Last week we announced the first co-investment of our Origo program, a pre-seed and seed investment matching program for climate technology in Quebec. Through this interview, Jennifer McDonald, Senior Vice President of Investments at Cycle Momentum, discusses the Origo program’s approach and how we work with our investment partners.
On March 7th Cycle Momentum announced the first co-investment in its Origo program. It’s a great milestone! Please tell us more about the Origo program.
It’s an exciting moment to announce our first investment, in Opalia! The Origo program invests in climate tech solutions at the earliest stage. Our goal is to stimulate investment in startups that are developing innovative technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, or provide other environmental benefits.
As you said it is an investment matching program and for the first investment, made in Opalia, Cycle Momentum co-invested with BoxOne Ventures. Can you tell us why BoxOne Ventures was the right partner and what are the requirements to invest through the Origo Program?
BoxOne Ventures is an operator-founded investment firm that’s committed to investing in transformative ideas. They were a great co-investor for our investment in Opalia because they love to back visionary ideas. To co-invest with the Origo program, investors should be part of the Circle of Partner Funds, be actively deploying capital, and have climate tech as a key part of their investment thesis.
What type of investors join the Circle of Partner Funds?
Investors partnering with us gain access to high-quality climate tech investments, a valuable network of aligned peers, top-tier market intelligence, and opportunities for leadership and engagement. Through our platform, investors find promising startups aligned with their thesis, collaborate with like-minded peers, stay informed on market trends, and contribute to the growth of impactful technologies.
And what are the concrete benefits for Investors you work with?
Investors partnering with us gain access to high-quality climate tech investments, a valuable network of aligned peers, top-tier market intelligence, and opportunities for leadership and engagement. Through our platform, investors find promising startups aligned with their thesis, collaborate with like-minded peers, stay informed on market trends, and contribute to the growth of impactful technologies.
Finally, what does the future hold for Cycle Momentum’s Origo program?
With the Origo program, Cycle Momentum plans to invest in 10 Quebec climate tech companies per year. Our team is working actively with the Quebec startup ecosystem and our Circle of Partner Funds to achieve this goal. We’re excited to play a role in this year’s Climate Solutions Festival (June 17-18), which brings this community together to celebrate visionary entrepreneurs building technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency.
Thanks to Environnement Québec for supporting the Origo program as part of the plan pour une économie verte 2030.
