Investors in East Africa

Showing 1-50 out of 756 matches

Beyond Capital

Beyond Capital is a nonprofit organization based in New York that focuses on impact investing in for-profit, early-stage companies across East Africa and India. Established in 2009, it aims to enhance the quality of life for consumers in low-income communities by investing in businesses that improve access to healthcare, sanitation, clean energy, agriculture, food security, and financial inclusion. While the organization seeks to achieve market-rate financial returns, its nonprofit structure allows it to prioritize its social mission alongside financial goals, aligning its investments with a commitment to fostering positive social change.
Made 3 investments in East Africa

AHL Venture Partners

Founded in 2007, AHL Venture Partners is a venture capital firm specializing in growth capital investments. It focuses on sectors such as energy access, financial inclusion, agriculture, and climate across Eastern and Southern Africa, with offices in Vancouver, Nairobi, Lusaka, and Accra.
Made 11 investments in East Africa

Novastar Ventures

Novastar Ventures is a Kenya-headquartered venture capital firm that supports startups and growth-stage companies across Africa. It partners with bold entrepreneurs to build and scale business models that serve the mass market, with a focus on sectors including healthcare, education, energy, housing and sanitation, agribusiness, food, water, information technology and financial services. The firm targets opportunities in East and West Africa and maintains offices in Nairobi, Lagos and London to connect multiple centres of activity. Rather than a traditional fund manager, it acts as a venture catalyst, helping entrepreneurs design innovative solutions, access capital, and achieve durable impact for people and markets across the continent.
Made 26 investments in East Africa

Acumen

Acumen is a nonprofit organization established in 2001 and based in New York City, with additional offices in Mumbai, Nairobi, Karachi, and Accra. The organization is dedicated to poverty eradication by raising charitable funds to invest in early-stage companies that provide essential services such as clean energy, healthcare, education, agricultural inputs, formal housing, and safe drinking water to low-income communities. Acumen has made significant investments totaling $128 million in 128 companies across 14 countries, impacting the lives of over 308 million individuals. The organization collaborates with notable partners, including the Rockefeller Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Google.org, to address critical challenges faced by underserved populations.
Made 13 investments in East Africa

British International Investment

Established in 1948, British International Investment is a UK government-backed development finance institution and impact investor. It focuses on long-term economic growth and sustainability in emerging markets by investing in infrastructure, health, agribusiness, and other sectors.
Made 36 investments in East Africa

Google for Startups

Google for Startups is an initiative supporting global startups. It offers access to Google's products, connections, and best practices through a network of partners in over 135 countries. The program aims to help determined startups succeed.
Made 29 investments in East Africa

Renew Capital

Renew Capital is an investment firm focused on Africa, bridging critical gaps for growing African businesses by connecting them with global impact investors.
Made 11 investments in East Africa

TBL Mirror Fund

TBL Mirror Fund is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Nairobi, Kenya, with an additional office in Kortenhoef, Netherlands. It focuses on investing in small and medium-sized enterprises in East Africa and Nigeria, primarily through equity or quasi-equity instruments and does not engage in debt financing. The firm targets early to mid-stage companies across information and communications technology, healthcare, and consumer goods sectors, including software, business process outsourcing, IT services, telecom infrastructure, mobile operator services, pharmaceuticals and medical services, clinics and hospitals, and logistics and retail. Typical investment sizes range from €100,000 to €3.5 million, with a preference for €500,000 to €1 million, and investments often accompany board representation and significant minority stakes. The partnership aims for five to seven-year hold periods and seeks to co-invest with strategic investors and partners to add value through hands-on involvement and expertise.
Made 5 investments in East Africa

Catalyst Fund

Catalyst Fund is an inclusive FinTech accelerator focused on supporting early-stage startups that create innovative financial solutions for the underserved populations in emerging markets. Since its inception in 2016, the Fund has worked to accelerate local innovation ecosystems by providing resources and guidance to entrepreneurs developing affordable and accessible financial services tailored to low-income demographics. It is backed by significant philanthropic support from organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and JPMorgan Chase & Co., and is managed by BFA Global with fiscal sponsorship from Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. Through its initiatives, Catalyst Fund aims to enhance industry knowledge and develop customized tools to empower the next billion users in digital financial services.
Made 8 investments in East Africa

