Lateral Frontiers VC

Octavia Carbon is a pioneering company based in Kenya that specializes in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. It designs, builds, and deploys proprietary systems to filter CO2 from the atmosphere, aiming to reverse climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The company uniquely leverages Kenya's geothermal energy and talent to accelerate DAC technology development and lower costs.

Wattnow is a real-time energy monitoring and management platform that analyzes energy use to identify wasteful spending and optimize electric supply. The platform provides real-time power consumption data, connects all devices through the Internet of Things into a single network, and delivers actionable insights without requiring changes to existing setups, helping industry owners and facility managers reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.

Rhaeos is a pioneering company that has developed the world's first wearable shunt monitor, designed to enhance the quality of care for patients with hydrocephalus. Utilizing a novel thermal biosensor, Rhaeos addresses a critical clinical need by offering noninvasive, wireless patches that detect fluid flow in various bodily systems, including blood, lymph, and cerebrospinal fluid. This innovative technology enables timely treatment for chronic medical conditions, particularly in the field of neurosurgery. Founded through collaborative efforts at Northwestern University, Rhaeos exemplifies a multidisciplinary approach, integrating expertise from engineering, medicine, and management to advance patient care.

Carry1st is a full-stack publisher of mobile social games and interactive content focused on frontier markets, particularly Africa. Founded in 2018, it handles publishing, distribution, localization, user acquisition, marketing, monetization, and customer experience for partner games, enabling developers to reach new audiences through global studios. The company operates with a global team across multiple countries and collaborates with leading studios to grow its portfolio in untapped markets. It has raised capital from notable investors, including Riot Games and others, to fund growth and partnerships.

Vibra is an online crypto-currency application that specializes in investments, blockchain, and funding services.

Ejara is a mobile investment platform designed specifically for Africa and its diasporas, offering access to a range of investment opportunities, including fractional shares, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The company has developed blockchain-based software that facilitates the trading of investment products globally, allowing users to invest in various companies and manage their portfolios effectively. Ejara also provides features such as interest-saving accounts, which help users save and grow their investments over time. The platform is aimed at empowering traders by enabling them to track their investment performance and enjoy greater trading flexibility.

Founded in 2016, CNote is a women-led impact investment platform dedicated to fostering economic inclusion. It offers innovative financial products, such as CNote Savings, which provides competitive returns while investing in female-led businesses, affordable housing, and underserved communities across America.

Masa operates a decentralized AI marketplace that incentivizes users to contribute diverse datasets for AI model training. It rewards participants using its token, providing developers with access to varied datasets, decentralized tools, and a supportive ecosystem.

Kashier is a payment management platform that provides commerce and retail businesses with tools to streamline invoicing, subscription billing, and online payments. The platform supports professional, customized invoices, regular billing, and subscription payment automation, allowing companies to accept payments from customers, vendors, and partners across multiple payment methods and channels. Designed to adapt to the evolving needs of fast‑growing businesses, Kashier serves both small startups and large enterprises.

LipaLater operates a lending marketplace that facilitates postpaid payments for consumers shopping at e-commerce stores. It offers a risk-free, point-of-sale credit option, enabling customers to purchase goods online and pay in affordable monthly installments.

SeamlessHR Limited is a human resource technology software company based in Lagos, Nigeria, founded in 2013. It specializes in creating enterprise-grade, cloud-based HR solutions designed to automate and optimize the entire HR process for medium to large-sized organizations. The company's comprehensive product suite includes a Recruitment Management System, HR Information System (HRIS), Performance and Competency Management, Payroll Management, Leave Management, and Learning Management System, among other modules. These tools facilitate various HR functions such as recruitment, training, payroll processing, performance evaluation, and analytics, enabling businesses to streamline their human resource operations from recruitment to retirement. Additionally, SeamlessHR provides embedded finance solutions that enhance financial security for both employers and employees.

