Lateral Frontiers VC

Octavia Carbon is the Global South's pioneering Direct Air Capture (DAC) company, focused on developing innovative technology to filter carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. By utilizing Kenya's abundant geothermal energy and geological resources, Octavia Carbon aims to significantly reduce the costs associated with DAC technology. The captured CO2 can be transformed into stable rock formations underground or repurposed as an industrial gas, providing a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. This approach not only addresses climate change but also supports industrial power users in East Africa, contributing to the fight against energy poverty in the region.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

SparkMeter Inc., established in 2012 with headquarters in Washington D.C. and an office in Nairobi, Kenya, specializes in developing electricity metering systems tailored for rural and central utilities in developing markets. The company offers a range of products including SM16R, SM60R, SM60RP, and SM200E meters, catering to residential, large residential, medium commercial, and post-paid customers respectively. Additionally, SparkMeter provides software solutions that enhance grid efficiency, enable microgrids, facilitate prepaid billing, improve customer communications, and allow remote monitoring and control for utilities operating in remote areas.

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.

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.

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.