British International Investment is a development finance institution and impact investor based in London, United Kingdom. Established in 1948 and wholly owned by the UK Government's Department for International Development, BII aims to foster long-term economic growth and sustainability in emerging markets, particularly in Africa and South Asia. The institution invests across various sectors, including infrastructure, health, and agribusiness, with a focus on job creation and business development. BII provides financial support through debt, equity capital, and mezzanine financing, both directly and via intermediaries, catering to a wide range of industries such as distribution, education, consulting, logistics, and electronics.
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.
Google for Startups is an initiative launched in 2011 that focuses on supporting startups globally by providing access to Google's products, connections, and best practices. The program partners with over fifty leading startup organizations to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems in more than 135 countries. It offers various resources, including financial support and exclusive programming, to help these partners and their startups thrive. Central to this initiative are six Google for Startups Campuses located in London, Tel Aviv, Seoul, Madrid, São Paulo, and Warsaw. These Campuses serve as collaborative spaces where startup founders can access mentorship, educational resources, and networking opportunities within their local communities. Startups benefit from free workspaces, community events, and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, all aimed at nurturing their growth and innovation across diverse sectors such as healthcare, retail, finance, and technology.
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.
African Development Bank (AfDB), established in 1964 and headquartered in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, operates as a multilateral development finance institution. It offers loans, guarantees, risk management products, trade finance, treasury services, equity investments, and technical assistance to support development projects and programs across Africa. AfDB collaborates with national and international institutions to facilitate public and private sector investments aimed at economic growth and social progress. Its concessional financing window, African Development Fund (ADF), provides low-income countries with grants, loans, guarantees, and capacity-building support for poverty reduction initiatives.
International Finance Corporation (IFC), established in 1956, is a member of the World Bank Group dedicated to fostering private sector development in emerging markets. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with global offices, IFC provides financial and advisory services to support economic activities across various sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and financial services. It invests in both direct equity and debt, as well as fund investments, with a focus on projects that promote sustainable development and inclusive growth. IFC's investment range typically spans from $1 million to $100 million, with a minority equity stake, often up to 20%. It also offers debt financing, with loan sizes up to 25% of total project costs or 50% for expansion projects. IFC's portfolio includes a mix of asset-backed securities, corporate debt securities, government obligations, equity investments, and derivative assets. It aims to exit investments through domestic stock markets, arrangements with project sponsors, or public listings within 7 to 15 years.
Novastar Ventures, established in 2014, is a global venture capital firm headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with additional offices in Lagos, Nigeria, and London, UK. The company specializes in seed, early to late-stage, and growth capital investments, focusing on businesses that serve the base-of-the-pyramid (BoP) markets. Novastar invests in sectors such as education, healthcare, agribusiness, food, and water, with a geographical focus on East and West Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States. The firm typically invests between $0.25 million and $8 million in companies, seeking to partner with entrepreneurs who are developing innovative solutions with the potential to transform markets and create lasting impact.
The Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB), established in 1985, is a multilateral development financial institution with assets exceeding US$ 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.
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.
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.
Goodwell Investments, established in 2005, is a private equity and venture capital firm headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with additional offices in Cape Town, South Africa, and Nairobi, Kenya. The company specializes in early-stage, growth capital investments in the Fintech sector, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises in impact sectors such as microfinance, mobile payments, affordable housing finance, and renewable energy. Goodwell primarily invests in India, Sub-Saharan, and West Africa, with a focus on Ghana and Nigeria. It seeks to make risk capital or equity investments, typically committing a minimum of €2.5 million, and aims to hold these investments for five to ten years. The firm also provides advisory services to its portfolio companies and seeks board representation. Goodwell only takes minority stakes, less than 50%, in its investments.
DOB Equity is a private equity firm focused on providing growth capital and implementing buy-and-build strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises. The firm seeks to invest in companies with significant growth potential, aiming to enhance their value through strategic support and operational improvements. By concentrating on this segment of the market, DOB Equity aims to drive sustainable business development and create lasting impact in the regions it operates.
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.
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.
Microsoft, an American multinational corporation, specializes in developing, manufacturing, licensing, supporting, and selling a wide range of software products and services. Its offerings include operating systems like Windows, productivity tools such as Microsoft Office, and cloud services through Microsoft Azure. Microsoft also produces hardware like Xbox gaming consoles, Surface devices, and PC accessories. Additionally, it provides business solutions through Microsoft Dynamics, enterprise services, and commercial cloud offerings. Microsoft operates globally, supporting startups through initiatives like Microsoft for Startups and Microsoft Accelerator, which offer mentorship, technical training, and access to markets and investors.
