Quentin Vaquette

Great to chat with the Straits Times Press Singapore about the Mandiri Investible Global Climate Tech Fund. The USD150M Fund, launched from our Singapore office in partnership with the extraordinary team at PT. Mandiri Capital Indonesia (MCI), is the second Climate Tech Fund launched by Investible and will invest in emerging climate tech companies solving for net zero with a global mandate and a SE Asia focus. https://lnkd.in/gaKdjEuB Here at Investible, we believe that bridging capital and innovation across Australia / NZ through SE Asia and globally will identify the best emerging businesses solving the biggest problems. Accessing the right expertise and deep capital pools across multiple geographies to help portfolio companies successfully scale is the key to delivering outsize investor returns in the process. If we can solve for net zero in SE Asia, we will make a large impact in solving for net zero globally. If you'd like to learn more about the Fund and our approach, please reach out to our Singapore and Sydney-based team for a chat Dr Darian McBain Christine Amour-Levar Dr Bill Foo Emilie Sydney-Smith Sam Gibson Charlie Ill Khairu Rejal Ben Lindsay Marie Garcia Trixie Chang #venturecapital #climatetech

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The energy landscape of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is at a turning point. Progress towards electrification is hampered because income disparity is maintained by centralised networks, low consumer participation, and high upfront expenditures associated with renewable energy projects. This study investigates the revolutionary possibilities of tokenization, utilising blockchain technology to transform the delivery of energy throughout ASEAN. Tokenization may hasten the region's shift to a sustainable and inclusive energy future with reduced costs, better rural electrification, and easier access to capital for innovation by democratising ownership, increasing transparency, and empowering consumers. It is important to leverage on the power of tokenization in order to accelerate our sustainability pivot. To me at least, the ability for tokenization to hasten the pace of electricification of ASEAN will have positive long-term effects on everyone, bringing new opportunities for education, commerce and communications for countries with large geographical spans. Energy will be the most important resource for any economy as we seek to harmoise technology with sustainable development. I look forward to starting new conversations on how I can make energy proliferation work for your economy. Much grateful for illuminem and my fellow thought leaders for their support and for making this commentary possible. #Tokenization #Energy #Power #SustainableEnergy #EnergyTransition #Opportunities #Democratisation #Transparency #EmpoweredConsumers #Inclusivity #Electrification #AEIR

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The Singapore Carbon Market Alliance (SCMA) is a significant initiative aimed at promoting sustainable climate action and responsible carbon trading.  Launched recently, it facilitates the exchange of high-quality carbon credits within Singapore and beyond.  The SCMA focuses on projects that supply credits compatible with the Paris Agreement.  These credits represent one tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) either prevented from being released into or removed from the atmosphere.  The SCMA acts as a matchmaker, connecting developers of carbon credit projects with potential buyers.  Singapore-based corporates can purchase these credits to offset part of their carbon tax. Companies can develop carbon credit projects aligned with SCMA criteria, preventing or removing emissions.  Rigorous third-party verification ensures project quality.  Companies register their projects with the SCMA, and participate in credit trading within the SCMA.  Companies may also explore bilateral agreements with countries Singapore has signed implementation agreements with.  Projects undergo third-party verification.  A transparent registry tracks credits, preventing double-counting.  Standardised protocols ensure consistency.  Companies must disclose project details.  Aggregated data on credit transactions is periodically published.  The SCMA represents a crucial step toward a sustainable future, emphasising transparency, environmental integrity, and responsible carbon trading. The challenge with the SCMA is that it operates within the voluntary carbon market.  Unlike the compliance market, which involves mandatory emissions reduction targets set by governments, the voluntary market allows companies and individuals to voluntarily offset their emissions by purchasing carbon credits.  These credits support projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global climate goals.  There are no real quality voluntary credits, since the compliance framework is lacking. Terence Nunis Terence K. J. Nunis, Consultant President, Red Sycamore Global

