The Climate Tech Investment Landscape — A Deep Dive

With over 7,000 companies – of which 100 are valued at over $1 billion – climate tech has emerged as a pillar of ESG and sustainability investing. As the energy transition unfolds, these technologies are only poised to capture more market share.

The novelty of many climate tech solutions makes it difficult for investors to assess their progress, market penetration, and impact on existing players – especially since most operate in private markets.

Jefferies’ Sustainability & Transition team set out to examine the landscape of climate tech investing; analyzing its current state, trajectory over the next year; key developments and innovations; and more.

First, it’s crucial to understand the evolution of climate tech since 2020. This period marked a significant leap forward for the sector, with over 2,500 companies raising around $150 billion through more than 4,000 deals. Acquisitions have been the primary exit strategy, accounting for 65 percent of exits since 2020. Despite macro challenges, the sector maintained its momentum in 2023, with the average deal size growing by 28 percent and investments increasing at an annual rate of 23 percent.

In 2024, as macro conditions improve, climate tech investors have dry powder. Once the domain of VC funds, the sector’s cap table now includes private equity, governments, corporates, and infrastructure funds, all ready to invest substantial capital.

Here are some of the key questions for climate investors in 2024.

What’s in store for the sector’s investment landscape?

Corporate involvement in the climate tech space is expected to grow in 2024. Established corporates are likely to integrate innovative companies with limited capabilities and balance sheets, aiming to expand their market share or adjust their existing business lines.

The sector is set to mature even further, continuing the trend from 2023, with the bulk of funding flowing towards established players that offer proven solutions in specific sectors. Data indicate that Energy and Industry will be the main areas of focus for investors in 2024.

What are the size and scale of key players in the climate tech ecosystem?

Climate tech has undergone significant evolution in recent years, shifting from primarily funding innovative and immature technologies to also embracing infrastructure, growth, and bankable projects. Several factors need to be considered as investors evaluate the sector’s key opportunities in 2024:

Funding Levels: Where is capital flowing?

• In 2023, late-stage and growth funding experienced continued declines (around 30 percent), whereas seed-stage funding showed resilience, increasing by 12 percent year over year.
• The transportation and energy verticals remained highly attractive to investors.
• Industry was the only subsector to gain positive momentum amid a challenging macroeconomic environment.

Transportation and Energy remained in favor in 2023.

IPOs, SPACs, Acquisitions: What’s the state of dealmaking?

• Overall, IPOs, SPACs, and M&A transactions decreased by 50 percent in 2023. SPACs, in particular, saw an 89 percent downturn, signaling a potential collapse in that market for climate tech companies.
• Transportation and Energy saw the largest number of companies go public or get acquired, representing 64 percent of the sector’s total exits in 2023.
• More than 80 percent of M&A deals in the climate tech space were for undisclosed amounts.
• On average, the median exit time for companies is just north of 8 years.

Corporates & Climate Tech: How has their role evolved?

• Since 2020, corporates have emerged as the most active acquirers of companies, responsible for 41 percent of all acquisitions.
• Notably, BP, Shell, and Schneider Electric have been particularly significant players.
• Corporate venture capital has been distributed relatively evenly across Series A and growth-stage funding rounds.

Corporates have been the most active acquirers of climate tech companies over the last 3 years.

How can investors identify winners and losers in emerging climate tech sectors?

Identifying potential success stories in climate tech involves considering returns relative to the level of risk, a familiar approach for investors. Three key risks need to be assessed:

• Technology Risk: Assessing technology risk is often the single biggest issue investors face. Technology risk exists at each step through from concept to early and late prototypes, all the way to first-of-a-kind and commercial operation stages. Earlier-stage innovations naturally command higher risk premiums.
• Execution or Project Risk: With a database of over 16,000 projects globally, Bent Flyvbjerg estimates that over 90 percent of projects (construction) aren’t completed on time, overrunning by an average of 60 percent. Assessing execution risk for first-of-a-kind and one-of-a-kind projects will be a key determinant of success at both the sector level and the company level.
• Geographic Risk: The success of specific solutions will greatly depend on the local context. Some innovations may be more applicable or relevant in certain geographies than in others.

It is now widely accepted that the energy transition is a technological revolution which will play out over the next two decades — and potentially longer. It will harness the power of many new technologies, many of which are not the incumbent options in their respective sectors.

Adoption of new technologies will be both uncertain and nonlinear. Investors who are able to develop an understanding of how innovations play out at various stages will be able to develop strategies to capitalize on new markets.

For a more detailed analysis of the state of climate tech in 2024, see Jefferies’ Sustainability and Transition team’s full report on the state of the market.

