We exist to increase momentum in the campaign for climate action in Sub-Saharan Africa through the energy, agriculture and mobility sectors. We back those ventures committed to carbon mitigation and ensuring climate adaptation and resilience. But we like to think outside the box and are always on the prowl for opportunities at the intersection of these sectors and outside the confines of traditional definitions.

 

Energy

The challenge: Africa needs access to more affordable, more reliable and more renewable energy. We are searching for the next technologies and business model innovations focused on distributed renewables and carbon mitigation.

These include ventures improving design, distribution and financing of productive use assets; innovating on battery tech, battery swap, storage and BMS/data management models; enabling next gen smart microgrids with improved demand response, load shifting and reduced O&M costs; finding better ways for diesel genset replacement; digitising the design and financing of energy systems at the microgrid, business and household levels; decentralizing, decarbonizing and democratizing the grid... and more.

 

Agriculture

The challenge: Africa is in desperate need of innovation to increase food systems' sustainability and improve farmers' yields, profitability and resilience. We're seeking out ventures that are disrupting agri value chains, enhancing farm productivity, reducing post-harvest food losses, and improving quality for consumers.

We care about providing physical and digital market access and more efficient supply chains. We care about sustainable intensification and the delivery, financing, efficacy and sustainability of ag inputs. We care about renewable irrigation, precision ag, parametric insurance, loss reduction, novel food preservation tech, storage, low-carbon food systems, seed treatment and soil biology, fertiliser alternatives, and more and more and more.

 

Mobility

The challenge: Africa urgently needs more efficient, accessible, and sustainable mobility.

Inclusive electrification is key and we're hunting for those ventures that are turbocharging the transition to electric mobility through vehicle design, energy networks, improved battery technologies, and innovative financing. We want to invest in the slickest tech in smart digital transport to decarbonise and create more efficient passenger systems and cargo logistics leveraging innovations in connectivity, geo-spatial data and artificial intelligence.

Seed & Series A Stages

Equator invests in high-growth, ready-to-scale ventures with a degree of product-market-fit, growing revenues and exceptional teams. If this sounds like your venture and you're operating in our sectors and in Sub-Saharan Africa, give us a shout and let’s see what we can do together.

If your venture is earlier-stage (i.e. limited or no revenue, still cycling through product development and pilots, or Pre-Seed stage), we encourage you to reach out to our friends at Factor[e].

PORTFOLIO >