Ventures: Accelerating Lithium Technology Startups

Investing in the Future of Lithium

SQM Lithium Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of SQMi. Launched in December 2022 with a commitment of up to USD 40 million, the fund is designed to invest in innovation across the global lithium value chain—supporting technologies that shape the future of clean energy.

Strategic Global Investment

We identify and invest in high-potential startups around the world that align with SQMi’s core business and offer opportunities to learn, collaborate, and create value. Our investment approach prioritises strategic return, with a focus on enhancing internal processes and strengthening SQMi’s innovation in lithium. SQM Lithium Ventures typically invests USD 3–5 million in Series A rounds, with flexibility to participate in later-stage rounds. We co-invest alongside top-tier venture capital firms and strategic partners, and we are capable of leading or following in investment rounds. All investments represent minority stakes.

Our investment strategy spans the full lifecycle of lithium, including:

Exploration and extraction

Processing and refining technologies

Battery innovation

E-mobility and energy storage

Recycling and circular economy solutions

We believe in the power of collaboration and the talent of entrepreneurs. Our goal is to add value to both SQMi’s core business and the startups we support.

Launched in

2022

Investments

7

USD

3-5M

Average Ticket.

CVC enables SQMi to invest in and partner with startups, gaining access to new technologies, markets, and talent while achieving financial returns.

Venture Client allows SQMi to become an early customer of startups, offering a lower-risk path to accessing innovative solutions and market insights—without requiring an upfront equity investment.

Both models are focused on verticals directly linked to SQMi’s core business. From exploration, extraction, processing and refining technologies to downstream innovations in batteries, e-mobility, energy storage and recycling, helping us stay competitive and adapt to rapidly changing environments.

Countries Invested In

Venture Client in Action

Launched in 2025, the Venture Client Model promotes internal and open innovation by partnering with startups to solve operational challenges. This approach allows SQMi to test and validate new technologies in real-world conditions. Startups that successfully complete the Venture Client process may be considered for future investment to help scale and consolidate their business models.

Integrated Innovation

SQM Lithium Ventures works closely with SQMi’s R&D and M&A teams, sharing opportunities and leveraging synergies across the organisation. This integrated approach ensures that innovation is not only strategic but also scalable—supporting SQMi’s long-term growth and leadership in sustainable lithium production.

Electromobility

Estonia

Designing and manufacturing automotive-grade, four-wheeled electric cargo bikes built specifically for commercial use in dense urban environments.

Electromobility

United States

Electrifying and decarbonizing transportation with battery-backed EV fast charging stations that transform retail parking into profitable, sustainable infrastructure.

Electromobility

United States

Developing the technology to enable long-haul electric trucks designed specifically for autonomous driving.

Recycling

United Kingdom

Unlocking the full circular value of old EV batteries, recovering critical battery materials, including lithium and returning them to the supply chain as high-purity cathode active materials for direct reuse in new batteries.

Electromobility

Chile

Transforming diesel trucks into hybrid electric vehicles with plug-and-play conversion kits, agnostic and adaptable to various truck makers and models, helping fleet owners to reduce fuel costs, emissions, and support sustainability goals.

Refinery

United Kingdom

Improving the efficiency of processes like reverse osmosis with disruptive membrane technology, offering increased recovery for half the energy, while reducing chemical use.

Electromobility

Australia

Novel materials for electric motors that enhance efficiency and extend the range of electric vehicles.

M. de los Ángeles Romo

Director

angeles.romo@sqm.com

Pascale Farcas

Scouting Manager

pascale.farcas@sqm.com

Robert Shepherd

Senior Investment Manager

robert.shepherd@sqm.com

Juan Pablo García

Portfolio Manager

juan.pablo.garcia@sqm.com

September 17, 2025

Expanding our Exploration Footprint: Reynolds Range Lithium Joint Venture

SQM International Lithium (SQMi) has commenced its joint venture with iTech Minerals at the Reynolds Range Project in the Northern Territory, Australia, following consent from the Central Land Council.

September 3, 2025

SQMi Strengthens Global Exploration Pipeline

SQM International Lithium (SQMi) has advanced its earn-in partnership with Andrada Mining, with the commencement of exploration drilling in the Lithium Ridge project in Namibia.

August 14, 2025

First Production of Lithium Hydroxide at Kwinana Refinery

We’re incredibly proud of the team at Covalent Lithium on reaching a major milestone in July 2025 - the successful production of the first battery-grade lithium hydroxide at the Kwinana refinery.

July 23, 2025

Construction Complete at Kwinana Lithium Hydroxide Refinery

SQMi and Wesfarmers Chemicals and Fertilisers are pleased to announce that Covalent has completed major construction at its lithium hydroxide refinery in Kwinana, marking a significant milestone in the development of a fully integrated lith …

What are you looking for?

Investing in the Future of Lithium