Leucadia Asset Management Announces Strategic Relationship with GREYKITE

Cato Networks’ Head of Strategy on Product Differentiation and the IPO Roadmap

In September 2023, Jefferies hosted its seventh annual Tech Trek, Israel’s largest institutional investor conference. The three-day event connects leading global investors with the Israeli tech ecosystem through a series of panels, presentations, and meetings.

At the conference, Jefferies spoke with Yishay Yovel, Chief Strategy Officer at Cato Networks. Cato, an Israeli-based SASE platform company with converged networking, security, and mobility capabilities, is one of the tech ecosystem’s most anticipated IPOs. In September 2023, Cato announced a $238 million equity investment, valuing the company at over $3 billion.

Yovel shared insights on Cato’s strategy for building a differentiated product in an already developed sector; Cato’s “rip-and-replace” approach; achieving resilience in turbulent markets; and the company’s path to going public.

Note:  The following interview preceded the events of October 7^th and does not take into account the effects of the ongoing conflict.

Achieving Growth in Mature Markets: Cato’s Strategy

Founded in 2015, Cato Networks reached $100 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) in 2022, growing its ARR from $1 million to $100 million in just five years. Serial entrepreneur Shlomo Kramer, founder and CEO of Cato, previously led cybersecurity startups Check Point and Imperva to multi-billion-dollar IPOs. Cato’s cloud-native architecture combines enterprise networking and network security within a secure access service edge (SASE) framework. Today, more than 2,100 enterprises across 150 countries have adopted the Cato SASE Cloud.

Yovel spoke to the company’s unprecedented growth in the network security sector, which, at the time of Cato’s founding, was already dense with cloud solutions from major providers.

“Most companies grow by building a point solution for a point problem. Our approach was different,” Yovel explained. “Enterprises have a difficult time managing multiple products with separate capabilities. We took a step back and asked, ‘Why is there so much complexity in networking and security infrastructure, and can we simplify it with a single-product architecture?’”

That became the vision for Cato: a turnkey networking and security infrastructure that is scalable and addresses multiple needs.

This “rip-and-replace” strategy became the backbone of Cato’s growth. It involves not just substituting one legacy solution with a cloud alternative, but migrating multiple point products, appliances and cloud services, into a single, cloud-native software stack. Cato’s framework has gained significant traction in the industry, with leaders like Gartner and Forrester now recommending a SASE solution for their network security clients.

Developing Durable Products in Uncertain Markets

Cato’s growth overlapped a challenging period for global markets; in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, cost reduction became a priority for many businesses. Though enterprise security is typically viewed as a resilient operating expense, cost centers like the SASE Cloud remained vulnerable to budget cuts. Yovel, addressing this challenge, explained Cato’s approach to building resilient products by prioritizing total cost of ownership (TCO) from the start.

Yovel detailed Cato’s unique sales approach, sharing that “Cato’s projects are essentially funded by existing budgets. We approach companies with separate allocations for firewalls, remote access, and networking infrastructure, and we demonstrate how these budgets can be consolidated into Cato’s solution. Even in challenging economic times, our value proposition is resilient, because we help businesses invest less and get more.”

The Path to Going Public: What’s Next for Cato?

Discussing Cato’s future, Yovel addressed the question on many investors’ minds: when is the company planning to go public?

Shlomo Kramer is on track to be the first founder to lead three cybersecurity companies from seed stage to multi-billion-dollar IPOs. He has discussed a potential IPO in the fourth quarter of 2024, depending on market conditions.

“We want to go public, if market conditions allow it, in the next 12 to 18 months,” Yovel stated. “We have the growth rate and numbers to support this. We just need to find the right opportunity in public markets.”

While predicting the exact timing and specifics of a potential IPO is difficult, the company’s trajectory, product resilience, and focus on growth position it for longtime leadership in network security.

Shifting Tides in the Sleep Apnea Treatment Market: From Philips’ Re-Entry to Ozempic

The sleep apnea treatment landscape experienced a major reshuffling in 2021, as Philips Respironics, a longtime market leader, recalled several CPAP and BiPAP devices due to potential health risks. Now, three years later, Philips is preparing to re-enter the market. What does this mean for companies like ResMed, who stepped in to fill the gap Philips left behind?

This is just the tip of the iceberg in what’s expected to be a critical year for the sleep apnea sector. The advent of GLP-1 drugs brings further uncertainty. These novel treatments have the potential to alleviate sleep apnea symptoms, but their impact on the market is yet to be seen.

In a recent survey of 50 US-based sleep doctors and durable medical equipment (DME) providers, Jefferies’ Global Research and Strategy Team explored these developments and more. Respondents shed light on the current and future market for sleep therapies, from the resilience of established methods like CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) to the emerging potential of GLP-1 Agonists.

Here, we unpack the latest trends in pricing, product quality, and novel therapeutic approaches that are shaping an eventful 2024 for the sleep apnea treatment market.

