
Equinor
Description
Equinor Ventures (EV) serves as the corporate venture capital arm of Equinor, the Norwegian state-owned multinational energy company. Established to support Equinor's strategic shift towards a broader energy portfolio and a lower carbon future, EV plays a crucial role in identifying and nurturing innovative technologies. Its investment mandate is closely aligned with the parent company's long-term ambitions, focusing on areas critical for the energy transition and operational efficiency within the traditional oil and gas sector. This strategic alignment allows Equinor to gain early access to disruptive technologies and business models, fostering a more sustainable and diversified energy landscape.
EV's investment strategy targets early-stage and growth-stage companies that are developing solutions across a range of key areas. These include renewable energy technologies such as offshore wind, solar, and geothermal, as well as low-carbon solutions like carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), and hydrogen. Furthermore, Equinor Ventures also invests in digital technologies that can enhance operational efficiency and safety within the energy industry, alongside innovations that improve the sustainability and performance of existing oil and gas operations. Their typical first cheque sizes are substantial, generally ranging from $2 million to $20 million, demonstrating a commitment to providing meaningful capital to their portfolio companies.
Since its inception in 2016, Equinor Ventures has been an active participant in the global energy innovation ecosystem. The fund has deployed significant capital, investing over $500 million across various ventures by 2021, showcasing its robust commitment to fostering technological advancements. Beyond financial investment, EV often provides strategic value to its portfolio companies through access to Equinor's extensive industry expertise, global network, and potential for pilot projects and commercial partnerships. This approach positions Equinor Ventures not just as a capital provider, but as a strategic partner dedicated to accelerating the development and deployment of next-generation energy solutions.
Investor Profile
Equinor has backed more than 31 startups, with 1 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 15 rounds, about 48% of its total and boasts 7 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series Unknown, Series A, Series C rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, United Kingdom, Norway.
- Strong thematic focus on Energy, Renewable Energy, Oil and Gas.
- Led 1 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $2M – $20M.
Stage Focus
- Series Unknown (26%)
- Series A (16%)
- Series C (13%)
- Series B (13%)
- Post Ipo Equity (13%)
- Series D (10%)
- Seed (6%)
- Corporate Round (3%)
Country Focus
- United States (32%)
- United Kingdom (29%)
- Norway (19%)
- Denmark (6%)
- Brazil (3%)
- The Netherlands (3%)
- Canada (3%)
- United Arab Emirates (3%)
Industry Focus
- Energy
- Renewable Energy
- Oil And Gas
- Solar
- Manufacturing
- Clean Energy
- Electrical Distribution
- Cleantech
- Software
- Industrial
Frequently Asked Questions
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