A revolutionary investment in water treatment
SQM Lithium Ventures, the corporate venture capital fund of SQM's lithium business, has announced its first investment in the Chilean startup Remote Waters. This company specializes in water treatment for rural communities using innovative and sustainable technology.
The SAFE contract and the seed series
The investment was made through a contract called a "Simple Agreement for Future Equity" or SAFE. This contract allows the startup to receive investment and stipulates that the number of shares the investor receives will be determined at the time of a subsequent investment round that sets a price for the startup.
Remote Waters is a pioneering company in water treatment for rural communities in Latin America. Its goal is to solve the problems of contaminated water and convert it into usable water for drinking, agricultural, or industrial use. This investment marks a significant milestone for the startup, validating its innovative approach and its ability to scale globally.
The importance of drinking water
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diseases caused by the consumption of untreated and poorly sanitized water are responsible for 4% of all deaths and 6% of all illnesses worldwide. Therefore, it is essential to have water purification systems that supply clean and safe drinking water to communities without access to it.
Remote Waters designs, integrates, installs, and maintains water purification systems that eliminate contaminants and viruses, minimizing any risk of infection. These systems are independent of the electrical grid and can be powered by solar energy, making them environmentally sustainable.
The support of SQM Lithium Ventures
María de los Ángeles Romo, director of SQM Lithium Ventures, emphasizes the importance of supporting entrepreneurs who develop innovative water treatment solutions. Remote Waters represents an exciting innovation that filters metals, minerals, and salts to obtain potable water, addressing a basic global need with a positive social impact.
Mark Fones, Vice President of Strategy and M&A Lithium, explains that the challenge for a business like Remote Waters is being able to scale rapidly and bring its solutions to isolated or critically affected communities. SQM Lithium Ventures is committed to funding these types of initiatives to promote the scaling of technologies and improve the quality of life for multiple communities.
Conclusion
SQM Lithium Ventures' investment in Remote Waters marks a milestone in water treatment for rural communities. This Chilean startup uses innovative and sustainable technology to convert contaminated water into drinking water, improving the quality of life for thousands of people in Latin America. SQM Lithium Ventures' support fuels Remote Waters' growth and expansion, enabling its solution to reach critically affected or isolated communities.