M-Kopa Kenya Limited is a leading provider of solar home systems, specializing in pay-as-you-go energy services for off-grid customers. Founded in 2011 and based in Nairobi, Kenya, M-Kopa began commercial operations in 2012 and has since expanded its reach to Uganda and Tanzania. The company offers a range of solar products, including systems that provide lighting, phone charging, and solar-powered radios, which are sold through over 1,000 retail agents and shops. M-Kopa utilizes a proprietary technology platform that integrates mobile payments and IoT connectivity, allowing customers without credit histories to access essential products and services. With a dedicated team of over 500 staff, the company is committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the needs of underserved communities, continually improving its offerings through data-driven insights and customer relationship management.
GreenYellow Holding, founded in 2007 and headquartered in France, is engaged in the generation and supply of electricity through centralized power plants and decentralized photovoltaic projects. The company focuses on the development of solar energy solutions and offers services aimed at improving energy efficiency for a diverse clientele, including food and non-food retail sectors, government agencies, public utilities, and energy providers. By providing solar panels and energy management solutions, GreenYellow enables its clients to produce and optimize their energy consumption, significantly reducing costs while promoting the use of clean energy.
SolarX is a renewable energy company based in Bamako, Mali, specializing in the design, supply, and installation of grid-connected solar photovoltaic systems for commercial and industrial clients in West Africa. Founded in 2020, the company offers a range of turnkey renewable solutions, including engineering, procurement, installation, commissioning, and financial leasing. Its product offerings encompass grid-connected photovoltaic systems that allow direct electricity use, PV-diesel hybrid systems that combine solar and diesel generators, solar pumping systems for water supply during daylight hours, and stand-alone PV systems equipped with batteries for independent energy use. By providing clean and efficient solar solutions, SolarX aims to facilitate the adoption of renewable energy and promote sustainable practices in the region.
d.light is a company that designs, manufactures, and distributes solar lighting and power products, primarily aimed at households and small businesses lacking reliable electricity. Founded in 2007 as a for-profit social enterprise, d.light has developed a range of products, including solar lanterns, home systems, and various appliances, to serve over 2 billion people globally. With distribution hubs in East and West Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and the United States, the company has reached over 65 million individuals, providing affordable and accessible solar solutions. d.light is committed to transforming energy usage and payment methods, enhancing the quality of life for users in rural and semi-urban areas through its innovative solar-powered products. The company operates from its headquarters in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in key locations such as Shenzhen, China; Gurgaon, India; Nairobi, Kenya; Kampala, Uganda; and Lagos, Nigeria.
Zola Electric provides off-grid solar solutions primarily for African markets, focusing on Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast. The company offers solar home kits that can be either leased or purchased, utilizing a pay-as-you-go micro-finance model that accommodates various income levels. By employing advanced solar, battery, and power electronics technology, Zola Electric delivers renewable energy systems tailored to the needs of individual households and businesses in rural communities. Since its inception in 2012, the company has powered over 180,000 homes and businesses. Formerly known as Off-Grid Electric Tanzania Limited, it rebranded to Zola Electric in July 2018 and has established its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, with an additional office in San Francisco, California. The company has garnered recognition through various awards and has attracted investment from notable firms, including Tesla and EDF.
M-Kopa Kenya Limited is a leading provider of solar home systems, specializing in pay-as-you-go energy services for off-grid customers. Founded in 2011 and based in Nairobi, Kenya, M-Kopa began commercial operations in 2012 and has since expanded its reach to Uganda and Tanzania. The company offers a range of solar products, including systems that provide lighting, phone charging, and solar-powered radios, which are sold through over 1,000 retail agents and shops. M-Kopa utilizes a proprietary technology platform that integrates mobile payments and IoT connectivity, allowing customers without credit histories to access essential products and services. With a dedicated team of over 500 staff, the company is committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the needs of underserved communities, continually improving its offerings through data-driven insights and customer relationship management.
ZIZ Energie is a company based in N’Djamena, Chad, that specializes in developing, constructing, and operating hybrid off-grid solar power plants. Established in 2006, it focuses on electrification in both rural and urban areas, providing electric power supply services. ZIZ Energie also distributes electricity and electrical equipment in secondary towns and rural regions. In addition to its core activities, the company offers supervision and execution services for electrical work, alongside engineering and advisory services in both fossil and renewable energy sectors. Its primary clientele includes industrial and commercial customers, making it a key player in the decentralization of green energy in Chad.
