Latest news with #IndigenousCleanEnergy
Cision Canada
01-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Raiven Capital Launches $100M Climatech Fund Anchored by Frog Lake First Nation investing in Scalable Climatech.
TORONTO, PALO ALTO, Calif. and EDMONTON, AB, May 1, 2025 /CNW/ - Raiven Capital, the cross-border venture firm known for its AI and IoT investments, announces the launch of Raiven Climatech, a $100M USD fund targeting high-growth startups building digital infrastructure to solve global sustainability and climate challenges. Raiven Climatech builds on its successful early-stage investment record merging deeptech with market-ready applications. The fund focuses on scalable, intelligent systems—leveraging AI and IoT to enable real-time decision-making, resource optimization, and emissions reduction across many sectors - energy, manufacturing, mobility, and agriculture. "The next generation of climate solutions will come from connected, data-driven platforms," said Paul Dugsin, General Partner and Co-Founder of Raiven Capital. "We're looking for founders building mission-critical systems with global potential—and we bring more than capital. Our global network and deep operational experience help accelerate scale." A key differentiator of Raiven Climatech is its anchor investor: Frog Lake First Nation (FLFN). This landmark partnership mobilizes First Nation capital in the VC space, aligning a shared vision of building commercially successful, future-focused businesses that deliver environmental and economic outcomes. "We see venture capital as a tool to shape a future that aligns with our values," said Cliffton Cross, FLFN representative."Raiven uniquely understands that profitability and impact are not at odds—and empowers us to back technologies that are both investable and transformational." Raiven's Climatech Fund serves as a platform to commercialize Indigenous-led innovation, blending traditional knowledge systems such as "two-eyed seeing" with frontier technologies to develop practical, market-driven solutions in digital infrastructure and clean energy innovation. "Frog Lake First Nation approached us as they saw the results from our first tech fund—and wanted to co-create a more ambitious future," said Supreet Manchanda, General Partner at Raiven. "This partnership focuses on mobilizing capital, uncovering undervalued ideas, knowledge-transfer while delivering outsized returns." Raiven's approach to climate innovation is a fundamental re-platforming of global industry. The most valuable companies of the next decade will be those that turn AI and IoT powered sustainability into defensible, high-margin business models. About Frog Lake First Nation Frog Lake First Nation invests in transformative innovation that blends Indigenous values with cutting-edge technology. By investing in innovation FLFN sees a path to clean energy and sustainability. According to the Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE) initiative, 200+ Indigenous-led clean energy projects are operational or under development across Canada. FLFN is among the first Indigenous organizations in North America to anchor a venture capital fund focused on climate tech and digital transformation. About Raiven Capital Raiven Capital is a global VC, investing at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and operational transformation. With hubs in Silicon Valley, Toronto, and Dubai, Raiven has delivered multiple successful exits since 2020. Its portfolio spans deeptech and digital platform companies driving systemic change. Learn more at or follow Dry Powder, Raiven's thought leadership platform.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Rural communities want the benefits of EVs, so they're making their own charging networks
When people in B.C.'s Kootenay region saw electric vehicles and chargers multiplying in urban communities on the coast, they realized they were missing out on potential visitors and customers. "We needed to build infrastructure to bring those people this way," recalled Danielle Weiss, director of transportation initiatives for the Community Energy Association, a B.C.-based group focused on local energy, decarbonization and climate adaptation. So the group worked with local municipalities, as well as other levels of government and utilities, to create the Accelerate Kootenays charging network of dozens of EV chargers across 1,870 kilometres of rural southeastern B.C. in places like Revelstoke, Nelson, Cranbrook and Invermere. They're among rural communities across the country that are finding ways to bring EV charging infrastructure to their regions so they don't get left behind in the EV transition, when private and public investment normally goes to dense urban centres. Some are already enjoying the opportunities and benefits, from attracting tourists to enabling EV adoption in their own communities. By design, only 15 of the chargers in the Accelerate Kootenays network are Level 3 (fast) chargers that can charge an EV to nearly its full range in 30 minutes. The vast majority — 40 — are Level 2, able to add up to 50 km range per hour of charging, requiring drivers to stay awhile for a bigger charge. They're purposely located off the highway, in communities themselves. "And we find that to be the most exciting thing," Weiss said, "because people are discovering places they've never been before." She said some have even become repeat