James Caan-backed fund supports Ecometrica

Ecometrica services are used to monitor greenhouse gas metrics

Berti Investments, which backs entrepreneurial low-carbon businesses in the UK, has closed its first 2012 transaction through the support of Edinburgh-based Ecometrica.

Ecometrica, which develops greenhouse gas monitoring services as well as remote sensing and web-based programming, has received £250,000 of growth capital to expand beyond its Scottish and Canadian operations.

Berti Investments has also recently launched its new Accelerator Programme, a process which is delivered in partnership with former Dragons' Den judge James Caan. The initiative is set to provide three low-carbon businesses with investment of up to £1 million, and six months of business advice from Caan's Hamilton Bradshaw Impact Partners.

Speaking at its launch, Caan said, 'The impact investment market place is growing, but many entrepreneurs struggle to become investment ready due to lack of experience or knowledge about certain aspects of their business, such as financial or operational know-how.'

Selecting investments alongside Caan is Solarcentury founder Jeremy Leggett, Bloomberg New Energy Finance founder Michael Liebrich and Jacques Tredoux of Berti Investments.

Richard Tipper, chief executive of Ecometrica, says, 'Berti's investment will support our global ambitions and underscores the credibility of our success with developing market-leading services and solutions.

'We share Berti's values and commitment to promoting best green business practices and are delighted to have obtained their support.'

Further reading on James Caan:

• Dragons' Den investor James Caan reveals how he made it