Western Technology Investment

Western Technology Investment is a principal investment firm based in Portola Valley, California, founded in 1980. The firm specializes in providing debt and lease financing to venture capital-backed technology and life science companies across North America. Over its 30-year history, it has deployed more than $3 billion in debt and equity capital to a diverse range of companies, including both early-stage private firms and publicly traded entities. Investments typically range from $250,000 to $30 million, structured as unrestricted growth capital. The firm targets companies with a minimum of $25 million in annual sales projected within five years. In addition to its lending operations, Western Technology Investment sometimes offers equity capital alongside debt financing, and it holds warrants in various client companies. Its recent fund, Venture Lending & Leasing VI, has raised $294 million to continue supporting innovative businesses.

Jon Beizer

Investment Partner

Judy Naomi Bornstein

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Administrative Partner

Josh Brody

Investment Partner

Maddy Burleson

Associate

Jay Cohan

Investment Partner

Lynda Colletta

Director of Administration

Marty Eng

Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Administration

Annelies Gamble

Principal

Ross Glasser

Principal

Dave Gravano

Investment Partner

Bruce Levin

Vice President of Finance

Rudy Ruano

Investment Partner

Ahad Samad

Associate

Ron Swenson

Partner Emeritus

Jared Thear

CFO, CCO and Administrative Partner

David Wanek

Investment Partner

Patrick Ward

Associate

Maurice Werdegar

Investment Partner, CEO

Past deals in Nigeria

Kobo360

Seed Round in 2018
Kobo360 is a tech-enabled digital logistics platform that aggregates end-to-end haulage operations to help cargo owners, truck owners, and drivers, and cargo recipients to achieve an efficient supply chain framework. Through an all-in-one robust logistics ecosystem, Kobo uses big data and technology to reduce logistics frictions, empowering rural farmers to earn more by reducing farm wastages and helping manufacturers of all sizes to find new markets. Kobo enables unprecedented efficiency and cost reduction in the supply chain, providing 360-visibility while delivering products of all sizes safely, on time and in full. The Kobo mission is to build the Global Logistics Operating System that will power trade and commerce across Africa and Emerging Markets. The company is also preparing to enter the agro-trading space by creating a marketplace that links farmers with buyers all over the world. The marketplace will effectively eliminate the high cost of middlemen for smallholder farmers and significantly improve profits. Ife Oyedele ll and Obi Ozor founded it in 2017 and is headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria.

Tizeti

Series A in 2018
Tizeti provides broadband internet services to densely populated urban centers in Africa. Tizeti is leveraging the large wireless capacity available with Wi-Fi and plummeting cost of solar panels to create a low CAPEX/OPEX network of owned and operated towers to offer disruptive, customer-friendly pricing for unlimited internet service right across Africa.

Kobo360

Seed Round in 2018
Kobo360 is a tech-enabled digital logistics platform that aggregates end-to-end haulage operations to help cargo owners, truck owners, and drivers, and cargo recipients to achieve an efficient supply chain framework. Through an all-in-one robust logistics ecosystem, Kobo uses big data and technology to reduce logistics frictions, empowering rural farmers to earn more by reducing farm wastages and helping manufacturers of all sizes to find new markets. Kobo enables unprecedented efficiency and cost reduction in the supply chain, providing 360-visibility while delivering products of all sizes safely, on time and in full. The Kobo mission is to build the Global Logistics Operating System that will power trade and commerce across Africa and Emerging Markets. The company is also preparing to enter the agro-trading space by creating a marketplace that links farmers with buyers all over the world. The marketplace will effectively eliminate the high cost of middlemen for smallholder farmers and significantly improve profits. Ife Oyedele ll and Obi Ozor founded it in 2017 and is headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria.

Helium Health

Seed Round in 2017
Helium Health is a technology company focused on transforming healthcare in Africa through its electronic health records and hospital management systems. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, the company provides a comprehensive suite of software tools designed to digitize medical records, manage hospital operations, and facilitate financial applications. Its platform features capabilities for managing patient visits, prescriptions, billing, and telemedicine solutions, all accessible from various devices. Additionally, Helium Health offers functionalities such as customizable forms, smart analytics, appointment management, and alerts, which help healthcare providers enhance efficiency, improve patient care, and reduce operational waste. By leveraging technology, Helium Health aspires to become the leading healthcare data exchange in Africa.

wifi.com.ng

Seed Round in 2017
TIZETI (wifi.com.ng) has been deploying high speed internet access to estates, offices, multi-tenant building using next generation wi-Fi technology. They deploy unlimited internet to residential and business customers which allow customers get the full benefit of the internet with no data or time caps. They also offer VOIP and Video on Demand services.

Tizeti

Seed Round in 2017
Tizeti provides broadband internet services to densely populated urban centers in Africa. Tizeti is leveraging the large wireless capacity available with Wi-Fi and plummeting cost of solar panels to create a low CAPEX/OPEX network of owned and operated towers to offer disruptive, customer-friendly pricing for unlimited internet service right across Africa.

RelianceHMO

Seed Round in 2017
RelianceHMO is a technology-driven health insurance company focused on providing affordable and reliable insurance solutions for the average African. The company aims to make health insurance more accessible by integrating telemedicine with data science, which helps streamline the process and reduce costs. Through its innovative approach, RelianceHMO addresses the challenges of the healthcare system in Africa, ensuring that more individuals can gain access to necessary medical services.

Andela

Venture Round in 2017
Andela is a global talent network that specializes in recruiting and managing software developers from emerging markets, particularly in Africa. Established in 2014 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, the company provides training and mentorship to prepare developers for roles with companies worldwide. Through its platform, Andela connects leading organizations like GitHub and Cloudflare with highly skilled engineering talent, enabling businesses to scale their teams efficiently and cost-effectively. The company focuses on identifying the top 1% of software developers, fostering a network that empowers developers while facilitating job opportunities. Andela operates as a distributed organization across four continents and has garnered support from notable investors, including Generation Investment Management and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.