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Persistent is a climate venture builder founded in 2012 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage companies across Africa that are dedicated to climate change mitigation and sustainable economic development. Over the years, Persistent has evolved from a $3 million seed operation to a $70 million institutional fund, managing or advising assets exceeding $175 million.
The organization has established a strong presence in Africa, with offices in Nairobi, Lagos, Dakar, Goma, and Kampala. Persistent has made over 80 investments in 25 companies, demonstrating its commitment to supporting ventures that generate strong financial returns while positively impacting the continent. The firm is currently raising a $100 million dedicated Africa Climate Venture Builder Fund to further enhance its mission.
Persistent invests in companies developing solutions in energy transition, resource transition, and agricultural transition. The firm primarily targets sectors such as distributed renewable energy, particularly solar, e-mobility, and energy efficiency. Their investment strategy emphasizes supporting businesses that yield strong financial returns while making a positive impact on the African continent.
In addition to its core sectors, Persistent is expanding its capabilities to invest in Agtech and the Circular Economy. The firm seeks to partner with entrepreneurs who are committed to creating impactful businesses that address climate challenges. Persistent's hybrid model combines venture building with investment, providing not only capital but also operational and strategic support to help ventures scale effectively.
Persistent has made over 80 investments in 25 companies, managing or advising assets exceeding $175 million. Notable portfolio companies include:
Other sectors represented in their portfolio include Agricultural Technology, Solar Home Systems, Commercial & Industrial Solar, and E-Mobility. Persistent's diverse portfolio reflects its commitment to supporting innovative solutions that address climate change and promote sustainable economic development across Africa.
Tobias Ruckstuhl - Managing Partner. Tobias has extensive experience in venture capital and climate tech, having led numerous investments in the sector.
Wairimu Karanja - Partner. Wairimu brings a strong background in finance and investment management, focusing on supporting early-stage ventures.
Toukam Ngoufanke - Partner. Toukam has expertise in renewable energy and sustainable development, contributing to Persistent's mission of climate change mitigation.
Chris Aidun - Partner, Co-founder, Director of the Board. Chris has a proven track record in building successful startups and guiding them through growth phases.
Eva Stolz - Investment Principal. Eva specializes in identifying promising investment opportunities within the climate tech sector.
Vincent Kienzler - Lead Tech Venture Builder. Vincent focuses on operational support and scaling strategies for portfolio companies.
Jess Rono - Finance Venture Builder. Jess provides financial guidance and support to help startups manage their resources effectively.
Magdalena Herman - Tech Venture Builder. Magdalena works closely with tech-focused startups, offering expertise in product development and market entry strategies.
To pitch to Persistent, founders should submit their proposals through the firm's website at persistent.energy. It is advisable to include a detailed deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and how the venture addresses climate change. Persistent prefers warm introductions but will consider direct applications as well. Response times may vary, so founders should be prepared for potential follow-up discussions.
In March 2026, Persistent announced the first close of its $70 million Africa Climate Venture Builder Fund, raising $52 million to support early-stage climate startups across Africa. This fund aims to enhance the firm's capacity to invest in innovative solutions addressing climate challenges.
Persistent has made over 80 investments in 25 companies since its founding in 2012, demonstrating its commitment to supporting ventures that generate strong financial returns while positively impacting the continent. The firm is actively expanding its portfolio and capabilities in sectors such as Agtech and the Circular Economy.
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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