Africa-focused climate technology venture capital firm Catalyst Fund announced the launch of Catalyst Climate Resilience Fund I, raising $30 million at the fund’s second close to invest in early-stage climate technology startups.

Launched in 2016, Nairobi-based Catalyst Fund is an early-stage venture capital fund and venture builder that invests in climate resilience and adaptation startups across Africa. The firm invests from pre-seed to Series A and combines equity investment with embedded venture-building support, partnering closely with founders to develop solutions across climate fintech, agriculture and food systems, and climate-smart essential services such as water, energy, and mobility.

According to the firm, the fund is being launched as climate shocks are already reshaping food systems, supply chains, energy access, and infrastructure across Africa, creating demand for practical, scalable solutions in order for communities to adapt.

Catalyst Fund added that it pairs its equity investments with venture-building support from general partner BFA Global, helping its startups with aspects ranging from refining strategy and product to hiring, commercial traction, partnerships, follow-on fundraising, and operational scale.

To date, the fund has invested in 28 climate-focused startups across Africa. Portfolio companies include Keep It Cool (Kenya), which develops solar-powered cold-chain infrastructure for small-scale food producers; MazaoHub (Tanzania), which provides AI-driven soil intelligence and agronomy services to farmers; and Bekia (Egypt), which operates a technology-enabled recycling and waste collection marketplace.

Maelis Carraro, Founder & General Partner, Catalyst Fund, said:

“Climate adaptation is one of the defining investment themes of the next decade, especially in Africa, where the need is immediate, and the entrepreneurial talent is extraordinary. This second close allows us to double down on our mission: backing ambitious founders building practical, scalable solutions for a climate-changed world, and supporting them not just with capital, but with the hands-on venture-building support they need to grow.”

The new funding round included commitments from International Finance Corporation (IFC), FASA, Shell Foundation, Trafigura Foundation, SpeedInvest, Blink Impact, and the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi). The firm said that it expects to reach final close later this year.

Farid Fezoua, Global Director for Disruptive Technologies, Services, and Funds, at IFC, said:

“Across Africa, entrepreneurs supported through Catalyst Fund are strengthening livelihoods, expanding access to essential services, and creating quality jobs in underserved communities. Through IFC’s partnership with Catalyst Fund, we are mobilizing capital and expertise to help these early stage ventures scale sustainably, attract private investors, and deliver lasting impact for people and markets.”