A new impact fund, Gather Ventures, is making waves in the African startup ecosystem with a focus on environmental sustainability and the empowerment of women. Backed by Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation, Gather Ventures is strategically positioning itself to address the twin challenges of climate change and gender inequality, particularly for African women founders.
Founded by Jo Opot, a Kenya-born entrepreneur, Gather Ventures aims to support women-led businesses that are driving both climate resilience and asset creation across the African continent. The fund’s goal is not only to alleviate the immediate challenges posed by climate change but also to ensure long-term financial security for women, enabling them to build intergenerational wealth in a region where economic and environmental resilience are both crucial.
“Growing up in Kenya, I witnessed the deep disparities that exist between women and men in terms of economic opportunity and wealth accumulation,” Opot said. “Women’s constitutional right to inherit property wasn’t recognized in Kenya until 2012, which meant that even if women contributed to the family’s wealth, it often passed to the man’s family after his death. This has lasting effects on financial autonomy and wealth accumulation, which is why I believe that climate justice and gender equality go hand-in-hand.”
Launched in 2021, Gather Ventures focuses on the intersection of climate action and gender equality. The fund is intentionally designed to invest in ventures that contribute to both environmental sustainability and women’s economic empowerment, especially those leading the charge in climate adaptation.
According to Opot, a critical aspect of the fund’s approach is ensuring that 80% of its investments support businesses working on climate resilience. “We believe it’s essential to focus not only on climate change mitigation but also on adaptation strategies,” Opot said. “Low-income communities in Africa, particularly women, often bear the brunt of the climate crisis, despite having done the least to cause it. They are the first to suffer from droughts, floods, and other environmental stresses. We need to empower them to take control of their futures.”
Among the many companies that have benefitted from Gather Ventures’ financial support are Mobility for Africa and Giraffe Bioenergy — two standout examples of the fund’s commitment to fostering innovation that prioritizes both sustainability and women’s involvement in key industries.
Mobility for Africa, for instance, provides electric tricycles specifically designed for women riders in rural areas. This not only creates sustainable transportation solutions but also enhances the mobility of women, empowering them to take on jobs, care for families, and engage more fully in the economy. “The company’s work goes beyond just transport; it helps women access markets, healthcare, and education,” said Opot.
Meanwhile, Giraffe Bioenergy takes a creative approach to both food security and climate action by transforming cassava — a drought-resistant crop grown primarily by women — into clean ethanol fuel for cooking. This sustainable biofuel provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cooking fuels, which are often harmful to the environment and health. “These kinds of innovations are exactly what we need to tackle both the climate crisis and the inequality women face in accessing resources,” Opot explained.
A Flexible Approach to Funding
One of the defining features of Gather Ventures is its adaptability when it comes to providing financial support to its portfolio companies. Rather than sticking rigidly to one type of funding, the fund offers a range of options, from grants and loans to equity investments. This flexibility allows Gather Ventures to meet the specific needs of each startup, ensuring that they receive the right type of capital to scale responsibly.
“We are instrument agnostic,” said Opot. “Some companies need grants to scale up, others need working capital, and others may need equity. We are here to ensure that entrepreneurs don’t take the wrong kind of capital for the wrong reasons. This approach helps businesses make sustainable growth decisions, without the pressure of taking on inappropriate debt or giving up too much equity early on.”
The sectors that Gather Ventures targets are diverse, with agriculture, construction, and technology receiving particular emphasis. Agriculture remains the largest employer of women in Africa, and the fund seeks to drive innovation in this space while also championing gender equity in industries like construction and technology, which traditionally have fewer women in leadership roles.
“We need to get more women into sectors like construction and tech, which are growing rapidly. If we don’t, we risk leaving behind an entire generation of women with limited career options,” Opot said. “By helping women enter these fields, we are not only improving gender equity but also ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of these industries.”
Looking ahead, Opot hopes that Gather Ventures will inspire more African women to step into green innovation, empowering them to gain ownership of sustainable businesses that can thrive across the continent. “As climate change continues to impact Africa, it’s vital that we not only adapt but also ensure that those most affected have the resources and skills to lead the change.”
Opot also stresses the importance of building strong local connections for anyone looking to engage in climate justice work. “To make a lasting impact, you must first build trust with the communities you seek to help. Listening to their needs and understanding their challenges is key to creating sustainable solutions.”
With Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation providing critical financial backing and Gather Ventures’ dedication to supporting women entrepreneurs, the future of African climate startups looks brighter, more inclusive, and more resilient than ever before.