Renewal Funds

Renewal Funds is a Vancouver-based early-growth stage venture capital fund specializing in sustainability-focused impact investing. Founded in 2008 by Paul Richardson and Joel Solomon, with support from Carol Newell following their collaboration on the pioneering family office Renewal Partners, the firm has grown to manage approximately $240 million in assets under management (AUM) across three funds: Renewal2 ($35 million, 2010), Renewal3 ($63 million, 2014), and Renewal4 ($145 million, 2019). The firm makes minority preferred equity investments in high-growth, capital-efficient businesses led by mission-driven founders who have demonstrated strong product-market fit and customer traction. Renewal Funds targets early-to-growth stage companies operating across five primary sustainability themes: energy transition, mobility, food systems, zero waste, and natural resources. Within food systems, the firm specifically focuses on products, platforms, and technologies that support sustainable food and agricultural systems — a category of particular relevance to the CPG and food manufacturing sectors. The firm's investment history includes notable exits from category pioneers such as Stonyfield Farm (organic yogurt) and Seventh Generation (sustainable household and personal care products), demonstrating a track record of backing consumer-facing brands with strong sustainability missions. Portfolio companies span climate tech, clean energy infrastructure, circular economy platforms, and sustainable consumer goods. Renewal Funds has been a recognized leader in the impact investing ecosystem, helping to pioneer the Global Impact Investing Ratings System (GIIRS) in 2012 and earning consistent recognition including ImpactAssets50 honors in 2013, 2015, and 2022, B Corp Best for the World designation for eight consecutive years, and inclusion on the Croatan Institute's Divest-Invest Clean Fifteen in 2016. The firm currently participates in the ESG Data Convergence Initiative, the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), and the Impact Capital Managers Network. Led by Managing Partner Paul Richardson alongside partners Geordan Hankinson and Genevieve Pinto, the team brings deep operational and investment expertise across sustainability-oriented sectors, positioning the fund as a strategic partner for founders building mission-aligned, high-impact businesses.