Don't invest unless you're prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
Carbon13’s CEO Dr Nicky Dee and Director David Gill recently joined Stephen Gunnion in the Proactive studio to discuss the launch of SEIS Fund VIII, a unique investment vehicle focused on startups addressing climate change.
This fund is focused on startups with purpose, and aims to build and back early-stage businesses working to protect Earth’s vital life support systems.
Carbon13's eighth SEIS fund portfolio, it will invest in pre-seed companies that are expected to be eligible for SEIS, enabling investors to claim a suite of tax reliefs including 50% income tax relief on up to £200,000 invested, and 50% exemption from capital gains that arise in the same year. Tax reliefs are subject to status and change. For more information on SEIS tax reliefs and eligibility, take a look at our SEIS Guide.
SEIS Fund VIII offers exclusive access to ventures emerging from Carbon13’s UK Venture Builder programme.
“Each of the ventures within that program actually comes about by bringing founders together,” said Dee, adding that Carbon13’s role gives it “privileged insight” into each team’s capabilities and progress.
Dee highlighted examples of investee companies, such as Carbon Scale (developing a negative-emissions alternative to polystyrene), MatNex (creator of a rare-earth-free magnet), and a startup using AI and synthetic biology to create palm oil alternatives.
The fund, managed by SyndicateRoom, allows for robust compliance and investor transparency. According to Gill, the fund aims for a 2.5x return and targets high-quality applicants. Only 10% of over 800 get selected. He added, “We are the first early-stage tickets... but we do seem to be selecting the companies that are of interest to larger, later-stage specialist funds.”
Both interviewees underlined the risks, reminding viewers that early-stage investment can lead to total capital loss, and eligibility for SEIS benefits is limited to UK taxpayers. However, Carbon13’s track record, due diligence process, and strong founder support infrastructure are designed to mitigate these challenges.
