I-G3N

I-G3N (Pty) Ltd operates as a lithium battery storage specialist, positioning itself as a key player in the South African energy market by locally assembling Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries. Founded in December 2018 by Tumi Mphahlele, Sydney Phakathi, and Jaques Buys, the company aims to address the pressing energy crisis across the African continent. Mphahlele, who serves as the Chief Operations Officer, was born in Mabopane, Pretoria, and is a notable figure as a leader in a black empowered, female-owned enterprise. The firm's establishment was driven by the need for reliable and sustainable electricity in the face of an unstable national grid and rising costs.

The company's business model is centered on the design, development, and manufacturing of high-quality, safe, and affordable battery energy storage systems. These systems are designed for both stationary applications, such as in homes and offices, and for e-mobility. I-G3N primarily serves residential and commercial clients, distributing its products through a network of installers and distributors in South Africa. Revenue is generated through the sale of these battery units. The product's core technology utilizes LiFePO4 cells, recognized for their safety and maturity. The batteries can be charged via the grid or solar power and are engineered to function as a standalone backup power source or in conjunction with renewable energy installations like Solar PV. A key feature is their modular design and a lifespan of ten years.

Despite early challenges, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic as a new entrant, I-G3N has achieved significant milestones. The company secured its first funding round in December 2020 and a subsequent seed round on August 3, 2021, raising a total of $1.3 million (approximately R20 million). This capital was raised from investors including Edge Growth, the ASISA ESD initiative, and Secha Capital, with a R1 million soft loan and grant from Standard Bank also providing critical support. This financial backing has been instrumental in allowing the company to formalize operations, refine its go-to-market strategy, and scale up to meet growing demand, particularly as load-shedding has become more prevalent. The firm has expressed a clear focus on expanding its reach into the SADC region and the rest of Africa, targeting the development of mini and micro-grids.

Keywords: energy storage, lithium-ion batteries, LiFePO4, renewable energy, backup power, clean energy, battery manufacturer, South Africa, solar power solutions, e-mobility