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Derek Handley is the Managing Partner at Aera VC and is currently based in Auckland, New Zealand, and Singapore. Prior to his current role, he founded the mobile marketing agencies Snakk Media and The Hyperfactory, the latter of which was acquired by Meredith Corporation, and served as a founding team member of the non-profit The B Team alongside Richard Branson. At Aera VC, he oversees a portfolio of more than 20 companies and manages over $100 million in assets under management, recently closing a $60 million second fund in March 2024. His venture capital investments primarily target climate and frontier technologies, backing deep tech, carbon removal, and alternative protein startups such as Solugen, Shiok Meats, and Noya. Handley's career centers on bridging early-stage venture capital with impact-driven innovation to address global sustainability, climate resilience, and carbon reduction challenges.
Derek Handley stands as a prominent figure in the venture capital landscape, serving as the Managing Partner at Aera VC. His leadership at Aera VC is centered on identifying and nurturing groundbreaking companies that are poised to address some of the world's most pressing challenges through technology and innovation. Aera VC, under Handley's guidance, is deeply committed to impact investing, specifically targeting the burgeoning sectors of climate tech and deep tech.
At Aera VC, Derek Handley's investment focus areas are broad yet strategically aligned with global sustainability goals. The firm actively seeks out early-stage companies (seed to Series A) developing solutions in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, advanced materials, circular economy initiatives, clean transportation, and frontier technologies that leverage artificial intelligence and biotechnology for good. Handley believes in backing founders who are not only visionary but also possess the drive to create scalable, profitable businesses that deliver significant positive environmental and social impact.
Handley's career background is marked by a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a track record of building successful ventures. Prior to co-founding Aera VC, he founded and scaled several technology companies, including the mobile payments platform MePay and the mobile advertising network Snakk Media. These experiences provided him with invaluable insights into the intricacies of startup growth, market disruption, and technological innovation. His journey from a serial entrepreneur to a venture capitalist reflects a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage companies.
Beyond his direct investment activities, Derek Handley is also recognized for his broader advocacy for sustainability and future-focused thinking. He is the author of "Heartwired," a book exploring purpose-driven leadership, and has been involved in various initiatives aimed at fostering a more sustainable and equitable future. This holistic perspective informs his investment philosophy at Aera VC, where the potential for long-term, systemic change is as crucial as financial returns.
While specific individual investments are often attributed to the firm, Aera VC's portfolio reflects Handley's vision for a better future. The firm has invested in companies developing innovative solutions for carbon capture, sustainable food production, and resource efficiency, among others. These investments underscore Handley's commitment to supporting technologies that can fundamentally reshape industries and contribute to a healthier planet. His role at Aera VC is not just about capital deployment; it's about mentorship, strategic guidance, and fostering an ecosystem where impactful innovation can thrive.
Derek Handley is the Managing Partner at Aera VC, a venture capital firm focused on climate tech and deep tech investments. He is also a seasoned entrepreneur, author, and advocate for sustainability.
Derek Handley, through Aera VC, invests in early-stage companies (seed to Series A) that are developing climate tech and deep tech solutions. This includes areas like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, advanced materials, circular economy, clean transportation, and frontier technologies with positive impact.
Derek Handley works as the Managing Partner at Aera VC, a venture capital firm dedicated to funding innovative companies that address global challenges through technology and sustainability.
