Case Study
Dec 17, 2020
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As impact investors, we rely exclusively on donations. Our funding partners are at the core of our model, and our mission.
partnerships
Our Funding Partners
The cornerstone of our model is our non-profit Innovation Trust, which recycles investment returns to fund future impact investing. This evergreen model creates a compounding effect over time, transforming initial donations into sustainable catalytic capital to generate multi-generational impact from the original philanthropic contributions.
From foundations to governments, we are open for support.
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Our Innovation Partners
We work with a rich and growing ecosystem of innovation partners to explore climate and development challenges, find new technologies, and scale solutions.
Our partners range from research institutions and think tanks that provide us with IP and scientific expertise, to in-market ventures that work alongside us to map markets and validate investment theses, to commercial funds and large corporates that work with our ventures to pilot and scale operations.
Thanks to our network of innovation partners, we’re well equipped to put climate tech to work for the billions of people who need solutions most.
Equator is a venture capital firm with teams in Nairobi, Lagos, London, and Colorado that invests in technology-enabled, early-stage ventures in energy, agriculture, and mobility that accelerate an equitable climate transition in Sub-Saharan Africa and support inclusive economic growth.
Equator was established in 2023 with support from Factor E to address a critical funding gap many startups encounter after their initial pre-seed funding, resulting in a loss of momentum during a crucial phase of growth. Equator bridges this gap by providing climate-tech startups with essential capital and hands-on support to help them scale effectively.
While Factor E and Equator share similar values and a thesis-driven investment approach, we are independent institutions with separate investment decision-making and distinct accountability to our respective investors and portfolio companies. Factor E supports Equator in elements of deal sourcing and due diligence, as well as with a shared post-investment support platform to help portfolio companies scale successfully.
Work alongside us to scale transformative climate technologies where they’re needed most, amplifying economic, environmental, and community impact together.