The energy sector's bull market extended into the academic world, with a record number of funding rounds raised last year by energy-related university spinouts. The trend is holding up so far in 2022.

Oil and gas majors have seen a lot of turnover in senior CVC roles over the past year.

Some 51 new corporate-backed energy funding initiatives were launched in 2021, up from 21 the year before. The trend has continued into 2022.

While the rest of the market pulled back investment, GCV data shows that the value of deals backed by energy companies continued to grow in 2022.  

Alexandria Real Estate-backed Acrivon has filed to go public while H2 Green Steel increased its corporate-backed series B round to $255m.

New energy storage technologies are charging ahead as the supply of commonly used materials face a supply crunch.

Chengtun Mining Group took part in Hithium’s $278m series B round while HubSpot Ventures contributed to Jasper’s $125m series A.

Tencent took part in a $400m round for Skydance Media while CrowdStrike helped Vanta hike its series B to $150m.

Rakuten-backed Base Food is set to list on TSE’s Growth Market in an IPO valuing it at $329m while Mitsui was part of a $400m round for Yellow Door Energy.

Consumer credit provider FinAccel secured $140m from investors including GMO Payment Gateway while Amgen helped brain disease drug developer Neumora raise $112m.