GAIA Impact Fund

Ecoligo GmbH, founded in 2016 and based in Berlin, Germany, operates a crowd-investing platform that finances sustainable solar energy projects in emerging markets. The company addresses the financing gap that hinders the implementation of solar solutions for local businesses by enabling environmentally conscious investors to fund these initiatives. Ecoligo's solar-as-a-service model allows commercial and industrial enterprises to access affordable solar energy, leading to significant financial savings and promoting sustainable growth. By providing solar energy, Ecoligo not only helps businesses reduce their CO₂ emissions but also contributes to broader climate protection efforts. The platform creates opportunities for impact-driven individuals to invest in projects that yield both economic and environmental returns.

MyJouleBox is a company focused on providing solar energy solutions in Africa, specifically targeting off-grid areas. It enables solar professionals to offer leased solar installations to their customers, facilitating access to affordable solar energy. The company's technology encompasses a variety of solar hardware setups, including solar home systems and larger backup systems for commercial clients. MyJouleBox also implements a pay-as-you-go system, allowing semi-urban households and small to medium enterprises to benefit from renewable energy without the burden of upfront costs.

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.

upOwa is a social business focused on providing innovative solar home systems to off-grid communities in Africa, aiming to deliver clean and affordable electricity. By offering an alternative to traditional energy sources like candles and kerosene lamps, upOwa's solutions not only eliminate pollution and health risks but also foster significant social and economic improvements within these communities. The company's approach combines financial viability with environmentally friendly practices, promoting sustainable development and empowering local populations.

Nuru is a company focused on improving energy access and connectivity in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Goma, the company has made significant strides in renewable energy by deploying the country's first solar-based mini-grid in 2017. Nuru is currently constructing a 1.3MW solar hybrid site in Goma, which will be the largest off-grid mini-grid in sub-Saharan Africa. The company specializes in solar energy and storage micro-grid solutions, providing affordable and reliable energy to commercial and industrial users through innovative practices in solar microgrid development.

Canopy Power specializes in providing optimized renewable energy microgrid solutions to customers in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, particularly in areas lacking reliable access to electrical grids. The company designs, builds, and finances these systems, which integrate solar energy, batteries, and generators with smart inverters. This approach allows clients, including remote industries such as mining, plantations, island resorts, and off-grid communities, to achieve significant cost savings by reducing their reliance on diesel fuel. Additionally, Canopy Power's solutions contribute to lower pollution and carbon dioxide emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals.

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.

Easy Solar is a leading energy distribution company in West Africa, financing high-quality solar products and appliances for those with limited or no access to the conventional grid. Customers can finance their purchase over time by paying in weekly or monthly installments, with the option to pay via cash or mobile money. To date, Easy Solar has reached more than 400,000 beneficiaries, distributed through its extensive network of agents and outlets throughout Sierra Leone and Liberia.

upOwa is a social business focused on providing innovative solar home systems to off-grid communities in Africa, aiming to deliver clean and affordable electricity. By offering an alternative to traditional energy sources like candles and kerosene lamps, upOwa's solutions not only eliminate pollution and health risks but also foster significant social and economic improvements within these communities. The company's approach combines financial viability with environmentally friendly practices, promoting sustainable development and empowering local populations.