In a powerful move shaking the climate-tech world, Gather Ventures, an African-led fund backed by global superstar Rihanna, announced a focused investment in women-led climate-tech startups across Africa on Tuesday.
This initiative aims to drive change at the intersection of environmental innovation and women’s economic empowerment, targeting sectors where women play pivotal roles like agriculture and technology.
Championing climate Innovation by women entrepreneurs
Gather Ventures, founded by Kenyan entrepreneur Jo Opot, is specifically designed to close the funding gap for African women entrepreneurs spearheading climate solutions.
Jo Opot expressed, “There’s so much innovation happening on the ground in Africa, but not nearly enough capital is reaching those who need it most. We’re here to change that, and we’re honoured to have Rihanna’s support in doing so”.
This fund backs early-stage ventures in critical areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, water access, and climate tech tailored to African communities’ needs.
By focusing on women-led businesses, Gather Ventures tackles climate challenges and addresses gender disparities in wealth and asset ownership. “In Kenya, women’s constitutional right to inherit property was only legally recognised in 2012,” Opot explained.
She highlighted the fund’s mission to enable women to build intergenerational wealth through ownership, not just income.
Rihanna’s strategic backing fuels growth
Rihanna’s involvement extends beyond symbolic celebrity endorsement. Her Clara Lionel Foundation, established in 2012, backs Gather Ventures financially and strategically, providing flexible capital ranging from grants to equity and convertible notes.
This broad financial toolkit suits entrepreneurs at various growth stages, amplifying impact across the continent.
As a vocal advocate for racial justice and climate equity, Rihanna’s commitment aligns with her foundation’s purpose: building resilient communities through local leadership.
This partnership exemplifies how celebrity influence can advance substantive change in global climate finance.
Focus on agriculture, technology, and construction
Gather Ventures strategically targets sectors with strong female participation and growth potential. Agriculture remains Africa’s largest employer of women, making it a natural focal point.
Additionally, the fund supports women-led initiatives in construction and technology, two rapidly expanding fields with huge gender gaps.
By backing enterprises that integrate climate resilience with economic empowerment, Gather Ventures pushes forward a model where environmental and social goals reinforce one another.
As Jo Opot remarked about the urgency of local innovation meeting financing: “Many women build assets with their partners or families, but if their partners pass away, that wealth often goes to the man’s family, not the woman who contributed. We want to move beyond income to real asset ownership for women”.
This groundbreaking effort, publicly announced, reflects a new approach to climate tech investment, combining industry expertise, community insight, and high-profile support to boost women entrepreneurs advancing Africa’s environmental solutions.