natural capital

The Portland-based firm is investing $1bn in vertical farms, raised from investors including San Francisco and El Paso public pension funds and the Development Bank of Japan.

Pollination’s strategic partnership with ANZ Group, seen in the light of efforts to speed up closure of coal-fired power generation in Australia, shows natural capital is gaining momentum as a standalone asset class.

The European Investment Bank, Allianz France and the Wortmann Family Office are among the VC fund’s investors.

The Australian agtech investor invested alongside Macdoch Ventures and Global Founders Capital in nature-based solutions provider Cecil.

The concept of natural capital is gaining traction, aided by the launch of dedicated strategies. But certain complexities will need to be smoothed out as it gets off the ground.

The firm is working on two strategies – one for institutional investors that will target farmland and timberland assets, and one that will focus on corporates and their carbon offset needs.

Some will wield influence over large pools of capital; others will plant smaller seeds and set an example to follow.

Amy Merrill will help 'to establish natural capital as an asset class' in her new role at Climate Asset Management.

Natural capital, human rights and tax concerns: what sustainability themes will dominate private markets in 2022?

The asset class has had another largely positive year as multiple tailwinds have given the industry much momentum for attracting investors.