Calling Queensland's most ambitious climate tech founders.
EnergyLab’s Investment Ready Climate Tech Program supports Queensland’s most ambitious founders on their path to fundraising. Whether you’re seeking pre-seed, seed, or Series A funding, this twelve-week program will equip you with the right tools and know-how to navigate the many challenges of raising capital. You’ll learn what investors are looking for and how to manage the fundraising process, you’ll be mentored by experienced climate tech experts, and we’ll set you up to meet active climate tech investors.
Key dates - Cohort 2
- Applications open: 1 November - 31 December 2024
- Interviews: 1 - 15 January 2025
- Program runs: 6 February - 24 April 2025
Alumni from previous cohorts
Receive the support you need to succeed
When you join our Investment Ready Program we support your fundraising efforts by bringing in experts from our extensive mentor and investor networks. Some of the many features and benefits of the program are outlined below.
Engage with investors
We’ll introduce you to active climate tech investors, and you’ll have the opportunity to pitch and gather feedback from our network of investors.
Access to over 400 mentors
EnergyLab has an extensive network of mentors from a wide range of backgrounds, such as energy companies, government departments, investors, and successful climate tech startups.
Guided learning by investment experts
Throughout the program, EnergyLab will run a series of online workshops with investment experts, covering all important aspects of raising capital.
Meet other founders making an impact
The best learning opportunities often come from sharing knowledge between startups. Meet and connect with like-minded founders who are on a similar journey to you.
Legal assistance
Get support from our partners at FCW Lawyers who can provide a 45-minute pro bono appointment.
A path forward and a community for life
EnergyLab’s programs span every stage of the entrepreneurial journey, supporting you with the expertise and networks you need to reach every growth milestone. You’ll be part of the EnergyLab climate tech community for life.
Program partner
The program is brought to you in partnership with Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) through the Venture Capital Development Fund (VCDF).
Headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, QIC is owned by the Queensland Government and has more than $100 billion in assets under management.
Hear from Queensland-based EnergyLab alumni
“ I have nothing but high praise for the EnergyLab programs. We secured customers and key suppliers, and continue to lean on EnergyLab to get advice and new connections. Being a founder can be lonely, so having a network to discuss paint points with is core to success. It’s a critical element in any climate tech startup’s journey from 0 to 1, and beyond. I’m excited that EnergyLab is now present in my home state to provide hands-on support for Queensland startups. ”
Founder & CEO, Vaulta
“ I am extremely happy with the Investment Ready Program. The content is incredibly valuable for startup founders like myself. Each module is thoughtfully designed to cover critical aspects of fundraising, and the insights provided are practical and actionable. The mentors are inspiring and provide honest feedback, and the program organisers have put together a well-structured experience that is both enriching and engaging. I highly recommend this program to other climate tech founders! ”
Co-founder & CFO, Blue Carbon
“ Enabling energy transition is a mega challenge, and being a startup in this domain requires us to navigate bespoke challenges. Luckily, we learned about EnergyLab early on and have greatly benefited from its programs. EnergyLab's ecosystem of mentors and fellow founders has greatly helped us learn and navigate our blind spots. It’s great to see the government duly recognise EnergyLab's untiring efforts in supporting innovation in climate tech and encouraging entrepreneurship in the ANZ region. ”
Founder & CEO, InfigoLabs
“ The Investment Ready Program contained lots of practical advice from a varied range of speakers. There was a good level of 'no bullshit' in this program, which I really appreciated. I met several great VCs based on the warm introductions through EnergyLab. Practical elements like financial modelling and building my data-room were also very useful in terms of getting a blueprint for best practice in these areas. ”
Founder, Sendala
“ EnergyLab has been essential to our business growth over the last 12 months, guiding us through a complex industry with valuable insights and connections. Being part of a high-quality founder community has been incredibly beneficial as we navigate the many scale-up challenges. With Queensland poised to become a global leader in clean energy and climate tech, EnergyLab’s expansion into the Sunshine State is perfectly timed! ”
CEO, Outbound
“ We love the EnergyLab program, the team and the incredibly helpful network. As a developer and manufacturer of technology for the grid transformation the EnergyLab program was hugely relevant to our needs. We found the workshops on capital raising and the connections to both potential investors and other fast-growing companies to be extremely good. The program is now coming to our home state Queensland. Do yourself a favour and get on board with EnergyLab! ”
Founder & CEO, EcoJoule Energy
Program structure
The 12-week program covers all aspects of fundraising, and consists of ten weeks of online workshops, followed by two weeks of 1:1 online meetings with investors, and a final in-person pitch event in Brisbane.
