Lara Dendy Young (CEO, Conservio) and Justin Rijnberg. (Image Credits: Conservio)
Conservio, a travel platform operating in Southern Africa, has successfully landed a $1 million seed funding to support its expansion across the region. E4E Africa led the funding round, with participation from Living Hope Ventures, Volve Capital, and veteran tech entrepreneur and founder of Payfast Jonathan Smith, who made a prior investment of $500,000 in March 2023.
Founded in 2020, Conservio’s mission is to simplify the complex process of discovering, booking, and supporting nature-based travel experiences. The company currently features about 500 unique stays across South Africa, Namibia, and Mozambique, with an array of rustic cabins, farm houses, and luxury lodges within protected reserves.
“We prioritize curating accommodations that not only offer exceptional travel experiences but also contribute to environmental conservation and uplift local communities,” said Lara Dendy Young, CEO and co-founder of Conservio.
Conservio’s mission extends beyond facilitating travel bookings. “We believe tourism can be a powerful force for good. Every trip booked through Conservio contributes to the protection of natural spaces, supports local cultures, and fosters a deeper connection with the planet.” added Dendy.
E4E Africa, a venture capital firm focused on African entrepreneurs addressing critical challenges, emphasised the company’s dual impact. “Conservio is not only revolutionizing the travel industry but also creating jobs in rural areas and fostering thriving conservation efforts,” explained E4E managing partner Bas Hochstenbach.
Joost Bijlsma, co-founder of Volve Capital, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the company’s potential to democratize access to impactful travel experiences. “Conservio is perfectly positioned to grow while driving meaningful change,” said Bijlsma.
“We are witnessing a growing demand for authentic, nature-based travel experiences. Our platform caters to travellers seeking convenient online booking options while prioritizing the environmental and social impact of their journeys.” said Justin Rijnberg, Conservio’s Chief Product Officer and co-founder
The newly acquired funding will enable Conservio to significantly expand its offerings. The company plans to increase its property portfolio to over 2,000 accommodations across Southern Africa, enhance its platform’s user experience, and provide eco-tourism businesses with the tools they need to succeed.
