Launch

In April 2022,  BFA Global and FSD Africa partnered to establish TECA (Triggering Exponential Climate Action), a venture launcher. Its aim is to support pioneering entrepreneurs in developing climate-tech ventures, from concept to launch. The primary objective is to broaden the range of investable opportunities that promote climate resilience in vulnerable communities globally, initially concentrating on Africa. 

The first wave, “The Inaugural Diani Blue Wave,” concentrated on the Blue Economy in East Africa. Specifically, activities generating livelihoods and ecosystem services from bodies of water such as oceans, lakes, and rivers. Thirty individuals, hailing from seven African nations, with a fifty percent representation of women, were chosen as TECA fellows based on their talent, passion, and dedication to crafting innovative solutions for a climate-resilient future. 

Community

To support the fellows and spur growth within the ecosystem surrounding their ventures, the TECA team established a vibrant online community interested in TECA, the Blue Economy, and climate resilience, initially on Circle (migrated to LinkedIn in September 2023). The TECA community provides valuable feedback, support, and networking opportunities for aspiring founders as they embark on their venture-launching journey.

TECA Blue Wave Expedition Series

The team also introduced the TECA Blue Wave Expedition Series between May and July 2022. This series comprised online webinars where the TECA Community explored and discussed potential opportunity areas for the fellows to develop their solutions.

Huddle

As part of the programming, the selected fellows commenced with a 3-day huddle in Diani (Kenyan coast) in September 2022. The huddle provided an opportunity for the fellows to get acquainted, meet the TECA team, experience the ecosystem firsthand. It also marked the beginning of ideating on concepts aimed at addressing challenges identified through interactions with various ecosystem players. Learn more about the huddle.

Team Formation

Following the huddle, the fellows teamed up to form co-founding teams with complementary skill sets and common visions.  During the final pitch event, the TECA community selected seven teams to receive $55,000 each in funding to advance their solutions. The founders of these seven startups come from six African countries —Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. Their solutions focus on addressing gaps in aquaculture, ecotourism, measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) in conservation, seaweed value chain, mangrove restoration and protection, and financial services for fisher folk.

Product Hatchery

Following the program, the Diani Blue Wave startups had the opportunity to participate in a product hatchery that provided critical support to entrepreneurs who had completed the TECA program making equity-free capital available at the proof-of-concept stage.

Supported by:

Diani Blue Wave Startups

Diani Blue Wave team

Blue Economy in East Africa – Wave advisors

Resources