Key Takeaways
- Climate Fund 2 has expanded its independent Climate Impact Committee (CIC) as it launches its second fund.
- Three new members have joined the Committee, adding expertise across climate science, venture building, and impact measurement.
- The CIC independently evaluates all investments against science-based emissions reduction criteria before capital is deployed.
- The governance model is designed to avoid self-defined or self-reported impact assessments common in venture capital.
- The fund aims to combine commercial returns with measurable, independently validated climate outcomes.
Climate Fund 2 Reinforces Independent Climate Impact Governance
As Climate Fund 2 enters its next phase, the fund has announced an expansion of its independent Climate Impact Committee (CIC), a governance structure designed to ensure that every investment meets rigorous, science-based climate mitigation criteria.
The Committee was first introduced under Climate Fund 1 to provide an independent check on climate impact claims before investments are approved. Under this structure, the fund’s manager cannot proceed with an investment unless the CIC confirms that its emissions-reduction potential meets predefined standards.
According to the fund, this approach is intended to protect investors, founders, and the credibility of climate-focused venture capital by separating capital deployment decisions from impact validation.
Climate Fund's Impact Committee Expands with New Members
New Appointments to the Committee
With its launch, three new members have joined the Climate Impact Committee: Emily Mabin Sutton, Audrey Jean-Baptiste, and Dr. Paul Winton. They join continuing members Dr. Jodi York, Lucie Greenwood, Prof. Shaun Hendy, and Dr. Jez Weston.
The expanded Committee brings together expertise across biotechnology, climate advocacy, venture ecosystems, academic research, emissions modelling, and policy. Climate Fund stated that the combined group represents one of the most comprehensive independent climate-impact panels in the region.
Expertise Across Science, Markets, and Adoption
Emily Mabin Sutton is known for her work in climate education and consumer-focused climate action, serving as CEO of Climate Club Aotearoa and holding governance roles across sustainability-focused organizations. Audrey Jean-Baptiste brings experience in venture development and commercialisation across the Asia–Pacific region, currently leading innovation initiatives at Swinburne University of Technology. Dr. Paul Winton contributes deep technical expertise in emissions modelling and climate-change mitigation, alongside experience in investment decision-making.
Why Independent Climate Impact Assessment Matters
Avoiding Self-Reported Impact
The fund has emphasized that many investment funds define, measure, and report their own impact internally. By contrast, its Climate Impact Committee operates independently and applies consistent methodologies to assess emissions-reduction pathways.
The Committee’s mandate includes challenging assumptions, stress-testing modelling, and verifying that proposed investments can deliver meaningful decarbonisation outcomes.
Accountability Before Capital Deployment
Under the fund’s structure, climate impact validation occurs before investments are approved, rather than after deployment. This requirement is intended to ensure accountability at the decision-making stage and reduce the risk of overstated or unverified climate claims.
Looking Ahead for Climate Fund 2
Climate Fund 2 is positioned to pursue commercial returns while backing technologies that contribute to measurable emissions reductions. The expanded Climate Impact Committee will continue to play a central role in maintaining scientific discipline, independent verification, and transparent assessment across the portfolio.
According to the fund, this governance model is designed to safeguard impact integrity and set a benchmark for climate-focused venture capital as the sector continues to scale.