The Competitive Landscape: How Will Philips’ Re-Entry Impact the SDB Treatment Market?

ResMed, the market leader, scored highest in providers’ CPAP and mask rankings. RMD currently holds 62 percent market share, a position strengthened by Philips Respironics’ exit from the market in 2021. This shift came after issues were discovered in Philips’ CPAP and BiPAP devices, leading to a market gap that RMD effectively filled. Despite its strong position, respondents expect RMD’s market share to decrease with Philips’ re-entry, potentially falling to between 49 and 52 percent in the next 1-3 years.

Exhibit 1 – What percentage of your CPAPS do you expect to write scripts for or recommend patients use from the following providers?

Source: Jefferies 4Q23 Sleep Survey

The exact timing of Philips’ return to market is still pending, dependent on the outcome of a consent decree. However, respondents expect PHIA’s re-entry to include competitive pricing strategies, with moderate discounts aimed at RMD. While PHIA is expected to regain market share, the process is likely to be gradual, buffeted by the company’s reputational challenges and an increasingly tough competitive landscape.

Exhibit 2 – Assuming Respironics can prove the safety of their machines, what level of pricing discount would you insist on from Respironics (expressed as average % discount vs ResMed)?

Source: Jefferies 4Q23 Sleep Survey

Looking ahead, respondents also expect scripts for Fisher & Paykel and React Health to increase in the coming years, by 4.1 and 3.0 percent, respectively. Both companies benefited from the initial PHIA recall, with their market share rising by several percentage points.

The Birth of GLP-1s: Do Weight-Loss Therapies Threaten the Industry’s Gold Standard?

Though respondents expect continued growth in the CPAP market, this growth faces potential slowing due to the rise of GLP-1 treatments. GLP-1 Agonists, primarily used for obesity management and diabetes, show promise in reducing sleep apnea symptoms by promoting weight loss, a known factor in improving sleep apnea severity.

Survey participants predict a 12 percent increase in CPAP volume for 2024, with GLP-1 treatments having a limited impact initially. However, over the next five years, they expect the CPAP market could shrink by approximately 15 percent as a result of these treatments. To date, there hasn’t been a noticeable decline in adherence to or sales of traditional sleep apnea treatments among patients using GLP-1 treatments, but changes are expected as the market adjusts to these new therapies. Leading CPAP providers like RMD are yet to feel a significant impact but are preparing for future shifts in the market influenced by these novel therapeutic options.

Jefferies’ Sleep Survey offers important insight into shifts in the sleep apnea treatment landscape, as key players like ResMed and Philips navigate periods of transition. The coming years may see changes in market share, competitive pricing dynamics, and the integration of novel therapies like GLP-1 agonists, presenting unique opportunities and challenges for investors, healthcare providers, and patients. Jefferies Global Research and Strategy team will monitor these developments closely; the full summary of the sleep doctor and DME provider summary is available here.

No Transition Without Transmission: The Path Forward for Grid Bottlenecks

The challenge of upgrading and expanding grid infrastructure is now widely acknowledged as the biggest obstacle to a net-zero future.

Despite a surge in clean energy investments, grid development has lagged. Existing infrastructure, unprepared for projected load growth over the next decade, is now the Achilles’ heel of the global transition.

Investors and governments are beginning to recognize the problems facing electricity grids, and significant expansions and investments may be on the horizon. This article explores avenues for progress and the investment opportunities they present, with a focus on short-term solutions to boost grid capacity and flexibility.

The Grid’s Vital Role and Its Biggest Challenges

As electricity becomes a larger part of global energy consumption, the importance of the grid grows. Global electricity demand is projected to rise by 25-30% by 2030 and more than 50% by 2050. The share of renewables in the energy mix is soaring, with around 3,000 GW of renewable projects waiting for grid connections. About half of these are in advanced stages, representing a threefold increase over the solar and wind capacity added in 2023.

Exhibit 1: As the generation mix changes and renewables’ penetration increases, grid infrastructure will need to evolve.

Our grid infrastructure is not equipped for the coming surge in overall electricity demand and an increase in clean energy sources. The main bottlenecks in today’s grids fall into three categories:

1. Physical Infrastructure
2. Grid Mechanics
3. Services

Below, we break down potential solutions in each category, including the technologies, policies, and procedures that may attract investment.

Exhibit 2: We segment the investable opportunity set across three categories of bottlenecks.

Physical Infrastructure

This is, far and away, the biggest hurdle for grids.

The energy transition and associated load growth will require substantial expansion and modernization of the physical grid infrastructure. This comes at a time when many existing assets, already aging, need upgrades or replacements. The construction of new infrastructure and the enhancement of existing ones — such as transmission and distribution (T&D) lines, transformers, and substation equipment — are critical steps.