visitors. Meanwhile, EV ownership in the Kootenays has been growing quickly, at a pace on par with B.C.'s Lower Mainland, she added: "The underlying opportunity is that everyone — not just those who live in urban centres — can adopt electric vehicles if they want to." The network was completed in 2019. And it prompted communities east and north of the Kootenays to wonder if they were missing out too. This map shows the locations of Level 2 charging stations in the Charge North network, which crosses 2,780 kilometres of northern B.C. (Community Energy Association) That led to the launch of the Peaks to Prairies EV charging network in southern Alberta and Charge North across 2,780 kilometres of northern B.C. Soon the Community Energy Association heard from communities in northern Alberta, central Vancouver Island and Southwestern Ontario who wanted their own networks too. Why EV chargers have big impacts on rural communities Adding even one EV charger can have a huge impact on a rural community — since in many, it's their first and only public charger. Jessica Tait is the sustainable transportation manager at Indigenous Clean Energy, which runs Charge Up, a program to install EV charging infrastructure in Indigenous communities and businesses with government support. The majority are in rural areas. She said 95 per cent of applicants to the program didn't have any access to a charger in their communities. But they see the potential benefits. Many gas stations across the country have Indigenous owners and operators, Tait said. "And this is often a point where people will kind of go into a community or go off the highway," Tait said. That offers opportunities for tourism, or for businesses such as shops or restaurants, but even others in the community. Roy Delormier installed two fast chargers at his business, Express Gas, on Cornwall Island on the Ontario side of the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory in 2023, with the help of funding from Indigenous Clean Energy's Charge Up program. (Roy Delormier) Roy Delormier owns and operates Express Gas on Cornwall Island, on the Ontario side of the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, which spans the Canada-U.S. border. He heard about Charge Up from the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, and got funding to cover half the cost of two fast chargers. They were installed in the fall of 2023. "I just kind of wanted to be part of, you know, the clean energy [and] EV market," he said. Since then, the chargers have been used by people travelling between the U.S. and Canada, as well as a growing number of locals — including the local police department. The police station itself only has slower Level 2 chargers for the new electric cruisers. "Nobody else has the infrastructure," Delormier said. "We definitely have been seeing an uptick in the amount of use they [the fast chargers] get." Tait said many communities see EV infrastructure as enabling them to reach their own emissions goals. In fact, Weiss says, there's huge potential to save on emissions — and fuel costs — in rural areas, where people need to drive longer distances to work, shop, or go to medical appointments or sports matches, and transportation typically accounts for two-thirds of local greenhouse gas emissions. Tait said EV infrastructure can also help communities move toward energy sovereignty and not be left behind in the energy transition. "Consumers won't necessarily have the option to choose gas vehicles in the near future," she said. WATCH | Canada's plan to phase out gas-powered car and truck sales by 2035: In many rural regions, building a network is necessary to make owning an EV even feasible. Kent Heinrich has been working with the Free Ride EV Education program to help facilitate EV adoption in First Nation Communities in Manitoba and northwestern Ontario. While northern Manitoba residents he talked to were excited about saving on things like fuel, he realized it wasn't really practical for them to buy an EV due to the lack of chargers connecting two major Manitoba communities with services — Thompson in the north and Winnipeg in the south. So he has been collaborating with Indigenous communities between them to build a charging network called Northern Gateway with the help of the Charge Up program and provincial funding. "It's going to open up the road to Thompson," he said. "Just having that route started opens the door for so many opportunities." WATCH | Lack of charging stations on route to northern Manitoba leaves EV drivers stranded: Rural challenges and opportunities for EVs The challenge for many rural communities, Weiss said, is that private investment in things like EV charging tends to pass by them, as it's hard to make a strong business case for it with such a low number and density of potential users. They're also sometimes left out by government funding programs. A $680-million federal EV infrastructure charging program was criticized by Canada's commissioner of the environment in 2023 for providing 87 per cent of nearly 34,000 charging ports installed through the program to urban areas. A visitor looks at a map showing amenities close to an EV charger in Burns Lake, B.C. Rural communities see EV chargers as an opportunity to bring tourists to spend time in their communities. (Community Energy Association ) Much of rural Canada is farther north than its major cities, with colder winters and a hillier