TLcom I

TLcom Capital is a venture capital firm established in 1999, with offices in Lagos, Nairobi, and London. The firm primarily focuses on technology-enabled companies across Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in Europe, Israel, and the United States. TLcom Capital manages over $300 million, with a specific emphasis on early to growth-stage investments. In 2017, the firm launched the TLcom TIDE Africa fund, aiming to raise $100 million to support technology startups across Africa. The fund's investment sectors include fintech, commerce, consumer services, and corporate services, covering areas such as health, education, energy, and media.

Maurizio Caio

Founder and Managing Partner

Oname Eloho

Senior Partner

Philippe Griffiths

Associate

Omobola Johnson

Senior Partner

Arianna De Leo

Director of Development Impact

Andreata Muforo

Partner

Ido Sum

Partner

Adeyemi A.

Investor

Past deals in Sub Saharan Africa

Pastel

Seed Round in 2022
Pastel supports African businesses by offering tools that help manage their businesses and maximize efficiency.

SeamlessHR

Series A in 2022
SeamlessHR Limited is a human resource technology software company based in Lagos, Nigeria, founded in 2013. It specializes in providing a comprehensive, cloud-based HR platform designed for medium to large-sized companies. SeamlessHR offers an end-to-end suite of solutions that automates and optimizes various HR processes, including recruitment, performance management, payroll, and leave management. Its product offerings encompass a Recruitment Management System, a Core HR Management System, and a Learning Management System, among others. The platform is tailored for emerging markets, providing well-priced and robust technology to help businesses streamline their human resource operations from hiring to retirement.

Kobo360

Series B in 2021
Kobo360 is a digital logistics platform that connects cargo owners, truck operators, and drivers to streamline the supply chain process. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, the platform utilizes data analytics and artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency in logistics operations, particularly in last-mile delivery. Kobo360 aims to reduce communication gaps and optimize pick-ups and deliveries, ensuring goods are moved seamlessly across the continent. The company also supports rural farmers by minimizing farm wastages, thereby enabling them to access new markets and increase their earnings. In addition to its logistics services, Kobo360 plans to establish a marketplace to link farmers directly with buyers globally, which will help eliminate intermediaries and improve profitability for smallholder farmers. Ultimately, Kobo360 seeks to build a comprehensive logistics ecosystem that enhances trade and commerce in Africa and emerging markets.

uLesson

Series B in 2021
uLesson is an educational technology company based in Jos, Nigeria, founded in 2019. It focuses on providing a comprehensive home education kit for students in Africa through its mobile application. The app delivers curriculum-relevant content in subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, accommodating learners even in areas with limited internet access. uLesson’s approach combines streaming services with secure digital cards to ensure that students can access educational materials without incurring high data costs. The platform also features a network of tutors, practice tests, and tailored content, all designed to align with local syllabi and enhance the learning experience.

Twiga Foods

Series C in 2021
Twiga Foods Ltd. is a mobile-based supply platform that connects farmers and vendors in Africa's retail sector. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the company serves small and medium-sized retail outlets, kiosks, and market stalls by enabling them to order a variety of fresh produce, including bananas, pineapples, and tomatoes, through a cashless business-to-business platform. By bridging the gap between farmers and vendors, Twiga Foods aims to enhance access to quality food at competitive prices, thereby improving profit margins for both parties. The platform facilitates efficient distribution, making it easier for vendors to stock their businesses with necessary supplies while supporting local agriculture.

Autochek

Seed Round in 2021
Autochek is an automotive technology company founded in 2020 and based in South Africa. It operates online platforms that connect buyers and sellers in the automotive sector, enhancing commerce through digital solutions. The company focuses on creating a marketplace that improves access to auto loans, quality maintenance, aftersales services, and warranty solutions. By offering a comprehensive digital infrastructure, Autochek aims to streamline the coordination and maintenance of vehicle records, facilitating smoother transactions and interactions within the car market.

