Una Terra, a venture capital firm focused on circular economy and sustainability-driven innovation, has raised €50 million for its Circular Economy Growth Fund. The fund aims to accelerate the growth of companies developing breakthrough technologies that eliminate waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reshaping how global industries operate. With a strong mission to drive systemic transformation, Una Terra is positioning itself at the intersection of high-impact investing and climate-focused entrepreneurship.

Investing in Scalable Solutions for a Waste-Free Future

Launched in 2021, Una Terra backs growth-stage, technology-led companies across Europe, the Middle East, and North America. The focus lies on sectors with outsized environmental footprints and urgent needs for reinvention, such as packaging, waste management, food systems, fashion, and the blue economy. These sectors represent key leverage points where circular models can not only reduce environmental harm but also unlock new business value.

The firm’s investment thesis is rooted in the belief that circularity is more than a sustainability measure. It is a powerful engine for economic resilience, industrial innovation, and financial returns. Una Terra aims to be a catalyst in this transition by supporting entrepreneurs who are rethinking materials, redesigning processes, and replacing linear models with regenerative ones.

Read more: GreenIT Secures €370 Million to Accelerate Italy’s Renewable Energy Expansion

Bold Targets for Climate and Plastic Waste Reduction

The Circular Economy Growth Fund sets ambitious goals. Among its top targets are the removal of one million tons of plastic waste, which equates to nearly 100 billion plastic bottles, and the prevention of two gigatons of carbon emissions. These figures are not only symbolic; they reflect the scale of transformation Una Terra believes is necessary to meet global environmental and climate commitments.

Portfolio highlights already include Pulpex, a company pioneering paper-based liquid packaging that could significantly reduce reliance on plastic; Greyparrot, which uses artificial intelligence to analyze waste streams and optimize recycling; and Another Tomorrow, a sustainable fashion brand advancing circularity in the apparel industry. The firm has indicated that additional investments are in progress, with a final close of the fund anticipated by 2026.

A Vision of Sustainability as a Value Creator

Speaking on the fund’s purpose and trajectory, Luca Zerbini, CEO and Managing Partner of Una Terra, emphasized that sustainability should not be seen as a cost center. Instead, he described it as a strategic lever for creating new forms of value across industries. In his words, Una Terra seeks to deliver both superior investment returns and systemic environmental impact by helping industries evolve into sustainable ecosystems that can thrive both economically and ecologically.

Zerbini's framing is part of a broader shift among impact investors who are moving beyond incremental environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices to focus on transformational change. This approach recognizes that some of the most profitable opportunities of the next decade will likely emerge from businesses that solve pressing ecological problems at scale.

Backed by Public and Private Capital

The €50 million milestone was reached with support from a diverse pool of investors, including Italy’s CDP Venture Capital through its Green Transition Fund, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Deutsche Nachhaltigkeit, and several prominent family offices. These partners not only bring capital but also credibility, networks, and long-term vision aligned with Una Terra’s mission.

Oliver Wenden, Vice Chairman and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, echoed this sentiment, stating that society’s future depends on scaling bold, solution-oriented initiatives that can build resilience against climate change and biodiversity loss. He underscored the importance of aligning economy and finance with sustainability, and cited Una Terra as a model of how to make that alignment actionable.

Explore OneStop ESG Marketplace: Sustainable textile

Building the Next Chapter of Circular Economy Growth

As the climate crisis deepens and resource constraints tighten, the need for circular economy solutions has become more urgent. Investors, governments, and innovators are increasingly converging around the understanding that a linear "take, make, waste" model is no longer viable. Funds like Una Terra’s are helping bridge the gap between innovative ideas and the capital required to scale them into real-world impact.

By investing in technologies that rethink how products are designed, used, and repurposed, Una Terra is not only shaping the future of industry but also contributing to a new economic paradigm. One where value is not extracted at the planet’s expense, but created through regeneration, reuse, and intelligent design.

The coming years will determine how quickly and effectively these circular solutions can move from niche to norm. With its new capital in hand and a growing roster of pioneering companies, Una Terra is betting that the time to scale these solutions is now.

Explore ESG Solutions on our marketplace - OneStop ESG Marketplace.

Keep abreast of the top ESG Events on OneStop ESG Events.

OneStop ESG Educate: Your go-to source for top ESG courses and training programs tailored to your needs.

Stay informed with the latest insights on OneStop ESG News.

Discover meaningful career opportunities on OneStop ESG Jobs.