This article discusses the climate tech industry in Australia, highlighting trends and challenges faced by startups. Here are some key points:
Climate Tech Investment in Australia:
- In 2022, climate tech investments in Australia reached $1 billion
- Renewable energy, circular economy, and food waste management were top areas of investment
Notable Startups:
- Great Wrap, a startup that makes compostable cling wrap out of potato peels and other food waste, raised $11 million in 2022
- Samsara Eco, which uses natural enzymes to degrade plastics, raised $54 million in 2022
- FloodMapp, a real-time flood mapping platform, scored a contract with FEMA
Challenges Faced by Startups:
- Difficulty scaling beyond Series A funding rounds
- Limited understanding of the value proposition among foreign investors
- Capital efficiency and down-to-earth valuations/salaries are attractive to investors
Opportunities for Foreign Investors:
- Australia’s climate tech startups excel at capital efficiency and punch above their weight, making them an attractive investment opportunity
Overall, the article suggests that while there are challenges facing climate tech startups in Australia, the country has a strong track record of innovation and investment potential.