Cape Town-based energy tech startup Open Access Energy (OAE) has raised $1.8 million in a seed funding round aimed at transforming the electricity trading landscape in South Africa. The round was led by climate-focused investors E3 Capital, Equator VC, and Factor E, all of whom support startups driving decarbonisation and energy innovation. With this investment, OAE plans to scale its digital infrastructure to meet the growing demand for decentralised, flexible energy solutions.
Accelerating the Shift to Clean, Decentralised Power
OAE’s core mission is to accelerate the country’s transition to renewable energy by enabling more efficient electricity trading. The startup's cloud-based platform, EnergyPro, plays a critical role in automating the processes that underpin energy “wheeling” — the delivery of electricity from independent producers to consumers using existing grid infrastructure. This allows renewable energy to reach end users more effectively, addressing inefficiencies that have historically hindered clean power adoption.
EnergyPro: Building the Backbone of Digital Energy Markets
EnergyPro helps manage complex backend functions such as metering, risk management, and forecasting, ensuring that electricity supply is dynamically aligned with demand. As renewable generation becomes more distributed, tools like EnergyPro are essential to bridge the gap between intermittent generation and fluctuating consumption. The platform is designed to eliminate bottlenecks that arise when excess energy is produced but cannot reach consumers due to outdated systems.
Private Generation Meets Market Opportunity
OAE’s technology comes at a crucial time for South Africa, where ongoing power shortages and load shedding have intensified interest in private energy generation. CEO Gerjo Hoffman emphasised that the new funding enables the company to empower independent power producers and energy traders by giving them the tools to operate efficiently in a liberalised energy market. He described private generation as a cornerstone of the country's energy future, especially as regulatory frameworks open up to more market-driven solutions.
Building on Momentum for Market Growth
Chairman James Irons noted that the funding not only validates OAE’s vision but also positions the company to scale its offerings nationwide. With a growing demand for clean and reliable electricity, OAE aims to expand its customer base and support the rise of a more agile and resilient energy ecosystem. The company also revealed plans to pursue additional strategic investments to further enhance its platform and market reach.
A Strategic Investment in South Africa’s Energy Future
Backed by three impact-driven VCs, OAE stands out as a key player in enabling South Africa's clean energy transition through digital innovation. By combining AI-driven forecasting with real-time grid management tools, OAE is solving one of the most pressing challenges in energy: how to ensure renewable supply meets real-world demand. Its approach not only helps stabilise the grid but also paves the way for a smarter, more equitable energy system.
With its $1.8 million seed round, Open Access Energy is poised to become a foundational part of South Africa’s evolving energy sector. Through its EnergyPro platform, the company is equipping producers and traders with the technology they need to thrive in a more open, decentralised market. As demand for renewable energy accelerates, OAE’s AI-powered tools may prove critical in balancing sustainability, accessibility, and efficiency across the national grid.