Statoil launches new US$200m venture capital fund

Statoil today launched a new venture capital fund dedicated to investing in attractive and ambitious growth companies in renewable energy, supporting its strategy of growth in new energy solutions.

The new fund, Statoil Energy Ventures, will invest up to USD 200 million (around NOK 1.7 billion) over a period of four to seven years.

Irene Rummelhoff, Statoil’s executive vice president for New Energy Solutions, said:

“We are pleased to announce Statoil Energy Ventures: One of the world’s largest corporate venture funds dedicated to renewable energy. The transition to a low carbon society creates business opportunities, and Statoil aims to drive profitable growth within this space. Through the new fund, we look forward to investing in attractive and ambitious companies and contribute to shaping the future of energy."

The fund is established as part of Statoil’s new business area New Energy Solutions, reflecting the company’s aspirations to gradually complement its oil and gas portfolio with profitable renewable energy and low-carbon solutions. The investments are included in Statoil’s overall investment outlook as presented on 4 February.

Gareth Burns, vice president in Statoil and managing director of Statoil Energy Ventures, said:

“Statoil Energy Ventures aims to be an attractive partner for growth companies. We offer a strong financial muscle and are ready to invest in three strategic areas: Supporting our current operations in renewables, positioning in renewable growth opportunities, and exploring new high impact technologies and business models. We look forward to engaging with ambitious entrepreneurs as an active investor and to build great companies.”

Potential investment themes include offshore and onshore wind, solar energy, energy storage, transportation, energy efficiency and smart grids.

The team initially consists of six investment professionals operating with a global mandate, initially based out of Statoil’s offices in London and Oslo.

The fund will take direct positions primarily as a minority shareholder in growth companies, preferably as a co-investor with other venture firms. Investment in selected fund will also be considered to gain a wider footprint.

The Statoil Energy Ventures team, focusing on growth-phase investments in renewable energy, will operate alongside Statoil’s existing venture entity, Statoil Technology Invest (STI), which focuses on early-phase investments in upstream oil and gas.

Statoil has a strong track record of successful technology implementations and financial return through exits. STI has since 2000 invested around USD 135 million, achieving a multiple of invested capital on realized deals of 2.5.