B54 is a financial services firm that specializes in providing debt financing and consulting for businesses in African countries. The company has developed an application programming interface platform that enhances the financial capabilities of its clients by facilitating revenue-backed transactions. By offering licenses and capital, B54 enables fintech companies across Africa to quickly launch and deliver a range of financial services. This approach supports the growth of the fintech ecosystem in the region, allowing businesses to expand their operations and enhance their service offerings in multiple markets.

Rhaeos is a pioneering company that has developed the world's first wearable shunt monitor, designed to enhance the quality of care for patients with hydrocephalus. Utilizing a novel thermal biosensor, Rhaeos addresses a critical clinical need by offering noninvasive, wireless patches that detect fluid flow in various bodily systems, including blood, lymph, and cerebrospinal fluid. This innovative technology enables timely treatment for chronic medical conditions, particularly in the field of neurosurgery. Founded through collaborative efforts at Northwestern University, Rhaeos exemplifies a multidisciplinary approach, integrating expertise from engineering, medicine, and management to advance patient care.

INOVUES develops non-intrusive retrofit technology that enables building facades and windows to adopt energy-saving and smart glass innovations without removal, replacement, drilling, or altering existing components. The company provides renewable glazing retrofit platforms that allow commercial buildings to upgrade facades with high-ROI, low-carbon solutions, delivering up to 40% reductions in energy consumption, enhanced thermal and acoustic comfort, and increased building value and sustainability.

Vibra is an online crypto-currency application that specializes in investments, blockchain, and funding services.

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, facilitating smoother transactions. The company focuses on enhancing commerce within this industry by providing digital solutions that improve access to auto loans, quality maintenance, aftersales services, and warranty solutions. Its marketplace aims to create a better system for coordinating and maintaining vehicle records, making it easier for car buyers and sellers to engage in the automotive market. Through these initiatives, Autochek seeks to modernize the way automotive transactions are conducted.

Mono is a Nigerian company founded in 2020 that specializes in developing a financial data infrastructure application programming interface (API) platform. The company aims to enhance access to financial accounts and improve onboarding and identification processes across emerging markets in Africa. Mono's platform offers a variety of services, including the generation of bank statements, account verification, payment initiation, and credit checks. By providing businesses with secure and efficient access to crucial financial data, Mono empowers organizations ranging from startups to large enterprises, facilitating their ability to thrive and contribute to economic growth in the region.

Ejara is a mobile investment platform designed specifically for Africa and its diasporas, offering access to a range of investment opportunities, including fractional shares, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The company has developed blockchain-based software that facilitates the trading of investment products globally, allowing users to invest in various companies and manage their portfolios effectively. Ejara also provides features such as interest-saving accounts, which help users save and grow their investments over time. The platform is aimed at empowering traders by enabling them to track their investment performance and enjoy greater trading flexibility.

Pngme is a fintech company that facilitates equal access to finance through its innovative data platform. This platform streamlines the collection, analysis, and usage of financial data for banks, fintechs, and credit bureaus, empowering them to create tailored financial products for underserved populations. Pngme's platform offers one-click data sharing, real-time insights, and credit scoring capabilities, aiming to give individuals control over their data and foster wealth creation by providing equal access to finance.

Mono is a Nigerian company founded in 2020 that specializes in developing a financial data infrastructure application programming interface (API) platform. The company aims to enhance access to financial accounts and improve onboarding and identification processes across emerging markets in Africa. Mono's platform offers a variety of services, including the generation of bank statements, account verification, payment initiation, and credit checks. By providing businesses with secure and efficient access to crucial financial data, Mono empowers organizations ranging from startups to large enterprises, facilitating their ability to thrive and contribute to economic growth in the region.

