5 good news in the deeptech and climate startup world - Jan 17th 2025 Edition

Reactor Podcast

Welcome to this week’s Reactor Podcast, where we bring you the most exciting developments from the worlds of deeptech and climate tech. Here’s your weekly dose of innovation and progress:

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1️⃣ Fresh Capital for Innovation: This Week’s VC Announcements
It’s been a big week for venture capital. Here are the key fund announcements fueling the next wave of innovation:

• First Look Partners: $30M fund for early-stage emerging fund managers and breakout companies.
• 360 Capital: €140M fund focused on climate tech, including energy transition and urban sustainability.
• Voima Ventures: €100M Fund III to support science and deeptech startups in the Nordic and Baltic regions.
• Founders Fund: $3B for its third growth equity fund, continuing its legacy from San Francisco.

Thanks to John Gannon for sharing the details. For more VC updates, check out MovesinVC.com.

🔗 Read John’s post: VC Announcements on LinkedIn

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2️⃣ Evolution of Belgium’s Tech Ecosystem: 2010–2024
Belgium’s tech startup scene has not only recovered since 2020—it’s thriving like never before. Here are the highlights:

• imec continues to drive innovation with its imec.xpand program, creating numerous spin-offs.
• 20% of Belgian tech companies in 2023 had female founders—a significant milestone
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• Belgium has seen an increasing number of unicorns, future unicorns, and IPOs.
• Key players like Odoo, Euroclear, and Movu Robotics are growing rapidly.
• The transition from SaaS dominance (2010–2021) to an AI-led focus.

Thanks to Omar Mohout for sharing this valuable analysis.

🔗 Learn more: Belgium Tech Ecosystem Analysis

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3️⃣ Demystifying Term Sheets: A Guide for Founders
Are you raising funds? Do you have a term sheet in your inbox? Here are the key aspects to watch out for:

• Valuation: Understand what your company is truly worth.
• Control Rights and Protections: Pay attention to liquidation preferences and anti-dilution clauses.
• Preparation for Difficult Times: Plan for scenarios when things don’t go as expected.

If these terms sound overwhelming, take a look at this valuable term sheet guide by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, shared by Vasily Pieters.

🔗 Download the guide: