planet

investment thesis

Excessive resource requirements and damaging business practices accelerate pollution and depletion of natural assets, causing climate change and loss of biodiversity. Lightrock believes in integrating resource constraints and externalities into the capital allocation process. We bet on the conservation of the commons and regeneration as sustainable value creation drivers. We support solutions that promote regenerative and resource efficient systems through technology and business model innovation. Within this theme, we focus on Renewables & Circular Economy Transition, Sustainable Food & Agriculture, and Smart Mobility & Transportation.

go to people theme

go to productivity theme

portfolio impact

20m

tons

potential CO2e avoided

27

Mm³

potable water provided

243

MW

renewable energy capacity installed

1m

rural households electrified with green energy

Impact Objectives

Increasing renewable energy capacity

Improving energy and resource use efficiency

Improving the sustainable management and use of natural resources

Theory of change

Problem

Resource scarcity, global carbon emission and per capita waste levels are rising on an unprecedented scale (UN, 2020)

Solution

Decarbonizaton and more effective use of the world’s energy sources and natural resources

Transition to renewable energy

Circular use of resources with a focus on innovative and sustainable waste management

Outcomes

Reduced carbon emissions of energy generation and use

Increased energy efficiency rate

Increased circular use of materials and resources leading to reduced pressure on and need for virgin materials and finite resources

Business model

Renewable energy development platforms and businesses promoting energy efficiency at scale

Innovative waste management and recycling companies

Providers of specialist services that facilitate sustainable management of natural resources

Portfolio

See Lightrock's planet portfolio

Main SDGs and targets

7.2 increase share of renewable energy
7.3 improve energy efficiency
11.6 promote waste management
13.3 climate change mitigation and adaption

Additional SDGs

Impact Objectives

Increasing food security

Improving efficiencies and sustainability and reducing food waste in agriculture supply chains

Improving farming practices and promote sustainable agriculture

Theory of change

Problem

By 2030, we need to feed 2 billion people more, plus the 821 million currently not having enough to eat (UN, 2020)

Solution

Disruptive, scalable and sustainable farming models

Innovative tools and technology to reduce inputs, emissions, waste and inefficiencies in food production and supply chains

Disintermediaton of the agricultual supply chain

Outcomes

Higher efficiency and outputs in food production with lower carbon footprint

Reduced food waste in the agricultural supply chain

Improved farming practices, access to markets and increased income for smallholder farmers

Business model

Sustainable farming models with large scaling potential

Agriculture supply chain companies that leverage technology to improve efficiencies

Post-harvest services companies

Portfolio

see all planet portfolio

Main SDGs and targets

2.3 increase agricultural productivity
2.4 ensure sustainable food production systems
9.4 make industries more sustainable with increased resource-use efficiency and use of technology

Additional SDGs

Impact Objectives

Improving intra and inter-urban mobility and logistics for goods and people

Improving resource-use efficiency of existing mobility and transportation systems

Promoting innovations in sustainable and environmental friendly mobility and transportation modes

Theory of change

Problem

The transport sector is responsible for almost one quarter of global carbon emissions (IPCC, 2018)

Solution

New alternative carbon-light means of transportation for goods and people

Bridging inefficiency gaps of legacy logistics and transportation systems by use of technology and digitalizaton

Outcomes

Reduced carbon footprint of mobility and transportation modes and systems

Increased economic productivity in urban areas, particularly for SMEs and the informal economy

Increased urban social connectivity

Business model

Developers of new sustainable mobility and transportation modes

Digital logistics platforms and marketplaces

Innovative last mile delivery, logistics and related service providers

Portfolio

see all planet portfolio

Main SDGs and targets

8.2 higher economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation
11.2 access to safe, affordable and sustainable transportation
13.3 climate change mitigation and adaption

Additonal SDGs