Finance
Shell reviewing some of its Shell Ventures portfolio with option to sell, sources say
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 26, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 26, 2026
Quick Summary
Shell is reviewing select Shell Ventures portfolio holdings but plans to keep most stakes, sources say. The fund targets early-stage startups in power, emissions management and mobility.
By Stephanie Kelly
LONDON, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Shell has put under review with the option to sell investments it holds in some of the companies under its Shell Ventures portfolio, two sources familiar with the matter said.
The British oil major will retain a majority of its Ventures investments, one of the sources said. The corporate venturing fund has interests in start-ups and other early-stage businesses focused on sectors including power, emissions management and mobility.
Under CEO Wael Sawan, Shell is aiming to shrink the company's low-carbon projects to focus on liquefied natural gas trading and upstream.
Shell Ventures, established in 1996, has initial investments typically ranging from $2 million to $5 million, and total potential commitments reaching between $10 million to $25 million over a company's lifecycle, Shell's website said.
For a minority of the portfolio, Shell will look to identify investors who may be better positioned to support and scale those companies, one of the sources said.
Shell reported earlier this month that it missed fourth-quarter profit expectations with an 11% drop to the lowest level since early 2021 amid weaker oil prices, but kept its bumper share buyback programme.
(Reporting by Stephanie KellyEditing by Ros Russell and Louise Heavens)
Key Takeaways
- •Shell is reviewing investments in select companies within its Shell Ventures portfolio.
- •The oil major expects to retain a majority of its Ventures investments, according to sources.
- •Shell Ventures targets early-stage companies in power, emissions management and mobility.
- •The development was reported from London on Feb. 26, 2026.
- •No specific portfolio companies were named as being under review.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shell reviewing some of its Shell Ventures portfolio with option to sell, sources say
1What is the main topic?
Shell is reviewing some investments held through its Shell Ventures portfolio, while planning to retain most of those stakes, according to sources.
2Which sectors does Shell Ventures focus on?
Shell Ventures invests in early-stage companies across power, emissions management and mobility.
3Did Shell disclose which companies are affected?
No. The report did not name specific portfolio companies or detail the scope and timeline of the review.
