Factor[e] Ventures

Open Access Energy specializes in energy management software, offering a sophisticated platform that streamlines complex private energy transactions from generation to consumption. This platform automates intricate energy wheeling processes and provides comprehensive, utility-grade energy billing, facilitating seamless and efficient energy distribution across power grids for energy traders, independent power producers, municipalities, utilities, and consumers.

InspiraFarms is a company that specializes in manufacturing solar-powered modular technologies for food processing and cold storage. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in London, with additional offices in Kenya, Southern Africa, and Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, the company provides off-grid cold storage units, food processing plants, and dairy chilling machines. Its offerings include Good Agricultural Practice certified modules and renewable energy systems, designed to support the post-harvest value addition processes. InspiraFarms targets small to medium-sized enterprises within the fruit, vegetable, and dairy industries, ensuring that its solutions meet global food safety certification and quality standards. By collaborating with various actors in value chains across Central America and East Africa, InspiraFarms aims to facilitate access to healthy and nutritious food for both local and international markets.

Terralima operates a digital platform that connects African smallholder farmers and cooperatives with global food producers and cooperatives. The platform ensures traceability, fair pricing, and market transparency for high-quality agricultural commodities. Additionally, Terralima offers embedded fintech solutions to bridge funding gaps for farmers and aggregators, providing on-demand credit and efficient logistics. This streamlines the agricultural supply chain, reduces food waste, and maximizes profits for farmers.

Gateway.fm is a developer of decentralized blockchain infrastructure that specializes in creating globally distributed, multi-chain systems. The company provides a multi-chain gateway and a regionally dispersed enterprise architecture, allowing Web3 projects to scale effectively. By utilizing Gateway.fm's services, these projects can avoid the complexities and resource demands associated with setting up or maintaining their own servers. This innovative approach facilitates seamless scalability and operational efficiency for developers in the blockchain space.

Developer of an energy financial technology platform designed to provide information on payment plans for solar installations. The company's platform helps to provide personalized payment plans, installation support, after-sale service, and a wide range of repayment plans along with a tracker for schedules and invoice downloads, enabling users to access payment structures that match their needs.

enee.io specializes in designing and developing battery monitoring systems aimed at enhancing the efficiency and longevity of energy systems, particularly in the renewable power sector. By providing essential data and insights, the company empowers both users and suppliers of renewable energy, enabling them to optimize energy consumption and improve system health. This technology is especially beneficial for individuals and businesses in regions with unreliable grid access, as it facilitates more reliable and affordable energy solutions. Through its innovative approach, enee.io contributes to the effective management of backup power supplies and extends the operational life of batteries, ultimately supporting the profitability of renewable energy systems.

Gridless is a company focused on enhancing energy generation in rural communities in East Africa through its innovative approach to renewable energy. It partners with mini-grid energy generators to optimize their output by acting as a buyer of last resort, ensuring that these generators can monetize their full capacity. By serving as an anchor tenant, Gridless supports the establishment of new energy generation projects, thereby facilitating access to reliable and affordable energy. This strategy not only aids in the sustainability of existing mini-grids but also fosters energy development, enabling companies to secure financing for future initiatives.

Beacon Power Services, established in 2013 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, specializes in designing and implementing energy management solutions for commercial and industrial facilities. The company's core offering is its AI-enabled grid management platform, Adora, which provides real-time visibility into network performance for electric utilities, enabling them to anticipate outages, identify network losses, and distribute electricity more efficiently. Additionally, Adora empowers consumers with control over their energy infrastructure, facilitating invoicing, installations, and logistics. Beacon Power Services aims to enhance the quality and duration of electricity supplied in African cities by building smart grids and leveraging data to reduce inefficiencies in power distribution systems.

Gridless is a company focused on enhancing energy generation in rural communities in East Africa through its innovative approach to renewable energy. It partners with mini-grid energy generators to optimize their output by acting as a buyer of last resort, ensuring that these generators can monetize their full capacity. By serving as an anchor tenant, Gridless supports the establishment of new energy generation projects, thereby facilitating access to reliable and affordable energy. This strategy not only aids in the sustainability of existing mini-grids but also fosters energy development, enabling companies to secure financing for future initiatives.

