Vala provides capital funding to companies that aim for sustainability, no matter what sectors they operate in.
Seed-stage to Series A
Vala Capital is a UK venture firm investing in early-stage, sustainability-driven startups, combining funding with mentorship to deliver both impact and financial returns.
Mission: Give innovative start-ups the foundations to transform their ideas and potential into profitable, sustainable businesses by backing, building, and empowering early-stage companies that drive positive impact and sustainability while delivering strong financial returns.
Goals:
Values:
Vala Capital was founded in 2018 by a team of serial entrepreneurs led by Jasper Smith and James Faulkner, with key co-founders including Jane Holland and Asker Fawmy. Jasper Smith, a first-generation wealth creator and tech entrepreneur, started Vala Capital to create a venture ecosystem that puts entrepreneurs first and supports start-ups with impactful, sustainable missions. His own journey from business owner and investor, alongside the team’s collective experience, shaped the firm’s sustainability-focused philosophy. Jane Holland brings expertise as a Chartered Accountant and investment manager, while Asker Fawmy, a CIMA qualified accountant, contributes strong financial leadership. Together, they built Vala Capital as a responsible, entrepreneur-led venture capital firm focused on backing early-stage UK companies that make positive societal and market impacts.
Jasper Smith Founder & Director
James Faulkner Co-founder & Managing Director
Jane Holland Co-founder
Asker Fawmy Co-founder & Finance Director
Vala Capital's investment focus is on early-stage companies with high growth potential across multiple sectors, particularly those aligned with sustainability and impact. The firm targets businesses that address sustainability challenges and have transformative, scalable technologies with potential for substantial revenues. Their portfolios typically focuses on businesses that are usually post-product launch but need capital for accelerated growth. Vala emphasises backing companies that integrate sustainability deeply into their business models and positively impact markets, often around themes such as planetary health, sustainable consumption, and access to key societal needs.
The geographic scope of Vala Capital is focused entirely within the United Kingdom. Vala Capital invests in early-stage companies from all around the UK and has no specific geographic preference within the country. Although Vala has established a broad global network of entrepreneurs and venture partners, its investments are exclusively UK-based, aiming to support innovation and growth in UK companies across various sectors.
Vala Capital invests in high-growth, sustainability-focused sectors with positive societal impact. Key areas include technologies that enhance planetary health, sustainable consumption and circular economy models, and democratising access to essentials like education, food, water, and healthcare. They focus on CleanTech, GreenTech, FinTech, and the blue economy, covering marine restoration, sustainable aquaculture, maritime tech, renewable energy, climate tech, and plastic alternatives. All investments align with UN Sustainable Development Goals and target scalable businesses with strong environmental and social benefits.
Vala Capital invests in early-stage companies with sustainability at their core, prioritising scalable technologies that have strong revenue potential in large markets. All investments must align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and meet rigorous sustainability and reporting requirements. Key target sectors include technology that improves planetary health, sustainable consumption and commerce, and democratising access to essentials like education, food, water, and healthcare. Portfolio companies are required to track and report financial and sustainability metrics monthly, with Vala supporting transparency, ESG progress, and initiatives such as B-Corp certification.
Vala Capital selects investments using a rigorous process focused on sustainability and commercial viability. They apply established sustainability standards and track detailed impact metrics, while also prioritising strong management teams and clear exit strategies. After initial screening, about 25 businesses undergo thorough review annually, with only the best receiving investment offers.
Datatecnics: Develops AI and IoT-enabled tools that help utilities and infrastructure operators predict asset failures, extend asset lifetimes, and optimise maintenance and investment decisions by generating high-quality data and transforming physical networks into digital, predictive systems. Visit Datatecnics
Oxwash: provides sustainable laundry services that use eco-friendly washing processes and a zero-emissions delivery network to clean clothes and textiles without harming the planet. Visit Oxwash
Qflow: Automates data capture and auditing on construction sites to track materials, waste, and emissions in real time for sustainable building. Visit Qflow
Ring: Ring Powercraft designs and manufactures high-performance sports and tactical boats, blending racing innovation with versatile leisure and military applications. Visit Ring
Discover more successful investments here.
Vala Capital finances its portfolio companies through a combination of its own managed funds and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) funds, which provide tax advantages to outside investors. The firm makes early-stage investments alongside its internal investor committee to support businesses from the proof-of-concept phase. Vala also collaborates with other venture capital firms, angel investors, and impact-focused funds to co-invest, helping startups scale while aligning with sustainability goals. This diversified funding approach balances risk and encourages long-term growth.
Investment Stage: early-stage companies (Seed stage).
Equity: Focus on equity investments, often within Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) qualifying funds for tax benefits.
Funds:
Vala Capital goes beyond providing capital by fostering a strong community for entrepreneurs. Founders benefit from access to a supportive network of experienced professionals, sector experts, and like-minded peers that encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Additionally, Vala offers workspace solutions and tailored business development support, creating an environment designed to help startups scale efficiently. This combination of funding, mentorship, and community resources enables founders to accelerate growth and navigate challenges with greater confidence and support.
The team at Vala Capital is composed of a small but experienced group of professionals focused on early-stage investing. The internal investment team includes several key members supported by a wider group of venture partners who bring significant expertise. Vala’s staffing extends beyond investing to include finance and operational roles, ensuring comprehensive support for portfolio companies. The team is known for a hands-on, flexible approach, matching board representation and advisory roles closely to the needs of each investee company rather than simply sector experience. Staff numbers have grown ahead of operational needs, reflecting plans for ongoing expansion. The team emphasises practical delivery capabilities over style, maintaining a strong focus on fostering growth in impact-driven, scalable businesses. Overall, Vala’s team combines investment acumen with entrepreneurial experience to support and scale innovative UK companies.
Learn more about the team here.
1. What types of companies does Vala Capital invest in?
Vala focuses on early-stage, high-growth companies that embed sustainability into their business models, particularly in sectors like CleanTech, GreenTech, FinTech, renewable energy, and the blue economy.
2. Does Vala Capital only invest in UK businesses?
Yes, Vala Capital’s investment focus is entirely on UK-based start-ups, though it leverages a global entrepreneurial and venture network to support them.
3. What investment stage does Vala Capital target?
It primarily invests at the seed stage in companies that are usually post-product launch and need capital to scale.
4. What funding structures does Vala Capital use?
Vala invests primarily through equity, often via Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) funds, which provide tax advantages for outside investors.
5. Beyond financing, how does Vala support entrepreneurs?
Vala fosters a collaborative community, providing workspace solutions, access to experts, and ongoing mentorship to help founders optimise strategies and accelerate growth.
Are you an innovative greentech founder seeking funding? Discover how Vala Capital can support your journey by visiting: Vala Capital Website.
Stay updated with the latest news and opportunities by following Vala Capital on LinkedIn: Vala Capital LinkedIn.
Explore more UK opportunities for greentech investment at Adopter’s Greentech Investors Map.
