Investible, a Sydney-based venture capital firm, is actively pursuing investments in climate-focused technology start-ups across Singapore and neighboring regions. Spearheaded by Investible’s CEO Rod Bristow, the firm is launching a US$150 million fund in partnership with Bank Mandiri, Indonesia’s largest bank. This initiative targets emerging technologies aimed at achieving net-zero emissions to combat climate change, with a particular focus on Southeast Asia, including Indonesia.

The Mandiri Investible Global Climate Tech Fund will operate from Singapore, where Investible has maintained an office since 2018, employing a team of 10 professionals. Mr. Bristow highlighted their track record of investing in 15 companies in Southeast Asia since 2018 and their ongoing evaluation of opportunities across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Singapore, a pivotal hub in the region’s climate technology sector, witnessed 59 out of 102 equity and funding deals in this field from January to November 2023. This growth is bolstered by the Singapore Green Plan 2030, robust intellectual property laws, favorable visa programs for tech talent, and a supportive customer base.

Investible’s investment strategy aligns with the United Nations Environment Programme’s focus on six critical sectors: energy, industry, agriculture and food, forests and land use, transport, and buildings and cities. Their portfolio spans over 30 companies in climate-related sectors such as critical mineral recycling, electric vehicles, deep technology, agriculture technology, and infrastructure-enabling software.

Founded a decade ago by a syndicate of 20 technology entrepreneurs and investors, Investible has evolved into a global entity with investments in 12 countries, managing over US$125 million. The firm has facilitated 14 full or partial exits and supported two unicorns, Canva and Ipsy. It continues to operate its original syndicate, now expanded to 200 members across 14 countries, with typical initial investments ranging from US$250,000 to US$1 million.

Mr. Bristow emphasized the firm’s commitment to leveraging economic ties between Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, and the broader region to drive their investment strategy. Key figures within Investible include Dr. Darian McBain, former Chief Sustainability Officer at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and Ms. Christine Amour-Levar, a Singapore-based climate investor and philanthropist.

Investible’s presence in Singapore underscores its dedication to fostering innovation and sustainability in the Southeast Asian market, positioning itself as a pivotal player in the region’s burgeoning climate technology landscape.