Ethiopian Startup Kubik Raises $5.2M to Turn Plastic Waste into Low-Carbon Buildings

Kubik, an Ethiopian sustainable tech startup, has secured $5.2 million in seed funding to create low-carbon buildings from plastic waste. The investment, led by African Renaissance Partners, Endgame Capital, and King Philanthropies, makes Kubik the first Ethiopian company to raise a multi-million dollar round for climate solutions.

Kubik's innovative approach involves converting plastic waste into interlocking building materials such as bricks, columns, beams, and jambs. The startup's products cost at least 40% less per square meter than traditional cement-based development and yield 5x less greenhouse gas emissions. Kubik currently recycles 5,000 kilograms of plastic waste per day and has the capacity to process up to 45,000 kilograms.

Why this matters: Kubik's technology addresses the growing problem of plastic waste in Ethiopia while providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the construction industry. The startup's success in securing significant funding highlights the increasing interest in and potential of climate solutions in Africa.

The seed funding will enable Kubik to scale its production, grow its team, strengthen its technology to trace waste and track environmental impact, and empower female waste collectors. Kubik has already launched a new plastic upcycling factory in Ethiopia's Adama Industrial Park, secured several clients, and been recognized as the Global Startup of the Year and Africa's leading ClimateTech startup.

Kubik's materials have been verified for strength, toxicity, and flammability by Intertek, a European standards agency. The startup's ambitious plans for pan-African expansion and technological licensing reflect a broader vision of environmental sustainability and economic accessibility in construction.

"We are thrilled to have the support of investors who share our vision for a more sustainable and equitable future," said Kubik's founder and CEO. "This funding will allow us to accelerate our impact and set new standards for sustainable construction practices in Africa and beyond."

Key Takeaways

• Kubik, an Ethiopian startup, raised $5.2M to create low-carbon buildings from plastic waste.
• Kubik's products cost 40% less and emit 5x less greenhouse gas than traditional cement.
• Kubik recycles 5,000 kg of plastic waste per day and plans to expand across Africa.
• Kubik's materials have been verified for strength, toxicity, and flammability by Intertek.
• Kubik's funding highlights the growing interest in climate solutions in Africa.