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We need infrastructure for Nature Markets. So meet Cohort 3 from Silverstrand Capital Biodiversity Accelerator+ I'm looking forward to the program's launch next week in Singapore. I will be part of a 35-person mentorship team that will support 8 great companies in making an impact and unlocking the value in our generation's most essential asset class. Nature. EQO - Provides aquatic species detection and biodiversity assessment, combining eDNA and a novel eRNA tech. Veridi Technologies BV - Automating microscopy to diagnose plant pathogens and measure species diversity in soils. Inverto Earth - Fractionalising and reducing barriers to nature restoration projects by creating 3x3m data-backed nature units for corporates to support. Robotics Cats - On the ground, AI-powered wildfire detection systems Ocean Ledger - Fusing remote sensing and AI to quantify the condition and value of ecosystems in oceans. Dunya Analytics - Science-based risk analytics for biodiversity and nature regulatory and disclosure requirements. Accounting for Nature Ltd - Built a rigorous, world-leading standard for measuring the state of Nature. 3T - Develop and deliver conservation projects, utilising a revenue-sharing model to ensure maximum community benefit. #naturetech #biodiversity #climatetech #accelerator #innovation #entrepreneurs #impactinvesting

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Many founders I come across don’t have the full visibility/knowledge of the different sources of capital available for their solution type - VC still tends to be the default considered by early-stage startups. If you’re operating a startup (with a social and/or environmental impact angle) in Southeast Asia, I’d highly recommend joining the session below (hosted by funders themselves) to learn more about the spectrum of funding types available, from project financing to non-dilutive funding, and to understand which to best consider for the different stages and areas of your operations.

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This is interesting. These are two serious companies, Woodside and Keppel, agreeing a supply deal for liquid hydrogen [UPDATE: initially blue hydrogen, maybe green later] from Western Australia to power data centres in Singapore. If they can't get this to work, no one can. My betting is, they can't. Might hydrogen or one of its derivatives be a good way of providing long-duration back-up fair data centres? Maybe. Will you run data centres on it 24/7? Only if you like tearing up dollar bills. Will you import it to Singapore as liquid hydrogen? Only if you are looking for a way to incinerate crates of dollar bills. However, I'm delighted to see this deal. The only way we're going to get through this hydrogen madness and out the other side is for projects like this to be seen to fail. And that means someone has to try. I sincerely hope that Woodside and Keppel are doing so with their own funds, rather than with Australian or Singaporean taxpayers' money. If it does not fail, I'll be the first to congratulate them on their 100th liquid hydrogen delivery - and to write a humble piece on why I was wrong. Meg, if you want to come on Cleaning Up and talk us through the economics as you see them, you would be most graciously welcome!

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Ben McQuhae will be speaking at Moody's Ratings' Green Tech Innovation Summit 2024 on "Leveraging green tech innovation on Asia’s path to net zero". RSVP https://bit.ly/45a58aW Date: Wednesday, 19 June Time: 2:00pm to 3.30pm HKT/SGT (GMT+8) Discussion topics include: ➡ What are the drivers of and hurdles for green tech innovation in APAC? ➡ Where will the financing for green tech come from? ➡ How can governments support economic development and carbon transition? ➡ How do we avoid unintended environmental and social consequences from decarbonisation? Joining him on the panel are: - Monica B. Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC) Director of Investor Practice - Christine Loh, Chief Development Strategist, Institute for the Environment, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - John Wang, CFA, Vice President - Senior Analyst, ESG, Moody's Ratings - Ada Li, Vice President – Senior Credit Officer, Project & Infrastructure Finance, Moody's Ratings - Natasha Brereton-Fukui, Senior Vice President, Global ESG Research, Moody's Ratings . . . hashtag #greentech #netzero #decarbonisation #decarbonization #APAC #greentechnology #technology Hong Kong Green Finance Association (HKGFA)

