Scaling unique climate solutions
in Africa by Africa for Africa
We need scalable, localized
climate solutions now
The startup is our grassroots vehicle to create, test and scale uniquely African models to positively impact the future of life on our continent
Investment Themes
We employ a top-down investment approach that lives at the intersection of environmental impact and commercial viability. It focuses on four sectors of distinct importance and great potential impact to climate outcomes on the continent.
Precision Agriculture
The world is a farmer. We make use of cutting edge technology to make that farmer more environmentally efficient. This leads to better personal and climate outcomes.
Portfolio:
Off-Grid Solutions
Most Africans live off grid. They need to come online. The only way this can occur without massive negative environmental effects is for the lights to turn with renewables from day 1. We make that happen.
Portfolio:
Mobility
African cities are growing at an alarming rate. They need solutions that optimize energy efficiency and air quality. We leverage the research and technical ability of Stellenbosch University to design these startup solutions.
Portfolio:
Software for Climate
Software is eating the world. Africa has incredible human capital and low operating expenses. We build global solutions at this nexus.
Portfolio:
Technical Founders
Pan-African business
Who we love
to work with
Post Revenue aiming for investment and scale
How we're
unique
In-house
co-building team
Our team works directly with the startup team to fill critical roles such as CFO, CCO, COO & CRO.
We serve as the variable cost business team that technical founders need to achieve product-market-fit.
Diagnostic
report
We analyze every business and develop a report with key strategic insights and opportunities to share with stakeholders.
This report serves as the foundation for our bespoke co-building work together. It is also a very valuable risk assessment tool for future investors.
Dedicated group
of experts
Our program puts world-class subject-matter experts with experience across African, European, and American markets at your fingertips.
University
backing
We provide direct access to one of Africa's top universities--it's expertise, research and network.
ClimateLab Business Builder Program
Diagnostic Assessment
1 month
A deep dive to assess current state of affairs and offer strategic insights
Key items analysed:
-
Vision, mission, value proposition
-
Burn, runway, performance
-
Business model, pricing, economics
Co-Building Program
2 months
Focus on 3 achievable success metrics
Bespoke and tailored learning content
Weekly office hours with dedicated SU LaunchLab team
Access to global experts based on unique needs of each business
Post-program Support
2 months
1:1 mentor matched specifically for company needs
2+ hours per week of defined sessions with mentor to address specific items
Continued access to experts, investors and network to achieve 3 metrics
Summer Cohort
Feb - June
Applications: 1 September-31 October
Interviews: 1-30 November
Cohort finalized: 1 January
Winter Cohort
July - Nov
Applications: 1 March through 30 April
Interviews: 1-31 May
Cohort finalized: 1 June
Dedicated
Experts
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Former CEO, Lobster Ink
Founded and built Lobster Ink into a global education platform with 2 million users in 20 languages. Currently focused on decarbonising the global economy.
World-class entrepreneurs want to solve the climate crisis.
We offer a platform for them to plug into high potential startups and help push their teams to the next level of scale.
Then we work side by side with them rolling up our sleeves to make it happen.
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Head of Product, FundedByMe
Created FundedByMe, a platform connecting investors with entrepreneurs which has funneled R1.4bn into 700 companies. Advises on funding, product roadmaps and go-to-market strategies.
Founder, 2ndBase, Inc.
Seasoned CEO, strategist and entrepreneur. Former CEO of Pricecheck.co.za with a passion for digital and deep experience in fintech, e-commerce and mobile.
Pricing & Alignment
Pricing allows SU LaunchLab and startups to create value together
by ensuring short-term actions meet long-term objectives
