JLL Foundation’s Significant Investment in Climate Startups Marks 2025 Milestone

JLL Foundation Invests $5.1M in Innovative Climate Startups in 2025

In a bold move towards sustainability, the JLL Foundation made headlines in 2025 as it deployed its largest pool of loans ever, amounting to more than $5 million. This ambitious financial commitment is aimed at accelerating the growth of innovative startups focused on addressing climate change.

A Record Achievement and Broader Impact

Released on March 4, 2026, the JLL Foundation’s Annual Report highlighted this significant investment along with the profound impact the organization has had since it was established in 2022. So far, the Foundation has enabled startups to raise nearly $165 million earmarked for scaling up solutions to reduce carbon emissions.

The year 2025 marks a pivotal point for the Foundation, having successfully validated its circular funding model. By reinvesting $1 million from returned loans sourced back from 2022, they enhanced their investment capabilities for the current year. This approach strengthens their support for companies operating in key markets, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and China.

To date, the JLL Foundation has made investments exceeding $16.8 million across 62 companies scattered across five continents, embodying its mission to drive meaningful change.

Commitment to Decarbonization and Sustainable Solutions

JLL Foundation’s Executive Director, Erin Meezan, expressed strong enthusiasm about the organization's endeavors. "Our zero-interest loans advocate for a variety of technologies and solutions dedicated to combatting climate change, including decarbonizing the built environment, powering renewable energy transitions, and advancing the circular economy," she stated.

For 2025, investments under the Foundation’s banner contributed to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. An impressive 93% of the technologies funded focused on decarbonizing construction and infrastructure, while 37% were aimed at waste reduction. Some of the standout startups within this cohort include:
1. Calcarea - This startup transforms CO2 emissions from cement kilns into stable ocean bicarbonate using seawater and limestone, enabling permanent carbon storage without the need for pressurized pipelines or geological injections.
2. Conry Tech - Their BullAnt system is revolutionary, cutting HVAC energy use in buildings by 60-70%, thereby avoiding approximately 1,500 tons of CO2 emissions per building annually.
3. Calectra - By electrifying industrial heating processes up to 1800°C for steel, cement, and glass production, Calectra decreases emissions from manufacturing by an astounding 35-76%, tackling 20% of global CO2 emissions.

The Importance of Early Support and Future Growth

Meezan emphasized the value of early-stage support provided by the Foundation. For instance, funding helped biocarbon and carbon removal company Carba to open its very first facility. Following this initial investment, Carba successfully closed a $6 million fundraising round, illustrating the importance of timely financial backing during critical growth phases.

As these companies transition from early development to more mature stages, their achievements increasingly reflect in both additional investments and evidence of measurable climate outcomes. Noteworthy outcomes include further funding rounds and partnerships for companies such as:

- Carbonwave - Securely partnered with the World Bank Group in 2022, aiming to convert Caribbean coastal seaweed from an environmental issue into climate solutions that mitigate methane emissions and provide alternatives to fossil fuels.
- Mati - A winner of the $50 million XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition, Mati now collaborates with over 16,000 smallholder farmers across India and Africa, creating economic opportunities while capturing carbon extensively.
- Novoloop - This women-founded firm recently concluded a $21 million Series B funding round, focusing on converting plastic waste into high-quality materials, thus contributing to a genuine solution for plastic pollution.

Conclusion

The JLL Foundation stands as a testament to the power of strategic investment in fostering innovation that tackles climate change effectively. By leveraging early-stage support paired with their circular funding model, they not only contribute to significant advancements in the climate startup ecosystem but also underscore the importance of sustainable investment practices for a better future. For further insights about the transformational impact of the JLL Foundation, visit foundation.jll.com.

About JLL Foundation

JLL Foundation is committed to combating climate change now and into the future. Founded by and supported by JLL, one of the largest global real estate companies focused on sustainability, it aims to catalyze climate-impact startups.

About JLL

With annual revenue amounting to $26.1 billion and operations in over 80 countries, JLL is a leading commercial real estate services and investment management company. Clients trust JLL to assist them across various industries in managing, investing, and occupying properties effectively for decades. For more information, visit jll.com.