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In many off-grid sectors, outdated generators are the norm—inefficient, costly, and environmentally harmful. Renewable energy like solar and wind, while promising, isn’t yet viable in many rural or logistically challenging environments, especially in regions like Malaysia and Indonesia. This is where TailorTech Sdn Bhd steps in with a practical solution. TailorTech, one of the innovative companies from our Antler Malaysia 2nd cohort, is rewriting the rules of power management. Founded by brothers Indera Shaiful Baharudin, Ph.D and Ts. Indera Shafiq, TailorTech has developed the POWER ENHANCER SYSTEM (PES)—a smart power management solution designed to optimize generator usage. The goal? To cut costs, reduce environmental impact, and bring efficiency to sectors where reliable power is non-negotiable. Here’s what makes TailorTech’s solution stand out: 📌 Smart Optimization: PES fine-tunes generator operations for maximum efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and minimizing wear and tear. 📌 Greener Power: While PES doesn’t eliminate carbon emissions entirely, it significantly reduces them—an essential step toward net-zero goals. 📌 Wide-Reaching Impact: TailorTech’s solution is a game-changer for telecom towers, plantation estates, mining sites, off-grid construction, and rural communities. By bridging the gap between today’s energy challenges and tomorrow’s sustainable solutions, TailorTech’s PES delivers immediate benefits in efficiency and sustainability. Let’s meet the dynamic founders behind TailorTech: ➡ Dr. Indera Shaiful: With a PhD in mechanical engineering and 10 years of experience in off-grid electrification, Dr. Shaiful is a pioneer in green technology. He installed Malaysia’s first wind-solar hybrid system and is a certified professional technologist in green tech by the Malaysian Board of Technology. ➡ Ts. Indera Shafiq: A proven entrepreneur, Shafiq has successfully founded, commercialized, and exited a microcarrier manufacturing business, crucial for viral vaccine production. As a master consultant in business transformation, he specializes in business strategy and development, driving TailorTech’s innovative approach. Together, they’re turning TailorTech into a leader in power management, offering sustainable and economically viable solutions for industries that depend on off-grid power. As the push for net-zero carbon emissions gains momentum, TailorTech’s PES arrives just in time. Their next move? Deploying the PES across various industries, with their first on-site installation serving as a crucial proof of concept. _____ Have a transformative idea? Join our next Antler Malaysia cohort and turn it into reality! 🇲🇾 Curious for details? Check out the comment section for the full article.

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I didn't know what "carbon tunnel vision" was until my colleague Jermayne Ong and I collaborated on this essay. But as you will read, it is relevant to this moment. Carbon emissions dominate climate discussions, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle — non-carbon indicators like air quality, ocean acidification, and others are equally critical for understanding the full scope of the environmental crisis. Ignoring these factors can lead to carbon tunnel vision. We explore why expanding our focus to include these non-carbon indicators is essential for shaping a genuinely sustainable future. https://lnkd.in/d889B22j

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As we move towards a greener future, the demand for quick charging electric vehicles is on the rise. However, can our power grids keep up? In a recent article for e27 (Optimatic), I raised an important concern about the power requirements of EV chargers. Did you know that 7000 of the 480kW Ultrafast EV chargers will require the same power as the entire Singapore residential household? It's time to ask ourselves, can we truly afford to have so many? Let's continue to push for sustainability, but let's also ensure that we're not sacrificing too much in the process. #sustainability #evcharging

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We are on the news again! This time featuring our Climate Investors Summit 2024 by 🌏 The Atlas Capital & Climate Tech Coalition & Altru Institute our partner Think Thank in New York. -On Tuesday, we will be gathering 150+ GPs and LPs from North America, and Beyond… All focused on mobilizing funding to vital innovations for our planet. -South East Asia is seeing a “Green Gold Rush”, and during our event, you will have the chance some of the family offices, conglomerates and entrepreneurs behind it (but not only!). -The climate tech landscape in Southeast Asia shows an upward investment trend, but challenges persist. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Southeast Asia received $27.8 billion in climate finance in recent years. -For instance, Vietnam has become a leader in solar energy, with its solar capacity skyrocketing to 16.5 GW by 2020. -The upcoming Climate Tech Investors Summit in New York promises to be a pivotal event for those shaping the future of climate technology. -Sponsored by The Climate Tech Coalition and the Altru Investment Network, this exclusive gathering is a must-attend for family offices, institutional investors, and technologists committed to funding impactful climate solutions and driving sector innovation. Great piece of informations from Climate Insider. Thanks for writing! 🌎⚡️🇺🇸