Assess the Funding Landscape
Module 1
The right funding pathway depends on the individual startup. Deep dive on angel investment and other options including debt, grants, project finance, and crowdfunding.
Understand the VC Business Model
Module 2
Understand the business model investors operate under and the different types of equity instruments used by VCs.
Manage Your Investor Outreach
Module 3
Learn how to target relevant investors and the steps involved from initial screening to term sheet.
Articulate the Opportunity
Module 4
Articulate the opportunity in a way that resonates with investors. Why is this the right time for your solution and how will you execute on your business model?
Path to Growth
Module 5
Develop a clear and evidence-based path to growth and impact.
Financial Modelling, Metrics, Unit Economics
Module 6
Build a robust financial model and understand the key metrics and unit economics most relevant to your startup.
Valuation and Dilution
Module 7
Learn different ways of valuating your startup and understand the long-term impact of dilution.
Build Your Data Room
Module 8
Build a detailed data room with all the documents investors require to inform their decisions.
Pitch to Investors
Module 9
Learn to think at investors’ level, what to include in your pitch deck, and how to deliver a compelling story investors buy into.
Close the Deal
Module 10
Understand deal structures, red flags to look out for in a term sheet, and how to close the deal.
Program cost
The Investment Ready Program is completely free for eligible Queensland-based climate tech startups.
The application process
Applying is easy. Simply fill in the application form and attend an interview.
Applications open
1 November 2024
The first step in the application process is to complete the online application form.
Interviews
Begin 1 January 2025
Meet the EnergyLab team to discuss your application and how we can support your startup. Interviews will be 30 minutes long and held online via Zoom.
Program starts
February 2025
The online workshops start early February 2025
Selection criteria
EnergyLab is all about providing you with the right support at the right time. Besides having a climate tech startup, the Investment Ready program is perfect for you if you have these qualities:
Queensland-based
Your startup must have its headquarters in Queensland.
Address climate change
Your product or service has to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, or address the impacts of climate change, or enable others to do so. This includes a range of solutions including renewable energy, sustainable transport, alternative protein, carbon sequestration, and land management. We will also consider startups that help address other environmental issues such as waste and biodiversity.
Traction
The more traction you have the better. This could mean you already have paying customers, or you’re working on your minimum viable product (MVP) and have validation of customer interest.
Strong desire to become investment ready
Regardless of whether you’re seeking pre-seed, seed, or Series A funding, you have a clear idea of how the raised capital will fuel your growth, and you consider investment crucial to the success of your startup. Becoming investment ready requires significant time and effort, so you must be prepared to roll your sleeves up and do the work.
FAQs
The program is delivered virtually via Zoom, except for the final pitch event, which will be held in Brisbane.
Yes, you need to have an ABN to apply.
Possibly! We take a very broad view of climate tech and include any technology that is required to decarbonise the economy. Please email us and we'll tell you for sure.
No, we are happy to receive applications from solo founders.
Yes. You’ve likely progressed since previous applications, so go ahead and apply again, we’re keen to hear about your progress.
Yes. As long as the program is relevant to your startup you can complete multiple EnergyLab programs.
The first ten weeks will have up to two weekly 90-minute online workshops for you to attend. How much time you spend on applying the concepts and frameworks from the workshops is up to you, but the more you put in, the more you get out. After the ten weeks of workshops there are two weeks where we set you up with 1:1 online meetings with investors. The program ends with an in-person pitch event in Brisbane towards the end of week 12.
Please email [email protected] if you have any other questions.