Current events letter 📰#1
Welcome to the first installment of the Tech4Earth current events letter.
General industry news📝
1.Holon and Dubai AI & Web3 Festival: Holon, a leader in verifiably green data storage, partnered with the Dubai AI & Web3 Festival to drive sustainable data innovation. They aim to develop AI-powered, energy-efficient data infrastructure using repurposed property, addressing the increasing energy demands of global data storage. As data consumption skyrockets, Holon stresses the importance of shifting to green data practices to curb the significant carbon footprint of data centers, which could consume up to 8% of global electricity by 2030.
2. The 2024 Sustainability & ESG Leadership Summit: Organized by the Center for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE), will take place on September 30 at One World Trade Center in New York City. The event, backed by 1BusinessWorld, will convene industry leaders to explore the evolving role of businesses in sustainability, ESG, and Net Zero efforts. Featured speakers include Nikos Avlonas (CSE), Amanda Gardiner (Meta), and Roger Martella (GE Vernova), among others.
3. Combinder's AI-driven Green Energy Nano-grid: This innovative project showcases a decentralized energy marketplace using AI agents. It enables households equipped with solar panels to share energy, participate in peer-to-peer microgrids, and earn rewards. The system uses AI to manage energy consumption, optimizing power distribution and minimizing environmental impact. The aim is to create a scalable model that connects multiple households in local, AI-powered microgrids, enhancing sustainability through decentralized infrastructure.
World Economic Forum, Bisinfotech
4. Tepco Explores Green Bitcoin Mining: Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) subsidiary Agile Energy X is testing Bitcoin mining as a solution to prevent wasted renewable energy. By using surplus solar power from Japan's output control, where excess energy is curtailed, the company powers mining rigs near solar farms. Agile Energy estimates that 10% of this wasted energy could generate $2.5 billion in Bitcoin annually. This initiative aims to support the adoption of green energy while adding profitability to Bitcoin mining, potentially encouraging further renewable energy use across Japan.
Notable raises👀🚀
(Curtesy of Deal room)
SaaS solution to support installers and sellers integrating renewable technologies into households and businesses
Augsburg, Germany
€13.0m SERIES A
Sep 2024
Designer and manufacturer of innovative connected electric bikes for urban riders that continues to transform the bike and mobility industries — from point of sale to point of service
City of Brussels, Belgium
€4.0m LATE VC
Sep 2024
Regenerative Farm Managers
London, United Kingdom
€15.0m LATE VC
Sep 2024
Enables companies and households to have a transparent representation and more control over their energy consumption
Pullach im Isartal, Germany
€1.0m SEED
Sep 2024
Driving maritime's transition to net-zero by making maritime emissions transparent and providing solutions for efficient compliance with environmental regulation
€5.0m SERIES A
Sep 2024
Manie aims to optimize energy consumption and help users save money through an innovative platform designed to simplify energy management
Lisbon, Portugal
€100k SEED
Sep 2024
Develops software which focuses on fuel efficiency by analysing operational data
London, United Kingdom
$3.2m EARLY VC
Sep 2024
Political insights 🏛️
EU's Efforts to Curb China’s Dominance in Green Tech: The European Union is working to counter China’s lead in green technology by increasing domestic production capabilities and incentivizing sustainable innovation. As part of this initiative, the EU aims to decrease reliance on Chinese imports, focusing on strategic sectors like electric vehicles and renewable energy equipment(ESG News)(POLITICO).
World Economic Forum 2024 Global Risks Report: The World Economic Forum highlights that extreme weather and climate change are now among the top global risks. The report underscores the importance of reducing emissions and scaling up renewable energy solutions. This aligns with growing concerns about the environmental impact of geopolitical tensions, like conflicts delaying climate action(ESG News).
UN Calls for Global Action on Clean Air: In early September 2024, the UN Secretary-General urged countries to invest in clean air solutions, emphasizing the dual benefits of improving public health and combating climate change. This call is part of broader UN efforts to mitigate climate-related disasters, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Bangladesh, where flash floods have been worsened by climate change(Global Issues).
Start-up spotlight 🔦
Nala Earth - A nature and biodiversity management platform for buisinesses
$1.9m SEED
1. Company Focus:
Nature & Biodiversity Management: Nala Earth provides businesses with tools to measure, manage, and mitigate their impact on nature and biodiversity.
Compliance Support: The platform helps companies align with global sustainability frameworks like the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) and TNFD (Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures).
2. Core Offerings:
Risk Mapping: Identifies nature-related risks and biodiversity hotspots for targeted environmental management.
Data Insights: Provides actionable insights to help businesses meet environmental regulations and integrate nature-positive strategies.
3. Key Benefits:
Sustainability as a Competitive Edge: Nala Earth enables businesses to proactively address nature risks and improve their environmental accountability.
Comprehensive Nature Reporting: Aids in reporting sustainability efforts that go beyond carbon metrics, addressing biodiversity and ecosystem health.
