Africa-Press – Lesotho. Gather Ventures, an impact investment firm founded by Kenyan-born Jo Opot, has launched a climate-focused fund dedicated to supporting women-led startups across Africa. Backed financially by Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation, the initiative underscores a commitment to climate resilience and economic empowerment for African women.
Established in 2021, the Gather Impact Fund was created with a mission to bolster female entrepreneurship in the face of climate challenges. Since its inception, the fund has allocated nearly 80% of its capital to businesses led by women tackling environmental issues.
Gather Ventures employs a flexible financing model that caters to the diverse needs of early-stage enterprises. This approach includes grants, equity investments, loans, and working capital—ensuring that entrepreneurs receive the right type of support at the right moment in their growth journey.
The fund primarily targets sectors where women already play a significant role, such as agriculture—the largest employer of women on the continent. At the same time, it encourages female participation in high-growth sectors like technology and construction, where their presence remains underrepresented.
Looking ahead, Gather Ventures intends to scale its portfolio within the next 18 months, with the ambition of investing in 25 African-led climate startups by 2026. Through this initiative, the firm aims to empower women entrepreneurs to build sustainable, resilient businesses that drive both environmental and economic progress across Africa.
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