UpLink celebrates new group of selected investors
UpLink – the World Economic Forum’s open innovation platform – has announced the winners of the Nature Returns Investor Challenge, held in collaboration with Mercuria and its investment vehicle Silvania. The challenge recognizes impact funds from around the world that are committed to building a positive economy for nature. The initiative promotes the integration of capital, innovation and regional development, strengthening a new global ecosystem of investors focused on climate solutions, biodiversity regeneration and water security.
Fundo Vale – one of UpLink’s Ecosystem Partners and Top Investors – participated in the selection process and is part of a global group that supports new natural capital investment theses, connecting financial returns with positive social and environmental impact.
“The challenge shows how impact investing is establishing itself as a viable way to generate economic, environmental and social benefits. The global movement for a regenerative economy has gained new momentum with this group of investors committed to concrete results for people and the planet,” says Fundo Vale director Gustavo Luz.
The winners, announced during New York Climate Week, were recognized as UpLink Top Investors and will now become part of the World Economic Forum’s global innovation ecosystem. In addition to this recognition, those selected will have access to international events, strategic collaboration networks and visibility opportunities, expanding their capacity to act in the field of sustainable finance.
The challenge aims to reposition nature as a legitimate economic asset, attracting private capital for environmental regeneration and stimulating the transition to a regenerative and equitable economy.
Learn about the winners:
Carbon13: This investor is tackling the climate crisis by supporting nature-based startups with the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions by at least 10 million metric tons per year. It operates as a venture capital firm based in the United Kingdom.
Cool Climate Collective: Focuses on identifying bottlenecks and market gaps where new climate technologies, innovative business models and systemic approaches can generate exponential impact.
Earth Venture Capital: Invests in high-growth climate technology startups that use digital solutions to drive decarbonization.
Impact Bank: Offers digital financial services – from banking solutions to credit and impact measurement tools – aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises focused on impact in Brazil.
Mana Impact: Operates at the intersection of sustainable finance, climate resilience and nature-based solutions, with a strong track record of allocating private capital to ecosystem restoration.
Natural Capital: This investor is pioneering a new model that combines philanthropic and commercial capital to finance large-scale wilderness protection in Africa.
Peak Sustainability Ventures: Works in partnership with founders to apply water technologies with global scalability potential to the specific needs and challenges of the Indian market.
Wellers Impact: Unlocks the potential of underserved companies by offering innovative solutions to the water sector, while generating market-level financial returns.