What Catalyst Fund Is All About
Catalyst Fund is a pre-seed impact fund dedicated to backing startups in Africa that are scaling climate resilience solutions. It’s a high-impact fund focused on supporting tech entrepreneurs who are building a more climate-resilient future. The fund’s thesis centers on mission-driven, local, and women founders offering climate adaptation solutions that improve the resilience of climate-vulnerable communities across the continent. Investments span several sectors including agtech and food systems, insurtech and climate fintech, agro-forestry, cold chain, waste management, sustainable energy, and water management. It’s not just about funding — Catalyst Fund takes an active, hands-on venture-building approach, leveraging deep experience as founders and operators in emerging markets to support startups on tech, product, data, marketing challenges, and more.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
Here’s a quick snapshot of what Catalyst Fund has achieved and continues to deliver:
- Backed 71 startups across 15 emerging markets over the past 7 years
- Supported 10 startups from its new climate fund
- Portfolio companies have raised over $650 million in follow-on funding
- Maintained an impressive 88% portfolio survival rate
- One unicorn and five successful exits among portfolio companies
- Reach extends to over 14 million individuals and MSMEs globally
The Journey So Far
Catalyst Fund kicked off in 2015 as a global accelerator managed by BFA Global, initially targeting early-stage inclusive fintech startups focused on improving financial health for underserved communities in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The first fund, backed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and JPMorgan Chase & Co., and fiscally sponsored by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, successfully supported 20 startups across 15 emerging markets. Fast forward to 2019, the accelerator scaled up with support from the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), PayPal, and Mastercard Foundation, expanding its reach to 36 additional inclusive tech startups across Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, India, and Mexico. Along the way, Catalyst Fund tackled critical gaps in emerging market innovation ecosystems — like the lack of capital for early-stage product testing, limited skills for building viable solutions, and weak connections between local founders and global investors. Their approach combined catalytic grant capital, bespoke venture-building support from seasoned operators, and access to a global network of investors and corporates, all while sharing valuable insights with the broader inclusive tech ecosystem.
How Catalyst Fund Supports Startups
The fund’s venture-building approach is truly hands-on. It’s not just about writing checks — it’s about rolling up sleeves and helping startups navigate the tricky waters of tech development, product-market fit, data strategy, and marketing. This support comes from a team with real-world experience as founders and operators in emerging markets, which means they understand the challenges intimately. This unique model has helped startups refine their products, scale effectively, and attract significant follow-on funding. It’s a blend of capital, expertise, and network access that creates a powerful launchpad for early-stage ventures tackling climate resilience.
Focus on Climate Adaptation and Resilience
Aligned with its mission to empower entrepreneurs addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, Catalyst Fund launched its first equity fund in 2022 specifically to support founders tackling climate change. The fund continues the legacy of investing in solutions that will shape a sustainable and resilient future for all. By backing innovations in agtech, insurtech, agro-forestry, cold chain logistics, waste management, sustainable energy, and water management, Catalyst Fund is helping communities adapt livelihoods, manage risks, and build long-term resilience to climate impacts. It’s about creating real-world impact where it matters most.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 1: No Poverty — by supporting financial inclusion and resilience
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger — through investments in agtech and food systems
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy — via sustainable energy solutions
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure — by fostering tech innovation
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities — through climate adaptation tech
- SDG 13: Climate Action — directly addressing climate resilience and adaptation
- SDG 15: Life on Land — supporting agro-forestry and sustainable land use
Looking Ahead
Catalyst Fund’s journey is far from over. With a proven track record and a clear focus on climate resilience, the fund is poised to continue empowering founders who are driving meaningful change. By combining capital, expertise, and a global network, Catalyst Fund is helping to build a future where communities in Africa and beyond can better withstand the challenges posed by climate change. It’s an exciting space to watch — where innovation meets impact, and startups become the catalysts for a more resilient tomorrow.