Sistema.bio is a manufacturer of prefabricated modular biodigester systems aimed at enhancing the efficiency and quality of life for small farmers. The company's systems utilize anaerobic bacteria to convert manure and various organic waste types into methane gas and organic fertilizer. This biogas can be harnessed for thermal energy used in cooking and generating electricity, while the fertilizer supports agricultural productivity. By transforming organic waste into valuable resources, Sistema.bio enables farmers to turn a potential problem into opportunities for increased productivity and sustainability.

Roam is a technologically oriented electric mobility firm that creates and develops electric motorbikes and electric buses for emerging markets. Roam provides supporting infrastructure, fleet management software, and after-sales services to create an ecosystem that speeds up the transition to sustainable mobility in new frontier markets.

Otipy is a Fastest Growing Community Group Buying (CGB) player,delivering handpicked farm-fresh veggies and fruits directly from the farm to the consumer's door in around 12 hours via a community of resellers (mostly women) with only two touch points.

60Hertz Inc. is a company that designs and develops mobile application software specifically for power plant operators, focusing on the management of energy assets and maintenance tasks. Established in 2016 and based in Anchorage, Alaska, the company's computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) supports operators of distributed energy resources, including microgrids and large-scale solar and battery energy storage systems. The software features custom preventative maintenance checklists, scheduling for corrective work, and integration with monitoring platforms, which allows for the creation of smart work orders and condition-based maintenance. Additionally, it enhances operational efficiency by validating task completion through photo uploads, streamlining work order placement, and providing visibility into operations. By enabling operators to make data-informed decisions, 60Hertz aims to reduce operating costs and enhance asset longevity while improving workforce retention and reducing training expenses.

SENTRY is a Canadian company that specializes in biological monitoring solutions for the water and wastewater treatment industry. It has developed a bio-electrode sensor technology that provides real-time insights into microbial performance within both anaerobic and aerobic treatment systems. By monitoring microbial metabolic activity, SENTRY's platform enables operators to make immediate adjustments to optimize treatment processes and minimize adverse effects on water system performance. With a focus on enhancing operational efficiency, SENTRY serves a global customer base, addressing the critical needs of water management in various settings.

Betteries is a provider of innovative power solutions that focus on delivering mobile and affordable energy. The company offers multipurpose power systems capable of storing between 3 kWh to 12 kWh of energy, featuring fast charging capabilities and the ability to deliver up to 5 kW of both DC and AC power. Its modular design allows for horizontal or vertical stacking and is compatible with various energy sources for charging. Equipped with smart electronics, including Wi-Fi and GPS, Betteries systems can be monitored and controlled remotely via an IoT platform. The rugged and waterproof design makes them suitable for diverse applications such as e-mobility, off-grid productive use, and on-grid backup power. Betteries emphasizes sustainability by adhering to circular economy principles, ensuring recycling of batteries at the end of their lifecycle while providing cost-effective battery-as-a-service solutions.

Clean Crop Technologies, based in Haydenville, Massachusetts, specializes in innovative food processing technology that enhances grain and nut quality while reducing waste and safety risks. Founded in 2020, the company's core product is a proprietary 'Clean Current' system which combines electricity with air to generate ionized gases. This process effectively removes toxins, molds, and pests from crops without compromising food quality or creating harmful residues. By extending shelf-life and improving crop yields, Clean Crop Technologies aims to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance food safety.

60Hertz Inc. is a company that designs and develops mobile application software specifically for power plant operators, focusing on the management of energy assets and maintenance tasks. Established in 2016 and based in Anchorage, Alaska, the company's computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) supports operators of distributed energy resources, including microgrids and large-scale solar and battery energy storage systems. The software features custom preventative maintenance checklists, scheduling for corrective work, and integration with monitoring platforms, which allows for the creation of smart work orders and condition-based maintenance. Additionally, it enhances operational efficiency by validating task completion through photo uploads, streamlining work order placement, and providing visibility into operations. By enabling operators to make data-informed decisions, 60Hertz aims to reduce operating costs and enhance asset longevity while improving workforce retention and reducing training expenses.

