With Italian roots and headquarters both in London and Milan, NextSTEP is the NextEnergy
Group's Venture Capital fund dedicated to the capitalisation and growth of innovative startups focused on green transition.
NextSTEP made five major investments in UK-based startups, totalling £490k. These startups are Pulpatronics, Algapelago, ClearWatt, Nina Energy, and The First Element.
Launched in September 2022 as part of a financial initiative by NextEnergy Group, NextSTEP (NextEnergy Sustainable Technology for the Planet -https://nextstepaccelerator.com/) is dedicated to funding and supporting innovative startups focused on environmental sustainability. As the only Venture Capital fund in Italy fully committed to CleanTech investments at both pre-seed and seed stages, NextSTEP focuses on reducing the ecological footprint through the efficient use of natural resources, cutting pollutant emissions and minimising waste. NextSTEP is now investing in the rapidly growing CleanTech sector, which is attracting attention and investments across Europe due to a heightened awareness of global environmental challenges.
Thanks to its London headquarters NextSTEP, whose founders include Italian Managing
Director Claudio Colombo, engage with numerous British companies. In fact, in 2024,
NextSTEP closed the first five major investments in UK-based startups, totaling £490k, and
plans to invest more in the following months. The fund primarily invests in the UK and in Italy,
but also across the rest of Europe, with a current investment in Sweden and in the US as well,
acting as a lead investor in the pre-seed stage and as a follower investor in the seed stage. In
particular, NextSTEP focuses on innovative ventures emerging from startup incubators,
accelerators, universities, and research centers, supporting talents and the enterprising
spirit of students and young innovators.
NextSTEP's Top 5 Cleantech Investments of the last 18 months
NextSTEP invested in five young CleanTech startups, each developing innovative and
sustainable solutions around recycling. These include regenerative agriculture, second-hand
electric vehicles market, more sustainable RFID technology, and also biofuel production.
Investment No. 1 - The First Element
In June 2023, NextSTEP invested in The First Element, a pioneer British startup for clean
energy solutions with its Smart Tank technology which enables the safe and scalable
generation of green hydrogen. From homes to industries, TFE allows users to contribute to
net-zero emissions by using water and renewable electricity.
Investment No. 2 - Nina Energy
In January 2024, NextSTEP invested in Nina Energy, a British-Ecuadorian startup that
transforms agricultural waste into solid biofuels and biochar, offering sustainable alternatives
to fossil fuels. Their innovative technology yields diverse secondary products like biochar,
torrefied biofuels, and liquid products, enriching soil, reducing CO2 emissions, and providing
sustainable energy solutions for various sectors.
Investment No. 3 - ClearWatt
In July 2024, NextSTEP invested in ClearWatt. This is the easy-to-use app, enhanced by a
proprietary ML-powered algorithm (patent pending) that accurately measures and certifies EV
range and battery health. ClearWatt’s unique GPS-based approach eliminates third-party data
limitations and enables OEM and telematics-agnostic deployment, ensuring maximum
coverage and rapid scaling. ClearWatt EV Health Reports provide detailed advanced
performance metrics, fostering trust between buyers and sellers throughout the entire sales
process.
Investment No. 4 - Algapelago
In November 2024, NextSTEP invested in Algapelago. This startup is pioneering the
development of sustainable seaweed-based products aimed at revolutionising regenerative
agriculture and beyond. By cultivating extensive offshore kelp forests, they produce natural fertilisers and animal feed supplements that eliminate the need for freshwater, land,
pesticides or fertilisers. Their innovative approach not only sequesters carbon and enhances
marine biodiversity but also supports coastal communities through job creation and economic
revitalisation. As the largest licensed kelp cultivator in the UK, Algapelago is committed to
scaling its operations to create a global network of “algapelagos” and contribute to a greener
future.
Investment No. 5 - Pulpatronics
In August 2024, NextSTEP invested in Pulpatronics. This startup is transforming RFID
technology with their groundbreaking metal-free and chipless tags, designed to protect
natural resources. Using an innovative laser-induced process, they imprint conductive circuitry
directly onto paper, eliminating the need for metal components and simplifying
manufacturing. This approach not only reduces costs but also cuts CO2 emissions
significantly, saving 2,400 kg of CO2 for every million tags produced. Fully recyclable and
eco-friendly, Pulpatronics’ tags set a new standard for sustainability, minimising waste and
environmental impact.
“We are immensely proud of the milestones achieved in 2024. Our commitment to identifying and supporting emerging initiatives that contribute to a better planet not only fosters their growth but also reinforces our dedication to a sustainable and innovative future. As we look ahead, our vision remains clear: to expand our efforts in discovering and investing in UK-based startups and projects that drive meaningful and lasting change. This is just the beginning—we are determined to deepen our investments and build even stronger, impactful connections between Italy and the UK"
says Claudio Colombo, Managing Director of NextSTEP.
About NextSTEP
Founded in 2022, NextSTEP is the venture capital fund of NextEnergy Group, focused on supporting the growth of innovative startups in the CleanTech sector. While its primary investments are in Italy and the UK, NextSTEP also extends its reach to other parts of Europe and the US, targeting pre-seed and seed stage companies. The fund is particularly interested in startups emerging from incubators, accelerators, universities, and research centers. A portion of NextSTEP’s capital is allocated to its opportunity fund, which focuses on investments in more advanced-stage ventures. Additionally, NextSTEP collaborates with companies to develop bespoke open innovation programmes, working alongside Chief Innovation Officers, Sustainability Officers, and CEOs of businesses with a strong and
tangible commitment to environmental sustainability.
For further information: https://nextstepaccelerator.com/
About NextEnergy Group
NextEnergy Group is a global leader in the solar and renewable energy sectors, dedicated to drivingthe transition to clean energy and creating a more sustainable future. Established in 2007, the Group employs around 340 people worldwide and operates in nine countries across Europe, the Americas, and India. It consists of three independent companies, each specialising in the development, financing, and management of renewable energy projects, as well as a charitable foundation.
For further information: www.nextenergygroup.com
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