London-based growth equity investment platform Planet First Partners has closed its second funding round at €450 million (US$483 million). The latest commitment to the Article 9 fund was made by Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ingka Group, which owns furniture retailer IKEA. The investment saw the fund become oversubscribed from its initial target size of €350 million. Capital from this funding round will be used in series B, C and D companies in their growth stage with proven products and services, whose technologies will deliver the transition to a sustainable economy. The fund will focus on investment opportunities that maximise social, environmental and economic returns. “We are very pleased to have closed our latest fund, and look forward to delivering further on our mission to deploy capital and partner with companies who are moving the needle in their specific sectors,” Frédéric de Mévius, Executive Chairman at Planet First Partners, said. “There are a growing number of innovative, growth-stage companies that will be able to play a significant role in the transition of our economy, with the appropriate backing and operational support. We’re excited about these opportunities.”