Many of the required changes will require policy reform. Key areas include streamlining permitting processes, enhancing planning procedures and cost allocation, and mitigating supply chain disruptions.

Although advancements in this domain are largely dependent on policy changes and tend to have longer development times, companies specializing in transmission, distribution, and substation equipment offer promising opportunities for investors.

For an in-depth analysis of companies and solutions in this area, refer to the complete Jefferies report on grid bottlenecks.

Exhibit 3: The US 10-year load growth forecast trend is set to 2x, increasing for the first time in a generation.

Grid Mechanics

The shift toward renewable energy sources impacts the fundamental mechanics of grid operation. Today, balancing services, flexibility, and the alignment of supply with demand are critical for electricity markets. Going forward, two challenges stand out:

Supply Variability: Traditionally, variability in electricity markets has been on the demand side. As we transition to new generation sources – intermittent renewables – we introduce a significant amount of supply variability.

Ancillary Services: The reliability and efficient functioning of modern grids heavily depend on ancillary services, many of which were historically provided as by-products of fossil fuel generation (for example; inertia, reactive power, and voltage control).

In response, new technologies and methods are being developed to replace these services, such as electronic devices designed to stabilize grid voltage and frequency, thereby enhancing system flexibility. Technologies and processes focused on improving system flexibility and fostering regional interconnection will take center stage in the coming months and years.

Services

Grid services include a wide range of systems crucial for reliability, flexibility, and resilience. These include both the engineering efforts needed to expand and enhance the existing grid infrastructure, and the strategic focus and investment that can address many current challenges in grid deployment.

Monitoring & Communication Services: There is a variety of software and data management platforms available that can enhance grid flexibility by improving real-time monitoring and communication capabilities.

Engineering Services: To support expansion efforts, a significant boost in engineering services is necessary. The current engineering supply chain may struggle to meet the heightened demand for power system engineers, project managers, and substation engineering specialists, among others.

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As global electricity demand continues to grow, and the share of renewable sources in the energy supply increases, upgrading and expanding grid infrastructure is arguably the most critical objective for policymakers and investors in the energy transition. There are many opportunities to enhance the capacity and flexibility of our grid, but they must be pursued strategically and swiftly, or we risk undermining significant global progress towards a net-zero future.

For Jefferies’ Sustainability and Transition Team’s comprehensive perspective on the companies and technologies at the forefront of grid solutions, consult the firm’s full report.

The Power of Partnership: How Investor-Entrepreneur Synergy Catalyzes Global Growth

In September 2023, Jefferies hosted its seventh annual Tech Trek, Israel’s largest institutional investor conference. The three-day event connects leading global investors with the Israeli tech ecosystem through a series of panels, presentations, and meetings.

At the conference, Jefferies spoke with Shay Grinfeld, Managing Partner at Greenfield Partners, an Israel-based investment firm focused on early growth stage technology businesses. Grinfeld shared insights on the dynamic Israeli tech market, the risk-reward balance for growth companies, successful investor-entrepreneur partnerships, and more.

Note: Grinfeld’s comments on Israel were made before the events of Oct. 7. The ongoing conflict may influence the region’s tech ecosystem and investment landscape. 

Israel’s Tech Market Evolution

Grinfeld, a seasoned investor in Israeli startups, spoke to the rapid growth of the country’s tech ecosystem. A burgeoning tech hub in the early 2000s, Israel has now emerged as one of the world’s most mature and productive markets. Today, the country is home to more than 90 “unicorns”, privately held businesses valued at over $1 billion.

“Looking back a decade or more, the typical Israeli company would develop a great technology and, upon reaching product-market fit with their initial customers, receive acquisition offers from the US or Europe in the $200 to $300 million range,” Grinfeld recounted. “Now, we regularly see Israeli companies reach $100 million in annual revenue, with many NASDAQ IPOs. Global capital is pouring into the Israeli market.”

He attributed Israel’s tech market growth to two trends: the surge of growth financing and the rise of seasoned entrepreneurs in Israeli ventures. Second- and third-time founders, experienced at scaling businesses, are keen to identify clear paths to profitability and collaborate with the right investors.

“When you think of the global tech scene, San Francisco, New York, and Austin come to mind, but the next city you have to think of is Tel Aviv,” Grinfeld said. “If you want to find great technology, you come to Israel.”

Guiding Startups to Global Readiness

Grinfeld then detailed Greenfield Partners’ investment approach, discussing the balance of risk and reward in growth-stage businesses and investors’ role in guiding companies toward maturity and global market readiness.

“At Greenfield Partners, we help early-stage companies prepare for global markets. What are key metrics, KPIs, benchmarks, and how do we achieve them?” He explained. “We put ourselves in the shoes of entrepreneurs and young CEOs. Their journeys begin with a product, but as they navigate market challenges, new employees, and global growth, they need an adaptable playbook. The experience of long-time investors and advisors is so important.”