topography. Both factors can reduce the range of electric vehicles, requiring more chargers spaced closer together. Groups like the Community Energy Association and Indigenous Clean Energy are trying to overcome these challenges. Rob van Adrichem, director of external relations for the Community Energy Association, said northern communities "feel left behind on a lot of things … we want to be part of what's going on." In many cases, local communities are contributing their own funding to get networks started. "That regional collaboration … creates the volume and the interest that is required to attract those private investments," Weiss said. Van Adrichem says the benefits of the Charge North network, which started installing charging stations in 2022, are already visible in his community of Prince George, B.C. Even a year ago, it was unusual to see EVs around town. Now, there's many different brands, he said, from Ford F-150 Lightnings to Hyundai Ioniq 5s to Teslas — "even a Cybertruck or two." WATCH | Canada needs more charging stations to hit EV targets: Van Adrichem himself bought an EV last summer. He thinks seeing chargers in prominent places like the local library makes people in the community aware of EVs and see that EV adoption is possible for them. He himself only has Level 1 slow charging at home, which adds just six kilometres of range per hour. So he uses the faster Level 2 charging stations at the library and the local rec centre if he needs a top up. Since building Charge North, the Community Energy Association has been helping communities in northern Alberta and southwestern Ontario start their own regional collaborations and design their EV networks. Weiss says the Ontario network recently got funding to start installing stations this year. The northern Alberta group is in the final stages of pursuing funding, and the group invites other collaborations. "We would like to do more of this," she added. "We'd be happy to help fill other gaps across the Prairies and other parts of Canada."
CBC
13-04-2025
- Automotive
- CBC
Rural communities want the benefits of EVs, so they're making their own charging networks
When people in B.C.'s Kootenay region saw electric vehicles and chargers multiplying in urban communities on the coast, they realized they were missing out on potential visitors and customers. "We needed to build infrastructure to bring those people this way," recalled Danielle Weiss, director of transportation initiatives for the Community Energy Association, a B.C.-based group focused on local energy, decarbonization and climate adaptation. So the group worked with local municipalities, as well as other levels of government and utilities, to create the Accelerate Kootenays charging network of dozens of EV chargers across 1,870 kilometres of rural southeastern B.C. in places like Revelstoke, Nelson, Cranbrook and Invermere. They're among rural communities across the country that are finding ways to bring EV charging infrastructure to their regions so they don't get left behind in the EV transition, when private and public investment normally goes to dense urban centres. Some are already enjoying the opportunities and benefits, from attracting tourists to enabling EV adoption in their own communities. By design, only 15 of the chargers in the Accelerate Kootenays network are Level 3 (fast) chargers that can charge an EV to nearly its full range in 30 minutes. The vast majority — 40 — are Level 2, able to add up to 50 km range per hour of charging, requiring drivers to stay awhile for a bigger charge. They're purposely located off the highway, in communities themselves. "And we find that to be the most exciting thing," Weiss said, "because people are discovering places they've never been before." She said some have even become repeat visitors. Meanwhile, EV ownership in the Kootenays has been growing quickly, at a pace on par with B.C.'s Lower Mainland, she added: "The underlying opportunity is that everyone — not just those who live in urban centres — can adopt electric vehicles if they want to." The network was completed in 2019. And it prompted communities east and north of the Kootenays to wonder if they were missing out too. That led to the launch of the Peaks to Prairies EV charging network in southern Alberta and Charge North across 2,780 kilometres of northern B.C. Soon the Community Energy Association heard from communities in northern Alberta, central Vancouver Island and Southwestern Ontario who wanted their own networks too. Why EV chargers have big impacts on rural communities Adding even one EV charger can have a huge impact on a rural community — since in many, it's their first and only public charger. Jessica Tait is the sustainable transportation manager at Indigenous Clean Energy, which runs Charge Up, a program to install EV charging infrastructure in Indigenous communities and businesses with government support. The majority are in rural areas. She said 95 per cent of applicants to the program didn't have any access to a charger in their communities. But they see the potential benefits. Many gas stations across the country have Indigenous owners and operators, Tait said. "And this is often a point where people will kind of go into a community or go off the highway," Tait said. That offers opportunities for tourism, or for businesses such as shops or restaurants, but even others in the community. Roy Delormier owns and operates Express Gas