In this interview, we introduce you to Jennifer McDonald, Senior Vice President of Investments at Cycle Momentum, as she discusses the first year of Origo, a co-investment program dedicated to climate technology innovation. Jennifer shares Origo’s successes, Cycle Momentum’s commitment to climate technology, and her team’s ambitious goals to support sustainable change.
Q: One year after the launch of the Origo program, what are the key takeaways from this initiative so far?
Jennifer McDonald: Our ecosystem generates innovative technology across every vertical in climate tech, from green chemistry and energy to manufacturing and solutions aimed at decarbonizing industries. We’re inspired by the vision of entrepreneurs who see a more sustainable world and are committed to building it. Now, more than ever, climate technology is attracting a high caliber of entrepreneurs, whether they are first-time founders, seasoned entrepreneurs, or executives from the industry.
The time to deploy is now, with the energy transition accelerating and a growing demand for solutions. There is both a market opportunity and an urgent and critical need for more climate tech start-ups.
Q: You’ve already made five investments in Opalia, Riythmik Solutions, ReliOn, Aplantex, and Relocalize. Could you share more about the motivations behind investing in these companies?
Jennifer McDonald: We prioritized investments in start-ups with high potential for returns and significant GHG emissions reductions. They are developing innovative solutions for industries that are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Food and agriculture contribute over 25% of emissions from production, processing, and distribution. Opalia is developing milk without cows, using bovine mammary cells. Aplantex and Relocalize have developed technology to decentralize production and cut transport emissions—Aplantex focuses on botanical ingredients, and Relocalize on food and beverages, starting with packaged ice.
- Mining contributes 4-7% of GHG emissions but is essential for obtaining the critical materials needed for the energy transition. Rithmik helps mines reduce fuel consumption and emissions through its predictive maintenance software for mobile mining equipment.
- Road vehicle transport contributes 12% of GHG emissions. ReliON’s maintenance platform aims to make the EV charging network more reliable, accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles.
Q: Origo is an investment matching program for seed and pre-seed stages, meaning you co-invest with other players in climate tech companies. Who are the investors you’re partnering with for these investments?
Jennifer McDonald: Our co-investors in these initial investments are experienced and committed players in the climate and deep tech verticals. They include Diagram Ventures, Chrysalix Ventures, the Circular Innovation Fund, BoxOne Ventures, i4 Capital, Anges Québec, and AQC Capital. These investors bring expertise as operators, a network of top-tier corporate partners and LPs, and often access to follow-on capital.
Q: Could you give us an update on the Circle of Partner Funds? How is your investor community developing?
Jennifer McDonald: The Circle of Partner Funds is growing and now comprises over 60 investors from venture capital, corporate VC, family offices, and institutional investors. These investors span all stages of financing, from pre-seed through growth investing, and include both generalist and specialized climate tech investors. They share a common commitment to supporting innovative climate technologies.
Q: How do you work with members of the Circle of Partner Funds, and what does Cycle Momentum do to engage and nurture this community?
Jennifer McDonald: Cycle Momentum’s objectives are to increase investor awareness of high-potential climate start-ups and stimulate investment in our ecosystem in Quebec. We provide investors with access to deal flow through a quarterly deal digest, pitch events, and curated referrals. We also facilitate co-investment opportunities through investor introductions and the Origo investment matching program.
Q: You’ve recently hired Maëlle as Investor Community Lead. What will her role be within your team?
Jennifer McDonald: Maëlle joins us to strengthen our engagement with the investor community. Their role involves coordinating events, facilitating introductions among Circle of Partner Funds members, and connecting them with start-ups. The Circle of Partner Funds includes top-tier climate investors across Canada and the US, and we aim to raise visibility for start-ups that are emerging as the next generation of climate champions.
Q: What are your short-, medium-, and long-term goals for the Cycle Momentum investment team?
Jennifer McDonald: We aim to continue investing in groundbreaking climate tech start-ups from our ecosystem, attract new investors to the Circle of Partner Funds, and increase investor engagement with our ecosystem. Our success will be measured by the growth and impact of our portfolio companies, the financial returns generated (which will be reinvested in future start-ups through our evergreen model), and the multiplier effect achieved through our co-investors.
Q: What is your strategy for achieving these goals?
Jennifer McDonald: We continually scout for new technologies through outreach and partnerships with other ecosystem players, maintain high standards for new investments, and work actively with portfolio companies to support their growth. We are energized by entrepreneurs with the vision to reimagine a more sustainable world and the drive to make that vision a reality.
Cycle Momentum’s Origo program is cultivating a resilient ecosystem of climate tech innovation. With strong co-investor partnerships and a dedicated team, Cycle Momentum is well-positioned to drive impactful change and support the next generation of climate champions.
