First Imagine! is a venture capital that invests in companies developing deep science-, engineering-based technologies, and disruptive business models, within the energy transition sector.
First Imagine! is a European venture capital firm, established in London in 2016, specialising in early-stage investments that accelerate the energy transition across Europe and Israel. The firm is led by a team of experienced investors, founders, and managers with deep expertise in energy and cleantech. First Imagine! partners with innovative start-ups developing science- and engineering-based technologies and disruptive business models that address the entire energy value chain, from production and storage to distribution and consumption.
First Imagine!’s mission is to accelerate the global transition to a sustainable low-carbon energy system by investing in technologies and business models that reduce emissions and deliver tangible benefits for customers, such as lower costs, improved efficiency, and enhanced performance. The firm is committed to responsible investment practices, social impact, and robust governance across all aspects of its operations.
First Imagine!’s core values are rooted in environmental responsibility, social impact, and strong governance. The firm seeks out innovations that make a measurable difference to both the environment and commercial outcomes, believing that sustainability and commercial viability must go hand in hand. First Imagine! only invests in companies whose solutions have the potential to deliver real-world impact, both by decarbonising the energy sector and by creating scalable and profitable businesses.
Internally, First Imagine! fosters a culture of integrity, collaboration, and fairness, uniting its team around the shared goal of driving meaningful societal change while generating leading returns for investors and customers. The company upholds the highest standards of sustainable, legal, and ethical conduct throughout its operations and supply chain, ensuring that governance is a foundational value at every level.These principles are reflected in First Imagine!’s commitment to supporting not only commercial ventures but also broader community and industry initiatives that advance the energy transition and promote positive environmental and social outcomes.
Alexander Starchenko is the founder and Managing Partner of First Imagine!. With over 25 years of experience in the energy and investment sectors, he has been the key driver behind the firm’s vision and growth. Prior to establishing First Imagine!, Alexander served as Vice President for Energy at Novolipetsk Steel Company (NLMK), one of the world’s leading steel producers, where he focused on energy efficiency and sustainability. His leadership at First Imagine! is complemented by a diverse team with expertise in innovation management, corporate strategy, finance, and operations.
First Imagine! was created in response to the profound changes reshaping the global energy landscape. The firm recognises the revolutionary significance of decarbonisation and the vast opportunities presented by initiatives such as the European Green Deal. From the outset, the founders believed that committed and knowledgeable investors could play a critical role in accelerating the energy transition and backing the next generation of clean energy pioneers.
Explore the founders’ professional journey: Alexander Starchenko Linkedin.
Geographic Scope:
First Imagine! primarily invests in early-stage companies across Europe, with a particular emphasis on the United Kingdom and Israel. The firm is committed to supporting domestic and regional innovation in the energy transition, while remaining open to opportunities with global relevance and scalability.
Sectors of Interest
First Imagine! concentrates on transformative technologies and business models that accelerate the shift to a sustainable energy system. Core areas of interest include:
The firm seeks innovations that deliver measurable environmental benefits and support the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy.
Investment Criteria
First Imagine! backs early-stage companies led by mission-driven founders, focusing on high-impact ventures with scalable business models and technologies that address urgent environmental challenges. Each investment is expected to generate lasting value for both the planet and its communities, with the potential for strong long-term returns.
First Imagine! follows a rigorous, multi-stage assessment process for potential investments. Initial screening ensures alignment with the firm’s mission to accelerate the energy transition and support impactful, commercially viable technologies. The team evaluates founders’ expertise, the maturity of the technology, and market potential. Formal due diligence includes technical validation, market fit analysis, and climate impact assessment over a multi-year horizon. Each opportunity is benchmarked against global early-stage data, and the team consults external experts to validate both engineering and scalability. This thorough process ensures that every investment delivers measurable environmental benefits and real world commercial value.
First Imagine! has invested in a range of early-stage companies focused on accelerating the energy transition through innovative technologies and scalable business models. Some of the most notable portfolio companies include:
Ai Build
Ai Build develops advanced large-scale 3D printing solutions that integrate artificial intelligence and computer vision. Their technology enables fully automated and highly efficient additive manufacturing for industrial applications, significantly reducing material waste and production costs while improving design flexibility and speed. Visit website: Ai Build.
