Conservio, a South African online booking platform specialising in nature-based accommodations, has successfully secured $1 million in a recent funding round. This investment was led by E4E Africa, with participation from Volve Capital, Living Hope Ventures, and strategic angel investors, including Jonathan Smith, the founder of Payfast. Smith had previously contributed to Conservio’s $500,000 pre-seed funding in March 2023.
Established in 2020 by CEO Lara Dendy Young and Chief Product Officer Justin Rijnberg, Conservio aims to simplify the discovery and booking of eco-friendly accommodations that celebrate natural surroundings and promote environmental conservation. The platform currently features over 500 unique stays across South Africa, Mozambique, and Namibia, ranging from intimate cabins and farm stays to luxury lodges in protected reserves.
The newly acquired funds are earmarked for expanding Conservio’s portfolio to include over 2,000 properties throughout Southern Africa. This strategic growth is intended to attract a broader customer base and solidify Conservio’s position as the premier platform for eco-conscious travellers seeking nature-based experiences.
E4E Africa, the lead investor, is a venture capital fund dedicated to supporting African entrepreneurs who address significant challenges on the continent. Managing partner Bas Hochstenbach expressed enthusiasm for Conservio’s mission, stating, “We believe in Conservio’s vision to make booking nature-based travel more efficient and pleasant for the traveller, and to support contributions to quality job creation in rural communities and increased conservation income for Africa’s iconic nature.”
Volve Capital, an early-stage venture capital fund based in the Netherlands, also participated in the funding round. Co-founder Joost Bijlsma remarked, “Conservio is perfectly positioned to grow while driving meaningful change. We love their mission to make nature-based travel more accessible and impactful.”
Conservio’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond providing unique travel experiences. By directing revenue to properties that prioritise environmental stewardship and cultural preservation, the platform contributes to the protection of natural habitats and the upliftment of local communities. CEO Lara Dendy Young emphasised this ethos, stating, “We focus on curating places where every booking means something bigger. Whether it’s preserving natural habitats or uplifting local communities, we want travel to be about more than just the destination—it’s about making a positive impact.”
The funding will also be utilised to enhance the platform’s user experience, making it more intuitive for travellers to discover and book eco-friendly accommodations. Additionally, Conservio plans to provide eco-tourism businesses with tools to thrive in the digital marketplace, thereby fostering a sustainable tourism ecosystem.
Chief Product Officer and co-founder Justin Rijnberg highlighted a growing trend among travellers: “We’re seeing more people want to escape the city and experience something different. Our platform is built for travellers who love the convenience of booking everything online but also care about the impact their travel has.”
This investment marks a significant milestone in Conservio’s journey to redefine travel in Southern Africa. By bridging the gap between eco-conscious travellers and sustainable accommodations, Conservio is poised to make a lasting impact on the tourism industry and the environment.
