How GreenHouse companies have responded to COVID-19
The outbreak of COVID-19 has created a global health crisis and economic instability that has had a deep impact on the way we perceive our world and go about our everyday lives. Startups around the world have been particularly affected due to the nature of the tech startup game: limited runway and limited revenue.
Despite these difficulties, the GreenHouse portfolio has risen to the challenge. They have developed entirely new businesses, introduced new products and services, and supported their communities throughout the pandemic.
Here are some of the most impactful COVID-related initiatives to come out of our portfolio over the past three months:
Tackling COVID Head On
The health-tech companies in our portfolio are developing solutions that directly address the health effects of the coronavirus. Helium Health launched the MyHelium, a telemedicine app which allows patients to schedule virtual doctor’s appointments and access their medical records on their mobile devices. Hospitals have been able to access MyHelium for free in order to keep hospital rooms free for COVID-19 patients.
OTRAC, a GreenHouse Lab 2019 alumnus, has conducted thousands of drive-through COVID-19 tests in Kano, Nigeria, and launched a free multilingual digital learning programme to train frontline healthcare workers on outbreak case management.
The New Normal
As our lives have become increasingly distanced and virtual, other companies have developed new products and services for the new normal. Rensource, originally a renewable energy business, has expanded their offerings to solve challenges for businesses during and post-COVID. They first launched KeepWork, a supercharged power bank and inverter to facilitate work from home in areas with unstable electricity, then introduced Merchlist, a digital platform that enables retailers to service their customer orders online.
GreenHouse Lab alumni have also turned COVID into a business opportunity. Schoolsfocus has developed a virtual/hybrid classroom and provided schools with a one-year free license; BACE Group is helping financial institutions and telcos conduct identity verifications and KYC checks virtually; and Datespace is facilitating socially distanced connections among single professionals via virtual group hangouts and dates.
Supporting the Community
Other businesses are giving back to the communities that have contributed to their success. MAX was one of the first companies in Lagos to take action once COVID hit. Within the first weeks of the pandemic, they provided masks, cleansers, and food to the MAX drivers and their families. Since then, they have donated essential items to thousands of families in vulnerable communities throughout Lagos and Ibadan.
E-Settlement Limited, introduced the Lockdown Internship Program for Engineers, giving student engineers the opportunity to learn new skills while stuck at home. And Bankly, observing the increase in domestic violence during lockdown, teamed up with WARIF (Women at Risk International Foundation)to provide support to survivors via a 24/7 hotline.
We appreciate all our portfolio companies for their relentless efforts and tenacity to continue innovating at this critical time. Their contributions in the fight against COVID-19 will not be forgotten.