Husk Power Systems Pvt. Ltd. is a renewable energy company based in Patna, India, that focuses on generating and distributing electricity to households, community services, small businesses, and factories. Founded in 2007, the company utilizes biomass waste—such as rice husks and other agricultural residues—to produce electricity through its proprietary technology. Husk Power Systems designs and operates mini-power plants and micro-grids, offering electricity as a pay-for-use service primarily to rural areas. This approach not only provides reliable lighting, reducing reliance on kerosene, but also fosters economic development by enabling microenterprises and the use of electricity-operated machinery. By creating a sustainable energy ecosystem at each power plant, Husk Power Systems aims to deliver shared value to its stakeholders and stimulate local economies.
Easy Solar is a prominent energy distribution company focused on providing solar solutions to off-grid communities in West Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone and Liberia. The company offers high-quality solar products, such as solar lanterns and solar home systems, aimed at individuals with limited or no access to traditional electricity. Customers can finance their purchases through affordable payment plans, which include an initial deposit followed by weekly or monthly installments, with payment options available via cash or mobile money. Since its inception, Easy Solar has positively impacted over 400,000 beneficiaries, leveraging a vast network of agents and outlets to ensure accessibility and convenience for its clients.
Private Equity Round in 2020
Greenlight Planet Inc. develops and manufactures solar lighting and energy devices aimed at underserved populations. Founded in 2009 and based in Chicago, Illinois, with offices in Mumbai and Nairobi, the company designs products like the Sun King solar lamps and home energy systems. These products are distributed through a network of partners, including micro-finance institutions and local micro-entrepreneurs, enhancing accessibility to affordable solar energy solutions. Greenlight Planet's mission focuses on delivering reliable and cost-effective home energy products to improve the living conditions of households in the developing world. The company operates in various countries across Africa and India, ensuring a broad reach for its innovative solar technologies.
Business and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. Their unique strategy interweaves business goals with environmental sustainability and social responsibility, producing mutually beneficial results. By contributing to community’s socio-economic development in the short-term, they foresee delivery of continual value to their shareholders. Through their community engagement initiatives, they are contributing to uplift the lifestyle of communities they work with.
d.light is a company that designs, manufactures, and distributes solar lighting and power products, primarily aimed at households and small businesses lacking reliable electricity. Founded in 2007 as a for-profit social enterprise, d.light has developed a range of products, including solar lanterns, home systems, and various appliances, to serve over 2 billion people globally. With distribution hubs in East and West Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and the United States, the company has reached over 65 million individuals, providing affordable and accessible solar solutions. d.light is committed to transforming energy usage and payment methods, enhancing the quality of life for users in rural and semi-urban areas through its innovative solar-powered products. The company operates from its headquarters in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in key locations such as Shenzhen, China; Gurgaon, India; Nairobi, Kenya; Kampala, Uganda; and Lagos, Nigeria.
Zola Electric provides off-grid solar solutions primarily for African markets, focusing on Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast. The company offers solar home kits that can be either leased or purchased, utilizing a pay-as-you-go micro-finance model that accommodates various income levels. By employing advanced solar, battery, and power electronics technology, Zola Electric delivers renewable energy systems tailored to the needs of individual households and businesses in rural communities. Since its inception in 2012, the company has powered over 180,000 homes and businesses. Formerly known as Off-Grid Electric Tanzania Limited, it rebranded to Zola Electric in July 2018 and has established its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, with an additional office in San Francisco, California. The company has garnered recognition through various awards and has attracted investment from notable firms, including Tesla and EDF.
Kingo Energy, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Guatemala City, Guatemala, specializes in manufacturing solar energy systems aimed at providing reliable electricity to underserved rural communities. The company's mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals living without access to a dependable power grid, particularly in regions facing extreme poverty. Kingo offers a prepaid solar energy service that is more affordable than traditional lighting methods, such as candles and kerosene. Their solar energy kits can power essential household items, including light bulbs and mobile phone chargers, with payment options tailored to customers' budgets. Kingo has already benefited over 100,000 people, with significant reported improvements in cost savings, educational performance, and productivity among users. The company operates in Central America and South Africa, with ambitions to expand its reach to over 3 million individuals by 2020. Kingo's executive team comprises experienced professionals from various sectors, including consumer markets, telecommunications, and energy.
