Village Capital

BeSingularity is a platform helping businesses achieve their customer acquisition, retention, and business growth goals. The company is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

ICT for Development Kenya reaches out to undeserved communities in East Africa offering Technology literacy.

Stars From All Nations (SFAN) is a high impact social venture established with precise vision to raise the next generation of African leaders through the accomplishment of the following goals: Help young people have a smooth transition from college to career through mentorship, capacity development and job/internship placement. Offer opportunities for youths to turn their passion into a business or career by creating platforms for networking, incubation and funding. Train young people to give back to their communities through positive social actions. Although there have been tremendous improvements in the business practices in Africa, the challenge lies in integrating youths into the workforce. Obviously there is a big disconnect because in as much as the economy is expanding and domestic demand is increasing, job creation is not, hence the growing youth unemployment rate in Africa.

Fundi App is an on demand mobile application that connects vetted handymen providing different types of installation, repair and maintenance services in the informal sector to customers in the wider market. Our software is designed to match demand with nearest skilled individuals available in real-time. Lack of access to decent work for the skilled youth in Africa is a big challenge. The African Development Bank(Afdb) estimates that 11 million youth enter the labour market every year but only 3 million new jobs are created. Over 70% of all labour market entrants end up either unemployed or underemployed in the highly fragmented informal sector. Most informal workers, both self-employed and wage earners, face issues such as low productivity, low wages and unsustainable livelihoods. As a result of these, there is a significant, but not complete, overlap between working informally and being poor. At the same time, customers experience hardship in locating service providers who prioritize quality, affordability and reliability. Existing solutions offer contacts scattered across the web that are often not vetted which makes the process risky, expensive and time consuming for the customer. Our mission is to use technology to provide access to decent work and stable economic opportunities for youth in sub-Saharan Africa. We believe this to be key to building thriving communities.

Terawork operates a freelancers' marketplace designed to connect businesses with skilled professionals for various projects. Its platform facilitates the search and hiring of vetted freelancers, allowing clients to post job offers and receive proposals from qualified talents globally. The service is free for both freelancers and clients, promoting accessibility and ease of use. Terawork incorporates an escrow payment system, ensuring that funds are secured until the client approves the completed work, thereby fostering trust between parties. The platform also features a two-way review system, enabling clients and freelancers to rate each other, which helps set expectations for future collaborations. By eliminating traditional outsourcing barriers, Terawork not only enhances the client experience but also supports freelancers in showcasing their skills and building their professional profiles. Ultimately, Terawork aims to create economic opportunities by bridging the gap between businesses and independent professionals across various industries.

Gradely.ng Limited operates a personalized learning platform designed for secondary school students in Nigeria. Founded in 2019 and based in Yaba, the platform utilizes artificial intelligence to provide tailored learning materials, including online tutorials and video lessons, along with exam preparation resources. Gradely employs analytics to identify learning gaps, enabling real-time intervention for students through adaptive homework tests accessible via web and mobile devices. The platform assists teachers by offering pre-set questions, currently focused on mathematics, which align with WASCCE and Cambridge curriculum topics. Teachers can easily assign homework and deadlines, while progress reports are generated for teachers, parents, and schools. Gradely's system continuously adapts by integrating previously unmastered topics with new ones, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

Wootlab is a software development and talent management platform focused on creating employment opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed youth through technical upskilling.

Urbansense is an on-demand service app that connects local vetted service providers with customers, regardless of the complexity of the job.

Afrilearn is an online education platform designed to enhance access to quality education for primary and secondary school students. It offers a subscription-based service that includes unlimited videos, audio lessons, class notes, quiz practice, ready-made content, and live classes. By utilizing skilled tutors, animators, and developers, Afrilearn provides personalized educational resources that cover the complete curriculum, allowing students to study relevant subjects and topics at their convenience. This approach aims to make world-class education affordable and accessible to a wider audience.