Discussing his areas of focus, Grinfeld highlighted IT infrastructure, a sector of enduring interest. He highlighted how a solid tech infrastructure – across data, cybersecurity, IT, and computing, forms the foundation of the new applications and capabilities modern businesses are adopting. Grinfeld also underscored Israel’s global leadership in building top-tier tech infrastructures.

The Power of Collaboration

Finally, Grinfeld spoke to the importance of collaboration and understanding in investment. Events like Tech Trek, he said, are essential for bridging the knowledge, cultural, and experience gaps between global investors and entrepreneurs.

“Creating interactions between founders, CEOs, GPs, LPs on one stage fosters intimacy and collaboration,” Grinfeld shared. “At the end of the day, investors need to understand different stories, people, and cultures to be successful internationally. That’s the magic created by events like Tech Trek.”

Grinfeld’s comments offer a valuable perspective on tech investing, achieving scale as a growth business, and the continued evolution of the global tech ecosystem. As venture capital funds increasingly focus on international markets and entrepreneurs, his insights offer a strong platform for successful investor-entrepreneur partnerships.

ESG and the Energy Transition Are on the Ballot

On November 5, 2024, millions of Americans will head to the ballots, where the presidency, 468 congressional seats (33 in the Senate and all 435 in the House), and 11 governorships will be contested. These outcomes may shape the future of the energy transition, with climate policies front of mind for voters and candidates alike.

Here, Jefferies presents an analysis of six key questions around the 2024 elections’ impact on the US energy landscape. This includes the fate of the Inflation Reduction Act, US-China relations, ESG investing frameworks, and more.

• Inflation Reduction Act: What’s Next?
• 2024’s Impact on Bipartisan Climate Legislation
• The US-China Trade Landscape and Renewable Supply Chains
• The Future of Renewable Energy Permitting
• How Will the Federal Reserve Approach the Transition?
• The Fate of ESG Investing Post-2024

What will happen to the energy and decarbonization aspects of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) with a new administration?

This is perhaps the most salient question for investors in the energy transition. The IRA passed in August 2022 without Republican support. If Republicans win majorities in November, it’s unclear if their ideological opposition to the bill will outweigh the support it has from the business community. If Democrats win, they might strengthen the IRA with additional climate policies.

Republican states stand to gain the most from IRA-related investments. Of the 271 major clean energy projects announced since the IRA’s passage, 48.3 percent are in states with a Republican trifecta. Still, Republicans have attempted 31 times to repeal or reduce funding from the IRA during this period.

In short, investors need to consider how the IRA might change depending on November’s results. Whether Republicans or Democrats win full control, or the outcome is mixed, the impact on the IRA will be significant.

Will the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and CHIPS and Science Act, both containing climate elements, be affected by the November elections?

Unlike the IRA, both of these legislative packages passed with bipartisan support. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a $1 trillion package, earmarks significant funds for clean energy initiatives, including power delivery systems, energy-efficient retrofits for homes, and workforce development in clean energy sectors.

The CHIPS and Science Act, passed in August 2022, bolsters US manufacturing and supply chains through investments in R&D, science and technology, and energy workforce development. This act aims to position the US at the forefront of emerging industries like nanotechnology, clean energy, and quantum computing.

Given their bipartisan backing, these laws may see less impact from November’s elections than the IRA. However, their critical role in driving investments in the energy transition means they should remain a focus for investors.

Will the next administration see reduced trade tensions with China, especially in the renewable energy supply chain?

Under the Trump administration, the US imposed new tariffs on China due to unfair trade practices in technology and innovation. These tariffs, under the Section 301 framework, continued into the Biden administration. There are select exceptions for businesses, including those dealing with renewable energy materials like solar panel components.

A recent report from Wood Mackenzie forecasts that China, the world’s leading supplier of renewable energy technology, will be a critical supplier for global solar manufacturing over the next decade. The US has tried to reduce its dependence on Chinese products through subsidies, but it still struggles to compete with China on cost. The Inflation Reduction Act’s requirements for domestic manufacturing and assembly could boost U.S. competitiveness in this sector, but these are only starting to take effect.

The future of US-China trade, particularly given their joint interest in improving relations, will greatly influence renewable energy supply chains and America’ capacity to meet its own renewable energy manufacturing goals.

How will the 2024 elections impact the viability of significant permitting reforms needed for renewable energy and grid transmission build out?

Jefferies has repeatedly hosted Neil Chatterjee, a former Commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Committee (FERC), and his perspective on permitting reform is bearish. Permitting remains a key bottleneck for both fossil fuel and renewable energy infrastructure development. The 2023 Fiscal Responsibility Act did include some permitting reform measures, but these changes won’t spur the broad cost reductions and improvements to energy security and reliability needed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Both political parties recognize the need for permitting reform, but their approaches differ. Republicans aim to relax federal environmental review processes, while Democrats focus on streamlining the construction of new electricity transmission lines. The direction and extent of these reforms may hinge on the November election outcomes.