JCM Power Corporation operates as an independent power producer (IPP) in Canada. It develops and operates renewable energy projects in Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. The company’s projects include solar photovoltaic projects, wind energy projects, and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission projects. JCM Power Corporation was founded in 2009 and is based in Toronto, Canada with regional headquarters in Naucalpan de Juárez, Mexico; Johannesburg, South Africa; and Karachi, Pakistan.
Orb Energy Private Limited specializes in designing, manufacturing, marketing, selling, installing, and servicing solar photovoltaic and solar water heating systems for residential and commercial customers. Founded in 2006, the company is headquartered in Bengaluru, India, with additional operations in Kenya and Singapore. Its product range includes polycrystalline and monocrystalline solar panels, solar inverters, solar street lights, solar rooftops, solar power plants, solar water pumping systems, and heat pumps. Orb Energy also offers franchising opportunities, enabling customers to sell its products through a network of over 90 branches. The company aims to provide affordable renewable energy solutions, particularly targeting off-grid households in India. With plans to expand its branch network and workforce, Orb Energy seeks to increase its reach and impact in the renewable energy sector.
M-Kopa Kenya Limited is a leading provider of solar home systems, specializing in pay-as-you-go energy services for off-grid customers. Founded in 2011 and based in Nairobi, Kenya, M-Kopa began commercial operations in 2012 and has since expanded its reach to Uganda and Tanzania. The company offers a range of solar products, including systems that provide lighting, phone charging, and solar-powered radios, which are sold through over 1,000 retail agents and shops. M-Kopa utilizes a proprietary technology platform that integrates mobile payments and IoT connectivity, allowing customers without credit histories to access essential products and services. With a dedicated team of over 500 staff, the company is committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the needs of underserved communities, continually improving its offerings through data-driven insights and customer relationship management.
Kingo Energy, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Guatemala City, Guatemala, specializes in manufacturing solar energy systems aimed at providing reliable electricity to underserved rural communities. The company's mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals living without access to a dependable power grid, particularly in regions facing extreme poverty. Kingo offers a prepaid solar energy service that is more affordable than traditional lighting methods, such as candles and kerosene. Their solar energy kits can power essential household items, including light bulbs and mobile phone chargers, with payment options tailored to customers' budgets. Kingo has already benefited over 100,000 people, with significant reported improvements in cost savings, educational performance, and productivity among users. The company operates in Central America and South Africa, with ambitions to expand its reach to over 3 million individuals by 2020. Kingo's executive team comprises experienced professionals from various sectors, including consumer markets, telecommunications, and energy.
ContourGlobal is an international power generation company that develops, acquires, operates, and manages wholesale electric power generation assets. Established in 2005 and headquartered in London, the company operates a diverse portfolio of approximately 4,841 megawatts across 107 thermal and renewable energy power plants in 18 countries on three continents. Its Renewable Energy Segment generates electricity using hydro, solar, wind, and biogas, contributing 1,808 megawatts, while the Thermal Energy Segment relies on gas, coal, and oil to produce 2,509 megawatts. With a workforce of around 2,000 employees, ContourGlobal aims to create economic and social value through sustainable power generation, focusing on long-term contracts and a diversified approach to fuel sources and geographical presence.
Mobisol GmbH, founded in 2010 and based in Berlin, Germany, specializes in developing and installing solar home systems to provide electricity to underserved low-income customers in developing nations. The company offers solutions that power LED lights, radios, mobile phones, and various household appliances, while also promoting productive use appliances. Mobisol's innovative approach combines solar energy with an affordable mobile payment plan, making it accessible for those living without electricity. The company emphasizes comprehensive customer service and utilizes remote monitoring technology to ensure reliable performance. With additional offices in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya, Mobisol operates as a subsidiary of ENGIE SA, focusing on delivering clean and affordable energy alternatives to fossil fuels.
Kingo Energy, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Guatemala City, Guatemala, specializes in manufacturing solar energy systems aimed at providing reliable electricity to underserved rural communities. The company's mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals living without access to a dependable power grid, particularly in regions facing extreme poverty. Kingo offers a prepaid solar energy service that is more affordable than traditional lighting methods, such as candles and kerosene. Their solar energy kits can power essential household items, including light bulbs and mobile phone chargers, with payment options tailored to customers' budgets. Kingo has already benefited over 100,000 people, with significant reported improvements in cost savings, educational performance, and productivity among users. The company operates in Central America and South Africa, with ambitions to expand its reach to over 3 million individuals by 2020. Kingo's executive team comprises experienced professionals from various sectors, including consumer markets, telecommunications, and energy.