Despite challenging market conditions, Antwerp-based venture capital firm Junction Growth Investors has successfully closed its first fund at €115 million, surpassing its initial €100 million target. This achievement reflects the sustained interest in energy transition investments across Europe. The firm, which primarily targets growth-stage companies in the sector, has gained significant financial support from family offices and institutional investors. With a focus on scaling European businesses, the fund aims to provide capital to companies developing innovative solutions for sustainable energy.
Earlier funding rounds for energy transition-focused initiatives have seen fluctuations in investor confidence, particularly in the face of economic headwinds. While some firms struggled to meet their fundraising targets, Junction Growth Investors exceeded expectations, reflecting strong demand for sustainable investments. Previous reports indicate an increasing trend of venture capital firms directing funds toward climate technology and grid-enhancing innovations, signaling a shift in investment priorities.
Who is backing the fund?
The fund has attracted contributions from key players, including stakeholders from AB InBev and Umicore, alongside technology entrepreneurs such as Jan-Willem Rombouts, Gregoire de Streel, and Jean-Guillaume Zurstrassen. Institutional investors, including the European Investment Fund (EIF), BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity, PMV, and the Belgian Growth Fund, have also committed capital.
Keeling Capital, a global investment fund-of-funds specializing in climate tech, has recently joined as an investor. Ross Madden, Partner at Keeling Capital, emphasized the value of Junction Growth Investors’ expertise in supporting energy businesses, stating,
“Junction Growth Investors’ distinctive approach to venture investing and deep domain expertise in building and scaling energy businesses make them an ideal partner as we work to accelerate the growth of innovative climate tech companies.”
What companies has the fund supported?
Since its founding in 2022, Junction Growth Investors has deployed capital into seven companies focusing on energy transition solutions. These companies operate in diverse sectors, including grid-enhancing technologies, B2B installation services, sustainable building solutions, home energy management systems, and industrial decarbonization.
The firm has invested in Ampacimon (Belgium) and Eneida (Portugal), both of which develop grid-enhancing technologies that facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources. Additional investments include Eturnity (Switzerland), a software provider for renewable energy installers, and EET (Austria), which offers smart plug-in battery solutions for renters and apartment owners. Other key investments include Hysopt (Belgium), which optimizes HVAC systems for improved energy efficiency, and Haulogy (Belgium), a company specializing in software solutions for energy utilities.
Junction Growth Investors has also expanded its involvement in the solar energy sector by acquiring a majority stake in Solora (Belgium) alongside BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity. Solora operates as a B2B installer and maintainer of large-scale solar and battery storage systems across the Benelux region and France.
Managing Partner Dirk Dewals highlighted the broader implications of energy transition investments, stating,
“Climate change continues to advance, leaving tangible impacts on societies and personal wealth. However, the energy transition is not solely about combating climate change. It also presents a pivotal opportunity for Europe to reduce its dependence on geopolitically sensitive carbon fuels and to build a couple of European technology leaders with global reach such as Ampacimon, which has 50 percent of its order book in the US.”
As energy transition investments gain momentum, Junction Growth Investors’ strategy reflects a combination of financial backing and active involvement in portfolio companies. The firm’s focus on electrification in the B2B sector highlights the increasing role of businesses in advancing sustainable energy solutions. By targeting companies with scalable, asset-light models, the fund aims to support the development of commercially viable climate solutions.
The success of Junction Growth Investors in surpassing its funding goal indicates sustained investor confidence in climate-focused ventures. The firm’s emphasis on supporting European energy transition businesses underscores the growing investment opportunities in this sector. As technological advancements continue, firms like Junction Growth Investors are likely to play a key role in helping companies scale their operations and contribute to the broader transition toward sustainable energy solutions.