AppZone Group is a prominent provider of integrated banking and payment software solutions tailored for small and medium-sized financial institutions in Africa. The company offers a comprehensive suite of products, including the BankOne Core Banking platform, which automates key operations such as deposit management, loan administration, financial accounting, and payroll processing. Additionally, AppZone provides an ePayment processing solution that facilitates access to financial services through various channels, including ATMs, POS terminals, and mobile devices. Their systems integration services enhance payment processing capabilities with features like prepaid card management and ATM monitoring. AppZone also offers cloud services that encompass customization, implementation, and ongoing support to ensure optimal performance of their solutions. Established in 2006 and based in Yaba, Nigeria, AppZone aims to empower individuals by providing technology that ensures unlimited access to financial services across the continent.

INOVUES develops non-intrusive retrofit technology that enables building facades and windows to adopt energy-saving and smart glass innovations without removal, replacement, drilling, or altering existing components. The company provides renewable glazing retrofit platforms that allow commercial buildings to upgrade facades with high-ROI, low-carbon solutions, delivering up to 40% reductions in energy consumption, enhanced thermal and acoustic comfort, and increased building value and sustainability.

LipaLater operates a lending marketplace that facilitates postpaid payments for consumers shopping at e-commerce stores. It offers a risk-free, point-of-sale credit option, enabling customers to purchase goods online and pay in affordable monthly installments.

Kountable operates a global platform that facilitates trade between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and multinational suppliers. Founded in 2014, the company uses data-driven insights and real-time information to provide trust, transparency, and auditability in transactions. Kountable's secure, cloud-based technology enables SMEs to efficiently complete large-scale projects for governments, NGOs, and corporates worldwide. With offices in San Francisco, Nairobi, Kigali, and The Hague, the company contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals through its operations.

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, facilitating smoother transactions. The company focuses on enhancing commerce within this industry by providing digital solutions that improve access to auto loans, quality maintenance, aftersales services, and warranty solutions. Its marketplace aims to create a better system for coordinating and maintaining vehicle records, making it easier for car buyers and sellers to engage in the automotive market. Through these initiatives, Autochek seeks to modernize the way automotive transactions are conducted.

SeamlessHR Limited is a human resource technology software company based in Lagos, Nigeria, founded in 2013. It specializes in creating enterprise-grade, cloud-based HR solutions designed to automate and optimize the entire HR process for medium to large-sized organizations. The company's comprehensive product suite includes a Recruitment Management System, HR Information System (HRIS), Performance and Competency Management, Payroll Management, Leave Management, and Learning Management System, among other modules. These tools facilitate various HR functions such as recruitment, training, payroll processing, performance evaluation, and analytics, enabling businesses to streamline their human resource operations from recruitment to retirement. Additionally, SeamlessHR provides embedded finance solutions that enhance financial security for both employers and employees.

Mono is a Nigerian company founded in 2020 that specializes in developing a financial data infrastructure application programming interface (API) platform. The company aims to enhance access to financial accounts and improve onboarding and identification processes across emerging markets in Africa. Mono's platform offers a variety of services, including the generation of bank statements, account verification, payment initiation, and credit checks. By providing businesses with secure and efficient access to crucial financial data, Mono empowers organizations ranging from startups to large enterprises, facilitating their ability to thrive and contribute to economic growth in the region.

AppZone Group is a prominent provider of integrated banking and payment software solutions tailored for small and medium-sized financial institutions in Africa. The company offers a comprehensive suite of products, including the BankOne Core Banking platform, which automates key operations such as deposit management, loan administration, financial accounting, and payroll processing. Additionally, AppZone provides an ePayment processing solution that facilitates access to financial services through various channels, including ATMs, POS terminals, and mobile devices. Their systems integration services enhance payment processing capabilities with features like prepaid card management and ATM monitoring. AppZone also offers cloud services that encompass customization, implementation, and ongoing support to ensure optimal performance of their solutions. Established in 2006 and based in Yaba, Nigeria, AppZone aims to empower individuals by providing technology that ensures unlimited access to financial services across the continent.

