Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) is a type of strategic investment in startups or innovative emerging companies with the main objective of obtaining a financial return and/or strategic advantages, such as access to new technologies, markets or business models.

In 2023, Copel consolidated its first exclusive Corporate Venture Capital fund – Copel Ventures I – taking its open innovation and strategic investment journey to the next level. The fund, wholly owned by Copel, is managed by Vox Capital and with an initial investment of R$150 million, its mission is to invest in startups with innovative and scalable proposals for the energy transition, linked to the pillars of decarbonization, decentralization, digitalization and demand disruption. The five main areas of prospecting for solutions are: renewable and clean energy; energy as a service; smart cities and electromobility; asset and facilities management; and innovative internal processes.

Copel Ventures I is an investment vehicle designed to acquire minority stakes (from 10% to 15%) in early-stage startups. This approach can generate multiple strategic benefits for the company:

• Keeping relevant and competitive in the sector, bringing Copel closer to the main market trends;
• Creating and exploring new businesses and markets, diversifying the portfolio and fostering the parent company’s future growth;
• Establishing strategic partnerships that enable access to cutting-edge technologies and new business models;
• Boost internal innovation, promoting the acculturation of executives to the reality of the digital and disruptive market;
• Stimulate continuous learning, agility and the attraction of talent, positively impacting the quality of deliveries and operational efficiency;
• Generate a robust financial return from the future appreciation of the startups invested in.

In 2024, Copel Ventures I intensified its activities, analyzing a significant volume of opportunities and already making two strategic investments:

• Move (R$3.5 million): Startup offering intelligent management solutions for electric vehicle recharging systems, contributing significantly to the development of electric mobility in the country.
• Nextron Energia (R$11 million): Solar energy marketplace that connects distributed generation with end consumers, promoting the democratization of access to renewable energy.

In addition to these investments, the fund has a third deal at an advanced stage, with a TermSheet signed and currently in due diligence.

For Copel, investing through Copel Ventures I is much more than a financial operation: it is a strategy to bring executives closer to innovative and disruptive ventures and leverage partnerships that generate new business and sources of revenue. This symbiotic relationship strengthens Copel’s brand, associating it directly with sustainability and innovation – attributes that are increasingly valued by the new consumer profile.

In line with the strategic guidelines defined by the Vice-Presidency for Strategy, New Business and Digital Transformation, Copel Ventures I reinforces the company’s commitment to:

• Maintain a position of leadership and relevance in the electricity sector.
• Generate revenue and efficiency gains through strategic investment.
• Reduce operating costs by gaining access to new technologies and innovative solutions.

In short, Copel Ventures I demonstrates Copel’s dedication to generating sustainable value and revolutionising the energy sector. By fostering a diverse investment portfolio and forming direct connections with promising start-ups, Copel is positioning itself to become one of the leading companies in Brazil’s electricity sector in terms of market value by 2030, thereby ensuring a positive impact on society and the environment.