Combining impact with financial gain: Insights from investors in the foodtech space
Summary
Prioritising impact in the midst of uncertainty Looking at the current market downturn with high inflation, rising interest rates and the global food supply at risk, we wanted to find out first-hand if the need for sustainability, climate or cleantech investments has shifted. Impact needs to go hand-in-hand with financial return Co-founding partner Clare Murray from Blume Equity, partnering with tech-enabled businesses across sustainable food, healthy living and responsible consumption at the growth equity stage in Europe, believes “Europe has a very robust impact funding ecosystem at the venture stage. Be aware of your valuation and if possible raise smaller rounds.” Blume Equity has invested in Elvie, the women’s health tech pioneer behind a connected breast pump and smart pelvic floor exerciser based in the UK and the online discount food store Motatos, or Matsmart as it is locally known in Sweden. The fund describes itself as the first European VC in (circular) bioeconomy exclusively dedicated to scaling growth-stage companies in food and energy contributing to a climate-neutral Europe. There are so many opportunities out there – honing in on a couple of goals rather than spreading yourselves too thin is a much stronger recipe for success.” Brad also believes that “businesses that make impact part of their foundation from the beginning will be the ones that survive over the years ahead.