Sistema.bio, a global leader in biogas technology, financing, and services for small-scale farmers, announced that Novastar Ventures has become its latest investor, contributing $3.5 million to the company’s recent internal financing round, which raised a total of $7.75 million. The funding will support Sistema.bio’s efforts to expand into new African markets, develop new agricultural and energy products, and accelerate overall growth.
Joyce Cacho, Board Chairman of Sistema.bio, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership: “Novastar Ventures’ investment strengthens our mission to equip low-resourced farmers with sustainable solutions that foster economic growth, climate resilience, and regenerative agriculture. Together, we are scaling impactful technologies that benefit both people and the planet.”
Novastar Ventures, a firm known for investing in transformative businesses across Africa, is particularly focused on companies that integrate economic growth with environmentally sustainable practices. Steve Beck, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Novastar, highlighted the potential of Sistema.bio’s technology: “Sistema.bio empowers family farmers to convert farm waste into renewable energy and fertilizer, unlocking multiple benefits including improved economic resilience, better health outcomes, and increased productivity. The company’s solutions are critical in helping farmers adapt to climate change while contributing to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.”
The $3.5 million investment marks the first funding from Novastar’s third fund, the Novastar Ventures Africa People and Planet Fund III (NVIII). This fund targets businesses that address both the needs of Africa’s growing population and the global demand for planet-positive technologies.
“We have known the Novastar team for a long time, and we are excited to welcome them to Sistema.bio’s investor family,” said Alex Eaton, CEO and Co-founder of Sistema.bio. “This partnership boosts our mission to expand across Africa, empowering farmers with impactful, sustainable solutions. It also strengthens our commitment to climate action as we work towards reducing global greenhouse gas emissions by 1% annually by 2030.”
With Novastar’s backing, Sistema.bio has raised a total of $18.5 million in 2024, which will help accelerate its regional growth and product development. The funding will also support efforts to meet global renewable energy demand, promote regenerative agriculture, and drive carbon emissions reduction. This investment positions Sistema.bio for its upcoming Series C round, which will further its leadership in biogas technology and its goal of supporting smallholder farmers globally.
