CLEARBLUE MARKETS ANNOUNCES ROYAL BANK OF CANADA AS MINORITY INVESTOR AS PART OF SERIES A FINANCING

Financing led by RBC with participation from existing investor CRCM Ventures provides capital to help support the growth of ClearBlue Market's technology platform

TORONTO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ClearBlue Markets Holding ("ClearBlue Markets"), a leading global carbon markets company, announced it has raised $8 million as part of its Series A financing led by Royal Bank of Canada ("RBC"). The investment will deepen ClearBlue Markets experience in financial markets and is aligned with RBC's climate strategy of supporting its clients in the transition to net zero.

ClearBlue Markets provides carbon markets services to hundreds of clients worldwide, helping them optimize their strategies for compliance requirements and voluntary net zero ambitions through its deep advisory expertise and AI enabled technology. The company is headquartered in Canada with a European office in the Netherlands, and offers a range of services, including market analysis, capacity building, carbon strategy, and transaction facilitation. Today, it boasts an impressive 200+ client portfolio that spans local, multinational, and blue-chip companies, including CRH, Mercuria, JD Irving, Bain Capital Partnership Strategies, Mitsubishi, Energir and VARO Energy.

"Purpose-driven investments, like the one by RBC, are central to ClearBlue Markets as we expand. They extend our reach and scale beyond what we could do alone and this helps our clients succeed in environmental markets," said Nicolas Girod, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, ClearBlue Markets. "This strategic investment will unlock capital to double down on technology and see more clients confidently achieve their carbon reduction and net zero ambitions."

RBC supports some of Canada's most innovative companies. Leveraging its platform to support businesses of all sizes and stages, it delivers experience, networks, and capital to help solve some of the biggest challenges our communities and economies face.

"RBC recognizes that climate change is a global challenge, and companies like ClearBlue Markets can play an important role in addressing it effectively," says Barrie Laver, Managing Director, Head of Venture Capital & Private Equity, RBC. "Adding ClearBlue Markets and its technology platform to our portfolio is aligned with RBC's climate strategy and will in turn provide our clients with additional access to advisory services and technology needed to support their transition to a more sustainable future."