SunFunder

SunFunder Inc. is a solar energy finance company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in providing various forms of financing to solar energy enterprises, particularly in emerging markets. Founded in 2012, the company offers short-term working capital, inventory, construction, and structured finance loans to solar product distributors, manufacturers, and project developers primarily in East and West Africa, as well as Asia. SunFunder's mission is to catalyze the development of solar energy infrastructure by leveraging its expertise in the solar market and facilitating efficient due diligence processes. By acting as a financial intermediary, SunFunder enables investors to engage in high-impact, fixed-income debt offerings that support the growth of solar assets in regions with inadequate energy access.

Avi Jacobson

Investment Director

Ryan Levinson

Founder and CEO

25 past transactions

M-Kopa

Debt Financing in 2023
M-KOPA is a company that offers connected asset financing solutions aimed at underbanked customers. Its platform integrates digital micropayments and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity to provide access to essential products, including solar lighting, televisions, refrigerators, and smartphones. The platform is designed to be accessible, allowing customers to secure financing without the need for a credit history or collateral. By focusing on life-enhancing products and services, M-KOPA aims to improve the quality of life for individuals in underserved markets.

Energy Vision

Debt Financing in 2023
Energy Vision is a telecom-focused energy service company that specializes in providing environmentally friendly power solutions for mobile network operators and telecom tower firms. The company addresses the challenges faced in areas where the electric grid is unreliable or lacking by offering a comprehensive range of services, including engineering, implementation, operation, maintenance, upgrades, and expansions. By delivering cost-effective and energy-efficient options, Energy Vision enables its clients to ensure reliable power access, thereby enhancing connectivity for users.

BioLite

Debt Financing in 2023
BioLite Inc. is a Brooklyn-based company founded in 2006 that develops and manufactures energy products aimed at both off-grid communities and outdoor enthusiasts. Its product range includes portable grills, stoves, power lights, and energy bundles, all designed to be compatible with various devices like smartphones and rechargeable battery packs. BioLite addresses the needs of two distinct markets: families in developing countries who rely on traditional wood fires for cooking, which poses significant health risks, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking efficient, fuel-independent cooking solutions. The company has pioneered advanced, clean-burning stove technology that significantly reduces indoor smoke emissions while generating electricity from waste heat, enabling users to charge devices and improve their living conditions. By focusing on innovative solutions, BioLite aims to tackle energy poverty and enhance environmental sustainability.

d.light

Debt Financing in 2022
D.light is a developer of solar home lighting and power products aimed at making clean energy accessible and affordable for rural and semi-urban populations. The company's offerings include a range of solar-powered devices such as lights, radios, televisions, fans, and other home appliances, all of which are part of rechargeable solar kits. These products are designed to improve health, increase productivity, and enhance the overall quality of life for users by providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions.

Yellow

Debt Financing in 2021
Yellow is a fintech company dedicated to delivering impactful products and services to rural households through a wide-reaching sales network. The company specializes in the last mile distribution of affordable pay-as-you-go solar home systems, targeting low-income communities. By offering accessible energy solutions, Yellow aims to improve the quality of life for these households, promoting both financial inclusion and sustainable energy use in underserved areas.

Zola Electric

Debt Financing in 2021
ZOLA Electric is a provider of off-grid solar solutions tailored for African markets, specifically operating in Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire. Established in 2012 and headquartered in Arusha, Tanzania, with an additional office in San Francisco, the company offers solar home kits to individual households through a leasing or sales model. Utilizing the latest solar, battery, and power electronics technology, ZOLA Electric's systems are designed to meet varying energy needs and income levels, allowing customers to make payments via PAYGo micro-financing and mobile money. The company's innovative approach has enabled it to power over 180,000 homes and businesses in rural and urban areas. ZOLA Electric, previously known as Off-Grid Electric Tanzania Limited until its name change in 2018, has received multiple awards, including the UN Momentum for Change Award and the Zayed Future Energy Prize, and has garnered investment from prominent firms such as Tesla and Total.

Winch Energy

Debt Financing in 2021
Winch Energy Group is a company that focuses on providing off-grid, renewable energy solutions, particularly for rural populations in Africa. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Sevenoaks, United Kingdom, with additional offices in France and Italy, the company specializes in the origination, development, and operation of power generation assets. Winch Energy offers comprehensive energy solutions for corporate and institutional partners, including total lighting solutions that encompass lighting surveys, design, compliance management, procurement, installation, and operations management. It serves various industries, such as mining, refining, cement, and food and beverage. The company is dedicated to facilitating rural electrification objectives through modular and efficient energy services, enabling remote communities to access electricity, running water, and telecommunications.

SunCulture

Debt Financing in 2021
SunCulture, located in Nairobi, Kenya, specializes in solar-powered drip irrigation systems designed to enhance agricultural productivity while promoting sustainability. Their flagship product, the AgroSolar Irrigation Kit, integrates solar water pumping technology with high-efficiency drip irrigation, equipping farmers with the necessary tools to increase crop yields and optimize water usage. SunCulture distinguishes itself as a comprehensive resource for Kenyan farmers by offering not only the irrigation systems but also agronomic services, educational training, and access to financing and markets. This holistic approach addresses the needs of smallholder farmers, enabling them to grow food more efficiently while minimizing fertilizer waste through direct application in irrigation systems. By combining innovative technology with essential support services, SunCulture aims to empower rural communities and improve their agricultural outcomes.

InspiraFarms

Debt Financing in 2020
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.

