Village Capital and The Lightsmith Group confirmed the roles of 16 selected startups set to contribute to the new environmental accelerator, “ASAP” to implement climate adaptation practices across Asia and Africa.
“Through the ASAP Accelerator, we aim to help these entrepreneurs to scale their impact and connect to a global network working to develop solutions that address the impacts of climate change," said Brian Parham, ASAP program director at Lightsmith.
The businesses were chosen from 300 applicants based on their capabilities to develop water, agriculture, risk analytics, supply chain, infrastructure and insurance conditions that support climate change efforts.
To fuel the Adaptation SME Accelerator Project’s growth, the organization is accepting industry experts, investors and ecosystem partners to "develop the networks and tools they need to attract investment, grow their businesses and increase their climate adaptation impacts."
The grant-funded initiative, overseen by The Lightsmith Group, was created alongside Village Capital, as a collaboration with the Global Environment Facility’s Special Climate Change Fund. The Conservation International and the Inter-American Development Bank also contributed to the efforts.