BHP Ventures

Overview

BHP Ventures, established in 2018, is the corporate venture capital arm of BHP, focusing on investing in emerging technologies and companies that align with BHP's strategic interests. The unit seeks to foster innovation and sustainable growth within BHP by identifying and supporting game-changing technologies and emerging companies globally. BHP Ventures has invested in over 20 emerging companies, targeting sectors such as mining, metals, energy, and technology. Their portfolio includes companies like FieldAI, which builds AI foundational models for autonomous robotics operations in complex environments, and Antora Energy, which develops thermal batteries for industrial operations using low-cost renewable energy. BHP Ventures aims to drive innovation in BHP's core operations, grow the resource base in key commodities, and explore potential growth opportunities for the future, including decarbonisation and green energy sectors. The team is led by Vice President Laurel Buckner, who joined in January 2024, and includes professionals based in Australia, the United States, and Singapore. BHP Ventures operates as a Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) unit, focusing on private equity and venture capital investments across various stages, from seed to late-stage funding. The geographical focus spans multiple countries, including Australia, the United States, Canada, and several others. The unit's investment size ranges from $1 million to $50 million, targeting industries such as mining, metals, energy, technology, sustainability, and decarbonisation. BHP Ventures provides more than just funding; it offers access to technical experts, assets, and strategic guidance to help startups build solutions that benefit the industry. This collaborative approach aims to accelerate the development of technologies that enhance BHP's global operations and contribute to a more sustainable future. Through its investments, BHP Ventures seeks to unlock access to insights into how big data and artificial intelligence can be used to enhance mineral exploration, test early-stage technologies for lower carbon emission steelmaking, discover new ways to extract vital minerals, and explore carbon emissions removal technologies using microbes and direct air capture. The unit is committed to working with companies that share a passion for impact and aims to drive ongoing and more sustainable growth within BHP. BHP Ventures is headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and operates globally, reflecting BHP's commitment to innovation and sustainable development in the mining and resources sector.

Investment Focus

• Alignment with BHP's strategic interests
• Focus on innovation and sustainability
• Potential to enhance BHP's global operations
• Collaborative approach with BHP's technical experts and assets
• Scalable business models
• Strong management teams
• Technologies with game-changing potential
• Commitment to decarbonisation and green energy sectors
• Global operational reach
• Ability to provide strategic guidance and support
• Focus on emerging technologies
• Potential for long-term growth
• Alignment with BHP's climate change goals
• Interest in sectors such as mining, metals, energy, and technology
• Willingness to collaborate with BHP's internal network