on Cornwall Island, on the Ontario side of the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, which spans the Canada-U.S. border. He heard about Charge Up from the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, and got funding to cover half the cost of two fast chargers. They were installed in the fall of 2023. "I just kind of wanted to be part of, you know, the clean energy [and] EV market," he said. Since then, the chargers have been used by people travelling between the U.S. and Canada, as well as a growing number of locals — including the local police department. The police station itself only has slower Level 2 chargers for the new electric cruisers. "Nobody else has the infrastructure," Delormier said. "We definitely have been seeing an uptick in the amount of use they [the fast chargers] get." Tait said many communities see EV infrastructure as enabling them to reach their own emissions goals. In fact, Weiss says, there's huge potential to save on emissions — and fuel costs — in rural areas, where people need to drive longer distances to work, shop, or go to medical appointments or sports matches, and transportation typically accounts for two-thirds of local greenhouse gas emissions. Tait said EV infrastructure can also help communities move toward energy sovereignty and not be left behind in the energy transition. "Consumers won't necessarily have the option to choose gas vehicles in the near future," she said. WATCH | Canada's plan to phase out gas-powered car and truck sales by 2035: Canada's plan to phase out gas-powered car and truck sales by 2035 1 year ago Duration 2:04 In many rural regions, building a network is necessary to make owning an EV even feasible. Kent Heinrich has been working with the Free Ride EV Education program to help facilitate EV adoption in First Nation Communities in Manitoba and northwestern Ontario. While northern Manitoba residents he talked to were excited about saving on things like fuel, he realized it wasn't really practical for them to buy an EV due to the lack of chargers connecting two major Manitoba communities with services — Thompson in the north and Winnipeg in the south. So he has been collaborating with Indigenous communities between them to build a charging network called Northern Gateway with the help of the Charge Up program and provincial funding. "It's going to open up the road to Thompson," he said. "Just having that route started opens the door for so many opportunities." WATCH | Lack of charging stations on route to northern Manitoba leaves EV drivers stranded: Lack of charging stations on route to northern Manitoba leaves EV drivers stranded 2 years ago Duration 2:39 Rural challenges and opportunities for EVs The challenge for many rural communities, Weiss said, is that private investment in things like EV charging tends to pass by them, as it's hard to make a strong business case for it with such a low number and density of potential users. They're also sometimes left out by government funding programs. A $680-million federal EV infrastructure charging program was criticized by Canada's commissioner of the environment in 2023 for providing 87 per cent of nearly 34,000 charging ports installed through the program to urban areas. Much of rural Canada is farther north than its major cities, with colder winters and a hillier topography. Both factors can reduce the range of electric vehicles, requiring more chargers spaced closer together. Groups like the Community Energy Association and Indigenous Clean Energy are trying to overcome these challenges. Rob van Adrichem, director of external relations for the Community Energy Association, said northern communities "feel left behind on a lot of things … we want to be part of what's going on." In many cases, local communities are contributing their own funding to get networks started. "That regional collaboration … creates the volume and the interest that is required to attract those private investments," Weiss said. Van Adrichem says the benefits of the Charge North network, which started installing charging stations in 2022, are already visible in his community of Prince George, B.C. Even a year ago, it was unusual to see EVs around town. Now, there's many different brands, he said, from Ford F-150 Lightnings to Hyundai Ioniq 5s to Teslas — "even a Cybertruck or two." WATCH | Canada needs more charging stations to hit EV targets: Canada needs more charging stations to hit EV targets 1 year ago Duration 1:59 Van Adrichem himself bought an EV last summer. He thinks seeing chargers in prominent places like the local library makes people in the community aware of EVs and see that EV adoption is possible for them. He himself only has Level 1 slow charging at home, which adds just six kilometres of range per hour. So he uses the faster Level 2 charging stations at the library and the local rec centre if he needs a top up. Since building Charge North, the Community Energy Association has been helping communities in northern Alberta and southwestern Ontario start their own regional collaborations and design their EV networks. Weiss says the Ontario network recently got funding to start installing stations this year. The northern Alberta group is in the final stages of pursuing funding, and the group invites other collaborations. "We would like to do more of this," she added. "We'd be happy to help fill other gaps across the Prairies and other parts of Canada."
