Elisa Mele Joins Kembara VC as Europe Strengthens Climate Tech Investment with €750M First Close

In a significant development for Europe’s fast-growing climate technology and deep tech investment landscape, sustainability leader Elisa Mele has announced her move to Kembara VC after seven years of leading decarbonisation and sustainability investment strategies at CBRE. The transition comes at a time when climate innovation funding is gaining momentum across the continent, with Kembara VC announcing a €750 million first close toward its €1 billion target fund.

The new fund is being positioned as Europe’s largest dedicated deep tech growth fund, designed to support companies working in climate technology and breakthrough scientific innovation. Operating within the Mundi Ventures ecosystem, the fund aims to address one of the most pressing challenges faced by European startups: the funding gap between early-stage development and large-scale commercial expansion.

A Strategic Shift Toward Climate Innovation

Mele’s move marks a new chapter in a career focused on sustainability, climate strategy, and responsible investment. During her time at CBRE, she played a key role in guiding investment approaches centered on decarbonisation and environmental impact. Her experience in shaping long-term sustainability strategies is expected to strengthen Kembara VC’s mission to support climate-focused innovation at scale.

In her announcement, Mele expressed excitement about stepping into the venture capital space at a time when climate technology is becoming a priority for global investors, governments, and industries. Her focus will be on helping promising European startups grow beyond the early stages and transition into scalable, high-impact companies.

The shift reflects a broader trend in Europe, where sustainability professionals are increasingly moving into venture capital to support climate solutions with both financial backing and strategic expertise.

Europe’s Deep Tech Funding Gap

While Europe has been strong in research and early-stage innovation, many startups struggle to secure capital when they reach the growth stage. Series B and Series C funding rounds often require larger investment commitments, and companies frequently look to international markets to scale.

Kembara VC aims to fill this gap by investing in companies at a critical point in their growth journey. By supporting businesses that have already proven their technology but need funding to expand, the fund hopes to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness in climate tech and deep tech sectors.

Industry experts say that bridging this gap is essential if Europe wants to maintain leadership in areas like renewable energy, advanced materials, energy storage, and sustainable industrial solutions.

Backed by Proven Investment Experience

Kembara VC brings together a team of partners with a strong history of investing in global technology leaders. According to the firm, its ecosystem has supported companies that have gone on to achieve major breakthroughs across sectors such as artificial intelligence, space technology, and clean energy.

This experience is expected to help identify high-potential climate tech startups and guide them through the complex journey from innovation to large-scale adoption.

For Mele, working alongside investors who have supported globally recognized technology companies offers an opportunity to combine sustainability expertise with deep tech investment knowledge.

Growing Momentum in Climate Tech

Climate tech is rapidly becoming one of the most important sectors in global venture capital. With governments pushing for net-zero targets and companies seeking to reduce carbon emissions, demand for innovative solutions is rising.

Europe has been at the forefront of climate policy and clean energy innovation. However, the need for capital to support scale-ups remains strong. Funds like Kembara VC are part of a growing movement to ensure that promising technologies developed in Europe can grow within the region instead of relocating elsewhere for funding.

Experts believe that long-term investment in climate innovation will play a major role in shaping the future economy, especially as industries shift toward cleaner and more efficient systems.

From Corporate Sustainability to Venture Capital

Mele’s career path reflects the evolving role of sustainability professionals. Earlier, sustainability leaders were largely focused on corporate strategy, compliance, and reporting. Today, many are moving into investment roles to help finance solutions that can create real environmental impact.

Her experience in decarbonisation investments at CBRE positions her well to evaluate climate-focused startups from both a financial and sustainability perspective.

She also acknowledged her former colleagues and teams at CBRE, highlighting the importance of collaboration and shared effort over the past several years. The transition represents not just a career change, but a broader step into supporting the next generation of climate innovators.

Looking Ahead

With a €750 million first close already secured and a target of €1 billion, Kembara VC is set to become a major player in Europe’s deep tech investment space. The fund’s focus on late-stage growth companies could help accelerate the development of technologies that address climate change and global sustainability challenges.

As climate tech continues to attract global attention, leaders like Elisa Mele moving into venture capital roles signal a shift in how innovation is being supported. Instead of only advising from within corporations, sustainability experts are now directly funding and mentoring the companies building the solutions of the future.

For Europe’s climate tech ecosystem, this combination of capital, experience, and strategic vision could play a crucial role in driving the next phase of innovation and growth.