchain or DeFi models relevant in this space? Tokenisation and other Web3 tools are being tested for climate finance, but remain niche. David Hook's analysis shows some VCs are exploring them as complementary funding strategies, but tbh, they don't really play a role. 6\. How much does leadership matter? A founder's track record, clarity of vision, and grit are still among the top indicators for investor trust, as highlighted in Wise's comprehensive venture capital study. 7\. Why is Climate VC activity slowing down? Market saturation, macroeconomic headwinds, and AI hype have reallocated some capital away from climate startups, especially early-stage ones. Carbon Credits' market analysis documents this three-year decline in funding. The problem isn't going away anytime soon though. 8\. Can VC-backed models address climate justice? It's debated. Critics say traditional VC frameworks favour well-resourced regions and consumers. The Ada Lovelace Institute's report argues more inclusive funding mechanisms are needed and some VCs are opening the lines exclusively for underrepresented founders. 9\. Should governments take the lead on large-scale climate projects? Many believe public investment is better suited for foundational tech that lacks near-term profitability but has long-term impact, as detailed in Ada Lovelace Institute's comprehensive analysis of climate capital allocation. But real progress requires strong public-private collaboration to scale and innovate effectively. 10\. What innovations will drive investment post-2025? Innovations that will drive investment post-2025 are those that can stand on their own merit, demonstrating intrinsic value and effectiveness without relying heavily on external policies or regulatory frameworks for their success. These innovations will be characterized by their ability to deliver tangible results, such as significant reductions in carbon emissions or breakthroughs in sustainable technology, independently of government incentives or mandates. 11\. How do policies affect VC appetite? Heavily. David Hook's policy impact research shows that incentives, green regulation, and net-zero mandates create fertile ground for venture-backed solutions. ## Final Thoughts: Fundraising for Impact-Driven Growth Climate tech founders are building in an era of sharper capital and higher expectations. That's a good thing. If you're early, start with angels who share your conviction. If you're ready, align with Article 9 VC expectations and use this checklist to fine-tune your pitch. You don't need perfection. You need **evidence, intent, and alignment**. Start with impact logic, show capital efficiency, and bring policy awareness to the table. **The future belongs to startups that are fundable and future-proofed.** Next step Turn climate risk or ESG data into a decision? In a 30-minute intro call we map where your biggest lever is, with no obligation. [Book an intro call](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/contact?hsLang=en) ![Johannes Fiegenbaum](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/hubfs/Johannes_07-modified.png) ### Johannes Fiegenbaum ESG and sustainability consultant based in Hamburg, specialised in VSME reporting, carbon accounting and climate risk analysis. Works with mid-sized companies, investors and financial institutions, and developed the VSME reporting software VSEasy together with clients. [More about](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/about-me?hsLang=en) Related articles ## You may also like ### [Climate VC & Impact Investing 4 Types of Climate Startups That Will Struggle to Raise in 2025 The climate tech landscape in 2025 is marked by a noticeable shift in investor behaviour. With capital becoming more selective, venture funds are backing fewer moonshots and ... Read more →](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/4-types-of-climate-startups-that-will-struggle-to-raise-in-2025?hsLang=en) ### [EU Taxonomy How to Position Your (Climate) Tech Startup for Article 9 VC Funds Read more →](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/how-to-position-your-climate-tech-startup-for-article-9-vc-funds?hsLang=en) ### [Climate VC & Impact Investing Impact Carry in VC: Link Carried Interest to ESG Outcomes Read more →](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/impact-carry-financial-returns-social-environmental-goals-vc?hsLang=en) ### [ClimateTech Startups How Large Language Models (LLMs) Drive Success in ClimateTech Startups Read more →](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/large-language-models-llms-climatetech-success?hsLang=en) ### [Climate VC & Impact Investing From LCAs to Forward-Looking Impact: A Guide for VCs Read more →](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/from-lcas-to-forward-looking-impact-a-guide-for-vcs?hsLang=en) ### [Climate Adaptation & Resilience Hamburg 2040: Pioneering Strict Climate Regulations for Business Transformation Read more →](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/hamburg-future-referendum-2040-climate-law-business-impact?hsLang=en) ##### Johannes Fiegenbaum Johannes Fiegenbaum I turn climate risk and ESG data into capital and financing decisions. 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Wise's venture capital analysis shows that startups that fail to align with ESG priorities rarely progress past initial VC screening." }, "name" : "How important are ESG criteria in funding decisions?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Absolutely. From predictive energy modelling to AI-enhanced battery management, climate VCs are keen on tech that makes decarbonisation smarter. Carbon Credits' industry report highlights this emerging trend despite overall investment slowdowns." }, "name" : "Is AI influencing climate tech investments?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "VCs favour solutions with system-level potential that cut industrial inefficiencies (and emissions), and reduce resource waste, whether through supply chain optimisation, smarter chemistry and processes, water loss detection or better materials. While software may seem secondary in this atoms-first challenge, it remains a critical enabler, powering everything from optimisation and monitoring to accessibility and scalability across the climate tech landscape." }, "name" : "What types of startups attract Climate VC funding?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Tokenisation and other Web3 tools are being tested for climate finance, but remain niche. David Hook's analysis shows some VCs are exploring them as complementary funding strategies, but tbh, they don't really play a role." }, "name" : "Are blockchain or DeFi models relevant in this space?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "A founder's track record, clarity of vision, and grit are still among the top indicators for investor trust, as highlighted in Wise's comprehensive venture capital study ." }, "name" : "How much does leadership matter?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Market saturation, macroeconomic headwinds, and AI hype have reallocated some capital away from climate startups, especially early-stage ones. Carbon Credits' market analysis documents this three-year decline in funding. The problem isn't going away anytime soon though." }, "name" : "Why is Climate VC activity slowing down?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "It's debated. Critics say traditional VC frameworks favour well-resourced regions and consumers. The Ada Lovelace Institute's report argues more inclusive funding mechanisms are needed and some VCs are opening the lines exclusively for underrepresented founders." }, "name" : "Can VC-backed models address climate justice?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Many believe public investment is better suited for foundational tech that lacks near-term profitability but has long-term impact, as detailed in Ada Lovelace Institute's comprehensive analysis of climate capital allocation. But real progress requires strong public-private collaboration to scale and innovate effectively." }, "name" : "Should governments take the lead on large-scale climate projects?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Innovations that will drive investment post-2025 are those that can stand on their own merit, demonstrating intrinsic value and effectiveness without relying heavily on external policies or regulatory frameworks for their success. These innovations will be characterized by their ability to deliver tangible results, such as significant reductions in carbon emissions or breakthroughs in sustainable technology, independently of government incentives or mandates." }, "name" : "What innovations will drive investment post-2025?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Heavily. David Hook's policy impact research shows that incentives, green regulation, and net-zero mandates create fertile ground for venture-backed solutions." }, "name" : "How do policies affect VC appetite?" } ] } ```