How will the next Fed Chair approach climate change?

Jay Powell’s term as Fed Chair ends in May 2026, and the next president will nominate his replacement. A key question is how the next Fed Chair will approach climate change. Powell faced criticism for not sufficiently regulating banks’ financing of fossil fuels. In October 2023, Powell stated that the Federal Reserve is not a “climate policymaker,” indicating that such decisions should be left to elected officials. He emphasized the Fed’s role in understanding and managing financial risks related to climate change, but not in directing bank lending.

The Fed began climate scenario analysis in early 2023 with major banks like JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America. This analysis is a data-gathering exercise without immediate supervisory consequences. It follows similar steps by the European Central Bank and the Bank of England.

Despite not being at the forefront of climate-related financial regulations, the Fed has engaged in related activities. It joined the Network for Greening the Financial System in December 2020, contributing to research and discussions on financial risks from climate change. However, given current U.S. resistance to incorporating ESG factors in financial decision-making, the Fed’s future role in climate change, both domestically and globally, remains uncertain.

How will the 2024 elections affect ESG Investing and the SEC’s climate-related disclosures?

These issues are contentious at both the state and federal level. Republican state Attorneys General (AGs) have been actively opposing ESG approaches, mainly by boycotting firms that exclude certain sectors and prohibiting the use of ESG factors in investment decisions.

Post-election, if Republicans gain control of the White House and Congress, we can expect them to follow the lead of Red states in pushing back against ESG. Additionally, once the SEC finalizes its climate-related disclosure rules, it’s likely to face lawsuits from trade groups, Red state AGs, and industries. If the SEC loses these legal battles, it can’t revisit the same rulemaking for five years.

Despite these challenges, some states like California have passed bills that advance ESG principles, potentially having a more lasting impact than federal regulations. These state-level actions could be more resilient to challenges under the “Major Questions Doctrine.”

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The new year, including the US general elections, will critically influence the direction of the global energy transition. Follow along with the Jefferies Sustainability and Transition Team for continued insights on these six key questions and more. 

Resetting Tech Market Expectations for 2024

In Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises, a character famously describes how he went bankrupt.

“Gradually, then suddenly.”

M&A markets tend to work similarly in the other direction when they are rebounding from a steep dislocation.

In the wake of the 2001 downturn, M&A deal volume recovered incrementally through 2004 until it exploded upward in 2005. Something similar happened in the years after the 2008-2009 great financial crisis, with a few years of moderate recovery followed by significant legs up in 2014 and 2015.

As 2024 begins, tech dealmaking continues to recover gradually – a trend that may endure for months or potentially longer – but be ready for it to shift suddenly.

2023 was a banner year for public equities, with the NASDAQ up over 40% in 2023, but valuations remain well off the stratospheric pre-downturn levels in January 2022. In Software, NTM EBITDA multiples peaked for application software companies at almost 40x in late 2021 vs. ~22x today, while infrastructure software approached 25x and has now settled at around 20x. Internet multiples experienced even more dramatic contractions, with e-commerce NTM revenue multiples 75% below levels observed in early 2021.

But today’s valuations are reasonable relative to history and the headwinds dampening transaction activity in tech markets are dissipating. Inflation is moderating, the Fed is forecasting as many as three rate cuts in 2024, and the bid-ask chasm separating buyers from sellers since 2022 is finally narrowing.

Then there’s the growing enthusiasm for all things AI. If you listened to an S&P 500 earnings call this past quarter, you heard three times as many mentions of “artificial intelligence” as you did the same time a year ago. And while it’s still too early to identify the big winners from AI beyond the chip and processing companies that are providing the picks and shovels for the AI buildout, it’s not too early to identify the key themes and trends that are likely to define tech sector dealmaking in 2024. Investors have an enormous demand for liquidity entering this year and that will inevitably catalyze activity. Here are just a few trends we have our eyes on:

• A Singular Opportunity for Strategics: With interest rates at multi-year highs and tighter leverage limits, strategic buyers have a notable cost of capital advantage over private equity firms. A PE firm getting financing today can expect to pay 2-3 percentage points more than they did in 2020-2022, which will may increasingly price them out of transactions above a certain size.

Strategics also have a chance to take advantage of compelling assets that are either trading at low valuations or prized assets that enable them to press a competitive advantage in the coming market cycle. A great example of the latter is Cisco’s announced acquisition of Splunk in September, an all-cash transaction that values the cybersecurity firm at ~$26B. In hindsight, market participants may look at this deal as one that encouraged other strategic buyers to test the transaction waters, especially given the fact that we know of several other large deals that are also on the verge of an announcement.