SunFunder

SunFunder Inc. is a solar energy finance company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in providing various forms of financing to solar energy enterprises, particularly in emerging markets. Founded in 2012, the company offers short-term working capital, inventory, construction, and structured finance loans to solar product distributors, manufacturers, and project developers primarily in East and West Africa, as well as Asia. SunFunder's mission is to catalyze the development of solar energy infrastructure by leveraging its expertise in the solar market and facilitating efficient due diligence processes. By acting as a financial intermediary, SunFunder enables investors to engage in high-impact, fixed-income debt offerings that support the growth of solar assets in regions with inadequate energy access.
Made 8 investments in East Africa

U.S. International Development Finance Corp

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) serves as America's development bank, focusing on financing solutions to pressing challenges in the developing world. DFC collaborates with the private sector to invest in projects that foster job creation in emerging markets across various sectors, including energy, healthcare, critical infrastructure, telecommunications, and support for small businesses and women entrepreneurs. The corporation is committed to adhering to high standards that prioritize environmental sustainability, human rights, and worker rights in all its investments.
Made 20 investments in East Africa

Trade and Development Bank -TDB

The Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB), established in 1985, is a multilateral development financial institution with assets exceeding US$ 5 billion. Its mandate focuses on financing trade, promoting regional economic integration, and supporting sustainable development through various services, including trade finance, project and infrastructure finance, asset management, and business advisory services. Over the past five years, TDB has expanded its shareholder base from 19 to 35 members, which includes 22 Member States from the COMESA, EAC, and SADC regions, alongside 2 non-African countries and 11 institutional investors. During this period, the bank has seen a significant increase in shareholder equity funds by 150% and annual net profits by 100%, while successfully halving its non-performing loans. TDB operates regional offices in Nairobi, Harare, and Addis Ababa, with principal offices located in Bujumbura and Port-Louis.
Made 4 investments in East Africa

Microsoft

Microsoft is a multinational corporation that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells software products and services. Its offerings include the Windows operating system, Microsoft Office suite, server products like Windows Server and SQL Server, business solutions such as Dynamics, cloud services through Azure, hardware devices like Surface and Xbox, and online advertising platforms.
Made 7 investments in East Africa

E4EAfrica

E4EAfrica, known as Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs, is focused on supporting early-stage ventures in South Africa, ranging from pre-series A to scale-up phases. The organization aims to identify and nurture smart entrepreneurs and innovative business ideas that not only have the potential for growth but also contribute positively to the development of South Africa. E4EAfrica's mission is to empower entrepreneurs, fostering an environment where impactful businesses can thrive and help improve the socio-economic landscape of the region.
Made 3 investments in East Africa

Proparco

Proparco is a Paris-based organization established in 1977 that specializes in providing private sector funding for sustainable development initiatives. It focuses on financing and supporting companies and financial institutions across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Proparco targets key development sectors, including infrastructure—especially renewable energy—agriculture, financial institutions, health, and education. The organization aims to enhance the role of private entities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the international community in 2015. By financing projects that create jobs, provide essential goods and services, and combat climate change, Proparco contributes to sustainable economic growth and development. Its financing solutions include loans, guarantees, equity, and quasi-equity options tailored to the needs of the private sector.
Made 12 investments in East Africa

SilverStreet Capital

SilverStreet Capital LLP is a privately owned investment advisory firm founded in 2007 and based in Cobham, United Kingdom, with additional offices in London, Harare, and Cape Town. The firm specializes in managing funds focused on African agriculture, aiming to achieve positive long-term social, environmental, and climate impacts while delivering attractive returns for institutional investors, including pension funds, insurance companies, endowments, and foundations. SilverStreet Capital invests across the agricultural value chain, engaging in various sectors such as seed production, primary farming, processing, storage, and trading in several countries across Southern and East Africa. The firm emphasizes socially responsible investing and is committed to fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

Surya Capital

Established in 2005, Surya Capital is a principal investment firm focused on high-growth markets in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly East Africa and Ethiopia. The company provides patient and flexible financial capital to businesses, combining it with operational expertise through strategic partnerships. Surya Capital's experienced team works with entrepreneurs to refine strategies, enhance competitive advantage, execute growth plans, and improve organizational capabilities.
Made 1 investment in East Africa

African Infrastructure Investment Managers

African Infrastructure Investment Managers actively manages private equity infrastructure funds, investing long-term institutional unlisted equity in African infrastructure projects across East, West, and Southern Africa. With USD1.9 billion under management, the firm focuses on sectors such as roads, airports, power, telecommunications, rail, ports, water, and social infrastructure.
Made 3 investments in East Africa

Zephyr Management

Zephyr Management is a venture capital and private equity firm focused on middle-market and growth investments, including venture, growth equity, buyouts, and turnaround opportunities. It provides capital to small and medium enterprises across sectors such as financial services, business services, manufacturing, education, logistics, agriculture and food, packaging, telecommunications, distribution, environmental and facilities services, travel and publishing, healthcare, and consumer products. The firm typically takes both majority and minority stakes in companies with revenues roughly $30 million to $300 million and EBITDA between $2 million and $50 million, investing from about $0.2 million up to $75 million per deal. It targets opportunities in emerging markets and globally, with offices in New York, Bangalore, Nairobi, London, Mexico City, and the Cayman Islands.

