KUALA LUMPUR: Ficus Capital (Ficus), the world’s pioneering Islamic Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG-i) venture capital firm, has announced a RM2 million investment in KLEAN, a leading sustainable recycling business owned by Janz Technologies Sdn Bhd. This investment, facilitated through Ficus’s flagship Ficus SEA Fund, will bolster KLEAN’s initiatives in container recovery, expand its network of AI-powered Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), and enhance operations across Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Fiji.
KLEAN operates a sophisticated digital container deposit system utilizing AI-based Reverse Vending Technology to encourage plastic container recycling. By rewarding users with points redeemable for incentives, KLEAN promotes active participation in recycling efforts. The RVMs are certified with the Global Green Tag Certification, ensuring adherence to the highest environmental sustainability standards.
Abdullah Hidayat Mohamad, Managing Partner of Ficus Capital, stated, “Our investment in KLEAN underscores our ongoing commitment to supporting companies that operate under ESG-i principles. As global awareness of social and environmental issues rises, there is a growing demand for sustainable investment options that align with ethical and religious values. The ESG-i sector perfectly intersects with these trends, offering investors opportunities for impactful and socially responsible investments rooted in Islamic finance principles.”
According to Fortune Business Insights, the global green technology and sustainability market is anticipated to grow significantly, particularly in developing economies and emerging markets, reaching US$83.59 billion by 2032 from US$19.83 billion in 2024, reflecting a CAGR of 19.7%.
Dato’ Nick Boden, Co-Founder & CEO of KLEAN, expressed, “Ficus’s investment represents a vote of confidence in our future. This additional capital will be pivotal in driving our growth. Ficus Capital’s commitment to sustainable and ethical investment aligns perfectly with KLEAN’s mission, enabling us to strategically expand our RVM network and operational footprint across ASEAN markets.”
Boden added, “We chose Ficus as our lead institutional investor due to their specialization in Shariah-compliant ESG investing, which resonates deeply with our values. Their strong presence in Southeast Asia complements our expansion plans in the region. Additionally, being backed by the Malaysian government through MAVCAP adds credibility and potential future support.”
KLEAN’s advanced AI technology in its Smart RVMs includes machine learning-enabled chutes for brand recognition of deposited containers, facilitating data collection for retailers and targeted advertising. The machines automatically identify materials and sort them into separate bins, optimizing recycling efficiency. Currently, KLEAN operates 100 RVM units across Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Fiji.
“Our innovative technology not only simplifies recycling but also provides valuable data insights, advancing us towards a cleaner, greener future,” Boden emphasized. “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership brings and look forward to making a significant environmental impact and serving communities.”
In addition to RVMs, KLEAN offers the KLEAN THE WORLD mobile app, allowing recyclers to scan QR codes, earn KLEAN points, and redeem rewards. The app captures user data for targeted marketing and provides real-time RVM data and ESG reporting through the KLEAN dashboard, supporting comprehensive CSR reporting and data monetization.
Launched in November 2021, Ficus SEA Fund aims to accelerate growth in high-potential technology startups across ASEAN, focusing on sectors like logistics, fintech, healthtech, e-commerce, edutech, greentech, big data analysis, and cloud services. The fund prioritizes sustainable startups that positively impact the environment and society, guided by Shariah principles, sustainable growth, and ESG principles.
