Early-stage venture capital fund and accelerator managed by BFA Global, focusing on climate adaptation and resilience solutions in Africa. Evolved from a philanthropic accelerator (2015-2022 – previously provided grants to 61 fintech startups globally) to an equity fund in 2022. Now partners with FSD Africa and fiscally sponsored by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. Targets 40 portfolio companies across Africa. Takes active, hands-on venture-building approach leveraging team’s experience as founders and operators in emerging markets. Portfolio companies have secured >$800M in follow-on funding and serve 14+ million underserved individuals globally. Backed by prominent investors including UK FCDO, JPMorgan Chase, PayPal, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (historical). 2024 Earthshot Prize partner (portfolio company Keep IT Cool won 2024 Earthshot Prize).
Investment Amount
Pre-seed investment: USD $200,000 per startup
- $150,000 cash investment (via SAFE agreement)
- $50,000 value in hands-on venture-building support (400+ hours)
Follow-on investment potential:
- Seed stage: up to $500,000
- Series A: up to $2.2 million
Investment structured as convertible equity (SAFEs)
Target
- Pre-seed stage tech startups in Africa
- Early-stage companies building climate adaptation and resilience solutions
- Tech-enabled startups serving climate-vulnerable communities
- Low-income, underserved, and vulnerable populations
- Small businesses and households facing climate risks
- Focus on founders from or operating in African markets
- Both tech-driven and fintech-enabled solutions
Focus Areas
Fintech for Climate Resilience
- Insurtech (asset/disaster insurance, weather-index crop insurance)
- Climate fintech solutions
- Digital payment-enabled climate solutions
- Carbon credit marketplaces for smallholders
- Financial tools for climate risk management
Sustainable Livelihoods
- Climate-smart agritech and food systems
- Regenerative agriculture solutions
- Agro-forestry
- Subscription-based cold chain facilities
- Pay-as-you-go cooling solutions
- Post-harvest waste reduction
- Agricultural marketplaces
Climate-Smart Essential Services
- Water management solutions
- Waste management and circular economy
- Clean energy and renewable energy
- Land restoration
- Food security solutions
- Sustainable utilities
Cross-cutting Themes:
- Tools to protect from climate risks
- Livelihoods adaptation
- Long-term resilience building
- Green growth enablement
