Geographies
Lagos, Nigeria
Africa | March 8, 2021
Microtraction backs African equity crowdfunding platform Raise
ImpactAlpha, March 8 – Equity crowdfunding platforms that have taken off in the U.S. and Europe allow everyday investors to support promising entrepreneurs. Raise …
Photo credit: SunFunder
Africa | March 8, 2021
SunFunder reaches $70 million close for Solar Energy Transformation Fund
ImpactAlpha, March 8 – SunFunder’s Solar Energy Transformation Fund backs solar companies improving energy access across Africa and Asia. The off-grid solar finance company’s …
Agrifood Tech | March 4, 2021
Therma secures $10.2 million to cut carbon in the cold chain
ImpactAlpha, March 4 – Two of the most significant ways to cut greenhouse gases: reduce food waste and improve refrigeration. San Francisco-based Therma is …
Photo credit: Powered by People
Africa | March 3, 2021
Powered by People secures $1.5 million to connect artisans to markets
ImpactAlpha, March 3 – Kenya-based Powered by People is a “distributed manufacturer” that enables artists and designers to become suppliers to large companies like …
Photo credit: VeggieVictory
Africa | March 3, 2021
Startups in Singapore, the U.S. and Nigeria attract capital for animal-free products
ImpactAlpha, March 3 – Singapore’s Next Gen raised $10 million for its plant-based chicken products. Singapore Economic Development Board, NX Food, FEBE Ventures and …
Agrifood Tech | March 1, 2021
Mosa Meat closes $85 million Series B funding to scale lab-grown beef production
ImpactAlpha, March 1 — Netherlands-based alternative protein company Mosa Meat uses cow cells — without having to slaughter them — to naturally grow …
Photo credit: Amartha
Asia | February 25, 2021
Lendable backs Amartha to finance Indonesia’s women-led businesses
ImpactAlpha, February 25 – Jakarta-based lending platform Amartha supports unbanked women micro-entrepreneurs in Indonesia’s rural areas. It secured $10 million in credit from Nairobi-based …
Dealflow | February 25, 2021
Humankind Investments launches ‘social’ ETF
ImpactAlpha, February 25 – A new exchange traded fund from Humankind Investments focuses on the “S” of environmental, social and governance, or ESG, investing (see, …
2030 Finance | February 24, 2021
Ikea-backed foundation invests in fossil fuel-free equities and green steel
ImpactAlpha, February 24 – The IMAS Foundation, launched by Ikea’s founder, is committing €250 million to a fossil fuel-free public equities fund developed by …
Photo credit: SheEO
Dealflow | February 23, 2021
Women’s investment community SheEO commits $500,000 to five entrepreneurs
ImpactAlpha, February 23 – Serial entrepreneur Vicki Saunders launched SheEO in 2015 to redesign how women-led businesses are supported. The Toronto-based network of 30,000 …
Photo credit: Borrowell
Canada | February 23, 2021
Borrowell raises $25 million and acquires affordable credit provider Refresh Financial
ImpactAlpha, February 23 – Toronto-based Borrowell supports financial health for under-served Canadians through credit education, monitoring and coaching. It serves 1.5 million customers. The …
Photo credit: India-focused SME finance venture Kinara
Africa | February 22, 2021
Seed-stage is a bright spot as emerging market investors bet on the digital disruption
ImpactAlpha, February 22 – Startup funding shriveled in most emerging markets last year as investors were reluctant to write big checks in the face …
Photo credit: Kasha Global
Africa | February 18, 2021
DFC backs women’s health startup Kasha Global
ImpactAlpha, February 18 — Rwanda-based Kasha Global operates an e-commerce platform to improve low-income women’s access to menstrual care products, contraceptives, pharmaceuticals and …
Community Finance | February 11, 2021
Indian government-backs social impact bond to improve public health services
ImpactAlpha, February 11 — A public entity in the Indian city of Pune is partnering with the United Nations Development Programme on a …
Photo credit: Hyzon Motors
Clean Energy | February 10, 2021
Clean transport venture Hyzon Motors to IPO via SPAC
ImpactAlpha, February 10 – Hyzon, which makes commercial vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells, is planning to merge with Decarbonization Plus Acquisition Corp., a special …