Investment & Fund Management

Okeenea, a social entrepreneurship company based in France, faced the challenge of improving accessibility for visually impaired individuals in urban environments. With over 250 million people worldwide affected by some form of blindness, Okeenea recognized the need for innovative solutions to enhance mobility and safety in public spaces. Their original product, a remotely activated pedestrian signal, aimed to make crossings safer for visually impaired people. By 2009, they had successfully installed over 200,000 units across France, but their vision extended beyond just pedestrian signals.

To address the growing demand for inclusive mobility solutions, Okeenea developed several innovative products, including the “aBeacon,” an accessible pedestrian signal that allows on-demand activation for safer crossings, and “Evelity,” a digital way-finding solution that provides barrier-free itineraries for disabled individuals. Additionally, they introduced the Navigueo+ Hifi, an audio beacon that helps users locate points of interest. These solutions leverage modern technology, such as smartphones, to offer personalized assistance and enhance autonomy for users with disabilities.

To support their international expansion and the acceleration of their digital solutions, Okeenea partnered with Impact Partners, an EIF-backed venture capital firm. This collaboration not only facilitated their growth but also helped establish Okeenea as a market leader in France. The company is now focused on developing a comprehensive “door to door” mobility solution, aiming to transform cities into smart, inclusive spaces where mobility obstacles are eliminated, thereby making freedom of movement universal for all individuals.