Paris-based venture capital firm SlateVC has announced the $156 million first close of its inaugural growth fund, which targets a total of $295 million. This new capital arrives at a pivotal moment, aiming to support European climate tech companies that have successfully navigated the recent market downturn and are now poised for commercial expansion. The fund will focus on B2B scale-ups where sustainability is a direct driver of business performance and industrial competitiveness.
A Strategic Focus on Scalable Climate Solutions
SlateVC distinguishes itself by operating as an early-growth fund rather than a traditional venture capital firm chasing speculative innovations. The team's strategy centers on backing businesses with proven technologies and significant revenue, where environmental impact directly enhances unit economics. This pragmatic approach prioritizes companies that can scale sustainably without relying solely on green premiums for their business model.
The firm is targeting investments across the energy transition, low-carbon manufacturing, and circular economy sectors, including hardware, software, and AI solutions. By focusing on companies ready to accelerate commercially, SlateVC aims to address Europe's industrial challenges, such as high energy costs and import dependency. The goal is to foster a new generation of competitive and resilient European industries.
Experienced Leadership and Strong Financial Backing
The firm is led by a team of four founding partners whose collective experience bridges entrepreneurship, investment, and deep industry knowledge. The team includes PeopleDoc co-founder Clément Buyse, former IdInvest investor Chloé Giard, Eventbrite co-founder Renaud Visage, and energy specialist Sébastien Léger. Their combined expertise provides portfolio companies with critical operational and strategic guidance for scaling their operations globally.
This first close attracted significant support from prominent institutional investors, signaling strong market confidence in SlateVC's mission. Key limited partners include the European Investment Fund (EIF), French public investment bank Bpifrance via its Fonds National de Venture Industriel (FNVI), and financial giant BNP Paribas. Several European family offices and private investors also contributed to the fund.
Initial Investments and Future Ambitions
SlateVC has already begun deploying capital, making two high-conviction investments that exemplify its strategic focus. The firm co-led a Series B round for Fairmat, a French company that recycles carbon-fibre materials for the automotive and construction industries. It also led the Series B for Resourcify, a German AI platform that helps corporations optimize waste management and circularity programs.
Looking ahead, SlateVC plans to build a concentrated portfolio of 15 to 20 European companies, leading investment rounds from Series A to C. The firm intends to complete its fundraising within the next 18 months while expanding its Paris-based team to enhance deal sourcing across the continent. This strategy is designed to prove that climate-focused investments can deliver strong financial returns.
SlateVC's new fund represents a significant injection of capital into Europe's maturing climate tech ecosystem, providing a vital bridge for companies transitioning from technological validation to commercial scale. By championing a philosophy where environmental performance and business competitiveness are intertwined, the firm is well-positioned to cultivate industry leaders. This initiative ultimately aims to strengthen Europe's industrial sovereignty while accelerating its path toward a sustainable, low-carbon economy.