Asset giants BlackRock and Temasek commit $600 million to new climate funds
- Ben Geman, author of Axios Generate
BlackRock offices in New York City. Photo: Erik McGregor/LightRocket via Getty Images
Asset management giants BlackRock and Temasek have created a new investment entity to stake companies capable of scaling up the deployment of climate-friendly technologies.
Why it matters: Decarbonization Partners is the latest sign of how finance giants — under pressure from activists but also seeing a big market — are steering more capital into clean energy tech and companies.
How it works: The companies said the partnership will launch multiple late-stage VC and early-growth private equity funds.
- They're together providing a joint $600 million in initial capital and, along with other investors, hope to raise $1 billion for their first fund.
- They're targeting companies with "proven, next-generation renewable and mobility technology," as well as tech that helps decarbonize buildings and manufacturing.
- Via Bloomberg, the aim is to eventually manage billions of dollars across multiple funds.
Catch up fast: It's the latest of several recent BlackRock moves to bolster its low-carbon energy investments and offerings.
Last week BlackRock announced the $4.8 billion close of its latest renewable power fund, claiming commitments from over 100 institutional investors.
Yes, but: BlackRock and the financial sector more broadly remain under pressure from activists to take stronger steps on fossil fuels.
- The umbrella group BlackRock's Big Problem is calling on BlackRock to take an aggressive posture in upcoming shareholder votes at major oil and power companies.
- However, the group praised BlackRock's new hiring of climate finance and diplomacy veteran Paul Bodnar as its new head of sustainable investing.