Persistent is a venture capital firm established in 2012 and based in Nairobi, Kenya. The company specializes in investing in and developing businesses in underserved markets, with a particular emphasis on early-to-growth-stage enterprises in sectors such as climate, renewable energy, e-mobility, agricultural technology, solar, and water. Persistent aims to provide operational and strategic support to exceptional entrepreneurs, facilitating access to essential services for low-income households, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The firm focuses on initiatives that enhance energy access, enabling customers to benefit from electric light, mobile phone charging, and other basic energy services. Through its venture-building model, Persistent seeks to generate both attractive financial returns and significant social and environmental impact.
Beacon Power Services, founded in 2013 and based in Lagos, Nigeria, specializes in energy management solutions for commercial and industrial facilities. The company employs a data-driven approach, utilizing its AI-enabled grid management platform, Adora, to provide real-time visibility into network performance for power distribution companies. This software connects to utility assets and customer nodes, enabling energy providers to anticipate outages, identify network losses, and enhance electricity distribution efficiency. Beacon Power Services develops comprehensive power generation and management plans tailored to clients' specific needs, incorporating generator resizing, peak shaving, automation, appliance upgrades, and renewable generation installations. The company's mission is to improve the quality and reliability of electricity supply in African cities by building smart grids and addressing inefficiencies in electricity distribution systems, ultimately reducing energy costs for its clients.
Hohm Energy
Seed Round in 2022
Hohm Energy is an online marketplace that connects customers with accredited solar providers, product suppliers, and financiers. It provides clients with an evolving solar purchasing experience by utilizing scalable technology that manages their entire solar transition journey from scoping for the solution, installation, ongoing operations, and maintenance. The company was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Gauteng, South Africa.
Hohm Energy
Venture Round in 2022
Hohm Energy is an online marketplace that connects customers with accredited solar providers, product suppliers, and financiers. It provides clients with an evolving solar purchasing experience by utilizing scalable technology that manages their entire solar transition journey from scoping for the solution, installation, ongoing operations, and maintenance. The company was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Gauteng, South Africa.
Oolu
Series B in 2020
Oolu Inc. is a rapidly growing company specializing in solar home systems, providing installation, technical support, and maintenance services to households in West Africa, primarily from its base in Dakar, Senegal. With an additional office in San Francisco, the company aims to deliver affordable and reliable energy solutions to off-grid communities, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. Oolu's solar home systems typically include adjustable lighting and USB charging capabilities, powered by batteries with a six-hour charge capacity. The company employs a monthly payment model to minimize financial barriers for customers, ensuring access to modern energy solutions while incorporating maintenance and battery replacement services. By fostering trust within local communities, Oolu strives to enhance energy access and improve the quality of life for its users.
ASOBO
Venture Round in 2019
ASOBO, founded in 2019 and based in Nairobi, Kenya, specializes in manufacturing electric outboard engines powered by lithium batteries, specifically designed for fishermen on Lake Victoria, East Africa. The company aims to create a sustainable platform for e-mobility in emerging markets by providing a full-service offering that allows fishermen to utilize clean energy at a lower cost. ASOBO's electric outboard engines promote environmentally friendly practices in the fishing industry, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions while enhancing the efficiency and affordability of fishing operations.
Zonful Energy
Seed Round in 2018
Zonful Energy Pvt Ltd, founded in 2014 and based in Harare, Zimbabwe, specializes in providing affordable and reliable off-grid solar energy solutions. The company focuses on promoting energy access in off-grid areas by selling and installing modular, decentralized, and scalable solar home systems. These systems include solar panels, batteries, and a variety of appliances such as lights, radios, and televisions. By offering these clean energy products and services, Zonful Energy enables customers to save money while contributing to environmental sustainability through advanced energy management.
Zonful Energy
Corporate Round in 2018
Zonful Energy Pvt Ltd, founded in 2014 and based in Harare, Zimbabwe, specializes in providing affordable and reliable off-grid solar energy solutions. The company focuses on promoting energy access in off-grid areas by selling and installing modular, decentralized, and scalable solar home systems. These systems include solar panels, batteries, and a variety of appliances such as lights, radios, and televisions. By offering these clean energy products and services, Zonful Energy enables customers to save money while contributing to environmental sustainability through advanced energy management.
Rensource
Venture Round in 2016
Rensource is an innovative energy company focused on providing financial services related to renewable energy. It offers a business model that enables companies across Nigeria and West Africa to sell Power-as-a-Service (PaaS) to their customers. Rensource generates electricity through small solar-hybrid systems installed at customer locations. The company operates with an internal financing structure that supports the deployment of these systems and manages monthly collections from customers. By facilitating access to decentralized solar energy, Rensource aims to enhance the productivity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region while promoting the use of clean energy sources. Its overarching mission is to position Nigeria as a leader in distributed renewable power generation.
Devergy
Seed Round in 2015
Devergy is a social energy utility that focuses on delivering reliable and affordable electricity services to low-income populations in developing countries, particularly in off-grid rural villages. The company operates village-sized energy micro-grids powered by solar energy, allowing households and businesses to access electricity. By utilizing adaptive capacity and regular monitoring, Devergy ensures that its energy services are sustainable and accessible, ultimately enabling communities to benefit from affordable electricity. Based in Ghana, the company aims to improve the quality of life for its customers by providing essential energy solutions.
PEG
Pre Seed Round in 2015
PEG is an asset financing company that specializes in providing Pay As You Go solar energy products to off-grid customers in West Africa, particularly in Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, and Senegal. Founded in 2013 by Hugh Whalan and Nate Heller, PEG aims to improve the quality of life for its customers by offering financing for solar home systems. This financing model allows households to transition from expensive and polluting fuel sources, such as kerosene, to sustainable solar energy, which not only enhances their living conditions but also serves as a long-term asset. PEG's solar systems provide access to better lighting, mobile phone charging, and appliances like radios and televisions, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient energy solution for underserved communities. Headquartered in Accra, Ghana, PEG is dedicated to promoting renewable energy and improving the standard of living for its customers through innovative financing solutions.
Bboxx
Venture Round in 2014
BBOXX designs, manufactures, and distributes solar power systems aimed at improving energy access in Africa and other developing regions. The company focuses on providing off-grid solutions, including solar kits, residential solar installations, and energy kiosks, enabling consumers in rural areas to experience reliable electricity similar to that in western countries. By creating innovative distribution methods, BBOXX seeks to meet the energy needs of underserved populations while ensuring superior customer service. Its operations extend to countries such as Sierra Leone, Kenya, Somalia, and Pakistan, where the company strives to enhance energy management and power production in off-grid environments.
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