The Canadian cleantech startup, which developed a digital platform aimed at making it easier to install solar panels, closed an initial equity investment led by global non-profit Accion and Latin American impact fund ALIVE Ventures. Solfium said it hopes to raise US$10 million. (The Logic)

Talking point: Solfium is headquartered in Montreal but chose Mexico to launch its app, which co-founder and CEO Andres Friedman has described as “Uber plus Amazon” for the distributed solar energy industry—linking residential and business customers with suppliers, installers and even financing options in a country where electricity is expensive and carbon-intensive. In recent years Solfium has shifted its focus to helping larger corporations adopt and incorporate solar power into their operations and supply chains to reduce emissions. Coca-Cola and Scotiabank, which has a large presence in Mexico, are among its clients.