Ninety One Accelerator in support of The Earthshot Prize

As Earthshot Week headed to Africa for the first time, Ninety One has partnered with The Earthshot Prize to launch the Ninety One Accelerator, designed to support innovative young Earthshot solutions so  that they are investment ready and better positioned to scale their businesses.

About The Earthshot Prize

The Accelerator is another way in which Ninety One expresses its commitment to driving sustainability with substance.

The Earthshot Prize was launched by Prince William in 2020 to search for and scale game-changing innovations that will help us repair our planet.
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The Ninety One Accelerator leverages the reach and expertise of The Earthshot Prize, with the skills and networks of Ninety One in South Africa and beyond, to create a programme that equips potential Earthshot solutions to take the next step in their journey.

The Accelerator will provide customised support, including an appropriate blend of funding, technical assistance and strategic guidance to enable growth and mobilise funding into the early stage climate innovation ecosystem. It will initially focus on innovative young Earthshot solutions which are primarily South Africa-focused with global ambitions, so that they are investment ready and better positioned to scale their businesses.

New climate innovations need more early and mid-stage technical and financial support to scale up.   Africa needs to support entrepreneurs with sustainable, scaleable solutions that can support growth and improve the outcomes for the climate and the continent’s people.  With the Accelerator, we at Ninety One hope to make a meaningful contribution to sustainable growth.
Hendrik du Toit

What is its aim?

The Accelerator develops a pipeline of innovations for investors in climate-related solutions, strengthening the sustainability ecosystem across the region. It drives innovation, stimulates the creation of green jobs, and mobilises capital by enabling growth in early-stage climate ventures that deliver measurable environmental and social impact.

How are the recipients chosen?

Candidates are screened and selected annually from The Earthshot Prize nominations. The initial focus is on companies operating in South Africa or targeting the country as a current or potential market, but with global ambitions.

What will the Accelerator do?

The Accelerator works with partners to deliver a nine-month programme supporting up to 30 innovators between 2025 and 2030. The total value of assistance, including direct funding and in-kind programmatic support, is approximately R45 million ($2.5 million) over the six years, combining financial backing with technical guidance to help innovators scale and attract long-term investment.

A global network

Ninety One is a member of the Undaunted Accelerator Network, launched during Earthshot Week. Undaunted, a partnership between Imperial College London and the Royal Institution, aims to accelerate 10 000 eco-innovations globally. The network, comprising 17 founding members, fosters collaboration among accelerators, incubators, and impact organisations that support start-ups addressing the world's most pressing environmental challenges.

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Ninety One Accelerator in support of The Earthshot Prize - Gallery
Ninety One Accelerator in support of The Earthshot Prize - Gallery
Ninety One Accelerator in support of The Earthshot Prize - Gallery
Ninety One Accelerator in support of The Earthshot Prize - Gallery
Explore Ninety One’s sustainability framework

Specific risks
Derivatives: The use of derivatives is not intended to increase the overall level of risk. However, the use of derivatives may still lead to large changes in value and includes the potential for large financial loss. A counterparty to a derivative transaction may fail to meet its obligations which may also lead to a financial loss. Equity investment: The value of equities (e.g. shares) and equity-related investments may vary according to company profits and future prospects as well as more general market factors. In the event of a company default (e.g. insolvency), the owners of their equity rank last in terms of any financial payment from that company. Geographic / Sector: Investments may be primarily concentrated in specific countries, geographical regions and/or industry sectors. This may mean that the resulting value may decrease whilst portfolios more broadly invested might grow.

All investments carry the risk of capital loss. The value of investments, and any income generated from them, can fall as well as rise and will be affected by changes in interest rates, currency fluctuations, general market conditions and other political, social and economic developments, as well as by specific matters relating to the assets in which the investment strategy invests. If any currency differs from the investor’s home currency, returns may increase or decrease as a result of currency fluctuations. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Important Information

This communication is provided for general information only should not be construed as advice.

All the information in is believed to be reliable but may be inaccurate or incomplete. The views are those of the contributor at the time of publication and do not necessary reflect those of Ninety One.

Any opinions stated are honestly held but are not guaranteed and should not be relied upon.

All rights reserved. Issued by Ninety One, issued March 2020.