The African Export Import Bank (the “Bank”) was established in Abuja, Nigeria in October, 1993 by African Governments, African private and institutional investors as well as non-African financial institutions and private investors for the purpose of financing, promoting and expanding intra-African and extra-African trade. The Bank was established under the twin constitutive instruments of an Agreement signed by member States and multilateral organizations, and which confers on the Bank the status of an international multilateral organization; as well as a Charter, governing its corporate structure and operations, signed by all Shareholders.
Renew Capital is an investment firm based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, founded in 2007. The firm focuses on Africa's growing businesses, specifically targeting small and medium enterprises and the private sector. By addressing critical gaps in the market, Renew Capital connects these businesses with a global network of impact investors, facilitating growth and development within the region. Through its efforts, the firm aims to support the expansion of Africa's entrepreneurial landscape and enhance economic opportunities across the continent.
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.
AfricInvest, established in 1994, is a Tunisia-based private equity firm and part of the Integra Group. With a team of 66 professionals across seven African offices, AfricInvest manages USD1 billion across 16 funds, supported by both local and international investors. The firm focuses on investing in high-growth sectors such as financial services, agribusiness, consumer/retail, education, and healthcare, across North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. Since its inception, AfricInvest has invested in 135 companies across 25 African countries, promoting the private equity industry through its involvement in associations like AVCA and MENAPEA.
Pearl Capital Partners is a venture capital firm based in Kampala, Uganda, with additional offices in Nairobi, Kenya, and Mauritius. Established in 2005, the firm specializes in investing in small and medium-sized agribusinesses in East Africa, particularly focusing on Uganda. Pearl Capital Partners typically invests between $0.25 million and $2.5 million per company, utilizing a mix of equity, quasi-equity, equity-related, and debt investments. The firm aims to generate financial returns while fostering significant social impact by collaborating with ambitious management teams and employing supportive investment structures and specialized expertise to cultivate high-growth agribusinesses.
Launch Africa Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2020 and headquartered in Ebene, Mauritius. The firm focuses on addressing the substantial funding gap in the seed and pre-Series A investment landscape across the African continent. By targeting early-stage companies, Launch Africa Ventures aims to support and enhance the growth of startups operating in various sectors throughout Africa, contributing to the development of the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.
EDFI Management Company (EDFI MC) is a multilaterally owned impact asset manager which delivers innovative development finance solutions that enable European DFIs, development banks and private sector investors to increase the scale and impact of their work. The company focuses on business models, technologies and geographies where other investors have not been able to operate at the desired scale given their resources and investment criteria. To learn more visit www.edfimc.eu.
AHL Venture Partners, established in 2007, is a Vancouver-based venture capital firm with offices in Nairobi, Lusaka, and Accra. It specializes in providing growth capital to companies operating in energy access, financial inclusion, agriculture, and climate sectors, primarily in Eastern and Southern Africa. The firm is known for its entrepreneur-centric approach, making swift investment decisions, participating in follow-on funding rounds, and offering ongoing business support through locally based teams with deep market insights.
Goodwater Capital, established in 2014 and headquartered in Burlingame, California, is a venture capital firm dedicated to empowering exceptional entrepreneurs globally. They focus on early-stage investments in consumer technology companies, aiming to solve pressing problems and transform the global economy. Their mission is to measurably improve billions of lives by supporting entrepreneurs who are building products and platforms that consumers love.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is a multilateral development finance institution established in 1990. Headquartered in London, it operates primarily in Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. The EBRD provides a range of financial products and services, including loans, equity investments, and guarantees, to support private sector development and promote sustainable growth. It serves various sectors such as agribusiness, energy, finance, and infrastructure, and also offers policy dialogue and advisory services. The EBRD has invested over €130 billion in more than 5,200 projects since its inception, playing a significant role in fostering change and economic development in its regions of operation.
SOSV, established in 1995 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, is a global venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. It focuses on deep tech innovations in the health and environmental sectors, supporting founders with breakthrough technologies through its HAX and IndieBio startup development programs. SOSV provides resources, facilities, and lab equipment to accelerate product development and scale, with a track record of helping its portfolio companies secure subsequent funding rounds led by top-tier investors.
