SENFRAIS
Solar-powered refrigeration units for sustainable vehicle logistics.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
* | N/A | Seed | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Senfrais is a Senegalese company founded in 2023 that specializes in the cold chain industry by producing solar-powered refrigeration units. These units are designed to be adaptable to various types of vehicles, such as trucks and tricycles, to address the logistical challenges faced by small-scale producers and traders. The founder, Seydina Issa Laye Seck, is a mechanical engineer with prior entrepreneurial experience in creating transport and preservation solutions.
The company's business model focuses on renting out its solar-powered refrigerated tricycles on demand, rather than selling them, which reduces the upfront cost for clients. This approach aims to cut logistics costs by as much as 50%. For example, they offer per-unit pricing for deliveries, like charging per chicken, or daily rentals where Senfrais provides the driver and insurance. This model is designed to serve clients who need to transport small quantities of fresh goods and access wider markets. Senfrais also offers storage zones to complement its transport services.
A key feature of Senfrais's service is its digital platform, which allows for real-time tracking of the refrigerated units' temperature and the vehicles' location, ensuring transparency and quality control throughout the cold chain. The refrigeration units are designed to operate independently from the vehicle's engine, maintaining the cold chain even when the vehicle is stopped. They are equipped with solar panels and batteries, with a backup plug-in charging option for periods of low sunlight. In January 2024, Senfrais secured a seed funding round from investors including Investisseurs & Partenaires and Teranga Capital. The investment is part of the I&P Digital Energy program, which supports African startups with digital solutions for affordable energy. The funding is intended to enhance production, strengthen the digital platform with features like remote temperature control, and expand commercial operations.
Keywords: cold chain logistics, solar refrigeration, last-mile delivery, sustainable transport, refrigerated vehicle rental, food preservation, agritech, Senegal, cleantech, vehicle tracking, temperature monitoring, asset leasing, cold storage, renewable energy, Seydina Issa Laye Seck, I&P Digital Energy, Teranga Capital, logistics solutions, small-scale producers, food supply chain