REDAVIA GmbH is a company based in Munich, Germany, that specializes in providing rental solar farms for businesses and communities in East and West Africa. The company offers a pre-configured solar power system, which includes high-performance solar generation and energy storage modules. This system is designed for easy shipping, setup, scaling, and redeployment, making it accessible for various sectors, including agro-food processing, mining, manufacturing, hospitality, real estate, utilities, and community services. REDAVIA's solutions provide a cost-effective, reliable, and clean energy alternative, allowing clients to benefit from solar power with minimal upfront investment and technical expertise.

Ampersand is a company based in Kigali, Rwanda, that specializes in the manufacture of affordable electric vehicles and charging systems tailored for the three million motorcycle taxi drivers in East Africa. The company aims to enhance mass-market electric mobility by providing a battery swap network and an operating system that facilitates sustainable transport solutions. By making electric mobility accessible and affordable, Ampersand not only improves the livelihoods of drivers but also contributes to environmental sustainability. As of January 2024, the company's customer base has expanded to 2,000 users, who collectively cover 1.5 million kilometers weekly in Nairobi and Kigali.

Ferntech GMBH, headquartered in Crailsheim, Germany, specializes in designing and manufacturing advanced monitoring and control systems for microgrids. Established in 2016, the company offers the Universal Monitoring and Control (UMC) solution, which facilitates the interconnectivity of various components, enabling power system operators to remotely monitor and control hybrid and off-grid power systems efficiently. The UMC technology stands out for its compatibility with components from any manufacturer and employs visual programming tools, allowing users of all technical skill levels to optimize grid performance. By centralizing data on a web-based dashboard, Ferntech's platform not only streamlines preventive maintenance tasks and reporting but also enhances productivity and scalability while reducing overall maintenance costs for its clients.

Crofarm aims to make a supply chain that supports farmers and provides businesses with freshest produce in the most efficient manner. At Crofarm, one gets a hands on learning experience and skill development at a place which boasts itself for a perfect blend of state of art technology and actual field work dedicated to the uplifting of Indian farmers at an immediate level and society from a broader perspective.

S4S Technologies Private Limited, founded in 2008 and based in Mumbai, India, specializes in designing and manufacturing food processing machines, such as dehydrators and freeze dryers. The company's product lineup includes the Solar Conduction Dryer, HaldiTech, SmartDry, FrostDry, and Solar Grain and Seed Dryer, which are utilized to produce a variety of processed food items, including dehydrated vegetables, fruit candies, and powders. S4S Technologies also offers private labeling and contract processing services, catering to the needs of farmers and food companies. By leveraging technology and collaborating with partner organizations, S4S aims to create a sustainable supply chain for high-quality processed food products.

Ampersand is a company based in Kigali, Rwanda, that specializes in the manufacture of affordable electric vehicles and charging systems tailored for the three million motorcycle taxi drivers in East Africa. The company aims to enhance mass-market electric mobility by providing a battery swap network and an operating system that facilitates sustainable transport solutions. By making electric mobility accessible and affordable, Ampersand not only improves the livelihoods of drivers but also contributes to environmental sustainability. As of January 2024, the company's customer base has expanded to 2,000 users, who collectively cover 1.5 million kilometers weekly in Nairobi and Kigali.

Crofarm aims to make a supply chain that supports farmers and provides businesses with freshest produce in the most efficient manner. At Crofarm, one gets a hands on learning experience and skill development at a place which boasts itself for a perfect blend of state of art technology and actual field work dedicated to the uplifting of Indian farmers at an immediate level and society from a broader perspective.