Moixa
Moixa is a leader in smart energy storage and distributed energy resource management. The company’s platform aggregates residential batteries and electric vehicles, enabling homeowners to optimise energy usage and participate in grid services, supporting a more flexible and resilient energy system. ial waste and production costs while improving design flexibility and speed. Visit website: Moixa.
Aurelia Turbines
Aurelia Turbines manufactures highly efficient small gas turbines for distributed energy generation. Their modular turbines deliver outstanding electrical and thermal efficiency, providing reliable, low-emission power solutions for industrial and commercial clients. Visit website: Aurelia Turbines.
Discover more successful investments: First Imagine! Portfolio.
First Imagine! is backed by a diverse group of funding partners, including institutional investors, family offices, and high net worth individuals who are committed to supporting the energy transition and climate innovation. While the firm does not publicly list its limited partners, its investor base is aligned around the shared objective of achieving both strong financial returns and measurable environmental impact. Capital is raised through private investment vehicles, enabling a targeted and mission-driven approach to venture funding.
By partnering with investors who share its long-term vision, First Imagine! is able to provide early-stage capital and strategic support to founders developing breakthrough technologies for a sustainable energy future. This collaborative approach ensures the firm can continue to identify, invest in and scale high-potential companies across Europe, the UK and Israel, driving positive and lasting change in the energy sector.
Investment Stage:
First Imagine! invests primarily in early-stage companies, with a focus on opportunities that are beyond proof of concept or at the early stage of commercialisation. The firm is open to seed and Series A investments and will selectively participate in later-stage funding rounds for exceptional opportunities that align with its strategy and expertise.
Equity:
The firm typically makes equity investments, acquiring shares in the companies it supports. First Imagine! also maintains flexibility to use convertible instruments, such as convertible notes or SAFE agreements, when appropriate, to provide adaptable funding structures for founders and investors.
Funding:
First Imagine! is backed by a diverse group of institutional investors, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals. The firm invests through private investment vehicles, focusing on scalable, high-impact ventures in the energy transition sector across Europe, the UK, and Israel.
Recent Developments:
First Imagine! is currently in an active investment phase and continues to expand its portfolio of companies driving the energy transition. The firm regularly leads or co-leads funding rounds, as seen in its recent strategic investment in PIONIERKRAFT’s Series A round.
First Imagine! invests in early stage companies developing scalable technologies that support the transition to a low carbon energy system. Its portfolio targets urgent challenges such as decarbonisation, energy efficiency and the integration of renewable energy across Europe, the UK and Israel.
The firm focuses on solutions with measurable environmental impact, such as Heliorec’s floating solar panels, which generate clean energy while preserving land use. Each investment is selected through a rigorous process to ensure strong potential for real-world impact and commercial success.
Beyond capital, First Imagine! provides strategic guidance and access to a network of experts to help founders build sustainable businesses. As a member of BVCA, IRENA’s Coalition for Action, and the Tech Tour Investors Club, the firm is actively engaged in shaping a cleaner energy future through both investment and collaboration.
First Imagine! supports its portfolio companies with more than just financial investment, offering founders strategic guidance, operational insight, and access to a strong network of industry experts and entrepreneurs. This hands-on approach helps early stage companies address key challenges around scaling, from product development to market entry and growth.
The firm actively engages with leading industry bodies, including the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA), the IRENA Coalition for Action, and the Tech Tour Investors Club. Through these networks, First Imagine! connects its portfolio with the latest sector insights, partnership opportunities, and best practices in sustainability and governance. This broader engagement enhances the commercial and environmental outcomes of its investments, reinforcing its mission to accelerate the energy transition.
First Imagine! is led by a world-class team of professionals with deep expertise in venture capital, energy technologies, and business development. United by a shared commitment to accelerating the energy transition through innovation, the team combines experience in investment, corporate strategy, technical innovation, and operational management to support founders with strategic guidance and access to a broad industry network.
Learn more about the team on the First Imagine! Team Page.
Contact
Are you building innovative solutions for the energy transition and seeking early-stage funding? Discover how First Imagine! can accelerate your journey by visiting: First Imagine! Website.
Stay updated with the latest news, events, and opportunities by following First Imagine! on LinkedIn: First Imagine! LinkedIn.
Explore more UK opportunities for greentech investment at Adopter’s Greentech Investors Map.