Shona

Established in 2013 and headquartered in Kampala, Uganda, Shona is an accelerator firm dedicated to supporting businesses in Eastern Africa. Its mission is to foster sustainable enterprises that create positive societal impact by balancing value for all stakeholders.
Made 2 investments in East Africa

Enygma Ventures

Enygma Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Cape Town, South Africa, established in 2019. It focuses on early-stage investments in women-led startups within the Southern Africa region. It describes itself as a purpose-driven investor that combines capital with tailored support, leveraging networks to provide expertise, mentorship, and access to local and overseas markets. The firm emphasizes flexible, efficient deployment of capital and aims to be a collaborative partner for entrepreneurs. Its investment thesis centers on diversity and inclusion, targeting sectors such as education and training services, consumer products including food and personal products, and consumer finance, with a preference for businesses that generate social impact alongside growth. The firm draws on experience across Africa, the United States, and Europe to help portfolio companies scale and access markets.

XSML

XSML, established in 2008, is a Netherlands-based investment management firm specializing in frontier markets in Central and East Africa. It manages USD 65 million, providing growth capital through a combination of debt and equity to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in sectors such as business services, education, healthcare, and technology. XSML's mission is to facilitate the growth of these SMEs into medium and large enterprises.

Airtel Africa

Airtel Africa is a telecommunications company offering mobile voice and data services across Nigeria, East Africa, and Francophone Africa. As of March 2020, it served approximately 110.6 million customers with prepaid/postpaid wireless voice, data communication services, and mobile money services.
Made 1 investment in East Africa

Qalaa Holdings

Qalaa Holdings is a prominent investment company operating in Africa and the Middle East, focusing on sectors that drive economic growth and development. With investments totaling approximately US$ 9.5 billion, the company concentrates on five core industries: energy, transportation, agrifoods, mining, and cement. By transitioning to a business model that emphasizes longer holding periods and divesting from non-core investments, Qalaa Holdings aims to enhance value creation and sustainability in its portfolio. The firm leverages its extensive experience as a leading private equity player to build businesses that meet the needs of over 1.3 billion consumers across regions, including Egypt and parts of East and North Africa. Qalaa Holdings prioritizes innovation and strategic growth in its investment approach.
Made 1 investment in East Africa

African Renaissance Partners

African Renaissance Partners is a venture capital firm established in 2022 and based in McLean, Virginia. It backs entrepreneurs and innovators driving economic transformation in Africa, investing in technology, payments and fintech, logistics, agtech, education, climate, renewable energy, health tech, and edtech startups. The firm focuses on opportunities across the African continent, providing capital and strategic support to growth-oriented companies that address development challenges and foster sustainable, inclusive growth.

Goodwell Investments

Goodwell Investments is an impact investment firm that provides early-stage to growth capital along with hands-on support to inclusive businesses in Africa and India. It targets sectors including financial services, energy, health, mobility, education, agriculture, water and sanitation, and other basic services that improve livelihoods. The firm seeks minority stakes and offers board representation and advisory services to help portfolio companies scale sustainably. Based in the Netherlands with offices in Amsterdam and Cape Town, it pursues a long-term investment horizon of approximately five to ten years and aims to generate solid financial returns alongside social impact.
Made 12 investments in East Africa

DOB Equity

Founded in 1997, DOB Equity is a Dutch-based impact investor focused on making strategic investments in small to medium-sized companies across East Africa. The firm aims to generate positive social and economic impacts through its investments.
Made 29 investments in East Africa

International Finance Corporation

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), established in 1956, is a member of the World Bank Group dedicated to fostering private sector development in emerging markets. It provides financial services, including loans and equity investments, ranging from $1 million to $100 million, with a focus on projects that drive economic growth and social impact. IFC invests across various sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, technology, and financial services.
Made 25 investments in East Africa

Launch Africa Ventures

Launch Africa Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2020 and based in Ebene, Mauritius, that funds early-stage startups across Africa, focusing on seed and pre-Series A opportunities. It seeks investments across fintech, healthtech, climate tech, agritech, edtech, transportation and logistics, mobility, e-commerce, software as a service, artificial intelligence, big data, and analytics.
Made 11 investments in East Africa

