DOB Equity, an impact investment fund based in East Africa, has recently announced its investment in Spouts International, a Ugandan startup that provides clean water solutions. This investment aligns with DOB Equity’s focus on sustainable water solutions and its broader strategy supporting sustainable food systems, energy, and water and sanitation services across East Africa.
Spouts International, under the brand name Purifaaya, manufactures ceramic water filters locally to offer a safe, affordable, and eco-friendly solution for clean drinking water. These filters eliminate the need for traditional boiling methods, which are harmful to the environment. With less than 25% of East Africa’s population having access to reliable safe drinking water, the need for solutions like Purifaaya filters is urgent.
Karen Serem Waithaka, CEO of DOB Equity, expressed her excitement for this investment, stating, “We are glad to have found a company in the water sector that not only achieves significant impact by providing clean drinking water but also demonstrates financial viability through its innovative business model.” She also highlighted the company’s impact in addressing health and environmental issues and setting a benchmark for sustainable impact in the region.
The investment from DOB Equity will enable Spouts to scale its manufacturing capacity, strengthen distribution networks, and expand its reach across East Africa. Since its inception, the company has distributed close to 300,000 filters, benefiting close to two million people while eliminating over 1.5 million tons of carbon emissions.
The Purifaaya filters are made from locally sourced materials and use advanced ceramic filtration technology. They are designed to be simple and accessible for everyday use, eliminating critical health and environmental challenges. These include indoor air pollution, deforestation, and high carbon emissions caused by traditional boiling methods. By enabling communities to reduce their carbon footprint, Spouts also provides high-quality, verified carbon credits.
Daniel Yin, CEO of Spouts, expressed his team’s excitement to work with DOB Equity in the company’s next phase of growth and impact. He stated, “Our missions were aligned since the early stages, and we are looking forward to providing millions of additional families with long-term access to safe drinking water, together.”
This investment in Spouts International is a significant step towards addressing the clean water crisis in East Africa and promoting sustainable solutions for communities in need. DOB Equity and Spouts International are working towards a common goal of providing access to safe drinking water while also promoting environmental sustainability.