Shell Foundation

RevFin Services Private Limited is a digital lending company based in New Delhi, India, established in 2018. The company operates an online platform that facilitates the disbursement of loans to its customers. By leveraging technology, RevFin aims to streamline the lending process and make it more accessible to individuals seeking financial assistance.

Nithio Holdings is an energy finance company established in 2018 and based in Washington, D.C. It specializes in providing data-driven financing solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the off-grid energy sector across sub-Saharan Africa. Nithio's platform serves various stakeholders, including distributed energy service companies, capital providers, and governments, by leveraging its proprietary AI risk analytics engine. The company's primary focus is on supporting off-grid energy initiatives, particularly in solar home systems, productive use appliances, agribusiness, and microfinance, aiming to enhance access to sustainable energy in underserved regions.

AgroCenta was founded by two ex-esoko employees, Francis Obirikorang and Michael K. Ocansey in 2015 to improve the agricultural value chain in Ghana. Two critical problems within the value chain, which are the lack of an access to market for smallholder farmers in the rural areas, which subjected them to activities of exploitative, buying from middlemen and the lack of a coordinated truck delivery system to cart their commodities from farms to markets to sell. AgroCenta’s idea is to solve these age-old problems by introducing an online sales platform that connected smallholder farmers directly to an online market, which has wider geographic size, to sell their commodities. The end result? Exploitative buying was reduced to the barest minimum since farmers were in control of selling their commodities at prices that were favorable to them. Once a farmer gets offers from interested buyers, the problem of logistics and transportation were sorted using AgroCenta’s patent TrucKR solution that allowed the smallholder farmer in any remote village in Ghana access trucks at the click of a button. You can call it the uber for trucks. AgroCenta is changing the very lives of smallholder farmers by using technology to solve problems they encounter in agriculture.

Developer of a ride-hailing platform designed to connect commuters to safe, reliable and clean transportation. The company's platform offers a mobile application through which users can book rides and choose pickup points closest to them, enabling people to access a network of reliable and convenient transportation means.

We catalyze and power mass market electric mobility. By supplying the battery swap network and operating system we make sustainable mobility rapidly accessible and affordable for developing markets, to improve livelihoods and the environment. With over a million km already covered by e-motorcycles in Africa using our plug & play powertrain and energy network, we are Africa's leading light e-mobility startup.

Developer of a ride-hailing platform designed to connect commuters to safe, reliable and clean transportation. The company's platform offers a mobile application through which users can book rides and choose pickup points closest to them, enabling people to access a network of reliable and convenient transportation means.

Sistema Biobolsa fabricates and sells a patented high quality biodigester system and promotes education and capacity building. Our clients save money, time, and improve their quality of life by treating waste and producing energy and fertilizer. By fabricating a durable good with standard sizes, providing a high direct margin and promotional tools, we can grow through existing distribution networks to a large market. Divided in three segments: 1) subsistence farmers living on less than $2/day with low purchasing power in rural areas with a few animals and farmland; 2) rural small farmers that have agricultural production for consumption and commercialization, who have improved purchasing power and limited access to micro-credit; 3) medium-scale farmers that have commercial agricultural operations, higher purchasing power, access to credit but are still too small for an industrial scale biodigester system. There are 400 million of these farmers worldwide with 5 million in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. We aim to serve 6-10 thousand per year in 3-5 years. Sistema Biobolsa provides a robust piece of farm infrastructure that acts as a waste treatment, energy production, and fertilizer system that can have deep health, economic, and environmental benefits for the end users. With a full package of technology, products, methodology, and promotion, we offer a large opportunity for entrepreneurs that want to distribute and sell Sistema Biobolsa in their local markets.

