Calling Queensland's most ambitious climate tech founders.
EnergyLab’s Investment Ready Climate Tech Program supports Queensland’s most ambitious founders on their path to fundraising. Whether you’re seeking pre-seed, seed, or Series A funding, this twelve-week program will equip you with the tools and know-how to navigate the many challenges of raising capital. You’ll learn what investors are looking for and how to manage the fundraising process, you’ll be mentored by experienced climate tech experts, and we’ll set you up to meet with active climate tech investors.
Key dates - Cohort 1
- Applications open: 1 May - 30 June 2024
- Interviews: 1 - 19 July 2024
- Program runs: 1 August - 25 October 2024
Receive the support you need to succeed
When you join our Investment Ready Program we support your fundraising efforts by bringing in experts from our extensive mentor and investor networks. Some of the many features and benefits of the program are outlined below.
Engage with investors
We’ll introduce you to active climate tech investors, and you’ll have the opportunity to pitch and gather feedback from our network of investors.
Access to over 400 mentors
EnergyLab has an extensive network of mentors from a wide range of backgrounds, such as energy companies, government departments, investors, and successful climate tech startups.
Guided learning by investment experts
Throughout the program, EnergyLab will run a series of online workshops with investment experts, covering all important aspects of raising capital.
Meet other founders making an impact
The best learning opportunities often come from sharing knowledge between startups. Meet and connect with like-minded founders who are on a similar journey to you.
Legal assistance
Get support from our partners at FCW Lawyers who can provide a 45-minute pro bono appointment.
A path forward and a community for life
EnergyLab’s programs span every stage of the entrepreneurial journey, supporting you with the expertise and networks you need to reach every growth milestone. You’ll be part of the EnergyLab climate tech community for life.
Program partner
The program is brought to you in partnership with Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) through the Venture Capital Development Fund (VCDF).
Headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, QIC is owned by the Queensland Government and has more than $100 billion in assets under management.
Hear from Queensland-based EnergyLab alumni
“ I have nothing but high praise for the EnergyLab programs. We secured customers and key suppliers, and continue to lean on EnergyLab a year later to get advice and new connections. Being a founder can be lonely, so having a network to discuss paint points with is core to success. It’s a critical element in any climate tech startup’s journey from 0 to 1, and beyond. I’m excited that EnergyLab is coming to my home state Queensland to provide hands-on support and guidance for startups. ”
CEO, Vaulta
“ We love the EnergyLab program, the team and the incredibly helpful network. As a developer and manufacturer of technology for the grid transformation the EnergyLab program was hugely relevant to our needs. We found the workshops on capital raising and the connections to both potential investors and other fast-growing companies to be extremely good. The program is now coming to our home state Queensland. Do yourself a favour and get on board with EnergyLab! ”
Founder & CEO, EcoJoule Energy
Program structure
The 12-week program covers all aspects of fundraising, and consists of ten weekly online workshops, followed by two weeks of 1:1 online meetings with investors, and a final in-person pitch event in Brisbane.
Understand the VC Business Model
Module 1
Understand the business model investors operate under and the different types of equity instruments used by VCs.
Angel investors and other funding pathways
Module 2
Deep dive on angel investment for early stage funding. Explore other options including debt, grants, project finance, and crowdfunding.
Manage Your Investor Outreach
Module 3
Learn how to target relevant investors and the steps involved from initial screening to term sheet.
Articulate the Opportunity
Module 4
Articulate the opportunity in a way that resonates with investors. Why is this the right time for your solution and how will you execute on your business model?
Path to Growth
Module 5
Develop a clear and evidence based path to growth that can be presented to investors.
Financial Modelling, Metrics, Unit Economics
Module 6
Build a robust financial model and understand the key metrics and unit economics most relevant to your startup.
Valuation and Dilution
Module 7
Learn different ways of valuating your startup and understand the long-term impact of dilution.
Build Your Data Room
Module 8
Build a detailed data room with all the documents investors require to inform their decisions.
Pitch to Investors
Module 9
Learn to think at investors’ level, what to include in your pitch deck, and how to deliver a compelling story investors buy into.
Close the Deal
Module 10
Understand deal structures, red flags to look out for in a term sheet, and how to manage the process of closing the deal.
Program cost
The Investment Ready Program is completely free for eligible Queensland-based climate tech startups.
The application process
Applying is easy. Simply fill in the application form and attend an interview.
Applications open
1 May 2024
The first step in the application process is to complete the online application form.
Interviews
Begin 1 July 2024
Meet the EnergyLab team to discuss your application and how we can support your startup. Interviews will be 20 minutes long and held online via Zoom.
Program starts
August 2024
The online workshops start early August 2024
Selection criteria
EnergyLab is all about providing you with the right support at the right time. Besides having a climate tech startup, the Investment Ready program is perfect for you if you have these qualities:
Queensland-based
Your startup must have its headquarters in Queensland.
Address climate change
Your product or service has to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions or address the impacts of climate change or enable others to do so. This includes a range of solutions including renewable energy, sustainable transport, alternative protein, carbon sequestration, and land management. We will also consider startups that help address other environmental issues such as waste and biodiversity.
Traction
The more traction you have the better. This could mean you already have paying customers, or you’re working on your minimum viable product (MVP) and have some validation of customer interest.
Strong desire to become investment ready
Regardless of whether you’re seeking pre-seed, seed, or Series A funding, you have a clear idea of how the raised capital will fuel your growth, and you consider investment crucial to the success of your startup. Becoming investment ready requires significant time and effort, so you must be prepared to roll your sleeves up and do the work.
FAQs
The program is delivered virtually via Zoom, except for the final pitch event, which will be held in Brisbane.
Yes, you need to have an ABN to apply.
Possibly! We take a very broad view of climate tech and include any technology that is required to decarbonise the economy. Please email us and we'll tell you for sure.
No, we are happy to receive applications from solo founders.
Yes. You’ve likely progressed since previous applications, so go ahead and apply again, we’re keen to hear about your progress.
Yes. As long as the program is relevant to your startup you can complete multiple EnergyLab programs.
The first ten weeks will have a weekly two-hour online workshop for you to attend. How much time you spend on applying the concepts and frameworks from the workshops is up to you, but the more you put in the more you get out. After the ten weeks of workshops there will be two weeks where you have several 1:1 online meetings with investors so you can get feedback on your pitch and hone your pitching skills in preparation for the live pitch event held in Brisbane in week 12.
Please email [email protected] if you have any other questions.