Daystar Power

Debt Financing in 2020
Daystar Power focuses on delivering solar power and energy efficiency solutions tailored for businesses in the commercial, industrial, and agricultural sectors. The company aims to provide affordable, reliable, and clean energy through solar hybrid power systems, which help clients significantly reduce power costs, diesel consumption, and pollution. Daystar Power offers its services through flexible payment options, including cash sales or monthly fees, allowing companies to achieve a stable power supply while minimizing their environmental impact.

d.light

Debt Financing in 2019
D.light is a developer of solar home lighting and power products aimed at making clean energy accessible and affordable for rural and semi-urban populations. The company's offerings include a range of solar-powered devices such as lights, radios, televisions, fans, and other home appliances, all of which are part of rechargeable solar kits. These products are designed to improve health, increase productivity, and enhance the overall quality of life for users by providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions.

PEG

Series C in 2019
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.

PEG

Debt Financing in 2019
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.

SolarWorks!

Debt Financing in 2019
SolarWorks! specializes in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of high-quality solar solutions aimed at providing lighting and low voltage electricity in areas with limited or no access to electrical power. The company's innovative products harness solar energy to deliver reliable light and charge devices, significantly improving the quality of life for individuals in underserved regions. By focusing on sustainable energy solutions, SolarWorks! addresses the critical need for accessible electricity, enhancing everyday living conditions for its clients.

SolarNow

Debt Financing in 2019
SolarNow is a company that provides solar energy solutions and financing in East Africa, particularly through its operations in Uganda and Kenya. Founded in 2011 by Willem Nolens and headquartered in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, SolarNow focuses on delivering solar home systems, electrical appliances, and tailored power solutions for rural and urban households, small businesses, farmers, and institutions. The company aims to meet the growing demand for clean and affordable energy by offering high-quality, reliable solar products, along with flexible credit options that enable customers to access these essential services. Through its comprehensive approach, SolarNow addresses the energy needs of various sectors while promoting sustainable energy use in the region.

Zola Electric

Debt Financing in 2018
ZOLA Electric is a provider of off-grid solar solutions tailored for African markets, specifically operating in Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire. Established in 2012 and headquartered in Arusha, Tanzania, with an additional office in San Francisco, the company offers solar home kits to individual households through a leasing or sales model. Utilizing the latest solar, battery, and power electronics technology, ZOLA Electric's systems are designed to meet varying energy needs and income levels, allowing customers to make payments via PAYGo micro-financing and mobile money. The company's innovative approach has enabled it to power over 180,000 homes and businesses in rural and urban areas. ZOLA Electric, previously known as Off-Grid Electric Tanzania Limited until its name change in 2018, has received multiple awards, including the UN Momentum for Change Award and the Zayed Future Energy Prize, and has garnered investment from prominent firms such as Tesla and Total.

Questworks

Debt Financing in 2018
Questworks offers turnkey construction, PV solar and office fit-out solutions.

d.light

Debt Financing in 2018
D.light is a developer of solar home lighting and power products aimed at making clean energy accessible and affordable for rural and semi-urban populations. The company's offerings include a range of solar-powered devices such as lights, radios, televisions, fans, and other home appliances, all of which are part of rechargeable solar kits. These products are designed to improve health, increase productivity, and enhance the overall quality of life for users by providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions.

Sun King

Private Equity Round in 2017
Sun King is a solar energy company that specializes in designing, distributing, installing, and financing solar home energy products in Africa and Asia. The company offers a range of solutions, including solar home systems, inverter systems, solar lamps, LED lights, and portable chargers, catering to communities with limited access to reliable energy. To enhance affordability, Sun King provides pay-as-you-go financing options, enabling customers to make small payments over time instead of facing high initial costs. By collaborating with a network of international distribution partners, Sun King aims to expand the off-grid energy market and improve energy access for households and businesses.

SolarNow

Debt Financing in 2017
SolarNow is a company that provides solar energy solutions and financing in East Africa, particularly through its operations in Uganda and Kenya. Founded in 2011 by Willem Nolens and headquartered in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, SolarNow focuses on delivering solar home systems, electrical appliances, and tailored power solutions for rural and urban households, small businesses, farmers, and institutions. The company aims to meet the growing demand for clean and affordable energy by offering high-quality, reliable solar products, along with flexible credit options that enable customers to access these essential services. Through its comprehensive approach, SolarNow addresses the energy needs of various sectors while promoting sustainable energy use in the region.

InspiraFarms

Debt Financing in 2017
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.

PEG

Debt Financing in 2016
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.

d.light

Debt Financing in 2016
D.light is a developer of solar home lighting and power products aimed at making clean energy accessible and affordable for rural and semi-urban populations. The company's offerings include a range of solar-powered devices such as lights, radios, televisions, fans, and other home appliances, all of which are part of rechargeable solar kits. These products are designed to improve health, increase productivity, and enhance the overall quality of life for users by providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions.

SolarNow

Debt Financing in 2016
SolarNow is a company that provides solar energy solutions and financing in East Africa, particularly through its operations in Uganda and Kenya. Founded in 2011 by Willem Nolens and headquartered in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, SolarNow focuses on delivering solar home systems, electrical appliances, and tailored power solutions for rural and urban households, small businesses, farmers, and institutions. The company aims to meet the growing demand for clean and affordable energy by offering high-quality, reliable solar products, along with flexible credit options that enable customers to access these essential services. Through its comprehensive approach, SolarNow addresses the energy needs of various sectors while promoting sustainable energy use in the region.

ENSOL

Debt Financing in 2014
ENSOL is renewable energy company that offers engineering, procurement, and construction to solar energy projects
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