Factor[e] Ventures

Developer of an energy financial technology platform designed to provide information on payment plans for solar installations. The company's platform helps to provide personalized payment plans, installation support, after-sale service, and a wide range of repayment plans along with a tracker for schedules and invoice downloads, enabling users to access payment structures that match their needs.

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.

Sistema.bio designs and manufactures prefabricated modular biodigester systems aimed at enhancing the efficiency and quality of life for small farmers. The company's biodigesters utilize anaerobic bacteria to convert manure from livestock and other organic waste into methane gas and organic fertilizer. This process not only provides farmers with biogas for cooking and heating but also generates mechanical energy for agricultural activities. By transforming waste into valuable resources, Sistema.bio enables farmers to tackle waste management issues while increasing their productivity and sustainability.

Roam is a technologically oriented electric mobility firm that creates and develops electric motorbikes and electric buses for emerging markets. Roam provides supporting infrastructure, fleet management software, and after-sales services to create an ecosystem that speeds up the transition to sustainable mobility in new frontier markets.

60Hertz Inc is a software company that specializes in developing a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) tailored for power plant operators and distributed energy resources, including microgrids and large-scale solar and battery storage systems. Founded in 2016 and based in Anchorage, Alaska, the company’s mobile application facilitates daily operations and maintenance tasks by offering features such as preventive and predictive maintenance planning, work order management, and performance visibility for project owners and fleet managers. The software enhances operator efficiency by providing custom maintenance checklists and integrating with monitoring platforms to create smart work orders. Additionally, 60Hertz's application supports offline functionality and allows for the validation of task completion through photo uploads, thus streamlining operations and reducing costs associated with training and diesel consumption.

SENTRY is a Canadian company that specializes in biological monitoring solutions for the water and wastewater treatment industry. It has developed a bio-electrode sensor technology that provides real-time insights into microbial performance within both anaerobic and aerobic treatment systems. By monitoring microbial metabolic activity, SENTRY's platform enables operators to make immediate adjustments to optimize treatment processes and minimize adverse effects on water system performance. With a focus on enhancing operational efficiency, SENTRY serves a global customer base, addressing the critical needs of water management in various settings.

Betteries uses deep technology know-how and frontier market experience to deliver mobile and affordable power. Betteries is a multipurpose power system. Each Betteries system can store 3 kWh to 12 kWh of energy, offers fast charging capability, and can flexibly deliver up to 5 kW of electric DC as well as AC power. Betteries are modular in configuration to be stacked horizontally or vertically and can be charged by a variety of energy sources. Smart electronics including Wi-fi and GPS enables Betteries systems to be remotely monitored and controlled through an IoT platform. Rugged and water-proof, Betteries offers solutions for e-mobility, off-grid productive use, and on-grid backup power.

Clean Crop Technologies, based in Haydenville, Massachusetts, specializes in food processing solutions aimed at enhancing food safety and reducing food waste. The company has developed a proprietary technology known as 'Clean Current,' which utilizes cold plasma generated from electricity and air to eliminate molds, toxins, and pests from grains and nuts. This method not only improves crop yields but also extends the shelf life of perishable foods without compromising their quality. Clean Crop's innovative approach is designed to be energy efficient and scalable, making it effective against a wide range of contaminants while leaving no harmful residues. Founded in 2020, Clean Crop Technologies is committed to addressing the challenges of food safety and waste in agriculture.

60Hertz Inc is a software company that specializes in developing a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) tailored for power plant operators and distributed energy resources, including microgrids and large-scale solar and battery storage systems. Founded in 2016 and based in Anchorage, Alaska, the company’s mobile application facilitates daily operations and maintenance tasks by offering features such as preventive and predictive maintenance planning, work order management, and performance visibility for project owners and fleet managers. The software enhances operator efficiency by providing custom maintenance checklists and integrating with monitoring platforms to create smart work orders. Additionally, 60Hertz's application supports offline functionality and allows for the validation of task completion through photo uploads, thus streamlining operations and reducing costs associated with training and diesel consumption.

Redavia GmbH specializes in providing rental solar farms for businesses and communities in East and West Africa. Based in Munich, Germany, the company offers pre-configured solar generation and energy storage modules that are designed for easy shipping, setup, scaling, and redeployment. Redavia serves a diverse range of sectors, including agro-food processing, mining, manufacturing, hospitality, real estate, service infrastructure, utilities, and local communities. Their solutions enable businesses to access cost-effective, reliable, and clean energy with minimal upfront investment and technical expertise required.

Ampersand is a company based in Kigali, Rwanda, that focuses on manufacturing affordable electric vehicles and charging systems specifically for motorcycle taxi drivers in East Africa. By providing a battery swap network and an operating system, Ampersand aims to make sustainable mobility more accessible and affordable in developing markets. The company's initiatives not only enhance the livelihoods of local drivers but also contribute positively to the environment. As of January 2024, Ampersand has attracted 2,000 customers who collectively travel 1.5 million kilometers weekly in Nairobi and Kigali, illustrating the growing demand for electric mobility solutions in the region.

Ferntech GMBH, headquartered in Crailsheim, Germany, specializes in designing and manufacturing monitoring and control systems for off-grid, hybrid, and microgrid power systems. Founded in 2016 and previously known as Infinite Fingers GmbH, the company offers the Universal Monitoring and Control (UMC) solution. This technology facilitates the interconnectivity of various components, a cloud server, and a software platform, enabling system operators to remotely monitor and control multiple power systems efficiently. Ferntech's UMC solution supports compatibility with components from any manufacturer and employs visual programming tools, making it accessible for users of varying technical expertise. By lowering costs and logistical barriers, Ferntech enhances the operational capabilities of power system operators, allowing them to perform preventive maintenance, customize reports, and consolidate data on a single web-based dashboard, ultimately improving productivity and reducing maintenance expenses.

