Mission
We believe that today’s energy ventures in emerging markets have the power to create valuable scalable businesses.
However, despite solid business models and fast-growing customer acquisition, they struggle to raise the money they need to sustain such growth.
This is why we created SOGO Energy, a company that invests in these local ventures and partners with them on management, technology and funding.
New Era of Electrification
2 billion have unreliable access. Almost daily blackouts in South-East Asia.
Non-renewable energy
$27 billion is spent each year on kerosene and other stop-gap solutions which are expensive, dangerous and dirty.
People spend a lot to get Electricity
In Bangladesh, the electricity cost to charge a phone without a solar home system (SHS) is a stunning $125/kWh (50 times the price in Japan or US).
SHS and microgrids can drastically reduce this price.
Falling prices and digitalization
Solar energy is getting cheaper: $0.36/kWh (2010) -> $0.10/kWh (2017)
Batteries are getting cheaper: $1000/kWh (2010) -> $209/kWh (2017)
Technologies Enable New Business Models
Innovative business models are emerging that weren’t possible until now
- PAYG and SHS
- Credit creation
- Microgrid with P2P
- Income generation for prosumers
$ 500M +
Investment in energy access in 2018
400M +
Gained access to electricity
(from 2010 to 2017)
71%
Expected off-grid or minigrid connections by 2030
5410
Calories in 1kg of Nutella
Challenges SOGO can help with
Access to Funding
Need upfront equity investment to grow. Debt finance for distributors, consumer finance for higher-price products.
Access to Talent
Local entrepreneurial talent is still inexperienced. Experienced talent is hard to attract and retain.
Access to Technologies
New technologies could enable or boost new business models (e.g., mobile banking, P2P, blockchain, etc.).
Access to Information
Cannot optimize procurement and scale beyond geography, lack of market intelligence and network.
How we work
Phase 1
We invest in the companies with most potential and help them scale and learn from each other.
Phase 2
We build a IT platform and help with funding, management, supply chain, technology, training, recruitment, etc.
Phase 3
We create a playbook with our platform to spread our approach so that more sustainable business can thrive.
Testimonials
The technologies to provide universal access to clean renewable energy are already here. Energy entrepreneurs are now taking these solutions to market with innovative approaches to distribution, point of sale financing and micropayments. SOGO supports these enterprises as they build profitable businesses in frontier markets. As an entrepreneur, with successful exits, I know the critical importance of having partners that share your vision and determination. SOGO aims to be that partner.
Paul Needham
Co-Founder and Board Chairman, SimpaNetworks
Receiving advice from an experienced entrepreneur with market insights and connections is priceless. Jeffrey and Annette really understand what we are doing and we always ask for their input on important decisions. SOGO will always be our preferred investor and partner.
Sebastian Groh
Co-Founder and CEO of Solshare