Standard Chartered PLC, a multinational banking and financial services company, operates globally with a significant presence in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. It offers a broad range of banking products and services through four primary segments: Corporate & Institutional Banking, Retail Banking, Commercial Banking, and Private Banking. The company serves a diverse client base, including corporations, financial institutions, governments, small businesses, mid-sized companies, and individuals. Its services encompass retail products like deposits, savings, mortgages, credit cards, and personal loans; wealth management products and services; transaction banking services; corporate finance products and services; and financial market services. Standard Chartered also provides digital banking solutions. With approximately 1,026 branches worldwide, the company was founded in 1853 and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom.
Oikocredit is a financial institution established in 1968 and based in the Netherlands. It focuses on empowering individuals and communities by providing funding to the microfinance sector, fair trade organizations, cooperatives, and small to medium enterprises. Oikocredit aims to create sustainable opportunities for people in need, enabling them to improve their own circumstances through access to financial resources.
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.
Swedfund International AB, established in 1979, is a Swedish government-owned investment firm specializing in high-risk, emerging markets. It provides risk capital, including equity, loans, and expertise, to seed, start-up, and mature companies in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Sweden. Swedfund invests between SEK 5 million and SEK 100 million, seeking a minority stake not exceeding one-third of the total investment. It typically invests in companies that do not manufacture or sell weapons, tobacco, or alcohol, and avoids investing in Swedish businesses of Swedish companies. Swedfund takes a Board seat in its portfolio companies and seeks to exit investments within five to ten years. It does not invest alongside private individuals or co-operatives, provide donations, or engage in sponsorships.
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.
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.
TotalEnergies, formerly known as Total, is a multinational energy company headquartered in France. With operations in over 130 countries and a workforce of approximately 93,000 employees, the company is involved in every aspect of the energy industry. TotalEnergies explores for, produces, and markets oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables, and electricity. It also has a significant presence in chemicals. The company is committed to diversifying its energy sources to meet growing demand and is actively investing in renewable energy projects, such as solar and biofuels. TotalEnergies Ventures, the company's venture capital arm, focuses on funding and fostering start-ups that contribute to a low carbon future, with interests including renewables, energy storage, and the circular economy.
Norfund, established in 1997, is a Norwegian government organization based in Oslo. It is an economic development agency that provides equity, risk capital, and loans to businesses in selected countries and sectors where access to capital is scarce. Its primary focus is Sub-Saharan Africa, with additional investments in South East Asia and Central America. Norfund aims to contribute to poverty reduction and economic development in these regions by supporting sustainable businesses through strategic minority investments.
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.
Savannah Fund, established in 2012 and headquartered in Ebene, Mauritius, is a venture capital firm focusing on early-stage technology startups in sub-Saharan Africa. It invests between $25,000 and $500,000 in sectors such as agtech, content, e-commerce, edtech, enterprise, fintech, healthcare, and logistics. The firm aims to bridge the early-stage investment gap in Africa by providing not only capital but also mentorship and support from its experienced team and extensive networks of local, regional, and international investors. Savannah Fund's mission is to foster sustainable, job-creating, and impactful technology companies that can scale regionally or globally.
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation is a Japanese multinational banking and financial services company that provides a comprehensive array of financial services primarily focused on banking. Its operations encompass leasing, securities, credit card services, investment, mortgage securitization, venture capital, and various credit-related businesses. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, the bank has established a significant presence in the financial sector, being recognized as the second largest bank in Japan by assets as of 2009. Through its diverse offerings, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation serves a wide range of clients, contributing to its strong standing in the banking industry.
Silverbacks Holdings, established in 2019 and headquartered in Cybercity Ebene, Mauritius, is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. The company focuses on the intersection of sports, technology, and entertainment sectors within the African market, providing financial services to support the growth of innovative startups in these domains.
LoftyInc Capital Management is a venture capital firm established in 2017 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. The firm focuses on investing in technology companies across Africa, having committed over $25 million to more than 150 high-growth enterprises, including three unicorns. LoftyInc has successfully attracted approximately $1.5 billion in follow-on funding for its portfolio companies, emphasizing long-term growth and community benefits. The firm has developed a broad ecosystem that includes tech hubs, angel networks, and talent platforms to support its investments. To date, LoftyInc has realized 14 exits and achieved a notable return on investment through its funds.
