About the program
The United Nations estimates that the cost of adapting to climate change could rise to $300 billion per year by 2030, in developing countries alone. However, less than 5% of climate finance is currently spent on climate adaptation and resilience efforts.
Startups and SMEs can play a key role in scaling climate resilience and adaptation solutions – reducing our vulnerability to sea level rise, extreme weather, and food insecurity. This accelerator will support 16 startups and SMEs in Africa and Asia that are scaling market-based, contextualized solutions to critical climate adaptation and resilience challenges.
About the Adaptation SME Accelerator Project
The ASAP project, led by the Lightsmith Group, seeks to build a global ecosystem for small- to medium-sized companies in emerging markets that have technologies, products, and services that can be used to adapt and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.
During the ASAP accelerator program, the 16 companies will work with 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.
Alumni companies: Africa
Alumni companies: Asia
Scaling adaptation and resilience
For this accelerator, we sought out startups at the intersection of impact (that is measurable, contextualized, with clear solutions to identified problems), inclusion (entrepreneurs that have deep experience with the problems they seek to address), and investability (sustainable, scalable startups that can drive positive financial and social return). We are focused on the following issue areas, based on the ASAP Adaptation Solutions Taxonomy:
Agriculture
Transportation, Logistics, Infrastructure
Climate Risk Analytics and Risk Management
Water
Energy
Health
Program Timeline
Applications Open
2021 - Dec 7
Applications Open
Applications Close
2022 - Jan 31
Applications Close
Cohort Announcement
2022 - Apr 1
Cohort Announcement
Accelerator Program
2022 - Apr 18 - 22
Accelerator Program
Latest News
16 Climate Adaptation Startups from Asia and Africa Selected for New “ASAP” Accelerator
Village Capital and The Lightsmith Group will accelerate 16 startups that are providing climate adaptation and resilience solutions in Asia and Africa.
Applications Open In Africa and Asia For Adaptation SME Accelerator Project (ASAP)
Village Capital and The Lightsmith Group will accelerate sixteen SMEs and startups that are scaling climate adaptation and resilience solutions in Africa and Asia.
Village Capital Partners with The Lightsmith Group on Adaptation SME Accelerator Project (ASAP)
Village Capital and The Lightsmith Group will accelerate twenty-four SMEs and startups that are scaling climate adaptation and resilience solutions in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Learn more about mentoring with Village Capital