Founded in 2016, CNote is a women-led impact investment platform dedicated to fostering economic inclusion. It offers innovative financial products, such as CNote Savings, which provides competitive returns while investing in female-led businesses, affordable housing, and underserved communities across America.

Pngme is a fintech company that facilitates equal access to finance through its innovative data platform. This platform streamlines the collection, analysis, and usage of financial data for banks, fintechs, and credit bureaus, empowering them to create tailored financial products for underserved populations. Pngme's platform offers one-click data sharing, real-time insights, and credit scoring capabilities, aiming to give individuals control over their data and foster wealth creation by providing equal access to finance.

LipaLater operates a lending marketplace that facilitates postpaid payments for consumers shopping at e-commerce stores. It offers a risk-free, point-of-sale credit option, enabling customers to purchase goods online and pay in affordable monthly installments.

Carry1st is a full-stack publisher of mobile social games and interactive content focused on frontier markets, particularly Africa. Founded in 2018, it handles publishing, distribution, localization, user acquisition, marketing, monetization, and customer experience for partner games, enabling developers to reach new audiences through global studios. The company operates with a global team across multiple countries and collaborates with leading studios to grow its portfolio in untapped markets. It has raised capital from notable investors, including Riot Games and others, to fund growth and partnerships.

SeamlessHR Limited is a human resource technology software company based in Lagos, Nigeria, founded in 2013. It specializes in creating enterprise-grade, cloud-based HR solutions designed to automate and optimize the entire HR process for medium to large-sized organizations. The company's comprehensive product suite includes a Recruitment Management System, HR Information System (HRIS), Performance and Competency Management, Payroll Management, Leave Management, and Learning Management System, among other modules. These tools facilitate various HR functions such as recruitment, training, payroll processing, performance evaluation, and analytics, enabling businesses to streamline their human resource operations from recruitment to retirement. Additionally, SeamlessHR provides embedded finance solutions that enhance financial security for both employers and employees.

Arcturus provides on-site collection in emerging markets. The company's contact modes are phone and physical address.

Atlas Energy Systems is an energy technology company focused on commercializing thermionic energy conversion, a method that directly transforms heat into electricity without any moving parts. Founded in 2013 and based in Romeoville, Illinois, the company specializes in developing solid-state energy converters aimed at harnessing waste heat from various sources, including industrial processes, concentrated solar power, and advanced nuclear reactors. Its innovative approach involves a patent-pending system that utilizes high-grade heat to release electrons through thermionic emission, which are then collected to generate electricity. By employing modern materials, advanced simulation software, and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, Atlas Energy Systems is revitalizing a 50-year-old technology for contemporary applications. The company's solutions cater to a range of energy needs, enabling the creation of radioisotope batteries and portable nuclear power supplies suitable for defense, space, and remote power applications.

Tivic Health is a bioelectronic therapeutics company that specializes in developing non-invasive medical devices aimed at enhancing healthcare through neuroscience. The company's flagship product, ClearUP Sinus Pain Relief, is a handheld device designed to provide temporary relief from sinus pain and congestion associated with conditions such as nasal allergies and chronic sinusitis. This clinically proven device utilizes ultra-low current electrical waves to activate the body’s natural healing mechanisms, offering an alternative to conventional pharmaceutical treatments. Tivic Health received FDA clearance for ClearUP on January 2, 2019, and began shipping the product in September 2019, marking a significant advancement in the field of bioelectronic medicine.

Workstyle Africa is a company based in Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya, that specializes in developing, operating, and leasing office spaces tailored for startups, entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), freelancers, and consultants. Founded in 2018, the company offers a range of workspace solutions including co-working space, private offices, and meeting and events facilities. Workstyle Africa aims to provide conducive environments that support both emerging startups and established businesses.