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.
TLcom Capital, established in 1999, is a venture capital firm with offices in Lagos, Nairobi, and London. The company focuses on investing in early to growth-stage technology companies across Africa, with a particular emphasis on those targeting the African market. Its investment themes include access to data services, financial services, e-commerce, B2C applications, and software solutions for corporates and SMEs. TLcom manages approximately $300 million across various funds, supporting world-class entrepreneurs with disruptive technologies and deep market knowledge.
The Baobab Network is a prominent start-up accelerator based in Africa, with offices in Nairobi, South Africa, Nigeria, and London. It focuses on supporting early-stage technology ventures across the continent by connecting them with talent and global investors. The organization provides a range of services, including leadership development, entrepreneurship training, strategy design, and resource planning, all aimed at fostering growth and enhancing revenue for participating businesses. In exchange for equity, The Baobab Network offers financial support and a platform for companies to expand their operations and access vital resources, ensuring they receive real-time guidance to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape.
Standard Bank Group is a leading commercial bank headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, with a rich history dating back to 1862. It operates extensively across 18 African countries and in select emerging markets globally. The bank is structured into various segments, including Personal and Business Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Treasury and Capital Management. It provides a wide range of financial services, such as transactional banking, savings, lending, investment, and insurance. Personal and business banking offerings include current accounts, savings products, loans, and electronic banking services for individuals and small to medium enterprises. The corporate and investment banking segment caters to governments, larger corporations, and financial institutions, offering services in foreign exchange, commodities, trade finance, project finance, and wealth management. Standard Bank Group leverages its deep knowledge of emerging markets to deliver tailored financial solutions to its diverse clientele.
Enza Capital Management is a Nairobi-based venture capital firm founded in 2019 that focuses on early-stage investments in African technology companies. The firm specializes in sectors such as fintech, logistics and mobility, health, human capital management, education, energy, and climate-smart solutions. By partnering with innovative companies, Enza Capital aims to support the growth of transformative technologies in Africa.
The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) is a government-owned investment management company based in Pretoria, South Africa, established in 1911. As the only firm in the country that focuses exclusively on the public sector, PIC manages assets for a range of public entities, including pension funds, social security funds, and development funds. With its operations comparable to those of private sector asset managers, PIC is recognized as one of the largest and most successful investment managers in Africa. The organization employs a combination of both internal and external fund managers to oversee its investments, ensuring a diverse and strategic approach to asset management. The governance of PIC is overseen by a board of directors, which is responsible for directing the management of the fund's assets.
Chandaria Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2017 and based in Nairobi, Kenya. The firm focuses on investing in innovative ideas that have the potential to transform Africa. By partnering with talented entrepreneurs, Chandaria Capital not only provides financial support but also offers mentorship and collaborative efforts to help build impactful companies. The firm's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship aims to drive positive change across the continent.
Seedstars is a global initiative aimed at identifying and supporting emerging startups in fast-growing economies through its annual competition, Seedstars World. This competition spans over 50 cities, inviting technology-focused startups that are no more than two years old and have raised a maximum of $500,000 to participate. Following a rigorous selection process and local pitching events, one startup from each participating country is chosen to compete in the final event held in Geneva. Winners benefit from various prizes, including mentorship, equity investments, and access to acceleration programs. Additionally, Seedspace provides a collaborative environment designed to empower tech entrepreneurs, promoting innovation and collaboration across diverse boundaries to address complex global challenges.
Uncovered Fund is a venture capital investment firm established in 2019 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The firm focuses on early-stage startups, primarily targeting businesses located in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Uncovered Fund invests in various sectors, including retail, fintech, health tech, logistics, mobility as a service (MaaS), agritech, and smart city initiatives. By concentrating on these regions and industries, Uncovered Fund aims to support innovative entrepreneurs and foster growth in emerging markets.
54 Collective, established in 2018, is a South Africa-based venture capital firm that invests in and supports African tech startups, primarily focusing on sectors such as fintech, health tech, agritech, logistics, and e-commerce. The company provides catalytic capital alongside value-add support and leverages its global network to help founders scale their businesses. 54 Collective, a business-focused investor, integrates impact considerations into all its operations, aiming to generate returns for investors while enabling entrepreneurs to grow their ventures.