Open call for Climate Solutions Accelerator – Australia

Open to startups at all stages, this program is for entrepreneurs looking to deploy solutions that mitigate climate change at scale. That could be alternative protein, carbon sequestration, renewable energy or anything in between. They’ll invest $80-100k and introduce you to Australia’s most active climate tech investors. They’ll also help you expand your business by connecting you to the extensive network in Australia and overseas. Though what you’ll enjoy most is being welcomed into an exclusive and supportive community of some of the world’s most talented climate tech founders.

Receive the Support You Need to Succeed

When you join the accelerator they take on the role of active advisors and will do everything they can to support you. Here is a taste of what they offer.

• Investment
  • You will be offered ~A$80,000-100,000 of investment at your latest post-money valuation.
• Introduction to investors
  • They’ll introduce you to the most active climate tech and energy sector investors in Australia.
• Exposure to over 300 mentors
  • EnergyLab has an extensive network of mentors from a wide range of backgrounds, such as energy companies, government departments, investment institutions and successful startups.
• Guidance from the leadership team
  • You will have a direct line to the Chair and CEO, who have each advised dozens of clean tech startups and have extensive personal networks. They’ll be available to provide advice and introductions from when you start the program to when you exit your business.
• Legal and accounting assistance
  • Worried about asking a lawyer or accountant a question and receiving a $1,000 bill in the mail? Worry no more. Whilst in the program, you can talk to someone from FCW Lawyers or KPMG at no cost.
• Guided learning to fuel growth
  • Throughout the program, EnergyLab will run a series of sprints focussed on areas such as international expansion, capital raising and industry partnerships.

Cost

• The program is completely free but participation is contingent on accepting an offer of investment from the angel group at the post-money valuation of your last priced round. If you are yet to raise a priced round they’ll invest at a pre-money valuation of A$1,000,000.

Selection Criteria

• They are happy to receive applications from solo founders.
• This is what they’re looking for in successful applications but they’re open-minded to high quality applicants who don’t fit the mould. They’re particularly interested in applications from women and minority groups.
  • Fast growth
    • Your business has to be ready to grow fast. They don’t mind if your end goal is a unicorn exit or a profitable medium-sized business you continue to operate – as long as you can get there quickly. That probably means your solution is ready to deploy, you’ve completed customer validation and are ready to work on your business full time if you’re not already. Consultancies, local business and project developers are unlikely to pass this test.
  • Address climate change
    • Your product or service has to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions or address the impacts of climate change, or enable others to do so. This includes a range of solutions including renewable energy, sustainable transport, alternative protein, carbon sequestration and land management. They will also consider startups that help address other environmental issues such as waste and biodiversity.
  • They can help
    • They aim to increase the growth rate of climate tech startups and decrease their failure rate. They believe they can support any startup but that requires founders who are looking to expand their network, have their ideas challenged, and learn from their peers.

For more information, visit EnergyLab.