Okra

Seed Round in 2021
Okra Technologies Limited, founded in 2019 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, specializes in developing an Application Programming Interface (API) that facilitates the retrieval of real-time financial information from bank accounts for web and mobile applications. The company aims to create a unified banking API that serves as a secure connector, allowing seamless exchange of financial data between customers, applications, and banks. By providing an open finance infrastructure, Okra enables developers to build innovative financial products, ensuring secure connections to financial accounts and enhancing access to payment services. The company's focus on digitizing financial services positions it as a key player in the African fintech landscape.

uLesson

Series A in 2021
uLesson is an educational technology company based in Jos, Nigeria, founded in 2019. It focuses on providing a comprehensive home education kit for students in Africa through its mobile application. The app delivers curriculum-relevant content in subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, accommodating learners even in areas with limited internet access. uLesson’s approach combines streaming services with secure digital cards to ensure that students can access educational materials without incurring high data costs. The platform also features a network of tutors, practice tests, and tailored content, all designed to align with local syllabi and enhance the learning experience.

Ilara Health

Series A in 2020
Ilara Health, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, focuses on improving healthcare access in peri-urban and rural areas by providing AI-powered diagnostic devices. The company develops miniature diagnostic tools that integrate with a proprietary technology platform, allowing primary care doctors to deliver accurate and affordable diagnostics. By leveraging existing healthcare infrastructure, Ilara Health enables healthcare providers to record patient data through an electronic medical record system, enhancing the accessibility and reliability of diagnostic services. The company aims to transform primary care in underserved regions by making essential healthcare services more efficient and effective.

Autochek

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Autochek is an automotive technology company founded in 2020 and based in South Africa. It operates online platforms that connect buyers and sellers in the automotive sector, enhancing commerce through digital solutions. The company focuses on creating a marketplace that improves access to auto loans, quality maintenance, aftersales services, and warranty solutions. By offering a comprehensive digital infrastructure, Autochek aims to streamline the coordination and maintenance of vehicle records, facilitating smoother transactions and interactions within the car market.

Okra

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Okra Technologies Limited, founded in 2019 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, specializes in developing an Application Programming Interface (API) that facilitates the retrieval of real-time financial information from bank accounts for web and mobile applications. The company aims to create a unified banking API that serves as a secure connector, allowing seamless exchange of financial data between customers, applications, and banks. By providing an open finance infrastructure, Okra enables developers to build innovative financial products, ensuring secure connections to financial accounts and enhancing access to payment services. The company's focus on digitizing financial services positions it as a key player in the African fintech landscape.

uLesson

Seed Round in 2019
uLesson is an educational technology company based in Jos, Nigeria, founded in 2019. It focuses on providing a comprehensive home education kit for students in Africa through its mobile application. The app delivers curriculum-relevant content in subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, accommodating learners even in areas with limited internet access. uLesson’s approach combines streaming services with secure digital cards to ensure that students can access educational materials without incurring high data costs. The platform also features a network of tutors, practice tests, and tailored content, all designed to align with local syllabi and enhance the learning experience.

Twiga Foods

Venture Round in 2019
Twiga Foods Ltd. is a mobile-based supply platform that connects farmers and vendors in Africa's retail sector. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the company serves small and medium-sized retail outlets, kiosks, and market stalls by enabling them to order a variety of fresh produce, including bananas, pineapples, and tomatoes, through a cashless business-to-business platform. By bridging the gap between farmers and vendors, Twiga Foods aims to enhance access to quality food at competitive prices, thereby improving profit margins for both parties. The platform facilitates efficient distribution, making it easier for vendors to stock their businesses with necessary supplies while supporting local agriculture.

Kobo360

Series A in 2019
Kobo360 is a digital logistics platform that connects cargo owners, truck operators, and drivers to streamline the supply chain process. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, the platform utilizes data analytics and artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency in logistics operations, particularly in last-mile delivery. Kobo360 aims to reduce communication gaps and optimize pick-ups and deliveries, ensuring goods are moved seamlessly across the continent. The company also supports rural farmers by minimizing farm wastages, thereby enabling them to access new markets and increase their earnings. In addition to its logistics services, Kobo360 plans to establish a marketplace to link farmers directly with buyers globally, which will help eliminate intermediaries and improve profitability for smallholder farmers. Ultimately, Kobo360 seeks to build a comprehensive logistics ecosystem that enhances trade and commerce in Africa and emerging markets.

