Wassha Inc

Company Snapshot

• Founded: November 28, 2013 (originally Digital Grid Solutions; rebranded to WASSHA in Dec 2017)

• Headquarters: Bunkyō, Tokyo, Japan

• CEO: Satoshi Akita

• Employee Count: ~292 total — 14 in Japan, 192 in Tanzania, 67 in Uganda, 10 in Mozambique, 9 in DR Congo (as of Oct 2024)

🎯 Mission & Vision

• “Power to the people”: Offering clean, prepaid solar energy to bring electricity to un‑ or under‑electrified communities

• Vision: Transforming “I can’t” into “I can,” fostering greater opportunities through energy access

• Company Values: “Believe in Possibilities,” “Jump Together,” and “Act with Integrity”

🔌 Core Businesses

1. Energy‑as‑a‑Service (EaaS)

   • Deploying IoT-enabled solar kiosks in off‑grid areas; users rent LED lanterns and charge devices as needed

   • Affordable pay‑as‑you‑use model helps local shops (kiosks) earn more by extending hours

2. Platform Business

   • Growing a retail network (kiosks) that also serves as a platform for delivering digital/mobile services

🗺️ Operational Footprint

• Japan – Tokyo HQ

• Tanzania – Dar es Salaam office (Faykat Tower)

• Uganda – Kampala office

• Mozambique – Nampula office

• Nigeria – Lagos office

• DR Congo – Kinshasa office

🌟 Impact & Recognition

• In partnership with local kiosks, WASSHA reaches over 1 million people across 5 countries and operates 6,000+ outlets

• LED lanterns are 20x brighter than kerosene lamps, helping vendors and households extend productive hours Covered by major media like Unreasonable Group, Japan’s J-Startup, and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

🤝 Investors & Partners

• UTEC (University of Tokyo Edge Capital) was a lead early investor; WASSHA leverages its investor network for scaling and operations
  

• Recognized as an Unreasonable Venture solving global challenges through sustainable business

💼 Organizational Structure

• Strong leadership team in Japan: CEO Satoshi Akita; COOs Tatsuki Yoneda & Ai Taniuchi

• Regional leadership including Tanzania’s GM (Ally Tambala), Operations and Marketing Managers

📲 How It Works

1. WASSHA installs solar-powered kiosks with LED lanterns in partner shops.

2. Customers rent lanterns or charge phones using a pay-as-you-go system.

3. The IoT platform remotely monitors usage, sales, and system status.

4. This helps local businesses earn more, while providing clean energy to underserved communities

In Summary

WASSHA Inc. is a bold social enterprise bridging the energy gap in off-grid African regions through innovative solar kiosks and a pay-as-you-go model. By anchoring its business in sustainability, digital connectivity, and local empowerment, WASSHA has become a leading force in improving livelihoods and expanding opportunities across multiple countries.