Mirova

Mirova, established in 1994 and headquartered in Paris, France, is an asset management firm specializing in sustainable investing. It offers conviction-driven investment strategies, focusing on companies that develop innovative solutions aligned with their corporate social responsibility policies. Mirova covers a broad range of sectors, including energy, mobility, buildings, consumption, resources, technology, health, and finance, with a particular emphasis on sustainability issues such as climate change, pollution control, and resource preservation. The firm also collaborates with external brokers and academic institutions like Cambridge University to provide tailored research and insights. Mirova's investment portfolio spans private equity, fixed-income securities, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects, aiming to deliver both financial performance and environmental and social impact.
Made 2 investments in East Africa

AlphaMundi

AlphaMundi Group Ltd is a Swiss-based company specializing in Impact Investing, which focuses on generating profitable investments that deliver significant social benefits. Established in 2007 by partners with extensive backgrounds in finance, responsible investments, microfinance, and philanthropy, AlphaMundi provides both debt and equity financing to scalable social ventures across key sustainable development sectors such as microfinance, affordable education, fair trade agriculture, and renewable energy. The company aims to enhance traditional responsible investment strategies and supplement charitable initiatives by promoting measurable impacts and financial viability. In addition to its investment activities, AlphaMundi actively contributes to the growth of the Impact Investing sector through educational events, publications, and participation in industry associations. This approach aligns with a broader trend where leading financial institutions are integrating impact investments into their portfolios as attractive, decorrelated financial assets.
Made 9 investments in East Africa

Pearl Capital Partners

Pearl Capital Partners is a venture capital firm investing in small and medium-sized agribusinesses in East Africa, with a focus on Uganda. Founded in 2005, the company invests between $0.25 million to $2.5 million per company using a combination of equity, quasi-equity, equity-related, and debt investments.
Made 25 investments in East Africa

Chandaria Capital

Chandaria Capital is a venture capital investment firm founded in 2017 and based in Nairobi, Kenya. It invests in innovative ideas with the potential to transform Africa and provides mentorship and strategic support to entrepreneurs to help build impactful companies across the continent.
Made 12 investments in East Africa

KFW DEG

KFW DEG offers financing, advice and support to private sector enterprises operating in developing and emerging-market countries. Their customers can rely on their expertise: They can benefit from their market knowledge, their 21 locations worldwide, and their international network. For entrepreneurial success and development.
Made 14 investments in East Africa

The Ecosystem Integrity Fund

Founded in 2010, The Ecosystem Integrity Fund is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California. It specializes in early to late-stage investments in companies contributing to environmental sustainability across sectors such as renewable energy, transportation, agriculture, green chemistry, waste management, and more. The fund aims to demonstrate that positive impact on the environment can coexist with outstanding financial returns.
Made 3 investments in East Africa

Lateral Frontiers

Lateral Frontiers is a New York-based venture capital firm focused on Africa, investing in early and growth-stage technology-enabled companies and providing debt and equity capital to support businesses across financial services, healthcare, education, energy, agriculture, housing, logistics, mobility and other sectors that address significant continental needs.
Made 9 investments in East Africa

Uncovered Fund

Uncovered Fund is a venture capital firm founded in 2019 and based in Tokyo, Japan. It targets early-stage startups and concentrates its investments in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, spanning sectors such as retail, fintech, health tech, logistics, mobility as a service, agritech, and smart city initiatives.
Made 6 investments in East Africa

Future Africa

Future Africa is a Lagos-based venture capital firm established in 2016, dedicated to empowering mission-driven founders and innovators to tackle significant challenges across the African continent. The firm focuses on creating a future where purpose and prosperity are accessible to all. Future Africa invests in a diverse array of sectors, including agriculture, data and artificial intelligence, e-commerce, education, finance, healthcare, and technology, among others. By supporting startups and entrepreneurs, Future Africa aims to foster the development of transformative solutions that contribute to the continent's economic growth and social progress.
Made 10 investments in East Africa

Factor[e] Ventures

Factor[e] Ventures is an impact venture builder and investment firm that supports early-stage companies in mobility, agriculture, energy and water. Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, it operates across emerging and frontier markets with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, backing market-driven solutions that advance sustainable development. The organization connects philanthropic and commercial investors pursuing decarbonized growth, aiming to turn disruptive ideas into scalable businesses addressing energy, agriculture, mobility and waste challenges in fast-growing regions.
Made 8 investments in East Africa

