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Persistent
Persistent is a climate venture builder based in Nairobi, Kenya, focusing on early-stage investments in African startups that address climate change and promote sustainable economic development.
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Overview
Persistent is a climate venture builder founded in 2012 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. The organization focuses on investing in early-stage companies in Africa that are committed to climate change mitigation and sustainable economic development. Persistent provides financial and human capital support, strategic guidance, governance, and technical and legal expertise to these ventures. The firm has evolved from a $3M seed operation to a $70M institutional fund, managing or advising assets exceeding $175 million. Persistent aims to support businesses that can generate strong financial returns while also making a positive impact on the African continent, particularly in sectors such as distributed renewable energy, e-mobility, and energy efficiency.
Focus
Persistent invests in companies developing solutions in energy transition, resource transition, and agricultural transition. The organization primarily targets sectors such as distributed renewable energy (especially solar), e-mobility, and energy efficiency, aiming to support businesses that generate strong financial returns while positively impacting the African continent.
Support
Persistent offers a hybrid model of venture building and investment, providing not only capital but also operational and strategic support to portfolio companies. This includes governance, technical expertise, and access to a network of resources to help ventures scale effectively.
Questions
What are Persistent's investment criteria?
Persistent focuses on early-stage companies in Africa that are committed to climate change mitigation and sustainable economic development. They primarily invest in sectors such as clean energy, agtech, and climate tech.
How can I apply or pitch to Persistent?
Founders can pitch their startups through the Persistent website at persistent.energy. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market analysis, and how the venture addresses climate challenges.
What makes Persistent different from other investors?
Persistent combines venture building with investment, providing not only capital but also operational and strategic support to portfolio companies. This hybrid model allows them to co-build companies with entrepreneurs rather than just providing funding.
What is Persistent's geographic focus?
Persistent primarily invests in early-stage companies across Africa, with a strong commitment to addressing climate challenges on the continent.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Persistent's fund size is $70 million, indicating a capacity for significant investments in early-stage ventures.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Persistent have?
Persistent provides ongoing support to its portfolio companies, including governance, technical expertise, and access to a network of resources to help ventures scale effectively.
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