Kilara Capital

Kilara Capital is a specialist Australian investment manager and project developer headquartered in Melbourne. Established in 2017, the firm is dedicated to fostering a low carbon future by scaling businesses and technologies that deliver significant decarbonisation outcomes. Kilara operates across three distinct business lines: private equity, energy, and infrastructure solutions.

The firm's core purpose is to drive commercial returns for investors while simultaneously promoting resilience and sustainability for businesses and society. This dual focus is rooted in an impact investing philosophy, where financial success is inextricably linked to measurable environmental and social benefits. Kilara is a certified B Corporation, reflecting its commitment to rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. The name "Kilara" itself is a Darug word meaning 'permanent, always there', symbolising the firm's long-term approach to delivering enduring environmental, social, and commercial outcomes.

Kilara Capital primarily serves wholesale investors seeking exposure to climate-smart investment opportunities and partners with small to medium-sized businesses that possess proven business models and are nearing or achieving profitability. The firm is backed by the proven track record and commitment of two well-established Australian family offices, the Liberman and Smorgon families, who bring a deep historical understanding of risk and return.

Key achievements include the successful closure of the Kilara Growth Fund (KGF) in June 2022 at A$40 million, which has since been fully deployed into climate-focused growth private equity investments. More recently, Kilara Capital formed KSB Sustainable Investments, a strategic joint venture with Salter Brothers, to establish a leading Australian sustainable investment platform focused on private equity, energy infrastructure, and nature solutions.

Leadership at Kilara Capital includes Managing Partner and Co-founder Ben Krasnostein, who leads the Kilara Growth Fund deal team and is responsible for overall group strategy, bringing over two decades of experience in corporate and legal advisory, renewable energy, and sustainable finance. Dr. Jodi York serves as the Chief Impact Officer, overseeing the design and implementation of impact strategy and management across the Kilara Group. Andrew Thomson, CEO of Kilara Energy & Infrastructure Solutions and a Co-founder, has been at the forefront of Australia's renewable energy industry since 2007. Partner Emma Jenkin is recognised as a climate pioneer with extensive experience in deal origination, structuring, and impact investing. Andy Cosh is also noted as a Partner and Co-founder.