Tech

SA’s software startup Open Access Energy launches $1.5m seed round

Published

3 months ago

August 15, 2024

South African software company, Open Access Energy (OAE), has launched a $1.5 million seed round after securing $750,000 investment from Factor E Ventures, marking the initial tranche for the company.

Gerjo Hoffman, the CEO of Open Access Energy who made the announcement on Wednesday, said the company which is focused on optimising energy transactions, secured the funds to address South Africa’s chronic energy challenges.

“Factor E Ventures’ investment arrives at a crucial juncture for both our company and South Africa’s energy sector,” said Hoffman.

“As we strive to decentralize energy and ensure universal access to clean power for all South Africans, this support will accelerate our innovation capabilities and market reach.

“With this initial funding, OAE aims to expand its technological capabilities, refine its software platforms, and increase its market presence in South Africa and beyond. The investment is expected to enable the company to scale operations, develop new features, and strengthen its position in the energy sector,” Hoffman added.

Also speaking on the funding, Tenbite Ermias, Partner at Factor E Ventures, said:

“Open Access Energy is addressing significant inefficiencies in South Africa’s energy sector with its innovative software.

“We are excited to lead this initial investment in their $1.5 million seed round. OAE is well-positioned to tackle the country’s energy challenges and drive its transition to renewable sources. Our support highlights our belief in their potential to make a substantial impact.”

Founded in 2021, Open Access Energy has developed the Amptera and Energypro platforms, which facilitates real-time energy transactions and enhance energy management for IPPs and municipalities.

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Tech

Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

Published

22 hours ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has been selected to host the sixth edition of the Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) summit from February 24-28, 2025, as a flagship event within Regenerative Ocean Week.

The Ocean Innovation Africa is set to be Africa’s most significant platform for Ocean Innovation conservation, and sustainable development in the blue economy. OIA2025 will be co-organised with leading partners, including IUCN, GIZ, OceanHub Africa, Catalyze and the Ocean-Climate Platform.

With the theme, “Science-to-Solution”, the Regenerative Ocean Week will present a line-up of sessions designed to bridge the gap between scientific research, business innovation, policy, and community engagement.

According to the organizers of the event, it will bring together African ocean innovators, investors, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to explore practical solutions that can be applied across the continent.

“These include the OIA Pitch Competition, which is a platform for Africa-based startups and entrepreneurs to showcase breakthrough ideas in ocean-impact solutions, allowing them to connect with investors and industry leaders and emphasizing Africa’s role in driving sustainable ocean initiatives,” the organizers said in a statement.

Tech

Orange Egypt earmarks $52.7m to support African startups

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Orange Egypt has earmarked the sum of $52.7 million to support African startups in what is going to be the largest investment to drive a youth-focused tech revolution.

According to the company, the mammoth investment will see over 40 startups benefitting from the funds, with most of them being Egyptian companies.

‘It’s a boost for Egypt’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and a step closer to cementing its spot as a top startup hub in Africa,” the company said in a statement.

The investment is coming on the heels of the telco signing a deal with the Egyptian government to roll out the second phase of its 5G licensing.

The statement noted that with Egypt’s startup game already strong and ranking as the third most funded country in the MENA region, “the numbers speak for themselves.”

“In 2022, Egyptian startups closed 143 funding deals worth nearly $766.7 million, outpacing the $606.79 million raised the year before.

“Plus over 2,100 startups employing more than 50,000 people, the country’s ecosystem is one of the top 10 emerging startup hubs globally.

“The Egyptian government is all in on this. And since launching initiatives like Egypt Ventures in 2017, they’ve been backing startups to drive innovation and growth in the tech space.

“Orange Egypt’s latest move only adds fuel to this already blazing fire, paving the way for more opportunities and a stronger startup culture across Africa,” it added.