In recent years, climate software solutions have attracted attention from fans and critics alike

The billions poured into the sector reflect the increased need from big corporations for carbon emissions accounting and offsetting, as well as consumer demands for smarter energy systems. However, climate software critics note that purely digital solutions have yet to move the needle on climate change — in comparison to hardware and infrastructure solutions.

But that hasn’t stopped climate software startups from raising huge sums. Recent VC favourites include EcoVadis, a sustainability data firm, which raised a mammoth $500m Series C last year; French carbon-tracking startup Sweep, which raised a $73m Series B in 2022, and carbon removal verification platforms Sylvera and Isometric, which both made big raises this year — a $57m Series B and $25m seed round respectively.

So, which are the next climate software startups that Europe’s VCs have their eyes on? Sifted spoke to four investors to find out. The only catch was that they couldn’t mention portfolio companies.

Tim Schumacher, managing general partner at World Fund

World Fund is a Europe-focused VC fund that invests in climate solutions from energy, food, agriculture and land use to building materials, manufacturing and transport.