South African recycling startup Regenize has secured undisclosed funding from E Squared Investments, marking the investment firm’s first venture philanthropy transaction on Monday.
This deal combines philanthropic goals with venture capital methods to support scalable, impact-driven enterprises in the recycling sector.
Regenize’s decentralised recycling model drives Inclusion and sustainability
Regenize operates a decentralised network of community-based recycling hubs designed to make recycling accessible to all South Africans.
The startup integrates informal waste workers into its operations, creating formal jobs while promoting zero-waste practices. This approach not only supports carbon-positive waste management but also economically empowers underserved communities.
Chad Robertson, CEO and co-founder of Regenize, explained, “Over the past few years, Regenize has been building a recycling solution tailored to South Africa’s needs—accessible, sustainable, and inclusive. It’s rare to find investors who understand both the business case and the social impact. From day one, E Squared recognised the value of our decentralised model and informal waste sector integration. Their support has been strategic—not just financial.”
Currently, Regenize provides free recycling services to over 26,000 households and has created more than 180 new jobs in underserved communities.
The new funding will enable the startup to expand its network of recycling hubs nationwide, scaling its impact and creating more employment opportunities.
E Squared’s venture philanthropy model catalyses Impactful growth
E Squared Investments has introduced a venture philanthropy model that blends patient capital with high-engagement support. This innovative approach allows the firm to fund riskier initiatives that can catalyse lasting social and environmental impact, especially in underserved sectors.
Thato Ntseare, Investment Manager at E Squared Investments, said, “We’re not just investing in social enterprises—we’re reshaping how impact funding works in Africa. By providing patient capital, we help de-risk innovation in underserved sectors and encourage co-investment. Our capital is catalytic, empowering enterprises like Regenize to scale solutions to some of society’s biggest challenges”.
This funding marks a milestone in Africa’s impact investing landscape by bridging the gap between grant funding and traditional equity investment.
It provides risk-tolerant, strategic capital to social enterprises addressing structural challenges, validating Regenize’s inclusive recycling model and encouraging other investors to adopt blended finance approaches.
Regenize’s innovative model, backed by E Squared’s catalytic capital, offers a blueprint for circular economy solutions that address environmental sustainability and social inclusion in South Africa.
This partnership is poised to accelerate the growth of accessible recycling services and formal job creation in the waste management sector.