Ajua

Series A in 2019
AJUA, formerly known as mSurvey, is a mobile survey platform that facilitates customer feedback through real-time mobile survey conversations. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, with additional offices in Nairobi, Kenya, and Lagos, Nigeria, AJUA serves businesses across Africa and the Caribbean. The platform provides a dashboard that summarizes survey interactions, enabling companies to gain insights into customer preferences and behaviors. By leveraging its technology, AJUA helps businesses reduce customer churn, enhance service quality, and improve their Net Promoter Score. The company focuses on creating effective communication channels between businesses, their employees, and customers, addressing the challenges of customer service and market research in local contexts.

Andela

Series D in 2019
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.

Kobo360

Seed Round in 2018
Kobo360 is a digital logistics platform that connects cargo owners, truck operators, and drivers to streamline the supply chain process. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, the platform utilizes data analytics and artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency in logistics operations, particularly in last-mile delivery. Kobo360 aims to reduce communication gaps and optimize pick-ups and deliveries, ensuring goods are moved seamlessly across the continent. The company also supports rural farmers by minimizing farm wastages, thereby enabling them to access new markets and increase their earnings. In addition to its logistics services, Kobo360 plans to establish a marketplace to link farmers directly with buyers globally, which will help eliminate intermediaries and improve profitability for smallholder farmers. Ultimately, Kobo360 seeks to build a comprehensive logistics ecosystem that enhances trade and commerce in Africa and emerging markets.

Twiga Foods

Series B in 2018
Twiga Foods Ltd. is a mobile-based supply platform that connects farmers and vendors in Africa's retail sector. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the company serves small and medium-sized retail outlets, kiosks, and market stalls by enabling them to order a variety of fresh produce, including bananas, pineapples, and tomatoes, through a cashless business-to-business platform. By bridging the gap between farmers and vendors, Twiga Foods aims to enhance access to quality food at competitive prices, thereby improving profit margins for both parties. The platform facilitates efficient distribution, making it easier for vendors to stock their businesses with necessary supplies while supporting local agriculture.

Twiga Foods

Series B in 2018
Twiga Foods Ltd. is a mobile-based supply platform that connects farmers and vendors in Africa's retail sector. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the company serves small and medium-sized retail outlets, kiosks, and market stalls by enabling them to order a variety of fresh produce, including bananas, pineapples, and tomatoes, through a cashless business-to-business platform. By bridging the gap between farmers and vendors, Twiga Foods aims to enhance access to quality food at competitive prices, thereby improving profit margins for both parties. The platform facilitates efficient distribution, making it easier for vendors to stock their businesses with necessary supplies while supporting local agriculture.

Ajua

Series A in 2018
AJUA, formerly known as mSurvey, is a mobile survey platform that facilitates customer feedback through real-time mobile survey conversations. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, with additional offices in Nairobi, Kenya, and Lagos, Nigeria, AJUA serves businesses across Africa and the Caribbean. The platform provides a dashboard that summarizes survey interactions, enabling companies to gain insights into customer preferences and behaviors. By leveraging its technology, AJUA helps businesses reduce customer churn, enhance service quality, and improve their Net Promoter Score. The company focuses on creating effective communication channels between businesses, their employees, and customers, addressing the challenges of customer service and market research in local contexts.

Terragon

Series A in 2018
Terragon Group is a digital media business focused on Africa. Within the digital ecosystem, Terragon Group understands the interplay between content and platform and has business verticals that deliver on components of the digital world. Terragon Group operates across key markets in Africa namely; Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Kenya, as well as India. The Group is made up of three independent but complimentary business units that focus on different aspect of the digital media sphere; Terragon Limited (TL): Access and Aggregationl; Twinpine Limited: Mobile Advertising; and Terragon Media Limited (TML): Digital Agency.

Andela

Series C 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.

Upstream

Venture Round in 2009
Upstream S.A. is a mobile marketing technology company based in Athens, Greece, specializing in accelerating mobile commerce in high-growth markets. Founded in 2001, Upstream operates the MINT platform, which serves mobile operators, agencies, e-commerce brands, and application developers by providing insights from mobile interactions and customer data. The platform facilitates mobile purchase rates and offers a variety of services, including marketing promotions, mobile content, loyalty programs, and direct billing solutions. Upstream reaches over one billion consumers across Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, the CIS, and Southeast Asia, leveraging partnerships with more than 50 mobile operators. The company has successfully engaged half a billion consumers and converted 65 million into paying customers through a subscription micro-payment model. With a global presence, Upstream has offices in multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Italy, Brazil, Nigeria, Romania, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.
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