Acumen Capital Partners

About the fund

KawiSafi Ventures is designed to invest catalytic capital to scale companies providing clean, affordable, and efficient energy to East Africa’s low-income populations that, for too long, have lived without access to electricity. The $67 million fund maintains Acumen’s impact-focused approach to investing but aims to deliver ambitious market-competitive returns by making larger, more significant investments in high-growth companies with proven business models. The mission of KawiSafi Ventures is to create a seismic shift in off-grid energy by building scalable solutions that demonstrate a better way to electrify Africa, ultimately helping the UN’s efforts to realize Sustainable Development Goal #7 (Universal Energy Access). The fund’s investments are currently focused primarily in Kenya and Rwanda given the countries’ commitment to this goal. A group of influential philanthropists and investors—including Skoll Foundation, Steve Jurvetson, and Chris Anderson—contributed significant thought leadership and financial support to develop this fund and make KawiSafi Ventures a reality. The Green Climate Fund joined as an engaged anchor partner, enabling the fund to make its first investments.

Limited PartnersGreen Climate Fund