Sistema.bio secures investment for African expansion

Sistema.bio, a global leader in biogas technology, financing, and services for family farmers, has announced Novastar Ventures as its latest investor

Novastar participated in Sistema.bio’s recent internal financing round, contributing US$3.5mn of the total US$7.75mn raised. This investment will help accelerate Sistema.bio’s expansion into new African markets, new agricultural and energy products, and support its overall growth.

Joyce Cacho, board chairman of Sistema.bio, stated, “Novastar Ventures’ investment strengthens Sistema.bio’s mission to empower low-resourced farmers with sustainable solutions that drive economic growth, climate resilience, and regenerative agriculture. Together, we are scaling impactful technologies that benefit both people and the planet.”

Novastar’s contribution supports Sistema.bio’s efforts to empower family farmers through innovative technology and financing that transforms farm waste into renewable energy and fertilizer. Steve Beck, co-founder and managing partner at Novastar, emphasised, “Sistema.bio’s innovative technology and financing empowers family farmers to transform farm waste into renewable energy and fertilizer. This unlocks economic, health, and productivity benefits for farmers, building their resilience to climate change while reducing substantial greenhouse gas emissions. Sistema.bio is the first investment from our third fund, the Novastar Ventures Africa People and Planet Fund III (NVIII), which invests in transformative businesses that align the economic interests of Africa’s growing population with planet-positive technologies. We are excited to partner with Sistema.bio at this inflection point, as the company unlocks carbon markets to accelerate growth and serve more farmers with the tools to build resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural systems.”

Sistema.bio’s biogas systems and digital MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) technology align closely with Novastar’s mission to work with bold entrepreneurs in Africa, creating lasting value for both people and the planet.

Alex Eaton, CEO and co-founder of Sistema.bio, added, “We have known the Novastar team for some time and are excited to welcome them now to Sistema.bio’s family of investors. Their investment bolsters our ambition to scale our services across Africa, empowering even more farmers with impactful solutions. It also reinforces our commitment to climate action as we work toward achieving a 1% reduction in annual global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.”

Along with Novastar’s contribution, Sistema.bio has raised a total of US$18.5mn in 2024, with a focus on expanding geographically and adding new products. This funding will address the global demand for renewable energy, promote regenerative agriculture, and support carbon emission reduction initiatives. The investment sets the stage for Sistema.bio’s anticipated Series C round, helping the company continue leading in biogas technology and advancing its mission to support smallholder farmers worldwide.