Conservio, a platform connecting travellers with eco-conscious accommodations in Southern Africa, has secured $1 million in seed funding to fuel its expansion. The round was led by E4E Africa, with participation from Volve Capital, Living Hope Ventures, and seasoned tech entrepreneur Jonathan Smith, who also backed the company’s $500,000 pre-seed round in March 2023.
Launched in 2020, Conservio aims to simplify the process of discovering, booking, and supporting nature-based travel experiences. The platform currently features over 500 unique stays across South Africa, Mozambique, and Namibia, ranging from rustic cabins and farm stays to luxury lodges within protected reserves.
“We prioritize curating accommodations that not only offer exceptional travel experiences but also contribute to environmental conservation and uplift local communities,” said Lara Dendy Young, CEO and co-founder of Conservio.
E4E Africa, a venture capital firm focused on African entrepreneurs addressing critical challenges, highlighted the company’s dual impact. “Conservio is not only revolutionizing the travel industry but also creating jobs in rural areas and fostering thriving conservation efforts,” explained E4E managing partner Bas Hochstenbach.
Joost Bijlsma, co-founder of Volve Capital, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the company’s potential to democratize access to impactful travel experiences. “Conservio is perfectly positioned to grow while driving meaningful change,” said Bijlsma.
The newly acquired funding will enable Conservio to significantly expand its offerings. The company plans to increase its property portfolio to over 2,000 accommodations across Southern Africa, enhance its platform’s user experience, and provide eco-tourism businesses with the tools they need to succeed.
“We are witnessing a growing demand for authentic, nature-based travel experiences,” said Justin Rijnberg, Conservio’s Chief Product Officer and co-founder. “Our platform caters to travellers seeking convenient online booking options while prioritizing the environmental and social impact of their journeys.”
Conservio’s mission extends beyond facilitating travel bookings. “We believe tourism can be a powerful force for good,” said Dendy Young. “Every trip booked through Conservio contributes to the protection of natural spaces, supports local cultures, and fosters a deeper connection with the planet.”
By expanding its reach and refining its platform, Conservio aims to reshape the travel industry by encouraging and supporting sustainable and responsible tourism practices across Southern Africa.