Evonik invests in Chinese venture capital; targeting material start-ups

German chemicals firm Evonik is investing in the Chinese venture capital fund GRC SinoGreen Fund III (GRC III). The company says by doing so it has expanded its venture capital activities into Asia. The parties have agreed to not disclose the amount of the investment. As a result, the company is now represented in the most important venture capital regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.

GRC invests in private, green technology companies with unique strengths and substantial growth potential in Greater China. Target sectors include energy and resource efficiency, cleaner transportation, sustainability, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. GRC III has offices in Beijing and Taipei. In recent years, Asia has evolved into the worlds third-most important venture capital region. China accounts for around two-thirds of these activities.

"By investing in GRC III, we are opening the door to the fast growing start-up community in Greater China," explained Bernhard Mohr, head of Venture Capital at Evonik. "With GRC we have found a strong partner with a proven track record and with immediate relevance to our own business activities."

Aside from Evonik, the investor base of GRC III includes the World Bank subsidiary International Finance Corporation, the development bank Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO) and Shell Technology Ventures, the venture capital arm of Shell.

Investments in funds are an important element of Evoniks venture capital activities. Previously, Evonik had invested in the European and North American venture capital funds Pangaea Ventures Fund III, Emerald Cleantech Fund III, and High-Tech Gründerfonds II.

"The collaboration with venture capital funds and innovative start-ups complements our open innovation strategy and creates excellent opportunities for accelerating the development of new businesses and opening up new growth fields," said Mohr.

As part of its venture capital activities, Evonik plans to invest a total of EUR100 million in promising start-ups with innovative technologies and in leading specialised venture capital funds. The regional focus is on Europe, the US, and Asia. Evonik currently has holdings in eight start-ups and four funds.