Zurich, Switzerland: Emerald Technology Ventures announced Monday that Poland’s CIECH, a leading provider of chemicals products across Europe, is joining Emerald as a limited partner. The tie-up helps CIECH accelerate its sustainability transition and represents the latest boost to Emerald’s significant presence in the chemicals sector. It is the first investment managed by the team under CIECH’s newly launched CIECH Ventures arm, meant to connect the chemicals giant with startups innovating in its key sectors.
The global chemicals industry represents the largest industrial consumer of energy—including oil and gas—and needs to foster the growth of new technologies to reduce its carbon footprint. Via the Emerald partnership, CIECH will look for investments in companies working on cutting-edge solutions across the sector, with CO2 reduction, waste management, advanced materials and precision agriculture of particular interest. The company hopes the engagement will support CIECH’s efforts to reduce CO2 emissions by 33% by 2026, eliminate coal from its production by 2033 and reach climate neutrality by 2040.
Emerald boasts deep expertise in chemicals, including partnerships with several large players such as Henkel, Evonik and Chevron, and has invested in 15 fast-growing materials companies over the years. The CIECH investment will allow it to leverage its unique role connecting large conglomerates with smaller disruptors in a field poised for strong growth.
“CIECH makes the substances that power our modern economy and we’re excited to be joining with them at this pivotal moment,” said Hans Dellenbach, Emerald Senior Partner. “This partnership will fuel investments in the chemicals breakthroughs of tomorrow.”
“Our investment in Emerald’s fund and the creation of CIECH Ventures are manifestations of a stronger commitment to innovation, which is of key importance in increasing the competitiveness of CIECH Group,” said Dawid Jakubowicz, President of the CIECH Management Board. “As we strengthen our internal competences, our investment in one of the leading VC funds will allow us to boldly enter the startup market.”