Razer launches $50m fund for environmental startups, makes first investment

Global gaming and lifestyle company Razer announced the launch of its new US$50 million fund, which aims to invest in environmental and sustainability startups.

Razer chief of staff Patricia Liu (center) / Photo credit: Razer

Patricia Liu, chief of staff at Razer, told Tech in Asia that the Razer Green Fund plans to pour around US$100,000 to US$1 million into startups in the seed and series A stages.

“We generally invest for an equity stake or via a convertible instrument that converts into equity in the startup,” Liu said. “We feel that this better aligns incentives for both parties.”

Managed by Razer’s corporate venture arm zVentures, the new fund will also support startups by providing access to the company’s global network of suppliers, original equipment manufacturers, customers and investors as well as its in-house experts and influencers.

The fund’s launch is in line with Razer’s 10-year sustainability road map, which includes its goal of using 100% renewable energy by 2025 and reaching 100% carbon neutrality by 2030.

Razer Green Fund has also invested into The Nurturing Co., the company behind bamboo toilet paper and home-care brand Bambooloo.

The Nurturing Co. uses bamboo pulp instead of the usual wood pulps to make toilet paper. It claims that bamboo pulp requires 90% less water and 70% less carbon to produce than common store-bought toilet paper.

As part of the seed investment, The Nurturing Co. will supply bamboo toilet paper in some of Razer’s global offices, including its soon-to-open Southeast Asian headquarters in Singapore and its Malaysia office.

David Ward, The Nurturing Co.’s CEO and founder, told Tech in Asia that the investment would help bring Bambooloo into more overseas markets like the US. It currently has partners in Malaysia and New Zealand and will soon roll out the product in the UK.

The Nurturing Co. also plans to introduce a pipeline of new products such as baby wipes, which will be launched in Singapore in the next two months.

Ward also said the startup is expecting to raise further funding rounds if necessary. “We will be discussing with the team within Razer as to the timings and nature of such funding needs in line with our market growth plans,” he added.