• An Altered Playing Field for PE Buyers: Although PE firms face a more challenging credit environment, it’s important to remind ourselves that the last 15 years represented a vacation from interest rate history. Today’s rates are about the same as they were in the two decades leading up to the 2008-2009 great financial crisis and there are signs the market is adjusting to this “old” normal: M&A and LBO activity reached a 17-month high in September. Globally, there is some $3 trillion in capital that’s committed by LPs but undrawn, representing a significant amount of dry powder that will have to be put to work. In addition, there continues to be a huge liquidity disconnect between the money LPs need and what GPs are distributing. When you combine this with fact that GPs have finite investment periods during which they can deploy capital, you have the recipe for a significant burst of investment activity.

In 2024, we expect to see more investments made across the capital structure including a growing proportion that involve co-control or minority investments, as well as more flexibility in a deal’s governance and liquidity provisions. Firms will also need to leverage informational advantages wherever they can as the formal process to sell strong assets is often increasingly over before it starts. This trend was apparent in recent take-privates in the software industry, as the last ten deals commenced with specific inbound interest which led to an auction won in almost every case by the initial bidder.

• Venture Will Be Patient … Up to a Point: The recent IPO drought was even deeper than during and after the 2008 crisis: There were only five total technology IPOs across 2022 and 2023. These droughts don’t last forever, and equity market momentum may start to pry open the IPO window in 2024. However, we expect the overall IPO market to remain muted throughout the year.

Whenever the IPO market does open back up, expect to see most IPO candidates sharing a well-defined profile: significant scale, strong revenue growth, profitability, market leadership and often the presence of an anchor investor that serves as a validator for a company’s prospects.

For those portfolio companies that don’t have the possibility of a near term IPO exit, venture firms are likely to be more willing to engage in M&A at reasonable valuations now that there is less resistance to marking down assets.

• Cross-Border M&A Will Be an Important Part of the Recovery: For most of the last two decades, cross border deals accounted for around 10-15% of total global M&A. But cross border activity has plummeted since 2022, and the accounted for less than 5% of total activity in the most recent quarter. Although the U.S. has historically taken the lead in reviving deal activity in the wake of downturns, we expect cross border activity to return closer to its recent historical averages, providing a meaningful boost for overall global M&A.

These trends all add up to a bifurcated market emerging in 2024, where good companies selling at fairer valuations will have plenty of suitors. However, dealmaking in this dynamic market will require more work, which of course is why Jefferies is here. In this depressed deal environment, we are one of only two global investment banks that is growing our market share and we are continuing to invest significantly in our TMT practice to be well-positioned when activity inevitably increases.

The recovery may be going slower than many would like, but if history is any guide, it can accelerate faster than many may think. When it does, we’ll be ready and looking to serve our clients with the best possible advice and execution resources.

Jason Greenberg is Co-Head of Global Tech, Media and Telecom Investment Banking at Jefferies.  Previously, he was Head of Global Tech Advisory at Jefferies.  Prior to joining Jefferies in 2014, Jason was at Credit Suisse where he led Software Investment Banking after previously having served as head of Communications M&A.  Prior to joining Credit Suisse, Jason was a founding member of the CSFB Technology Group and DMG Technology Groups, where he helped lead their respective efforts in software and communications M&A.  Jason has over 30 years of investment banking experience and has advised on hundreds of M&A assignments worth more than $250bn, including acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, hostile takeovers, takeover defenses, leveraged buyouts, financings, stock buybacks, spinoffs and leveraged recapitalizations.

Cameron Lester is Global Co-Head of Technology, Media and Telecom Investment Banking at Jefferies.  He was most recently Head of Global Internet Investment Banking at Credit Suisse.  Prior to returning to investment banking, Cameron was Co-Founder and General Partner at Azure Capital Partners for fifteen years, specialized in Internet, software and related infrastructure technologies.  Prior to Azure, he served as a Managing Director and the Group Head of the Software Investment Banking Group at Credit Suisse First Boston Technology Group.  Prior to CSFB, Cameron served as the Group Head of the Software Investment Banking Group at Deutsche Bank.  He received an MBA in Finance from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and a BA in Economics from the University of Virginia.

Prime Services C-Suite Newsletter – January 2024

Increased Focus on Compliance and Technology

Industry Insights:

Our newsletter, Jack-of-all-Reads, shares the latest and greatest insights in a brief read on a monthly basis. Please let us know of any comments or questions – we welcome and appreciate your continued partnership.

