Walmart heir Lukas Walton's family office is financing Europe's revolution in climate technology

In the universe of savvy climate tech financing, Lukas Walton’s name tends to pop up more often than not. As the progeny of the Walmart empire, America’s wealthiest family, Walton is a key player capitalising on the emerging tech realm addressing climate issues. /n Walton, whose wealth is estimated at a hefty $40.9 billion, channels his funding primarily through two family office vehicles. One, Builders Vision, acts as an LP, funnelling resources into climate funds, while his second venture, S2G Investments, makes direct investments into burgeoning climate startups. Both platforms, although US-based, are demonstrating keen interest in the European tech landscape, especially when it comes to sustainable solutions./nBuilders Vision supports those working in clean energy, food sustainability, and ocean health. It maintains a broad global portfolio with a particular emphasis on Europe. Some of the VCs included in the fund are London-based Counteract which delves into carbon removal solutions, and SWEN Blue Ocean Partners, a firm committed to restoring ocean biodiversity. /n Meshing the advantageous impact of Europe’s largest LP - the European Investment Fund, with their desire for a world-spanning, diversified portfolio, Builders Vision seeks to elevate smaller funds to the brink of self-sustainability. However, despite their interest in Europe, the entirety of Builder Vision’s 27-strong team resides in the US. /n With a surge in first-time climate funds and a mounting concern about their viability, Builders Vision remains clear about what they want to see. They plot their investment trajectory based on companies demonstrating commercial uptake, adept management, and the potential to scale up successfully. Also crucial in their evaluation are firms that groom early-career earth warriors and attract experienced partners capable of managing demanding companies. /n Not content to just act as an LP, Builders Vision sometimes provides debt vehicles directly to companies, aiming to give a helping hand in establishing their first large-scale plants to demonstrate scalability.