This event is only open to King's staff and PhD students

This seminar will provide participants with insight into how investors act as change agents in scaling sustainable innovations and how capital can be leveraged to bring research-driven solutions to market.

Key objectives include:

Understanding the Sustainability Investment Landscape

• How investment decisions are made at different stages—from early-stage venture funding to late-stage commercialisation.

• Investor appetite for innovation in clean technologies and new business models.

• Global VC investment trends, expected returns, and strategies to mobilise capital for sustainability

Forces Shaping Investment in Sustainability

• The role of regulations, market influences (e.g., energy pricing), carbon trading, and policy frameworks in directing investments.

• Appetite for green investments and technology de-risking.

• How the UK investment environment compares globally.

Challenges, Risks & Market Gaps

• What has driven investment growth in sustainability over the past 5-10 years?

• Key risks and uncertainties for investors in this space.

• Market failures and gaps—where investor action alone is insufficient, and where policy, public perception, or industry collaboration is needed.

 

Speakers

Professor Raúl Rosales, Professor of Practice in Net Zero Asset Management, Department of Engineering, NMES and Co-Director for the Net Zero Centre.

Alfedo Ramos, Investment Director, High-Value Manufacturing Catapult

 

Agenda

1. Opening & Context Setting (10 min)

• Speaker: Raúl Rosales

• Overview & Rationale: Framing the discussion—bridging research, commercialisation, and investment to accelerate sustainable solutions.

2. Early-Stage Funding: From Research to Venture Capital (25 min)

• Speaker: Venture Fund Representative (VC Fund)
  
  Discussion Points:

• Role of venture funders and incubators in de-risking early-stage innovations.

• Opportunities and obstacles facing sustainability innovations

• Case studies of successful sustainability ventures.

3. Scaling Up: Investment Decisions for Real-World Impact (25 min)

• Speaker: Investor Representative
  
  Discussion Points:

• Key factors influencing late-stage investments in clean technologies .

• Policy, economics, and market forces shaping investment decisions.

• Pathways to commercialisation at scale—bridging academic-business gaps.

4. Bridging Innovation and Industry: Commercialisation at Scale (20 min)

• Speaker: Alfredo Ramos, CIO of HVMC
  
  Discussion Points:

• Industrial partnerships and technology adoption.

• Strategies applicable in sustainability innovation.

• Real-world applications and lessons from sustainable innovation projects.

5. Wrap-up & Closing Remarks (10 min)

• Speakers: Alfredo Ramos & Raúl Rosales

• Key takeaways, next steps, and fostering stronger academia-investor collaborations.