Angaza Elimu is an ed-tech company focused on transforming education in Kenya and across Africa by addressing challenges in classroom efficiency and access to educational resources. The organization provides a comprehensive e-Learning platform that simplifies classroom management, allowing teachers to dedicate more time to effective instruction. It features a Student Portal designed to engage learners and foster critical thinking skills. Angaza Elimu also emphasizes skill-based learning to prepare African youth for success in a digital economy. Additionally, the company offers supplemental STEM training to cultivate innovation among young learners and operates an Internet of Things (IoT) school to provide hands-on training in hardware engineering, enabling students to learn both in and out of the classroom at their own pace.

WorkNasi Plus is a platform empowering businesses in Africa by connecting them to the best-skilled freelancers and remote workers from across the continent.

Tustawi is an e-learning specialist for professional development in Kenya, using technology to develop job-specific and market-relevant customized training.

DriversNG Recruitment Services Ltd. is an online platform dedicated to recruiting verified and professionally trained drivers for individuals, companies, and organizations across Nigeria. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Lagos, with an additional office in Abuja, the company offers drivers for various needs, including full-term, short-term, on-demand, and ride-sharing services. Operating through both a website and a mobile application, DriversNG serves multiple cities, including Lagos, Abeokuta, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, Benin, Ibadan, Benue, Kaduna, and Delta. The company's focus on reliability and professionalism aims to meet the growing demand for qualified drivers in the region.

Eneza Education Limited, founded in 2011 and based in Nairobi, Kenya, specializes in providing mobile technology-based education services. The company offers a virtual tutor and teacher's assistant, enabling students and teachers to access curriculum-aligned courses, assessments, and interactive support from live instructors via mobile devices. Its platform includes locally-adapted tutorials, tips, assessments, and features such as a leaderboard and live teacher chat, accessible through various formats including USSD/SMS, a web app, an offline desktop app, and an Android app. Eneza Education targets individual parents, students, and teachers with subscription-based access to its educational resources, ensuring that learners across Kenya, from urban centers to rural areas, can benefit from comprehensive, on-demand educational support.

CoffeeChat is a coaching-as-a-service platform that enables companies to offer one-on-one executive coaching for their managers.

Yu’sure connects established insurance providers with unemployed youth.

A technology platform that matches demand and supply for wellness services thereby maximising capacity and usage by minimising wasted space for professionals and speeding convenience for consumers.

Utiva provides digital skill training for individuals and organizations. It combines classroom training with online learning experiences; and provides a platform that allows remote interaction with facilitators and AI support for knowledge and skills. The company offers training in the areas of data science, agile development, growth hacking, product innovation, machine learning and AI, and platform development. Utiva was founded in 2017 and is based in Washington, District of Columbia with additional offices in Edinburgh, United Kingdom and Lagos, Nigeria.

Irawo is a community dedicated to empowering young Africans to monetize their talents. It serves as a platform where individuals can draw inspiration from relatable role models and gain practical knowledge on transforming their passions into viable careers. Offering a range of educational programs tailored by experienced experts, Irawo provides valuable resources and support for business development, career advancement, and personal branding. Through various events and initiatives, it fosters connections among young people, making it the largest platform in Africa focused on helping them pursue their ambitions and thrive in their chosen fields.

Operator of an online job marketplace intended to fast-track the landing of employment opportunities that match competencies. The company's portal addresses junior-level job seekers' career progression needs by providing a mixture of technical skills assessment tools and personalized career services, enabling employers and employees to find a match and offer many opportunities in one single platform.

Ecomake Innovation provides practical engineering skills training and hands-on STEM skills to students for employment.

Afrilearn is an online education platform designed to enhance access to quality education for primary and secondary school students. It offers a subscription-based service that includes unlimited videos, audio lessons, class notes, quiz practice, ready-made content, and live classes. By utilizing skilled tutors, animators, and developers, Afrilearn provides personalized educational resources that cover the complete curriculum, allowing students to study relevant subjects and topics at their convenience. This approach aims to make world-class education affordable and accessible to a wider audience.

Youverify Inc. is a company based in Lewes, Delaware, founded in 2017, that specializes in identity verification and background screening. The company offers a platform that confirms users' identity documents and facial biometrics, cross-referencing this data with over 300 local and global databases. Additionally, Youverify assists businesses and individuals in verifying physical addresses across Sub-Saharan Africa through a network of more than 20,000 field verification officers, achieving results in less than 48 hours. By providing a comprehensive API for identity and address verification, Youverify addresses the needs of the digital industry in Africa, enhancing security with features such as identity fraud detection and encrypted data privacy.

