New Fund Launched to Invest in Early-Stage Startups

By Anushka Malhotra

1 minute 13 seconds

Investment

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Quick Read: OnePlanetCapital launches a new SEIS fund to invest £1 million in early-stage climate tech startups in the UK, aiming to accelerate the transition to Net Zero.

A new fund aimed at accelerating the transition to Net Zero and a green economy is being launched to invest in early-stage startups across the UK.

OnePlanetCapital, a venture capital fund dedicated to combating climate change, has announced the introduction of its Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) fund.

The inaugural SEIS fund aims to raise approximately £1 million over the next 12 months to invest in SEIS-qualifying climate tech businesses. This initiative continues the investment strategy of OnePlanetCapital's flagship Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) fund but focuses on earlier-stage companies at the pre-seed and seed levels.

The fund will benefit from the recent expansion of the SEIS tax incentive scheme, which now allows startups to secure up to £250,000 in funding with tax reliefs, an increase from the previous £150,000 limit. Additionally, companies up to three years old are now eligible, compared to the previous limit of two years.

OnePlanetCapital’s SEIS fund offers investors the chance to participate in a fund targeting a return of £3 for every £1 invested over a five to seven-year period, along with 50% SEIS income tax relief.

Matthew Jellicoe, co-founder and investment director, stated,

"We see the SEIS fund market as underserved in the UK, and we believe that launching an SEIS climate tech fund will resonate with investors looking to enter this rapidly growing sector. The SEIS fund allows us to invest in earlier-stage businesses that our EIS fund cannot, due to its later-stage mandate. For areas such as battery storage and hydrogen technology, it is particularly valuable to invest in pre-revenue businesses to capture significant value for investors."

This fund launch represents a significant opportunity for both startups and investors to contribute to and benefit from the transition to a sustainable, green economy.

What's new

West Midlands Export Support Programme Extended to 2026

West Midlands businesses looking to expand into international markets will continue to benefit from expert support, as the Exporting Starts Here programme has been extended until March 2026.

The programme, which offers free, practical export advice, is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) through Business Growth West Midlands and led by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. It covers Coventry, Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country, with delivery support from the Greater Birmingham and Black Country Chambers of Commerce.

Launched in November 2023, the initiative has already supported over 100 businesses, providing one-on-one advice, online training, and live events — with a major international trade conference planned for later this year.

Exporting Starts Here focuses on high-potential sectors including aerospace, electric vehicle manufacturing, health and med tech, logistics, financial services, and e-commerce, but companies from all sectors are encouraged to apply.

Keely Hancox, from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber, said the programme has already demonstrated measurable results in helping firms boost international sales and profitability:

“In the current climate of uncertainty around trade deals and tariffs, this programme provides grounded, actionable support to help local businesses expand globally.”

Business advisor David Hooper added:

“Firms have weathered Brexit and now face constant updates around trade regulations. This programme gives them the guidance they need to move forward with confidence.”

One local company already seeing success is PortalZero, a Coventry-based startup developing off-grid cooking solutions for campervans. Co-founder Scott Shearan praised the support:

“The Chamber helped turn our innovation into a global opportunity.”

Nayden Yurukov, also a co-founder, said:

“We were exploring the Australian market but didn’t know how to begin. The Exporting Starts Here programme gave us both the tools and the confidence.”

Applications remain open. Businesses interested in export support can visit:

cw-chamber.co.uk/international-trade/Exporting-Starts-Here

or email: exporting@cw-chamber.co.uk.

By Anushka Malhotra

13 May