Venture capital firm 500 Global is deepening its presence in Africa with the launch of a new accelerator programme designed to back founders tackling sustainability challenges. The Sustainable Innovation Program, starting in Nairobi, Kenya, is being delivered in partnership with the Shell Foundation and co-funded by the UK Government. The initiative will focus on empowering mission-driven, seed-stage startups with commercially viable solutions in agriculture, energy, mobility, and the built environment.
Driving Sustainable Ventures in Emerging Markets
The accelerator aims to address critical social and environmental issues while delivering market returns for investors. Participating startups will join an intensive eight-week programme in Nairobi, where they will receive mentorship, investor access, and operational guidance from 500 Global’s network. The goal is to help entrepreneurs scale innovations that can transform their communities and drive long-term impact.
Commitment to Impact-Driven Entrepreneurship
Dr. Alaa Murabit, Managing Partner for Sustainable Growth at 500 Global, emphasized the programme’s dual focus on profitability and purpose. “Through our Sustainable Innovation Program we are supporting commercially viable solutions to critical challenges,” she said. “We are backing founders who are building businesses that strengthen their communities and scale real impact.”
A Strategic Partnership Model
The Nairobi accelerator reflects 500 Global’s strategy of entering new markets through localized partnerships. With $2.3 billion in assets under management, the firm has built a presence in regions such as Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East using this model. For Africa, the Shell Foundation acts as the catalytic partner, supported by funding from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) via its Transforming Energy Access (TEA) and Catalysing Agriculture by Scaling Energy Ecosystems (CASEE) programmes.
Scaling Clean Solutions for Underserved Communities
Jonathan Berman, CEO of the Shell Foundation, highlighted the alignment between the foundation’s mission and the accelerator’s objectives. “Partnering with proven investors like 500 Global is a critical element in Shell Foundation’s vision of scaling clean solutions to reach millions of customers in emerging economies,” he said. Berman added that the aim is to “increase incomes while lowering emissions for millions of under-served customers.”
Building a Pipeline of Sustainable Startups
The Sustainable Innovation Program represents an opportunity to mobilize mission-aligned capital in support of early-stage founders. 500 Global sees potential to expand the initiative beyond Nairobi into other emerging ecosystems across the global south. By fostering collaboration between investors, corporates, and innovators, the programme aims to accelerate the development of scalable ventures capable of delivering tangible environmental and economic benefits.
Building on an Existing Global Footprint
500 Global has already invested in over 140 companies across 27 countries whose work aligns with global sustainability goals. The Nairobi launch formalizes the firm’s commitment to structured support for startups in Africa working on impact-driven solutions. By combining its global expertise with local market knowledge, 500 Global hopes to amplify the reach and influence of its sustainability portfolio.
What’s Next for the Programme
While the initial focus will be on Kenya, the firm has indicated that the Sustainable Innovation Program could be replicated across other markets in Africa and the broader global south. The emphasis will remain on seed-stage companies with solutions that can address urgent infrastructure, energy, and agricultural challenges. Interested founders can apply to the Nairobi accelerator, with selected participants set to begin the eight-week mentorship programme in the coming months.
With its Sustainable Innovation Program, 500 Global is signaling a strong commitment to Africa’s entrepreneurial and sustainability landscape. Backed by the Shell Foundation and the UK Government, the Nairobi-based accelerator is designed to produce ventures that deliver measurable impact while attracting commercial investment. If successful, it could serve as a model for scaling sustainable innovation across emerging markets worldwide.