Complete Farmer Ltd. is an agricultural services company based in Accra, Ghana, established in 2017. It focuses on building and managing crop farms while offering a digital agriculture platform that connects industries with quality farm produce. The company utilizes Internet of Things technology and machine learning algorithms to enable farm owners to monitor their crops and farming processes effectively. Complete Farmer's crowd-farming platform allows individuals to invest in sustainable farming, promoting food security and nutritious eating. By eliminating middlemen and farm produce aggregators, the platform provides a streamlined approach to sourcing quality crop commodities, thereby helping clients gain a competitive advantage in various agricultural value chains. Additionally, Complete Farmer offers education and training to farmers, ensuring that they meet industry specifications and quality standards.

ReelFruit is a Nigerian company that specializes in producing and distributing dried fruit snacks and beverages. Founded in 2012 in Lagos, the company offers a variety of products, including dried mango, pineapple, cashew nuts, and fruit and nut mixes. These products are aimed at providing a nutritious alternative to fresh fruits. ReelFruit serves a diverse customer base, including local and international airlines, schools, hotels, and restaurants, and also sells its snacks online. The company began its journey in a modest apartment and launched its first products in 2013, gaining significant traction by partnering with local retailers. By focusing on locally sourced ingredients, ReelFruit ensures that its offerings are both fresh and nutrient-rich.

Jokkolabs is a unique environment where entrepreneurs, creatives and innovators can develop their business quickly. They maintain physical and virtual international network of entrepreneurs sharing of open and collaborative values. They offer a quality framework where they can work, meet, collaborate, network, learn and have fun. In a community innovation approach with peers and enriching diversity, they allow all of the opportunities available to them to release their talent and participate actively in community life.

Operator of an innovation and training ecosystem intended for the emergence of global solutions. The company educates young entrepreneurs and promotes excellence in Africa with ecosystem development, access to training, and business acceleration, startup and corporate success, enabling the entrepreneurial market, and startups to foster business, creativity, and sharing.

Piggyvest enables Nigerian debit card holders save little amounts of money frequently with minimal effort. They automate the process of saving tiny amounts daily, weekly, or monthly; and then allowing you to withdraw for free on only set withdrawal dates thereby practically making saving more possible for you by eliminating the temptation to withdraw. Piggyvest is a platform that helps individuals and businesses manage their finances effectively - save and invest with ease. As Piggybank.ng, Piggyvest operated in partnership with 2 Microfinance banks and used their licenses. However, in early 2018, Piggyvest acquired Gold Microfinance bank and its license. Piggyvest is also a registered cooperative- Piggytech Cooperative Multipurpose Society Limited (Registration number, 16555). All saved funds are now warehoused with and managed by AIICO Capital, the leading asset management company in Nigeria, registered and licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Riby, a finance technology company, provides a finance management platform for cooperatives, company groups, employees, individuals, associations, and financial development institutions. The company is based in Lagos, Nigeria.

Social Lender is a lending solution based on social reputation on mobile, online and social media platforms.

Tulaa combines mobile technology and last mile agent networks to connect agri-input suppliers, financial service providers and commodity buyers to smallholder farmers. The aim is to lower the cost and risk for the partners to do business with farmers.

Mazima Retirement Plan engages in helping those working in the formal sector save for retirement.

Ensibuuko is a Ugandan startup founded in 2014 that develops cloud-based micro-finance software tailored for community-level financial entities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The company's software provides essential banking solutions, allowing users to access their accounts via mobile phones, where they can check balances, make deposits, and withdraw funds. Designed to function effectively even in areas with poor telecom infrastructure, Ensibuuko's software includes standard accounting and reporting features, thus enhancing the viability and competitiveness of community microfinance schemes. By offering affordable financial products and services, Ensibuuko aims to support the growth of local businesses and improve financial access in rural communities.