Lynk Jobs Limited operates a digital platform that connects informal workers with customers seeking various services, including housekeeping, plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Lynk allows users to describe the projects or tasks they need assistance with and queries professionals that match those descriptions. The platform provides quotes from verified professionals and manages the logistics of service delivery. In addition to connecting service providers and customers, Lynk offers training courses aimed at personal and professional development for its workers. By addressing the challenges faced by informal workers and the households and businesses that require their services, Lynk facilitates effective recruitment, smart job matching, and a customer rating system that helps workers build their skills profiles.

Kashier is a payment management platform that provides commerce and retail businesses with tools to streamline invoicing, subscription billing, and online payments. The platform supports professional, customized invoices, regular billing, and subscription payment automation, allowing companies to accept payments from customers, vendors, and partners across multiple payment methods and channels. Designed to adapt to the evolving needs of fast‑growing businesses, Kashier serves both small startups and large enterprises.

SparkMeter develops smart electricity metering systems and grid management software for underserved markets. Its products include residential and commercial meters, along with software solutions that enhance grid efficiency, enable prepaid billing, and facilitate remote monitoring. Founded in 2012, SparkMeter operates from Washington D.C. and Nairobi, Kenya.

AppZone Group is a prominent provider of integrated banking and payment software solutions tailored for small and medium-sized financial institutions in Africa. The company offers a comprehensive suite of products, including the BankOne Core Banking platform, which automates key operations such as deposit management, loan administration, financial accounting, and payroll processing. Additionally, AppZone provides an ePayment processing solution that facilitates access to financial services through various channels, including ATMs, POS terminals, and mobile devices. Their systems integration services enhance payment processing capabilities with features like prepaid card management and ATM monitoring. AppZone also offers cloud services that encompass customization, implementation, and ongoing support to ensure optimal performance of their solutions. Established in 2006 and based in Yaba, Nigeria, AppZone aims to empower individuals by providing technology that ensures unlimited access to financial services across the continent.

Asoko Insight Limited is a prominent corporate information platform focused on providing comprehensive data on public and private companies in Sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 2014 and headquartered in London, the company aids investors, banks, corporates, and governments in understanding the region's private sector landscapes. Asoko Insight consolidates data on key corporate developments, including incorporation details, management structures, financial indicators, and compliance metrics. It offers extensive company profiles and custom data products such as sector analyses and supply chain mapping, enabling clients to generate commercial leads and conduct due diligence. The company's local research analysts, based in various regional offices, continuously monitor and verify corporate information to ensure accuracy. Asoko is expanding its data collection efforts beyond major economies like Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria, aiming to enhance its offerings across the African continent.

Medsaf is a pharmaceutical platform based in Lagos, Nigeria, that specializes in the delivery of medications to hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics. Founded in 2014, the company offers a range of products, including antacids, antiviral drugs, antiseptics, vaccines, and vitamin supplements, with a focus on making these medications accessible and affordable. Medsaf leverages advanced technologies to enhance the efficiency, safety, and transparency of the pharmaceutical supply chain, incorporating blockchain solutions for tracking and tracing products. Additionally, the company provides a comprehensive service that connects healthcare providers with vetted suppliers and logistics partners, while also offering financing options to facilitate medication procurement. Through its embedded finance platform, Medsaf supports patients and healthcare providers in managing their medication costs effectively.

NGX Bio is an online marketplace that simplifies access to DNA sequencing services for researchers worldwide. The company connects customers with top-tier genomic resources, facilitating the completion of sequencing projects in a single transaction. By sourcing providers with available capacity, NGX Bio enhances cost-effectiveness and efficiency in project execution. The platform offers a comprehensive range of services, including design and planning, sample preparation, sequencing, and data analysis. Additionally, NGX Bio features an online project management tool that aids in sample tracking through the use of barcoded tubes and plates. This integrated approach ensures that clients receive high-quality, rapid, and affordable sequencing solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Lynk Jobs Limited operates a digital platform that connects informal workers with customers seeking various services, including housekeeping, plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Lynk allows users to describe the projects or tasks they need assistance with and queries professionals that match those descriptions. The platform provides quotes from verified professionals and manages the logistics of service delivery. In addition to connecting service providers and customers, Lynk offers training courses aimed at personal and professional development for its workers. By addressing the challenges faced by informal workers and the households and businesses that require their services, Lynk facilitates effective recruitment, smart job matching, and a customer rating system that helps workers build their skills profiles.