Industry Insights:

1. Cayman Regulatory Update. SinceCayman’s removal from the FATF’s Grey List, they have remained active. Please see below for two notable developments.
   • Grey List Removal. The country officially is removed from the EU’s Grey list in December 2023 after complying with various guidelines. The removals from these lists marks a step forward for the country although due diligence and maintaining a strong regulatory regime remain top of mind.
   • Beneficial Ownership Transparency Act. This bill was approved in late 2023 and is expected to go into effect in the first half of this year. The ruling will increase transparency and create a public register for the country. The largest changes include updating the definition of beneficial owner from 10% to 25% and eliminating reporting exemptions from limited partners and limited liability partners.
2. Proactive Compliance: Increased Costs and Focus. As the heightened regulatory environment persists, managers are expecting to remain focused on compliance heading into the new year.
   • Staying Ahead. The majority of firms are taking steps to be prepared for potential new rules and regulations expected to take effect this year, including the Private Funds Rule. Overall, there is a significant focus on managers starting to formulate and begin executing on a plan for becoming compliant. There is still time, but given the broad scope of the rule, it is imperative for managers to begin working with their legal counsel and compliance consultants to get the process started.
   • “Culture of Compliance” is now “Proactive Compliance.” Holding annual compliance trainings and offering ongoing education has become an industry best practice and a critical part of a successful compliance programs. Now, managers are tasked with raising the bar even further to create a culture of proactive compliance, where employees are encouraged and empowered to self report mistakes, issues, and raise flags when necessary.
3. AI Trends. The industry is still in relatively early stages of identifying and implementing all of the potential use cases for AI across the investment and non-investment sides of the business.  While leveraging AI is becoming a powerful differentiator and source of investment for some, others are hesitant to leverage it without further education. While there is no overnight pressure to start formally using AI tools, many would argue that over time, not figuring out how it might benefit your organization could become a competitive disadvantage.
   • ODD Views. ODD teams are increasingly incorporating questions about if and how manager are utilizing AI into their processes. If yes, the next layer of questions focuses on what guardrails are in place to ensure quality and accuracy of output.
   • Ways to Utilize. In conversations with our clients and industry experts, some of the key use cases within hedge fund organizations to date include: research, IR support, creation of marketing materials, and payroll.

Please reach out to your Jefferies contact for more information on any of the topics above.

Client Corner:

“Practical and Tactical”: Service Provider Landscapes. Decision-makers are spending Q1 exploring ways to increase efficiencies and strengthen partnerships across their businesses. The Business Consulting team has put together a series of pieces that outline the landscape of service providers across verticals, what has changed, and how to evaluate which providers may be a good fit for your business.  Please let us know if you’d like us to walk you through the latest, which include fund administration, trading software, RMS systems, CRMs systems, and HR firms.

Spotlight on Content and Events:

iConnections Global Alts 2024. We look forward to seeing many of our clients and industry partners in Miami this week.Please see details below for an opportunity to see our Global Head of Sales, Barsam Lakani, moderate a session on Multi-Strategy platforms.

• Multi-Strategy Platforms and the Power of Diversification. Tuesday January 30^th, 11am – Moderated by Barsam Lakani, Head of Jefferies Prime Services Sales with Jain Global, MS AIP, Davidson Kempner, and J Goldman

The Voice of Asset Owners: How Allocators Aim to Invest in the Transition 2025. With the global energy transition upon us, Asset Owners, the entities that hold and allocate capital on behalf of participants, beneficiaries, or the organization itself (including pension funds, endowments, foundations, insurance companies and sovereign wealth funds) play an important role in understanding the shape and pace of the energy transition. Understanding of how allocators view the transition is crucial in elevating the perspectives of asset managers and the broader investor community. Read Here

Interesting Service Provider Reads: Highlighting Topical Content from Industry Leaders

CBRE – Why Flex Workspace is Thriving Despite the Headlines

Citco –  2023 Q4 Hedge Fund Report – Quarterly Review

Diligence Vault – Quantifying the Value of Operational Due Diligence (ODD)

KPMG – Asset Management Industry Insights for 2024

Maples – EU Removes the Cayman Islands from EU AML List: Considerations for Clients

RQC –  Q4 2023 Quarterly Regulatory Newsletter

SS&C –  SS&C GlobeOp Hedge Fund Performance Index and Capital Movement Index

Jefferies Prime Services Contacts:

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THIS MESSAGE CONTAINS INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION TO MAKE AN INVESTMENT DECISION.

This is not a product of Jefferies’ Research Department, and it should not be regarded as research or a research report. This material is a product of Jefferies Equity Sales and Trading department. Unless otherwise specifically stated, any views or opinions expressed herein are solely those of the individual author and may differ from the views and opinions expressed by the Firm’s Research Department or other departments or divisions of the Firm and its affiliates. Jefferies may trade or make markets for its own account on a principal basis in the securities referenced in this communication. Jefferies may engage in securities transactions that are inconsistent with this communication and may have long or short positions in such securities.

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