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To connect international carbon credit providers with Singaporean companies seeking high-quality Article 6 carbon credits, the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and the IETA have recently launched the Singapore Carbon Market Alliance (SCMA). The SCMA aims to enhance members' understanding of carbon credits through workshops and networking opportunities, facilitate government and industry exchanges, and support Singapore's climate goals by offering a structured way to access these credits. Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling emphasised that the carbon market is an “important mechanism for supporting voluntary climate goals”, amidst evolving compliance and voluntary markets. The SCMA will assist companies in navigating the growing carbon credit market, which is becoming increasingly important as Singapore transitions to a low-carbon economy. Read more about it: https://lnkd.in/gHhhakWm Together, let’s #PowerTheChange and pave the way for a more sustainable world. #Geneco #GenecoSG #SustainableFuture #ClimateAction #GreenEconomy #CarbonNeutral #SustainableBusiness

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Sequoia supports ambitious organizations and coalitions catalyzing rapid emissions reductions, transforming global markets, and accelerating the transition to clean energy around the world. Our grantee Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP)’s combined “top down” and “bottom up” approach empowers its key partners to build local capacity for renewable energy projects that result in economic growth, energy security, and improved quality of life for millions of people. In the Philippines, for example, ETP is helping the Philippines Department of Energy – Energy Utilization Management Bureau and a multi-stakeholder working group to cultivate what is known as Demand Side Management (DSM). “With DSM in place, the Philippines will have a robust grid system that balances the supply of clean and variable renewable technologies, such as wind and solar power,” says Yoshiko De Villa, ETP’s Programme Management Officer for the Philippines. “The combined impact of DSM allows for an energy transition that will equitably displace fossil-fuel based power generation and reduce energy intensity, thereby contributing to significant greenhouse gas emissions reduction.”   You can read more about ETP’s work on our website. #climatechange #cleanenergy #renewableenergy

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Singapore's Green Plan isn't just ambitious—it's a blueprint for harmonizing economic growth with environmental stewardship. At its core? The voluntary carbon market. This powerful tool enables companies to offset emissions proactively, positioning Singapore as a pivotal carbon trading hub. The question is: How will this reshape our approach to sustainable business practices? #CarbonMarket #SustainableBusiness #ClimateAction #GreenEconomy #SingaporeInnovation What role do you see your organization playing in this evolving landscape?

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Is Hydrogen the Answer to a Sustainable Energy Future? Summary: Hydrogen is emerging as a potential key to Singapore’s efforts to decarbonize its energy sector and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Despite its clean reputation, as hydrogen combustion produces only water, challenges remain, particularly in large-scale production, transportation, and cost. Currently, clean hydrogen is expensive to produce due to the energy-intensive nature of its generation via electrolysis using renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Although hydrogen has long been used in industrial processes and is being explored for power generation, its adoption for electricity production in Singapore faces hurdles such as infrastructure costs and transportation inefficiencies. To address these, Singapore is laying the groundwork for hydrogen integration, including hydrogen-compatible natural gas power plants, research funding, and ammonia-based hydrogen transport solutions. Looking ahead, hydrogen has the potential to meet up to 50% of Singapore’s electricity demand by 2050, but its economic viability hinges on technological advancements and international cooperation. Singapore is investing in research and development, including $43 million for six projects under the Low-Carbon Energy Research initiative to build a hydrogen supply chain and safe utilization capabilities. #HydrogenEconomy #CleanEnergy #SustainableFuture #Decarbonisation #NetZero2050 #RenewableEnergy #SingaporeEnergy #GreenHydrogen #EnergyTransition #HydrogenTechnology #LowCarbon

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Looking forward to speaking at #CleantechForumAsia next week in Singapore, May 7-8. This Cleantech Group event is shaping up to be a good one with over 220 high-quality participants with over 75% being innovators, investors, or larger corporations looking to build and support climate solutions. Through my panel ‘Adaptation and Resilience: Is APAC Innovation Keeping Apace of the Challenges?’ I would like to highlight how the Asia-Pacific faces unique climate challenges due to its diverse geography, heavy reliance on natural resources, and dense urban centers. #Agriculture, a key sector, is highly vulnerable, with changes to soil chemistry, diminishing yields and disruptions in livestock production. This vulnerability is heightened by the region's dense population, limited healthcare resources and widespread poverty. However, innovations across the spectrum of #mitigation, #resilience and #adaptation as well as community based initiatives, can enable sustainable development, limit the impact of adverse climate shifts and enable easier restoration. Collaboration among nations, facilitated by #innovation networks, is vital for addressing these multifaceted threats collectively. Register to join me and help support the dialogue on climate action: https://lnkd.in/gErpZxUS

