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Venture Builder
Carbon13
Carbon13
Cleantech
Idea / pre-productMVP / early product
Cambridge-based venture builder dedicated to the climate emergency. 8-month programme where cohorts of 70+ founders find co-founders, develop carbon-reducing ventures and compete for pre-seed investment. Carbon13 only backs startups with the potential to mitigate 10 million tonnes of CO2e annually at scale. Qualifying teams receive £75k pre-seed investment plus a monthly stipend. 64 startups funded since 2021, with a collective portfolio value of £140m. Backed by ARM, Cambridge Cleantech and others. Cohort 9 ran in 2025; cohort 10 applications expected 2026.
Why this programme
Find customers / partnerships
Cohort model connects climate founders with industry partners and potential enterprise customers in the carbon reduction space
Raise funding
£75k pre-seed investment for qualifying ventures plus monthly founder stipend; programme builds investor-ready pitch for follow-on seed rounds
Access to mentors / operators
Deep network of Cambridge academics, climate scientists, serial entrepreneurs and industry experts; ARM and Cambridge Cleantech connections
Build product / validate MVP
8-month intensive programme stress-testing carbon credentials, commercial viability and scalability before investment committee decision