JLL Foundation Drives Climate Impact Innovation with $4.75M in New Loans

Empowering Green Innovation for a Sustainable Future

In a bold move to accelerate climate action, the JLL Foundation has invested $4.75 million in zero-interest loans to 18 early-stage climate-impact startups. This initiative underscores the Foundation’s mission to bridge funding gaps for innovative companies tackling some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

The Foundation, backed by global real estate leader JLL, detailed its impact in its third Annual Report, highlighting how its funding model fosters a circular economy. The Foundation ensures continuous financial support for new climate innovators by reinvesting repaid loans.

JLL Foundation’s Impact in Numbers

• $4.75 million in new loans awarded in 2024
• $11.7 million in total funding provided since inception
• 89% of funded companies are decarbonizing the built environment
• 50% focus on waste reduction
• 28% drive social impact initiatives
• 22% address water conservation
• $49.4 million in additional funding raised by past recipients

“We are inspired by the meaningful impact our loan recipients are making—whether through decarbonizing the built environment, reducing waste, or driving social change,” said Trish Maxson, Chair of JLL Foundation.

Transforming Industries Through Climate Innovation

The 2024 recipients represent a diverse array of clean technology pioneers across multiple sectors. Their groundbreaking solutions actively shape the future of green real estate, energy, waste management, and agriculture.

• Mycocycle – Uses fungi to convert construction waste into low-carbon raw materials, advancing circular construction.
• Novoloop – Upcycles hard-to-recycle plastics into valuable materials, reducing plastic waste and lowering carbon footprints.
• Solarbox – Provides locally assembled electric utility vehicles to advance sustainable mobility and energy solutions in Africa.
• Cyanoskin – Develops algae-based building coatings that absorb CO₂ directly from the atmosphere, turning structures into carbon sinks.
• Courageous Land – An agroforestry initiative restoring degraded landscapes and enhancing carbon sequestration through reforestation.

These companies drive measurable climate impact while creating green jobs and scaling sustainable business models across 11 countries, including Brazil, India, Senegal, and Uganda.

Catalyzing Growth: A Model for Sustainable Funding

JLL Foundation’s circular loan model is crucial in sustaining its climate finance initiatives. In 2024, a record $1.5 million in loan repayments flowed back into the fund, allowing new investment rounds. This self-sustaining cycle enables the Foundation to support more high-potential startups, providing them with the early-stage capital often missing in traditional venture ecosystems.

This approach amplifies the financial sustainability of climate ventures and de-risks innovation in green technology.

“The JLL Foundation’s efforts are a natural extension of JLL’s sustainability commitments. We are thrilled to support visionary entrepreneurs shaping the future of climate resilience,” said Erin Meezan, newly appointed Executive Director of JLL Foundation.

Leadership for a Sustainable Tomorrow

With the release of its 2024 Annual Report, JLL Foundation also announced a key leadership transition:

Erin Meezan, JLL’s Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), has been appointed Executive Director of JLL Foundation, effective January 1, 2025.

Meezan, a recognized sustainability leader, will guide the Foundation’s strategic direction and ensure that early-stage climate startups receive the necessary support to scale their impact.

Her dual role as JLL’s CSO and Executive Director of the Foundation strengthens JLL’s broader mission to create a more sustainable real estate ecosystem.

“I am inspired by the creative approaches these startups take to combat climate change. By investing in emerging solutions, we can collectively drive meaningful impact,” said Meezan.

Building a Climate-Resilient Future

JLL Foundation’s latest funding initiative highlights the growing momentum in climate-focused finance. By empowering pre-seed and seed-stage startups, the Foundation is:

• Bridging funding gaps for high-impact climate innovations
• Advancing the decarbonization of buildings and cities
• Fostering circular economies through waste reduction and resource efficiency
• Accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy

As climate concerns become central to global economic strategies, JLL Foundation’s investments signal a strong commitment to scaling sustainable technologies and transforming industries.

With its innovative funding model, leadership in ESG, and strategic vision, JLL Foundation is not just financing startups—it is fueling the next wave of climate impact entrepreneurs.

As the Foundation expands its global reach, its investment in breakthrough climate solutions will continue to grow. With a robust pipeline of green startups and a strong leadership team, JLL Foundation is positioned to drive lasting environmental and economic transformation.

The future of climate finance is here, and JLL Foundation is leading the charge.

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