Patasente is a factoring platform aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), traders, and farmers. The platform facilitates access to credit, allowing users to purchase and pay for goods on favorable terms. Through its web and mobile applications, as well as a durable payment card, Patasente enables users to manage transactions effectively both in physical stores and online. By offering these services, the platform helps farmers, warehouses, and factories enhance their earnings, lower expenses, and improve cash flow.

Annona is the select tool for creating a traceable global food ecosystem. Annona is a mobile and web-based platform that global suppliers use to manage their farmer supplies, payments and aggregate crop production.

Baby Grubz is a social enterprise based in Lagos, Nigeria, founded in 2013, that focuses on providing nutrition solutions for infants. The company produces a variety of affordable dried homemade cereals, grains, fruits, vegetables, and condiments designed to create nutritious and convenient meals for babies. Its product line includes organic infant cereals, meals, snacks, and fresh homemade options aimed at addressing moderate malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. By offering these wholesome food products, Baby Grubz enables parents to enhance the nutritional status of their children effectively.

Piggyvest enables Nigerian debit card holders save little amounts of money frequently with minimal effort. They automate the process of saving tiny amounts daily, weekly, or monthly; and then allowing you to withdraw for free on only set withdrawal dates thereby practically making saving more possible for you by eliminating the temptation to withdraw. Piggyvest is a platform that helps individuals and businesses manage their finances effectively - save and invest with ease. As Piggybank.ng, Piggyvest operated in partnership with 2 Microfinance banks and used their licenses. However, in early 2018, Piggyvest acquired Gold Microfinance bank and its license. Piggyvest is also a registered cooperative- Piggytech Cooperative Multipurpose Society Limited (Registration number, 16555). All saved funds are now warehoused with and managed by AIICO Capital, the leading asset management company in Nigeria, registered and licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Olivine Technology, established in January 2010, is a software company that focuses on creating automated data capture tools designed to streamline data management processes for small and medium-sized enterprises. The company's solutions integrate with leading third-party systems such as Quickbooks, Sage Evolution, SAP Business 1, SPSS, and Mpesa, addressing challenges related to the high costs and lengthy durations typically associated with data capture, transmission, organization, reporting, and analysis. Olivine's applications facilitate real-time monitoring of inventory and sales across various distribution sites, including warehouses, stores, and sales vans, enabling seamless connectivity between multiple locations and their respective head offices.

TalentBase Nigeria Limited specializes in developing cloud-based human resources management software designed to streamline HR processes for businesses. The platform allows organizations to maintain comprehensive employee records, manage roles, and visualize organizational structures. It offers tools for tracking employee performance through custom KPIs, monitoring vacation schedules, and generating attendance reports. Additionally, TalentBase facilitates the verification of personnel records, including criminal checks and employment history, and provides automated reminders for staff events. The software also supports document sharing and connects users with vetted HR consultants for advice on various HR matters. By offering an affordable payroll solution, TalentBase aims to simplify HR management for African small and medium-sized enterprises, enhancing efficiency and organization in their HR operations. The company is headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria.

PayGo Energy is a company based in Kenya that specializes in developing metering systems for pre-paid cooking gas. Founded in 2014, the company aims to provide clean cooking fuel through a pay-as-you-go model, which allows customers to purchase gas gradually using mobile money. Its patented device connects a gas cylinder to a cloud service, enabling real-time monitoring of gas consumption and predicting when refills are needed. This innovative approach addresses the challenges associated with traditional cooking fuels, which often have detrimental environmental and health impacts, particularly in underserved communities. By offering an accessible and efficient energy solution, PayGo Energy seeks to improve the quality of life for millions who rely on inefficient biomass fuels.

LipaMobile operates an integrated cashless payment platform called Xuldime, designed to facilitate financial transactions among parents, school administrators, and vendors in the educational sector. This service addresses the needs of parents with variable incomes by allowing them to manage school fees, supplies, and services through manageable, periodic payments rather than lump sums. In addition to processing payments, LipaMobile's platform includes features such as a lunch pocket money tool for students and various fee collection options, streamlining the transfer of funds and enhancing the financial experience within schools. The platform emphasizes security in sending and receiving mobile money, making it a valuable resource for families and educational institutions alike.

