Other sustainability and environment-focused UK startups have raised £2.3bn this year, following a wave of investments in UK clean energy companies .
The record amount has risen from £1.71 billion last year and £1.57 billion in 2019, according to figures from Data Supply Dealroom and the UK’s Digital Economy Council.
The analysis focuses on so-called “impact” startups in areas covered by the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including health, security, climate change and energy scarcity. .
Nadine Dorries, digital, culture, media and sport secretary, says the dramatic rise is a vote of confidence in the UK: “From world-class AI has discovered methods of regulation. new treatments for Covid-19 to green energy solutions paving the way for a -zero future network, UK technology that is transforming the world for the better”.
Investment in the region has grown 127% since 2018, along with an increase in investment in climate technology and general health. Clean tech companies make up the majority of all impact investments, with 65% of all deals involving companies looking to tackle the climate crisis.
Octopus Energy, the electricity supplier, has sealed one of the most important deals, secured £438 million in funding from Al Gore’s Generation Investment Management. Electric car subscription service provider ONTO and plastic recycling company Plastic Energy have raised £130m and £123m each in impact investments.
The UK has hosted 164 rounds of impact financing this year, compared with 58 in Sweden, 75 in France, 99 in Germany and 476 in the US.
However, the UK trails some Nordic rivals in terms of total investment, with German startups at £2.4 billion while businesses in Sweden attract £3.3 billion. UK, after Swedish battery maker Northvolt raised £2.75 billion through its biggest funding round ever.
Influential French startups brought in £1.42 billion, while US impact startups raised £20 billion in investments.
The UK is home to nearly 900 impact companies, totaling £50 billion and employing 35,000 people, of which 12 have been designated as impact unicorns, for being more valuable. 1 billion pounds.
Six of the UK influence unicorns are based in London, including healthcare company Babylon and artificial intelligence developer Tractable.
