Holocene

Overview

Holocene is a venture capital firm based in Cape Town, South Africa, focused on investing in early-stage climate tech startups across Southern and Eastern Africa. The firm aims to positively impact the climate by cultivating a local community of passionate climate enthusiasts and building and investing in African climate tech ventures. Holocene's investment approach combines financial capital with hands-on support, assisting startups in areas such as strategy, sales, fundraising, hiring, and culture. The firm's investment strategy targets sectors including energy, e-mobility, and agrifoodtech, with a particular emphasis on Southern Africa. Holocene's investment size ranges from $50,000 to $250,000 in cash, complemented by an additional $50,000 to $100,000 in services. This approach is designed to help startups gain traction and scale successfully, with a focus on climate-positive ventures that are commercially viable and have a measurable impact. Holocene's portfolio includes investments in companies like Switch, which provides solar power solutions in South Africa, and ScootHero, a startup supplying electric bikes for food and grocery delivery. The firm's commitment to building a supportive community is evident through its events, such as hikes, workshops, and climate movie nights, aimed at educating and inspiring individuals to engage in climate action. By combining investment with community-building efforts, Holocene seeks to drive innovation and foster a sustainable future across the continent.

Investment Focus

• Mission-driven
• Climate-conscious
• Early-stage startups
• Focus on Southern and Eastern Africa
• Sectors: Energy, E-mobility, Agrifoodtech
• Commercially viable
• Measurable climate impact

Portfolio Companies