News in the spotlight: Google partners with Mombak for largest nature-based carbon removal deal
Google has signed a deal with Brazilian startup Mombak to purchase 200,000 tons of carbon removal credits generated through reforestation efforts in the Amazon rainforest. This agreement marks Google’s largest investment in nature-based carbon removal to date and positions Mombak as its top carbon credit supplier for 2025.
Products and Services
SKF Unveils Free Patent Platform to Boost Climate Innovation
SKF has launched the Patent Bay, a new online platform offering free access to patents that support climate mitigation solutions. Announced on November 4, 2025, the initiative is designed to promote open innovation by allowing external parties—including startups, academia, and businesses—to use SKF’s patented technologies at no cost. The patents cover technologies that can contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and reducing resource use. By making these patents freely available, SKF aims to accelerate the development of climate-positive applications across a wide range of industries. The Patent Bay includes a user-friendly interface that facilitates keyword searches and provides downloadable information for each patent listed. This platform is part of SKF’s broader strategy to drive sustainability and foster collaborative innovation in the fight against climate change. SKF encourages other companies to consider similar approaches in making critical climate-related technologies accessible to promote faster environmental impact reductions globally.
Forbion Closes EUR 200 Million BioEconomy Fund to Invest in Sustainable Biotech
Forbion has announced the successful final close of its Forbion BioEconomy Fund I at the hard cap of EUR 200 million. The oversubscribed fund is dedicated to investing in companies that offer biotechnology-based solutions aimed at transitioning to sustainable and circular production methods. The fund targets sectors such as food and nutrition, agrobiotech, materials, and biochemicals. Supported by institutional investors including Dutch pension funds PME and PMT, as well as private investors and family offices, the fund intends to back early to growth-stage companies predominantly in Europe and North America. Headquartered in the Netherlands and Germany, Forbion aims to combine its expertise in biotechnology with sustainability goals to help decarbonize industrial processes and reduce dependency on fossil-based resources. Forbion BioEconomy Fund I has already made five investments and plans to build a diversified portfolio of 10 to 15 companies.
EIB invests EUR 20 million in Amethis fund to boost EU-Africa SME partnerships
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has committed EUR20 million to the Amethis Europe Expansion Fund, aiming to strengthen European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking growth opportunities in Africa. This investment is part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, supporting sustainable development and job creation on both continents. The Amethis fund focuses on minority investments in European companies with established or prospective operations in Africa, particularly in industries such as manufacturing, agribusiness, healthcare, and digital technology. With a target fund size around EUR 120 million, Amethis plans to back up to 12 SMEs over a 10-year period, reinforcing industrial and economic ties between Europe and Africa. The EIB’s backing also brings strategic alignment with EU development objectives and enhances investor confidence. Amethis, funded by experienced partners including Edmond de Rothschild and the French Development Finance Institution (Proparco), continues to promote inclusive economic partnerships while supporting EU and African Union priorities. The initiative also supports the implementation of the EIB’s goals under the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), aiming for greater sustainable impact across emerging markets.
Mediterrania Capital Partners led EUR 100 million co-investment
Mediterrania Capital Partners has led a EUR 100 million co-investment in Coris Holding, the second largest banking group in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), alongside European development finance institutions including FMO, British International Investment, BIO Belgium, and Impact Fund Denmark. Founded in 2008, Coris Bank Group operates in ten West African countries under the Coris Bank International brand. This investment aims to accelerate the bank’s growth, expand its regional presence, and enhance its mission to provide innovative and inclusive financial solutions across Africa. Mediterrania Capital Partners emphasizes financial inclusion as critical for Africa’s sustainable development, fostering entrepreneurship, job creation, and improved living standards. This strategic collaboration underlines the importance of directing capital towards initiatives generating lasting social and economic impact in African communities.
Rubio III fund receives EUR 70m in commitments
Rubio has successfully secured EUR 70 million in commitments for its third impact fund, Rubio Fund III, aimed at investing in thirty innovative companies focused on scalable solutions addressing the climate crisis and social inequality. The fund targets startups driving impactful change in sectors such as energy, sustainable food production, and mental healthcare access. Supported by returning and new investors—including the European Investment Fund, Invest-NL, ING Social Impact Investments, and NN Social Innovation Fund—Rubio Fund III reflects growing confidence in impact investing. The fund also benefits from innovation loans under the Dutch Seed Capital scheme, reinforcing its commitment to early-stage ventures. Rubio is recognized as a leader in Europe’s impact investment landscape, praised for simultaneously addressing environmental and social challenges, which inspires institutional investors to engage in this space.
ESG Data and Analytics
Denominator acquires Equileap to expand ESG and DEI data capabilities
Denominator has acquired Equileap, a company recognized for its global equality and diversity data. The acquisition strengthens Denominator’s position as a leader in human capital data by expanding its capabilities in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) datasets. Together, they will offer more comprehensive insights into social and human capital indicators, enhancing services for investors, corporations, and public institutions. This strategic move combines Denominator’s existing data on corporate impact, workplace culture, and governance with Equileap’s detailed gender equality metrics across thousands of global companies. Clients will gain access to enriched analytics on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), including gender balance, parental leave policies, pay gaps, board diversity, and more. The integrated data solutions aim to improve decision-making, regulatory alignment, and sustainable investment strategies. The firms will operate under the Denominator name, with Equileap’s team and expertise integrated into the expanded operations.
Net Zero Commitments
Google partners with Mombak for largest nature-based carbon removal deal
Google has signed a deal with Brazilian startup Mombak to purchase 200,000 tons of carbon removal credits generated through reforestation efforts in the Amazon rainforest. This agreement marks Google’s largest investment in nature-based carbon removal to date and positions Mombak as its top carbon credit supplier for 2025. Mombak restores degraded pastureland into native forests, providing carbon sinks and promoting biodiversity. The deal is part of Google’s broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions across its operations and supply chains by 2030. The credits meet strict standards aimed at ensuring permanence and additionality of carbon removal. Google’s collaboration with Mombak also supports the development of robust carbon credit monitoring and verification technologies. The partnership signals growing corporate demand for verifiable, high-quality nature-based carbon removal solutions as companies adapt to increased scrutiny over voluntary offset markets and intensifying climate targets.