Crofarm aims to make a supply chain that supports farmers and provides businesses with freshest produce in the most efficient manner. At Crofarm, one gets a hands on learning experience and skill development at a place which boasts itself for a perfect blend of state of art technology and actual field work dedicated to the uplifting of Indian farmers at an immediate level and society from a broader perspective.

S4S Technologies is a food preservation company that invents new food processing machines. It sells the machines to farmers or uses them at its own facility to produce the highest-quality processed food. S4S Technologies works with many partner organizations to create a sustainable supply of processed food products.

Ampersand is a company based in Kigali, Rwanda, that focuses on manufacturing affordable electric vehicles and charging systems specifically for motorcycle taxi drivers in East Africa. By providing a battery swap network and an operating system, Ampersand aims to make sustainable mobility more accessible and affordable in developing markets. The company's initiatives not only enhance the livelihoods of local drivers but also contribute positively to the environment. As of January 2024, Ampersand has attracted 2,000 customers who collectively travel 1.5 million kilometers weekly in Nairobi and Kigali, illustrating the growing demand for electric mobility solutions in the region.

Crofarm aims to make a supply chain that supports farmers and provides businesses with freshest produce in the most efficient manner. At Crofarm, one gets a hands on learning experience and skill development at a place which boasts itself for a perfect blend of state of art technology and actual field work dedicated to the uplifting of Indian farmers at an immediate level and society from a broader perspective.

Inspirafarms specializes in the manufacturing of solar-powered modular food processing and cold storage technologies. The company offers off-grid cold storage units, food processing plants, and dairy chilling machines, along with accessories such as Good Agricultural Practice certified modules and renewable energy systems. It provides essential machinery for post-harvest value addition processes, catering to medium and large-scale value chains primarily in Central America and East Africa. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in London, the company also operates offices in Kenya, Southern Africa, and Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Inspirafarms aims to deliver affordable and efficient agricultural processing solutions that comply with global food safety standards, thereby enhancing the supply of healthy and nutritious food to both local and international markets.

HOMER Energy LLC, founded in 2009 and based in Boulder, Colorado, specializes in developing optimization software for hybrid power systems. The company offers several products, including HOMER Pro, a microgrid design tool that caters to various applications such as village power, military bases, and grid-connected campuses. HOMER Grid focuses on optimizing behind-the-meter solar-plus-storage systems, while HOMER QuickGrid assists users in reducing commercial energy costs through demand charge reduction. Additionally, HOMER QuickStart provides optimization for microgrids and distributed generation, and the HOMER SaaS API allows users to create customized applications. The software is widely utilized globally by engineers and non-professionals to design and analyze hybrid systems that integrate conventional generators, renewable resources, and energy storage. HOMER Energy also offers training, consulting, and community resources, including blogs and webinars, to support the energy industry. The company operates as a subsidiary of AWS Truepower, LLC.

Apollo Agriculture Ltd. is an agtech company based in Nairobi, Kenya, that supports smallholder farmers by providing financial and technical assistance. Founded in 2015, the company offers loans to help farmers acquire essential inputs such as fertilizer, seeds, and crop insurance, along with access to expert advice. By utilizing agronomic machine learning, remote sensing, and mobile technology, Apollo customizes financing packages based on individual farmer needs, assessing credit risk through satellite and soil data. This tailored approach aims to enhance farming practices and significantly increase crop yields, thereby maximizing profits for farmers in emerging markets.

Ampersand is a company based in Kigali, Rwanda, that focuses on manufacturing affordable electric vehicles and charging systems specifically for motorcycle taxi drivers in East Africa. By providing a battery swap network and an operating system, Ampersand aims to make sustainable mobility more accessible and affordable in developing markets. The company's initiatives not only enhance the livelihoods of local drivers but also contribute positively to the environment. As of January 2024, Ampersand has attracted 2,000 customers who collectively travel 1.5 million kilometers weekly in Nairobi and Kigali, illustrating the growing demand for electric mobility solutions in the region.

Sistema.bio designs and manufactures prefabricated modular biodigester systems aimed at enhancing the efficiency and quality of life for small farmers. The company's biodigesters utilize anaerobic bacteria to convert manure from livestock and other organic waste into methane gas and organic fertilizer. This process not only provides farmers with biogas for cooking and heating but also generates mechanical energy for agricultural activities. By transforming waste into valuable resources, Sistema.bio enables farmers to tackle waste management issues while increasing their productivity and sustainability.

SparkMeter, Inc. designs electricity metering systems and grid management software aimed at enhancing electricity access in underserved markets, particularly rural areas. Founded in 2012 and based in Washington, D.C., with an office in Nairobi, Kenya, the company offers a range of metering products tailored to different customer needs, including residential and commercial users. Its solutions include the SM16R, SM60R, SM60RP, and SM200E models, which cater to various consumption levels. In addition to hardware, SparkMeter provides software solutions that facilitate prepaid billing, customer communication, and remote monitoring, thus improving grid efficiency and asset performance. By enabling utilities to automate operations, manage loads, and integrate renewable energy sources, SparkMeter helps communities access sustainable and reliable electricity.

S4S Technologies is a food preservation company that invents new food processing machines. It sells the machines to farmers or uses them at its own facility to produce the highest-quality processed food. S4S Technologies works with many partner organizations to create a sustainable supply of processed food products.