Sistema.bio specializes in manufacturing modular biodigester systems that convert animal manure into biogas and organic fertilizer. By processing manure daily, these biodigesters utilize anaerobic bacteria to transform organic waste into methane gas, which can be used for cooking, heating, and electricity generation. This technology aims to enhance the efficiency and productivity of small farmers while improving their quality of life. By turning waste into valuable resources, Sistema.bio not only helps farmers increase their energy security but also contributes to environmental sustainability.

enable.digital AG is a Swiss company based in Zurich, founded in 2017, that specializes in information technology advisory and implementation services. The firm focuses on providing comprehensive IT solutions, which include consulting, design, setup, and ongoing support and maintenance. enable.digital AG serves a diverse range of sectors, including financial accounting, customer service, credit portfolio management, sales, distribution, inventory management, solar energy, and business intelligence. By addressing the data and IT challenges faced by various industries, the company aims to facilitate growth and enhance operational efficiency for its clients.

Sure Chill Company Ltd. specializes in advanced cooling technology solutions that utilize solar energy, providing efficient refrigeration for medical, food and beverage, and domestic applications worldwide. Founded in 2002 and based in Tywyn, United Kingdom, Sure Chill has developed a unique platform that maintains a consistent temperature of 4ºC without the need for continuous power, leveraging the distinctive properties of water. Its vaccine refrigerators, introduced to the medical market in 2011, meet the rigorous standards set by the World Health Organization and are utilized by organizations such as UNICEF, facilitating vaccine preservation in 46 countries. The technology has received accolades for its role in enhancing vaccine delivery in developing regions and was awarded $1.5 million by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to further improve the vaccine cold chain.

Rent to Own Ltd. is a company based in Lusaka, Zambia, founded in 2010, that focuses on providing affordable financing to small-scale entrepreneurs in rural areas. The company offers a range of essential assets, including refrigerators, hammer mills, and irrigation pumps, which are crucial for farming and food production. By implementing various rental arrangements, Rent to Own assists business owners in building their assets and expanding their services. The company tailors its offerings to meet the specific needs of each client, providing a guided asset selection process, direct distribution, and one-on-one training for equipment maintenance and usage. Additionally, Rent to Own employs a unique six-step loan process that mitigates repayment risk and ensures optimal use of the provided equipment, thereby supporting the growth potential of businesses in these rural communities.

Aavishkaar, founded in 2001 and based in Mumbai, is a venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments in Asia Pacific and Africa. The firm aims to catalyze development in underserved regions by identifying capable entrepreneurs and providing them with capital, along with a supportive environment to build sustainable enterprises. Aavishkaar distinguishes itself by adapting venture capital methodologies to serve low-income markets, emphasizing execution innovation rather than relying solely on technology and product breakthroughs. The firm has established a diverse portfolio, investing over $155 million in sectors such as agriculture, dairy, education, energy, handicrafts, health, water and sanitation, technology for development, microfinance, and financial inclusion. Aavishkaar is expanding its operations internationally through the Aavishkaar Frontier Fund, targeting countries with significant low-income populations. The firm aims to invest in 300 start-up companies across emerging economies within the next decade, promoting enterprise-based development to achieve sustainable and equitable economic growth. To support these initiatives, Aavishkaar plans to raise $1 billion over ten years.

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.

Sure Chill Company Ltd. specializes in advanced cooling technology solutions that utilize solar energy, providing efficient refrigeration for medical, food and beverage, and domestic applications worldwide. Founded in 2002 and based in Tywyn, United Kingdom, Sure Chill has developed a unique platform that maintains a consistent temperature of 4ºC without the need for continuous power, leveraging the distinctive properties of water. Its vaccine refrigerators, introduced to the medical market in 2011, meet the rigorous standards set by the World Health Organization and are utilized by organizations such as UNICEF, facilitating vaccine preservation in 46 countries. The technology has received accolades for its role in enhancing vaccine delivery in developing regions and was awarded $1.5 million by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to further improve the vaccine cold chain.

Inficold is a cold chain company focused on providing uninterrupted and affordable cooling solutions through the use of solar power and energy storage technology. The company specializes in solar cold storage and solar milk chillers, which deliver reliable cooling without relying on traditional electrical batteries. These innovative systems can be integrated with both new and existing cooling hardware, significantly reducing ownership and operational costs for farmers. Inficold aims to offer clients sustainable energy storage solutions that enhance the efficiency and affordability of cold chain operations.

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.

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.