In a huge win for Nigeria’s small business community, Earthbond, a local startup, just raised $200,000 in pre-seed funding. The company, founded in 2023 by Chidalu Onyenso, is on a mission to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) transition to solar power — and with this new funding from Madica, an Africa-focused investment firm, they’re ready to help even more.
Earthbond has already done a lot. They’ve assessed the solar power needs of over 100 businesses in Lagos alone, and with deals potentially worth $1 million in the works, the demand for solar power is clear. Even more impressive, over 1,800 SMBs have joined Earthbond’s waitlist, eager to make the switch as fuel prices continue to climb.
A Simple Way to Switch to Solar
So, how does Earthbond work? It’s pretty straightforward. Business owners simply need to fill out a form on the company’s website, providing basic information about their energy needs and operating hours. Earthbond then connects them with solar panel installers and offers flexible financing options.
In fact, Earthbond has partnered with four microfinance banks to offer repayment plans of up to 48 months. That means small businesses can get the clean energy they need without the massive upfront costs.
“Leading the charge of energy transition is no easy feat,” said Chidalu Onyenso, CEO of Earthbond, “and we’re glad to have investors like Madica who share our passion and vision.”
Why Solar Matters for Small Businesses
In Nigeria, small businesses face a major challenge: keeping the lights on. With unreliable power supplies and the high costs of diesel and petrol generators, many are struggling to keep operations running smoothly. Solar power is a clean, reliable alternative — but until now, the high installation costs have kept many businesses from adopting it.
That’s where Earthbond comes in. By offering flexible payment options and connecting businesses with solar providers, they’re helping more and more companies make the switch to clean energy — without breaking the bank.
Earthbond’s plans don’t stop there. The startup is also looking at ways to help businesses track their carbon emissions, with plans to offer discounts based on how much carbon they save. This could be a game changer, not only for the environment but for the businesses themselves, who can save money while going green.
As Nigeria works towards increasing its solar capacity, Earthbond is entering a market already served by established players like Rensource Energy and M-KOPA. But with this new funding and a unique approach to financing, Earthbond is ready to make its mark.
Madica, the investment firm behind the funding, is eager to help. “Earthbond has tremendous potential to drive an equitable clean energy future and positively impact Africa,” said Emmanuel Adegboye, head of Madica.
For small business owners looking for a reliable, affordable alternative to diesel and petrol generators, Earthbond offers a way forward. Their flexible financing options and easy-to-use platform make it simple to figure out how much solar power your business needs — and how to get it, without the massive upfront cost.
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