Paris-based venture capital firm 360 Capital has announced the first closing of its €140 million climate tech fund, 360 LIFE II.
The new fund aims to reach its target of €200 million by engaging key industrial partners and institutional investors.
This Article 9 fund aims to boost European startups shaping the energy transition, circular economy, and urban sustainability.
It is backed by industrial anchor investors such as A2A and De Nora and institutional anchor investors including Bpifrance and CDP Venture Capital SGR.
Cesare Maifredi, Partner at 360 Capital, said: “Multidisciplinary deeptech startups offer the best chance to deliver truly transformative solutions to climate change.
“At 360, we’ve spent over a decade making bold investments in frontier technologies, never shying away from hardware or complex engineerin g challenges.
“We’re proud to back visionary founders leading the ecological transition through breakthrough innovations. Investing in these sectors requires solid expertise, which is why we collaborate with industrial partners like A2A and now De Nora.
“This new fund represents another opportunity to pair our pursuit of strong financial returns with a tangible commitment to building a sustainable and resilient future.”
Renato Riservato, CEO of A2A, said: “With this initiative, A2A establishes itself as a leader in Italy in Corporate Venture Capital dedicated to climate tech.
“Our CVC program oversees approximately €80 million and six funds that have collectively invested in over 60 Italian and European startups.
“Innovation is essential for business growth, as highlighted in the recent report on the future of European competitiveness presented by Mario Draghi to the European Commission.
“For our Group, it serves as a strategic pillar across all our business areas, alongside decarbonization and energy autonomy.
“Our Industrial Plan extends to 2035, and to execute it effectively, we must continuously monitor and invest in emerging technologies.
“This new fund will provide further momentum for startups to develop projects that can make a tangible contribution to the ecological transition of the country—an effort that A2A is fully committed to supporting.”