InspiraFarms is a company that specializes in manufacturing solar-powered modular technologies for food processing and cold storage. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in London, with additional offices in Kenya, Southern Africa, and Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, the company provides off-grid cold storage units, food processing plants, and dairy chilling machines. Its offerings include Good Agricultural Practice certified modules and renewable energy systems, designed to support the post-harvest value addition processes. InspiraFarms targets small to medium-sized enterprises within the fruit, vegetable, and dairy industries, ensuring that its solutions meet global food safety certification and quality standards. By collaborating with various actors in value chains across Central America and East Africa, InspiraFarms aims to facilitate access to healthy and nutritious food for both local and international markets.

HOMER Energy LLC specializes in developing hybrid power system optimization software, offering a range of tools to optimize microgrid design and enhance the integration of renewable energy sources. Its flagship products include HOMER Pro, designed for various applications from village power to military bases, and HOMER Grid, which focuses on maximizing the value of solar-plus-storage and hybrid distributed generation systems. Additionally, HOMER Energy provides HOMER QuickGrid, a web application for commercial energy cost savings, and HOMER QuickStart, aimed at microgrid and distributed generation optimization. The company also offers training, consulting, and analytic services, as well as community resources such as blogs and webinars to support professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts in the energy sector. Founded in 2009 and based in Boulder, Colorado, HOMER Energy has established a global user base, helping to mitigate financial risks associated with hybrid power projects in both grid-tied and off-grid environments. As of December 2019, HOMER Energy operates as a subsidiary of AWS Truepower, LLC.

Apollo Agriculture, established in 2015, is a Kenyan agtech company with a presence in Nairobi. It specializes in providing smallholder farmers with access to critical farming inputs, financing, and advisory services. The company leverages agronomic machine learning, remote sensing, and mobile technology to assess credit risk and tailor financial and technical assistance to each farmer's unique needs and location. This approach aims to enhance farm yields and profitability in emerging markets, with a focus on Kenya.

Ampersand is a company based in Kigali, Rwanda, that specializes in the manufacture of affordable electric vehicles and charging systems tailored for the three million motorcycle taxi drivers in East Africa. The company aims to enhance mass-market electric mobility by providing a battery swap network and an operating system that facilitates sustainable transport solutions. By making electric mobility accessible and affordable, Ampersand not only improves the livelihoods of drivers but also contributes to environmental sustainability. As of January 2024, the company's customer base has expanded to 2,000 users, who collectively cover 1.5 million kilometers weekly in Nairobi and Kigali.

Sistema.bio is a manufacturer of prefabricated modular biodigester systems aimed at enhancing the efficiency and quality of life for small farmers. The company's systems utilize anaerobic bacteria to convert manure and various organic waste types into methane gas and organic fertilizer. This biogas can be harnessed for thermal energy used in cooking and generating electricity, while the fertilizer supports agricultural productivity. By transforming organic waste into valuable resources, Sistema.bio enables farmers to turn a potential problem into opportunities for increased productivity and sustainability.

SparkMeter Inc., established in 2012 with headquarters in Washington D.C. and an office in Nairobi, Kenya, specializes in developing electricity metering systems tailored for rural and central utilities in developing markets. The company offers a range of products including SM16R, SM60R, SM60RP, and SM200E meters, catering to residential, large residential, medium commercial, and post-paid customers respectively. Additionally, SparkMeter provides software solutions that enhance grid efficiency, enable microgrids, facilitate prepaid billing, improve customer communications, and allow remote monitoring and control for utilities operating in remote areas.

S4S Technologies Private Limited, founded in 2008 and based in Mumbai, India, specializes in designing and manufacturing food processing machines, such as dehydrators and freeze dryers. The company's product lineup includes the Solar Conduction Dryer, HaldiTech, SmartDry, FrostDry, and Solar Grain and Seed Dryer, which are utilized to produce a variety of processed food items, including dehydrated vegetables, fruit candies, and powders. S4S Technologies also offers private labeling and contract processing services, catering to the needs of farmers and food companies. By leveraging technology and collaborating with partner organizations, S4S aims to create a sustainable supply chain for high-quality processed food products.