Lateral Capital

Lateral Capital LLC is a venture capital firm focused on early and growth stage investments in sub-Saharan Africa. The firm specializes in technology-enabled businesses that address critical challenges in sectors such as financial services, healthcare, education, renewable energy, agriculture, housing, and logistics. Lateral Capital makes both debt and equity investments, typically ranging from $0.25 million to $5 million. With its headquarters in New York City and additional offices in Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Lagos, the firm aims to support mission-driven companies that provide foundational technologies and innovative solutions across the continent.

Ochuwa Akhigbe-Ogionwo

Operating Principal

Garikai Govati

Venture Partner

Kyane Kassiri

Senior Associate

Past deals in Southeastern Africa

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.

LipaLater

Venture Round in 2021
Lipa Later is a facility that provides electronic loans, business loans, and salary loans to individuals and businesses in the low to middle income bracket in Kenya. The company is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

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.

Carry1st

Seed Round in 2020
ADG Technology Inc. designs and develops interactive mobile applications for African consumers. The company matches gaming demand in Africa to the youth’s demands. The company's products include Carry1st Trivia and Hyper! games. ADG Technology Inc. was founded in 2018 and is based in New York, New York.

LipaLater

Seed Round in 2020
Lipa Later is a facility that provides electronic loans, business loans, and salary loans to individuals and businesses in the low to middle income bracket in Kenya. The company is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Workstyle

Seed Round in 2019
Workstyle Africa, founded in 2018 and located in Westlands, Nairobi, specializes in developing, operating, and leasing office spaces tailored for startups, entrepreneurs, SMEs, freelancers, and consultants. The company offers a range of options including co-working spaces, private offices, dedicated desks, virtual office services, and meeting rooms. By providing conducive and flexible work environments, Workstyle Africa aims to support businesses at various stages of growth, fostering collaboration and networking opportunities among its clients.

Lynk Jobs

Venture Round in 2019
Lynk Jobs Limited operates a digital platform that connects informal workers with households and businesses seeking various services. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Lynk provides a network of professionals and artisans across multiple categories, including cleaning, plumbing, cooking, painting, carpentry, and wellness. Users can describe their project or service needs, receive quotes from verified professionals, and benefit from streamlined logistics. The platform also focuses on addressing the challenges faced by informal workers by facilitating effective recruitment, smart job matching, and a customer rating system that enables workers to enhance their skills profile. Additionally, Lynk offers training courses aimed at personal and professional development for its network of service providers.

SparkMeter

Seed Round in 2018
SparkMeter, Inc. specializes in developing electricity metering systems tailored for rural and central utilities in developing markets. The company offers a range of products, including the SM16R for residential customers, the SM60R for larger residential needs, the SM60RP for medium commercial or industrial clients, and the SM200E for post-paid metering of large customers. In addition to hardware, SparkMeter provides software solutions designed to improve grid efficiency and asset performance for microgrids and distribution utilities in remote areas. Their offerings facilitate prepaid billing, enhance customer communication, and enable remote monitoring and control. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., with an additional office in Nairobi, Kenya, SparkMeter aims to increase access to electricity in underserved markets and hard-to-reach locations.

KOKO Networks

Seed Round in 2017
KOKO Networks Ltd is a technology company founded in 2014 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. It operates in emerging markets, particularly in East Africa and India, focusing on smart commerce solutions. KOKO Networks offers a unique platform that connects suppliers, retailers, and customers, facilitating the delivery of various consumer and business services aimed at enhancing urban life in Africa. By leveraging its technology, KOKO Networks aims to improve accessibility and efficiency in commerce, contributing to the development of urban economies in the region.

4G Capital

Seed Round in 2016
4G Capital, founded in 2013 and based in Nairobi, Kenya, specializes in providing instant access to credit for small businesses in Africa, particularly targeting the informal market. The company offers unsecured debt funding and financial literacy training tailored for micro-enterprises, including micro-business owners, rural traders, and female entrepreneurs. With a focus on enhancing sustainable growth, 4G Capital employs proprietary machine learning technology to gain insights into traditionally underserved sectors, allowing them to design scalable credit products that align with their clients’ financial circumstances. Clients can access loans via mobile money in under two minutes, facilitating quick and efficient funding. The company addresses the significant finance gap faced by micro and small enterprises in Africa, which often struggle to secure credit due to stringent collateral requirements. 4G Capital has achieved impressive metrics, including a collection rate exceeding 94% and a notable increase in client revenues. With operations in Kenya and Uganda, 4G Capital is expanding its reach across the continent, aiming to positively impact over 1 million people while fostering financial literacy and business success.