World Bank – Early Stage Clean Technology Financing Study January 2017

By Rob Rosenberg

In a consortium with Carbon Trust (lead) and the University of Texas’ IC² Institute, South Pole Group has just won a World Bank tender on a thorough assessment of emerging markets investor activity in early stage climate technology opportunities. The objective of this study is to gain deeper insights into how risk capital can be unlocked for early-stage clean-tech businesses in developing countries, by understanding the experiences of investors operating in this space. Specifically, the study will 1) Identify and characterise active early stage clean technology investors in developing countries; and 2) understand opportunities and challenges, and synthesise lessons learned in their investment activities. South Pole Group’s role is – through contacts and other research – to provide the project with an overview and understanding of the current research in the space and also where the gaps are and areas most in need of research. The mandate will finish with a presentation of the outcomes at a round table event alongside early stage clean technology investors in Washington, DC in late May/early June 2017.