Fanisi

Fanisi Capital, established in 2009, is a Nairobi-based private equity firm that invests in early and growth-stage companies in East Africa, primarily Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda. The firm focuses on sectors with significant growth potential, including agri-business, healthcare, consumer goods, and education. Fanisi was founded by Norfund, the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries, and Amani Capital Limited.
Made 5 investments in East Africa

Social Capital

Founded in 2011, Social Capital is a Menlo Park-based investment firm dedicated to advancing humanity by solving global challenges through technology. They empower entrepreneurs and innovative products by building a unique platform that redistributes power, capital, and opportunity.
Made 4 investments in East Africa

Volve Capital

Founded in 2022, Volve Capital is an Amsterdam-based venture capital firm investing in early-stage tech and impact startups across Western Europe.
Made 1 investment in East Africa

TLcom Capital

Founded in 1999, TLcom Capital is a London-based venture capital firm with offices in Nairobi and Lagos. It focuses on investing in early to growth-stage technology companies across Europe, Israel, the United States, and sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular emphasis on African-focused tech ventures.
Made 7 investments in East Africa

Finnish Fund for Industrial Cooperation

Finnish Fund for Industrial Cooperation is a Helsinki-based development-oriented investment firm established in 1980. It pursues direct and fund-of-fund investments in small and mid-sized enterprises in developing countries with Finnish links, aiming to deliver environmental and social impact. The firm focuses on sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable forestry and agriculture, financial institutions, digital infrastructure, manufacturing, health services, and related services, and it supports ventures that use Finnish technology. Typical commitments range from 1 to 10 million euros, with minority positions up to 30 percent and options for mezzanine financing or investment loans. It co-invests with other development finance institutions and can finance microfinance and infrastructure projects. The firm emphasizes projects aligned with Finnish development cooperation, including activity in Russia and various developing countries, and seeks to partner with entities that bring measurable development outcomes.

iHub

iHub Ltd., established in 2010 in Nairobi, Kenya, operates as a community platform supporting ICT-focused entrepreneurs. It provides networking opportunities with mentors, investors, and business coaches, fostering innovation and acceleration within the local tech ecosystem. As a subsidiary of Co-Creation Hub, iHub has been instrumental in catalyzing regional tech growth and serving as a model for hubs across emerging markets.
Made 4 investments in East Africa

Helios Investment Partners

Helios Investment Partners, established in 2004, is a London-based private equity firm focused on Africa. It invests in a broad range of sectors, including telecommunications, media, financial services, power, and consumer goods, among others. The firm engages in various investment types such as buyouts, growth equity, and structured investments in listed entities. Helios typically invests between $15 million to $200 million per transaction, with a preference for board seats in its portfolio companies. It primarily targets Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya.
Made 12 investments in East Africa

Villgro Africa

Villgro Africa is an impact investor and incubator established in 2015 and based in Nairobi, Kenya. The organization focuses on supporting and scaling new businesses within the African startup ecosystem, particularly in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. Villgro Africa provides a personalized incubation experience, helping entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of building and growing their ventures. By investing in innovative companies, Villgro Africa aims to foster sustainable development and create positive social impact across the continent.
Made 2 investments in East Africa

FMO

FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, is a financial institution based in The Hague, Netherlands, founded in 1970 through a collaboration between the Dutch government and various financial entities. It focuses on supporting the private sector in developing countries and emerging markets across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Central and Eastern Europe. FMO provides a diverse range of financial products, including long-term project financing, private equity, loans, guarantees, and mezzanine financing. Its investment portfolio is primarily allocated to financial institutions, energy, agribusiness, food and water, and private equity. By offering capital, expertise, and networks, FMO aims to foster sustainable economic development and empower local businesses and projects.
Made 16 investments in East Africa

HOF Capital

Founded in 2016, HOF Capital is a global venture capital firm with $1 billion in assets under management. It invests in ambitious entrepreneurs across various stages, from idea to IPO, focusing on enterprise software, artificial intelligence, frontier tech, consumer, and fintech sectors.
Made 3 investments in East Africa

Ascent Capital Africa

Ascent Capital Africa, established in 2012, is a private equity firm headquartered in Mauritius with offices in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda. The company specializes in investing in small and medium-sized enterprises across Eastern Africa, focusing on sectors such as agribusiness, consumer goods, healthcare, ICT, energy, and manufacturing. It typically invests between $2 million and $15 million, taking a controlling or majority stake, and aims to exit through public listing or sale to other investors within a 10-year period. Ascent Capital Africa targets enterprises with a proven track record and seeks to support their growth and expansion.
Made 5 investments in East Africa