Gather Ventures, an impact investment firm founded by Kenyan-born Jo Opot, has launched a climate-focused investment fund aimed at supporting women-led startups across Africa. The initiative is financially supported by Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation.
The fund, known as the Gather Impact Fund, was established in 2021 with a mission to drive climate resilience and economic empowerment for African women. Since its inception, the fund has allocated approximately 80% of its capital to female-led enterprises addressing climate challenges.
Gather Ventures adopts a flexible financing model tailored to the needs of early-stage businesses. This includes grants, equity investments, loans, and working capital, ensuring that entrepreneurs receive the appropriate type of capital at the right time.
The fund focuses on sectors where women are already active, such as agriculture, which is the largest employer of women in Africa. It also supports their entry into high-growth fields like technology and construction, where female representation remains low.
Gather Ventures plans to expand its portfolio over the next 18 months, with the goal of investing in 25 African-led climate startups by 2026.
Through this initiative, Gather Ventures aims to empower women entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses that contribute to both environmental resilience and economic development across Africa.
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