Zephyr Acorn

Zephyr Acorn is a venture capital firm based in New York that focuses on providing equity financing and business support to early-stage companies in East Africa. Established in 2022, Zephyr Acorn aims to invest in innovative ventures across various sectors that demonstrate significant potential for growth and scalability throughout Africa and beyond. The firm's commitment to supporting these emerging businesses encompasses not only financial investment but also strategic assistance to enhance their operational capabilities and market reach.

Nonnie Burbidge

Investment Principal

Mike Mbari

Investment Principal

Past deals in Kenya

Money254

Seed Round in 2022
Operator of a loan comparison platform intended to make financial decisions by creating transparency and equal access to financial and insurance product information. The company's platform aggregates and reviews financial products from established financial institutions, enabling customers to get a simple, fast and transparent way for users in Kenya to search and compare financial and insurance products.

4G Capital

Series C in 2022
4G Capital is a financial services provider based in Nairobi, Kenya, focused on delivering credit and financial literacy training to micro-enterprises in Africa. Established in 2013, the company specializes in offering unsecured loans to self-employed traders in low-income informal markets, including agriculture and household goods. By utilizing proprietary machine learning technology, 4G Capital generates insights from traditionally underrepresented sectors, enabling the design of tailored credit products that align with clients' business needs and financial capabilities. Clients benefit from both micro-loans and a customized training program aimed at maximizing their earnings. With loans accessible via mobile money within minutes, 4G Capital addresses the significant finance gap affecting micro and small enterprises, which contribute over 30% to Kenya's GDP. The company has achieved impressive metrics, including a collection rate exceeding 94% and a substantial impact on client revenues, particularly among women and rural entrepreneurs. With operations expanding in Uganda and plans for further growth across Africa, 4G Capital aims to enhance financial inclusion and support sustainable business development in the region.

Alvin

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Developer of personal finance application designed for money tracking and budgeting for the people of Africa. The company's application offers a smart money manager that uses automated budgeting, personalized offers, and applied behavioral game design strategies, helping customers to be accountable and align their daily spending behaviors with their savings goals.

Antara, Inc.

Seed Round in 2021
Antara, Inc. provides research and shop services for various health coverage and related products offered by third parties. The company offers appointment and referrals, physical therapy, fitness and nutritional support, medication services and home delivery, virtual care, care management support and follow up, health education, national hospital insurance funds (NHIF) enrollment, preventive healthcare, emergency transport, and other related services. The company was founded in 2019 and is based in Sanford, North Carolina.

Turaco

Seed Round in 2020
Turaco develops simplified insurance and credit solutions through mobile technology to solve the healthcare financing needs. Turaco has simplified insurance products and also provides on-demand health loans, allowing customers to get healthcare at affordable monthly premiums.

BitPesa

Series A in 2017
BitPesa Ltd., founded in 2013 and based in Karen, Kenya, is a digital currency exchange that specializes in converting Bitcoin to Kenyan Shillings. The company operates an online platform that utilizes blockchain technology to facilitate business payments and trade between Africa and global markets. BitPesa aims to lower transaction costs and enhance the speed of payments, making it easier for businesses in frontier markets to engage in international trade. By offering a streamlined solution for both cryptocurrency traders and businesses, BitPesa plays a crucial role in connecting African economies with suppliers and partners around the world.
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