ARED Group, founded in 2013 and based in Kigali, Rwanda, operates a multi-service solar kiosk platform designed to enhance access to digital services in Africa, particularly for low-income individuals. The company offers a range of services, including Internet Wi-Fi, intranet solutions for offline users, phone charging, mobile money, prepaid electricity, airtime, and tax payment services. ARED has developed a mini-server platform that stores digital applications closer to users, reducing internet costs and facilitating access. With approximately 142 kiosks across Rwanda and Uganda, ARED serves around 150,000 unique customers annually and processes over 500,000 digital transactions each year. The company has recently expanded its offerings to include smart data and content management systems for businesses, helping clients such as telecom companies and NGOs optimize their networks and enhance user engagement. ARED's operations have also extended to Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Nigeria, reflecting its commitment to scaling its impact across the region.

PayGo Energy is a company based in Kenya that specializes in developing metering systems for pre-paid cooking gas. Founded in 2014, the company aims to provide clean cooking fuel through a pay-as-you-go model, which allows customers to purchase gas gradually using mobile money. Its patented device connects a gas cylinder to a cloud service, enabling real-time monitoring of gas consumption and predicting when refills are needed. This innovative approach addresses the challenges associated with traditional cooking fuels, which often have detrimental environmental and health impacts, particularly in underserved communities. By offering an accessible and efficient energy solution, PayGo Energy seeks to improve the quality of life for millions who rely on inefficient biomass fuels.

The Farmerline vision is to see an Africa where Agriculture NGO’s are not a functioning force in the market. Farmerline provides paid services that allow farmers to have the information and access they need to employ an entrepreneurial method of farming. Input dealers and traders pay for more efficient communication channels to farmers and farmers pay for information packages and services. In this vision, more food is produce, more food gets to market, and GDP from cash crop export soars.

Atikus Investments Incorporated offers credit insurance on loans for micro, small, and medium sized enterprises. Through its product J.E.M. Guard, the company focuses on increasing the proportion of loans granted to women and underserved demographics. Additionally, it provides LoanSkout, which is a mobile loan origination and administration application and FINCH, which is its SMS-enabled outreach tool. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is based in New York, New York with a location in Kigali, Rwanda.

Lekki Peninsula Affordable Schools is a low-cost private school chain in Nigeria focused on providing high-quality education to low-income families. Established as a social enterprise, it aims to make education accessible to those at the bottom of the economic pyramid through an all-inclusive fee structure that covers tuition, books, uniforms, examinations, and additional lessons. The schools also offer a flexible payment system, allowing families to pay fees on a weekly basis if needed. In addition to academic instruction, Lekki Peninsula Affordable Schools emphasizes a safe and clean learning environment, incorporating extra-curricular activities such as sports, drama, and leadership training to foster socially responsible and economically productive lives among its students.

EDOM is a Kenya-based fortified flour and enriched porridge producer mitigating malnutrition in Sub-Sarahan Africa through a BoP-targeted sales strategy. The business has achieved a 68% revenue CAGR since inception, 4-fold net margin increase in 2013, and has a 4,000+ smallholder farmer network in Uganda and Kenya. With I-DEV support, EDOM has engaged a leading global impact investor to secure the first tranche of a multi-stage investment which will be used to provide WC and M&E financing to double production and extend BoP outreach.

Lipisha is a Nairobi-based company that specializes in mobile payment solutions for businesses in Africa. It develops a platform that allows small business owners to automate the processing of non-cash payments, such as mobile money and card transactions, directly into their bank accounts. The platform supports various mobile money channels and incorporates advanced data encryption and anti-fraud measures to ensure secure transactions. Additionally, Lipisha provides users with robust reporting tools that enable them to analyze and manage their payment data effectively. By facilitating the integration and automation of mobile payments, Lipisha aims to enhance financial efficiency for its clients.

Access Afya is focused on enhancing healthcare accessibility for low-income populations in Kenya through its innovative mini-clinic model. By leveraging advanced health technologies, Access Afya provides a modern healthcare operating system designed specifically for emerging economies. The clinics offer a wide range of primary care services, including authentic medication, immunization, family planning, and care delivered by qualified clinicians. This approach enables residents of slum communities to receive timely and effective healthcare services, addressing critical health needs in underserved areas.