KOKO Networks Ltd is a technology company founded in 2014 and based in Nairobi, Kenya, with additional offices in East Africa and India. The company develops a platform aimed at enhancing smart commerce in urban Africa. KOKO's innovative suite of technologies connects suppliers, retailers, and customers, facilitating the delivery of various consumer and business solutions designed to improve quality of life in African cities. Through its operations, KOKO Networks addresses the unique challenges of emerging markets by leveraging technology to streamline commerce and enhance accessibility to essential services.

4G Capital is a Nairobi-based company founded in 2013, dedicated to providing unsecured credit to small business owners in Africa's informal markets. Focused on supporting micro-enterprises, particularly in low-income sectors, the company offers working capital loans alongside bespoke financial literacy training. Utilizing proprietary machine learning technology, 4G Capital delivers tailored credit products and services to clients, enabling them to leverage micro-loans effectively for sustainable business growth. Loans can be accessed rapidly through mobile money, ensuring a streamlined experience for entrepreneurs who often lack traditional forms of credit due to high collateral demands. With a significant emphasis on supporting female traders, rural businesses, and micro-entrepreneurs in various sectors—including agriculture and trade—4G Capital aims to close the substantial finance gap across Africa. The company has achieved impressive collection rates and has expanded its impact to over one million individuals through ongoing operations in Kenya and Uganda, while continuing to scale its services across the continent.

Asoko Insight Limited is a prominent corporate information platform focused on providing comprehensive data on public and private companies in Sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 2014 and headquartered in London, the company aids investors, banks, corporates, and governments in understanding the region's private sector landscapes. Asoko Insight consolidates data on key corporate developments, including incorporation details, management structures, financial indicators, and compliance metrics. It offers extensive company profiles and custom data products such as sector analyses and supply chain mapping, enabling clients to generate commercial leads and conduct due diligence. The company's local research analysts, based in various regional offices, continuously monitor and verify corporate information to ensure accuracy. Asoko is expanding its data collection efforts beyond major economies like Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria, aiming to enhance its offerings across the African continent.

Asoko Insight Limited is a prominent corporate information platform focused on providing comprehensive data on public and private companies in Sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 2014 and headquartered in London, the company aids investors, banks, corporates, and governments in understanding the region's private sector landscapes. Asoko Insight consolidates data on key corporate developments, including incorporation details, management structures, financial indicators, and compliance metrics. It offers extensive company profiles and custom data products such as sector analyses and supply chain mapping, enabling clients to generate commercial leads and conduct due diligence. The company's local research analysts, based in various regional offices, continuously monitor and verify corporate information to ensure accuracy. Asoko is expanding its data collection efforts beyond major economies like Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria, aiming to enhance its offerings across the African continent.

Silvertree Brands is a prominent player in the direct-to-consumer e-commerce sector, specializing in niche markets. Established in 2013 and based in Cape Town, South Africa, the company focuses on purpose-driven brands that offer craft meal kits, food products, natural skincare, and ethical goods. Additionally, it caters to the pet e-commerce market, providing a diverse range of products that align with consumers' values and preferences. Silvertree Brands is dedicated to delivering high-quality, sustainable offerings that meet the growing demand for responsible consumption.

Once Innovations is a privately held corporation that manufactures highly differentiated LED lighting using a visionary approach to research and product development - from unique designs with proprietary technologies through final production and distribution. ONCE was founded in 2008 by current CTO, Zdenko Grajcar considered a pioneering rebel in LED technology for his remarkably unconventional thinking and relentless challenge to the industry status quo. The ONCE technology research, marketing, and product development campus is located in Plymouth, MN United States of America.