Gobi Partners, an Asian venture capital firm, has invested in Electronic Recycling Through Heroes (ERTH), a Malaysian electronic waste (e-waste) recycling company. ERTH distinguishes itself with a unique approach—it not only manages responsible e-waste disposal but also rewards contributors with cash or vouchers, fostering a community-driven commitment to environmental preservation.

ERTH employs over 1,000 freelancers known as “Heroes” to collect obsolete electronics directly from households and businesses. Since 2019, ERTH’s Heroes have diverted over 1,000,000 kilograms of e-waste from landfills, making them Malaysia’s largest authorized e-waste collector, recognized by the Malaysian Department of Environment. (tnglobal)

Thomas G. Tsao, Gobi Partners’ Co-founder and Chairperson, highlighted the transformative potential of this partnership for a more sustainable future.

As a symbolic gesture, Gobi colleagues contributed their electronic waste, aligning with Gobi’s Corporate Social Responsibility program, #GobiCares.

ERTH, founded in 2019 by Mohamed “Mo” Tarek El-Fatatry and Nahed Bedir Eletribi, aims to reduce waste, focusing on e-waste, driven by the pressing e-waste challenge in Southeast Asia, which generated 12.3 million metric tons of e-waste in 2021.

Improper e-waste disposal can lead to environmental hazards, including soil, water, and air contamination with substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium.

With Gobi Partners’ funding and support from the Khazanah Nasional-backed Gobi Dana Impak Ventures Fund, ERTH plans to expand across Malaysia in the next year, allowing more Heroes to participate in environmental protection while gaining financial benefits.

Related Story: AI-Based Robotic Waste Recycler AMP Raises $91M