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Fewer than 4 in 10 Singapore companies face ‘minimal impact’ from carbon tax hike: report Summary: A recent survey by the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS) reveals that fewer than 4 in 10 companies in Singapore experienced "minimal impact" from the recent hike in carbon tax. The carbon tax was increased from S$5 to S$25 per tonne of CO₂ equivalent in January 2024 and is set to rise further in the coming years. Despite this increase, only 3.8% of companies have bought carbon credits, suggesting that the current tax rate may not be sufficient to drive significant demand for carbon credits. Key Findings: Impact on Business Strategies: Only 24.5% of companies reported that the carbon tax hike led them to reconsider their long-term sustainability strategies, while around 20% have stepped up efforts to reduce emissions and invest in energy-efficient technologies. Effectiveness of Carbon Tax: The survey indicates mixed feelings about the carbon tax's effectiveness. Only 24.5% find it effective, and 41.9% see it as moderately effective. A very small percentage (6%) believe the tax is very effective, pointing to a need for further refinement to enhance its impact. Challenges in Decarbonization: Respondents highlighted several regulatory hurdles in Singapore's decarbonization journey, including dependence on natural gas (68%), barriers in cross-border interconnection agreements (57.2%), and regulatory uncertainties in tightened energy markets (40.2%). Key challenges also include limited space for renewable energy infrastructure (85.6%) and high costs associated with transitioning (63%). Demand for Carbon Trading: A significant majority (67.9%) believe that a carbon trading system could be effective in accelerating decarbonization. However, skepticism remains, with 32% expressing doubts due to recent scandals affecting the integrity of carbon credits. Establishing reliable carbon accounting systems (69%) and transparent regulatory frameworks (67.9%) are seen as critical for Singapore to become a key carbon trading hub. Drivers for Decarbonization: Government policies (89.2%) and economic incentives (59.8%) are seen as the primary drivers for decarbonization. Corporate sustainability initiatives are also recognized, but they are viewed as secondary compared to the influence of government-led actions. Conclusion: The survey suggests that while Singapore's carbon tax has prompted some companies to rethink their sustainability strategies, its current level may not be sufficient to significantly drive the purchase of carbon credits or induce widespread change. There is a clear call for more robust measures, including the implementation of a carbon trading system, comprehensive carbon accounting, and transparent regulations to advance Singapore's decarbonization efforts. #SingaporeCarbonTax #Decarbonization #SustainabilityStrategies #CarbonCredits #EnergyTransition #CarbonTrading #RenewableEnergyChallenges

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2 key points for Corporate Sustainability Officers to remember… 👇🏼 💥 There is no net-zero without nature 🌱 Achieving the 1.5°C target is impossible without Natural Climate Solutions (NCS), which can deliver over 30% of the required CO2 cuts by 2030. We need NCS to be invested in and deployed on a massive scale to deliver our climate goals. ❗AND❗ 💥 There is no net-zero without removing CO2 from the atmosphere permanently 🌍 To hit net-zero by 2050, we must ramp up carbon removal capacity to 6-10 gigatons annually. This demands serious investment in innovative technologies and low-risk carbon storage solutions. So…. CSOs: ✅ Make sure your carbon credit portfolio includes NCS reduction and removal credits, AND staged procurement of permanent technology-based solutions removal credits to ensure a robust approach in your sustainability strategy. ____________________ At Terra, we provide the financial bridge for high-quality carbon projects, reducing risks for corporate buyers and empowering developers. See how we can support your sustainability goals - just reach out when you’re ready to explore. 👉🏼 Follow for more posts with insights, updates and reflections on the voluntary carbon market and sustainable investing. Source: ‘How-to guide for voluntary carbon credit portfolio design’ - report by Bain & Company and WBCSD #carboncredits #voluntarycarbonmarket #climatemitigation

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