Macquarie Capital and R/GA Ventures Launch Platform to Promote Innovations in InfraTech, with a Focus on Energy

The Macquarie Capital Venture Studio with R/GA seeks companies with the potential to accelerate industries including utilities, transportation, and environmental services.

Today, Macquarie Capital and R/GA Ventures announce the launch of the Macquarie Capital Venture Studio with R/GA, a platform designed to promote innovations in InfraTech, with a focus on energy from source to switch.

As a global leader in infrastructure, Macquarie Capital has spent decades creating opportunities as a deal-maker, developer, financier, and investor in assets that communities depend upon—from roads to airports to wind farms. Today, Macquarie Capital continues to look beyond convention with this new initiative focused on innovative energy solutions: identifying and promoting companies with the potential to accelerate industries including utilities, transportation, and environmental services.

Seeking to capitalize on emerging technologies and market opportunities across the infrastructure value chain, the Studio will provide select B2B, B2C, and B2G companies with financial capital, access to Macquarie Capital’s vast industry network and specialist knowledge, and expertise from R/GA’s award-winning strategists, technologists, designers, consultants, and more. 

"Macquarie wants to be at the forefront of emerging technologies, particularly around real assets. This initiative is much more than capital; it will help Macquarie engage entrepreneurs, connect clients with new solution providers, and support innovation," said Michael Silverton, Head of Macquarie Capital Americas. "We’re looking for entrepreneurs who have developed products and services that have the power to increase efficacy, efficiency, and sustainability across the entire sector." 

The Studio is open to companies at a variety of stages, from early to growth, and business models including B2B, B2C, and B2G. Qualified candidates have achieved significant momentum in the form of customers and revenue. Ideal products and services can unlock innovation across the energy ecosystem and the infrastructure value chain at large. 

Sample Areas of Interest

• Energy and Renewables
• Utilities (Power, Water, and Waste)
• Transportation
• Smart Cities and Grids
• Batteries and other storage technologies 

Sample Technologies

• AI/Machine Learning
• Blockchain
• Internet of Things
• Drones and Robotics
• Sensors 

The year-long Studio will be split into three modules of three companies each. Each module will begin with a Product and Brand Assessment, during which companies’ strategic needs are identified to inform a product/market impact plan. A customized team of R/GA’s award-winning strategists, technologists, designers, and consultants will then collaborate with the company to help execute this plan—providing the same transformative services offered to the agency’s Fortune 50 clients, and preparing them for future milestones including fundraising, pitching, and business development.

"R/GA is excited to collaborate with an industry leader like Macquarie Capital to launch this innovative Studio, leveraging our creative capital and network to create value for the participating companies," said Stephen Plumlee, Global Chief Operating Officer of R/GA and Managing Partner of R/GA Ventures. "Rolling admissions and the module structure will enable R/GA to offer the participating companies an increased level of engagement and support."

The year-long Studio will take place at the New York City headquarters of R/GA and Macquarie Capital, with applications opening the week of January 29, 2018 and rolling throughout the year. The first program module will take place beginning in May 2018. The program will culminate in a Demo Event in Spring 2019 where companies will have the opportunity to present to an audience of investors and industry executives. 

For more information about the Studio or to submit your company for application, please visit macquarie.com/about/company/macquarie-capital/macquarie-capital-venture-studio and follow #macquariecapitalvs on Twitter.

About R/GA Ventures

R/GA Ventures helps industry leaders embrace disruption, connecting them with emerging startups, technologies and consumer behaviors to drive their businesses forward. Since 2013, the R/GA Ventures portfolio has grown to include more than 80 companies across a variety of verticals. R/GA Ventures and R/GA are part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE: IPG), one of the world’s largest advertising and marketing services organizations. Learn more at ventures.rga.com and by following @rgaventures.