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Oolu

AcquiredYC S15

Dakar, SN · Founded 2015 · 230 employees · 8 known investors

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Ignite provides solar energy solutions across African markets, from access to productivity, designed for rapid deployment and scaling. The company bridges capital and innovation to accelerate energy access and climate impact.

Advanced ManufacturingCleantechClimate TechEnergySolar PowerClimateSenegalAfricaPartly Remote

Founders & leadership· Y Combinator alumni (S15)

Oolu was founded in 2015 by Nilmi Senaratna and Dan Rosa.

NSNilmi Senaratna
Nilmi SenaratnaCo-Founder | Chief Growth Officer & Communications & Brand Strategy [SOLD]2019–2024Nilmi Senaratna cofounded Oolu in 2015 and served as CEO before transitioning to Chief Business Development Officer, overseeing fundraising, recruitment, expansion into new markets, and partnership development. She scaled the company to over 230 full-time employees and now serves as a strategic board advisor.
DRDan Rosa
Dan RosaCo-Founder & CEO2017–2024

Investors · 8

Fifty Yearslisted by Fifty YearsSan Francisco · $250K – $2M

How we know: funding news · the VCSheet dataset · Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

Y Combinatorlisted by Y CombinatorSan Francisco · $500K

How we know: the Y Combinator directory · disruptafrica.com · Not right? Tell us

Agrolimen Venturesreported

How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

Development Partners InternationalreportedLondon

How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

LLLPreportedGrand Forks

How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

Venture Investment AssociatesreportedPeapack

How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

Also in the syndicate · 2

GAIA Impact FundPersistent Energy Capital (PEC)

Funding

SEC filings, press & company announcements

Source: company announcements and press reports — follow each round's link for the claim.

The YC application· Summer 2015 batch

▶ Demo Day video — watch on YC ↗

Related companies · 5

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SunfoldingHexxen is a full-service agency offering web design, full-stack development, SEO, and marketing services. It serves businesses and organizations across industries including legal, home services, healthcare, fintech, government, franchise, and manufacturing.
SolarMenteSolarMente finances residential solar panels, battery storage, and heat pump installations for homeowners in Southern Europe, with customers paying through monthly savings rather than upfront capital.
Nira EnergyNira provides software tools that replicate ISO interconnection study processes for power generation developers and grid operators to evaluate transmission injection capacity and interconnection feasibility. The platform helps developers make siting decisions and transmission planners conduct reliability studies.

Companies working in the same space as Oolu.

Legal entities · 2

corporate structure
Oolu LLC
Oolu, Inc.

Frequently asked questions

What does Oolu do?
Ignite provides solar energy solutions across African markets, from access to productivity, designed for rapid deployment and scaling. The company bridges capital and innovation to accelerate energy access and climate impact.
Who founded Oolu?
Oolu was founded by Nilmi Senaratna, Dan Rosa in 2015.
Who are Oolu's investors?
Oolu's investors include Fifty Years, Y Combinator, Agrolimen Ventures, Development Partners International, LLLP, Venture Investment Associates.
Where is Oolu headquartered?
Oolu is headquartered in Dakar, SN.