RVE.SOL, our alumni from Lisbon Challenge, is using clean tech and water to eradicate poverty and empower businesses in rural Africa. What Penicillin did for disease, the Internet did for mankind, they want to do for rural poverty. Find out how they got into Lisbon Challenge and how they made a partnership with KIC InnoEnergy, one of Lisbon Challenge’s main sponsors, to tackle this world changing problem.

RVE.SOL initially built a unit for a pilot in Sidonge, Kenya, in 2011, to first prove the technology and community business model. With the success of the pilot, they ended up discovering more business opportunities besides Kenya, such as Uganda, Mozambique, Angola, Tanzania, Malawi, Ghana and Nigeria. However, to really take their business to the next level they needed funding, good connections and access to market.

Later on, they joined Lisbon Challenge, because they were looking for “access to investors to finance a second round without having to give up equity” says Vivian Vendeirinho, founder of RVE.SOL. Another reason why they decided to join Lisbon Challenge is because in their particular case it made sense to stay in Lisbon and take advantage of all the networking. Like Vivian points out: “We are based in Portugal, so finding an accelerator in Lisbon was perfect, not to mention the fact that our market is Africa, including former Portuguese colonies, Lisbon Challenge participants most likely have the right connections”.

During the 3 month acceleration program, RVE.SOL admits that Lisbon Challenge was a “whirlwind”. They were able to access investors, connect with a vast network of mentors and potential partners, who were leading industry players in their segment. For Vivian Vendeirinho from RVE.SOL Lisbon Challenge “is more than just an accelerator program in Portugal, it’s a worldwide community of like-minded entrepreneurs and thought leaders with a passion for game-changing solutions, brought together by Beta-i”.

What happened after Lisbon Challenge?

Through Lisbon Challenge RVE.SOL was able to meet KIC InnoEnergy, who happens to be one of the current investors of the company and whose main focus is on sustainable energy. So, RVE.SOL has in KIC InnoEnergy a key partner in taking their business forward, helping them prepare for a next round of funding and giving them access to their network. Since then, their team has tripled.

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