£1m funding opportunity unveiled for UK low carbon businesses
The Berti Green Accelerator programme invites applications from businesses responding to environmental challenges, but warns it's not an easy ride.
Buiding environmental focus into the investment landscape with an opportunity for young, innovative UK start-ups with an environmental impact, the Berti Green accelerator programme has opened for entries.
The programme, in partnership with global 'secondaries' investor Coller Capital, is searching for three low carbon companies to help deliver their shared vision of creating a long-term positive impact on the environment.
The Berti Green Accelerator (BGA) programme was launched in 2012 and attracted more than 80 companies to apply for investment and business support from all over the UK. These companies ranged from enterprises engaged in a variety of sectors. Applications came from online conferencing, social networking, bio char, community solar initiatives, large-scale renewables such as tidal and biomass and consultancies and service providers.
The process is shaped by three simple stages: an initial online application submission, pitching in a finalists’ selection event, then going in ‘Dragon’s Den’ style into a final pitch. The three winners will be awarded a free 12-month mentorship programme from Coller Capital, and access to a £3m funding pool from Berti.
Though popular, the application process is by no means an easy ride, say the organisers. The judging criteria are strict, companies must be able to demonstrate long-term, sustainable growth plans that align with the programme’s impact-focused approach to investing.
Firefly Solar, specialists in solar energy solutions was one of the 2012 winners. The funding has allowed Firefly to move from the start-up phase into a sustainable growth phase. Firefly received six months of business support and expertise from Hamilton Bradshaw Impact Partners, and £550k of investment from Berti Investments.
Andy Mead, founder and CEO of Firefly, sees the programme as filling a funding gap for clean tech SMEs. “The people behind BGA share a common vision with Firefly Solar” he said. “This shared vision paired with the extensive experience of the management of Berti Investments and their extend network has enabled Firefly to get the advice and support it needs to grow in a sustainable manner.”
In a hugely competitive business landscape, the Berti Green Accelerator programme has developed a funding opportunity in tune with the increased scarcity of natural resources and is looking towards businesses that will solve some of these related environmental and social problems.
Berti Investments is an environmental impact investment company that invests in growing, entrepreneurial, low carbon businesses in the UK. Find out more and apply for the programme here. The application deadline is 7 November.