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FMG CIRCULAR INVEST
FMG Circular Invest
strengthens its position in
the water sector
FMG Circular Invest continues to strengthen its position in the
rapidly growing water sector. With new investments, additional
investments in the companies in the existing portfolio and greater
focus on innovative solutions, the company is looking towards a
promising future full of great opportunities.
FMG Circular Invest’s portfolio of previous investments in I-Phyc, FMG’s growth strategy includes the introduction of an additional
Spec-Imaging, Acwa and Aqua Green was expanded during the focal area: monitoring and measurement of processes for water
year to include the Australian company Bygen. The company distribution and water treatment.
developed a patented process for producing activated carbon from
agricultural waste. Activated carbon has a wide range of potential “It’s about investing in companies and technologies that improve
uses in various industries, including water treatment, remediation of the ability to measure and monitor water distribution and treatment
contaminated soil, air purification and mining operations. processes,” says Stephen Childs, co-CEO of Feralco. “Innovative
solutions in this area will support several areas of the water sector
“Bygen’s activated carbon is produced at significantly lower in becoming more efficient, and we can see great potential in this
tempe ratures than in conventional manufacturing processes,” says segment.”
Ludovic Huitorel, co-CEO of Feralco. “This significantly reduces
energy consumption during the production process while reducing We’re seeing increasing interest
production costs and minimizing the carbon footprint, making from industry players
Bygen’s technology competitive.”
FILIP SCHAGER
The investment in Bygen is the result of an extensive mapping of
companies focusing on the separation of micropollutants such as FMG’S MARKET POSITION
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), an area in which FMG While the pace of innovation in the water sector is steadily increasing,
sees a growing need for innovative technologies going forward. This the area remains under-invested compared to several other green
is because the harmful secondary effects of this group of chemicals tech fields. This is likely to be due to the complexity of the sector,
on living organisms, including humans, are becoming more apparent. which also contributes to its long-term potential.
Activated carbon can be used, for example, to treat water polluted
with PFAS, with this being a growing problem in several places around “We’re seeing increasing interest from industry players and other
the world. investors in FMG,” says Filip Schager. “Through Mellby Gård and
Feralco, different stakeholders are approaching us to discuss water-
EXPANDED INVESTMENT FOCUS related issues and initiatives. It’s clear that FMG has made its mark
Since its inception, FMG has been in contact with a large number of in the water sector, which provides us with a number of benefits.
innovative companies, thus expanding its knowledge of the tech- Through contacts with entrepreneurs and companies, participation
nologies that have been or are being developed to tackle various in industry forums and the relationships we build through Feralco’s
water-related challenges. In parallel with Feralco’s broad water exper- extensive network, we are boosting our position even further.”
tise, this has resulted in FMG now opting to diversify its investment
focus somewhat and also evaluate nitrogen separation technologies. The plan is to continue on the strategic investment journey through
There are a number of existing technologies and processes for this a combination of investments in completely new companies and
purpose in the water sector, but as this area is constantly developing additional investments in the companies in the existing portfolio. The
in terms of technologies while also being close to Feralco’s business aim over the next few years is to make approximately one to two new
area, companies in this field are highly relevant to FMG. investments per year while actively supporting current holdings.
“As we learn more and gain greater insight into different innovative In parallel, FMG will continue to market itself as an investment
technologies that are emerging, we’re acquiring greater understand- partner for entrepreneurs and early-stage companies in the water
ing of the technologies we consider appropriate to invest in,” says sector. By attending the right forums and continuing to build the
Filip Schager, Director of Business Development at Mellby Gård. brand, FMG wants to become the partner of choice for innovative
water companies operating in FMG’s focal areas.
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