The Low Carbon Innovation Fund backs ambitious SMEs in England that are developing environmentally beneficial technologies, products and services. We invest alongside private-sector investors to support commercialisation, growth and impact.
- Low Carbon Innovation fund is a venture capital co-investment fund deploying capital originally provided from the European Regional Development Fund. Capital is invested into innovative businesses developing or commercialising new, energy or resource efficient technologies.
- Investments from £25,000 to £1 million through equity or convertible loans.
- Co-investment model, with private sector investors providing at least 50% of the funding round.
- Backed by UEA and managed by Turquoise International.
- Supports businesses developing technologies, products or services that deliver measurable greenhouse gas reductions.
- Builds on a strong track record, with previous funds helping innovative businesses secure over £100 million in private investment.
HOW THE FUND WORKS
- UEA Innovation Funding works with specialist climate-tech fund manager Turquoise International to identify, support and invest in high potential technologies close to commercialisation.
- Investments are made alongside private sector co-investors, who provide at least 50% of the funding round.
- Initial enquiries are assessed to determine whether the business is a good fit for the Fund.
- Suitable businesses are invited to progress to a full application.
- Applications are considered through a three-stage Investment Committee process before an investment decision is made.
- Businesses can make an informal enquiry to discuss their suitability with the team before applying.
LCIF INVESTMENT READINESS PROGRAMME
- A practical programme designed to help ambitious businesses prepare for investment.
- Includes masterclasses, seminars, panel discussions and founder stories led by experienced industry expert and investors.
- Delivered through small, supportive cohorts, both in person and online.
- Every participating business receives tailored one-to-one mentoring based on its specific needs.
- Access to a network of specialists across areas including finance, legal, intellectual property, marketing and sector-specific expertise.
- Focused on giving businesses the knowledge, confidence and connections needed to take the next step in their growth journey.
ADDING VALUE
We work closely with portfolio companies to make available the knowledge, expertise and contacts from over 20 years in the cleantech sector. In addition to the fund itself, we provide deep knowledge of the sector along with tried and tested corporate finance and growth business experience and a valuable address book of contacts.
- Dedicated non-executive directors or board observers to support scale and growth throughout the Funds involvement.
- Support to leverage significant private and public funds for investment into low carbon ventures.
- The LCIF: Investment Readiness Programme helps founders add value to their proposition, prepare their team for future fundraisings and establish helpful commercial relationships.
- Specialist mentors and professional consultants.
The LCIF portfolio spans energy, information technology, industrial innovation, health, consumer discretionary and consumer staples – united by a clear commercial proposition and potential for measurable environmental benefit.
