In a significant milestone, PowerUP, the Uganda-based electric cooking start-up, announces the successful initial close of its seed round. Delta40, the Nairobi-based venture studio and VC fund championing inclusive climate ventures, leads the funding, accompanied by Autodesk Foundation’s investment and pro bono support.
PowerUP is at the forefront of transforming cooking habits in Africa, introducing households to a new era of clean and efficient electric cooking. Having dedicated two years to innovation, the company has developed smart-metered PAYGO electric stoves tailored for diverse African markets. Already making an impact, these solutions have brought cleaner cooking to over 40,000 homes across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, and Ghana. The secured seed funding is a catalyst for PowerUP’s expansion initiatives. The company plans to fortify its distribution networks, enhance its data platform, and introduce an innovative shared carbon program. CEO Kato Kibuka shares his vision, stating, “Our electric cooking solutions will save money, save time, and avoid harmful fumes for millions, transforming the way cooking is done.”
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Beyond convenience, PowerUP’s mission aligns with a global health imperative. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 3.2 million people die prematurely each year due to illnesses linked to household air pollution from traditional cooking methods. This silent crisis disproportionately affects women and children. PowerUP’s clean cooking solutions not only revolutionize culinary practices but also promise to save lives and mitigate climate change.
With the new investment, PowerUP is set to launch a range of electric stoves later this year, catering to the diverse cooking styles prevalent across Africa. Recognizing the power of data, the company plans to leverage it to digitalize its carbon credit program, creating a more sustainable and impactful ecosystem.
