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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Founded in 1994, AfricInvest is a Tunisia-based private equity firm with dedicated teams focused on North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. It manages USD1 billion across multiple funds, supported by local and international investors. The firm has invested in over 135 companies across 25 African countries, spanning high-growth sectors such as financial services, agribusiness, consumer/retail, education, and healthcare.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Founded in 1995, SOSV is a global venture capital firm headquartered in New Jersey. It focuses on seed-to-growth stage investments in deep tech innovations, primarily in bio-tech/life sciences and hardware/robotics sectors, with a commitment to human and planetary health.

LeapFrog Investments, established in 2007, is a London-based private equity firm that focuses on growth-stage investments in the financial services and healthcare sectors. It primarily targets emerging markets, including Africa and Asia, with a particular emphasis on countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. The firm invests in businesses that provide essential financial and healthcare products and services, such as insurance, pensions, savings, credit, mobile payments, and medical products distribution. LeapFrog typically invests between $10 million and $50 million, aiming for both minority and majority stakes, and expects to exit its investments within four to seven years through IPOs, trade sales, or secondary sales.

Safaricom is a leading telecommunications company based in Nairobi, Kenya, founded in 1997. It operates as a mobile network provider, delivering a comprehensive range of services that include voice, data, and mobile banking solutions through its renowned platform, M-Pesa. Safaricom's offerings encompass international calls, roaming, mobile broadband, and various communication solutions such as SMS, messaging, and video conferencing. The company also provides internet connectivity options, including 4G and Fiber to Buildings, alongside IT consultancy services. Serving a diverse clientele that includes individuals, small businesses, and large enterprises, Safaricom generates the majority of its revenue from voice, mobile data, and M-Pesa transactions, as well as other integrated telecommunication services.

Founded in 2001, BlueOrchard Finance is a global impact investment manager headquartered in Switzerland. It specializes in providing innovative financing solutions to microfinance institutions worldwide, aiming to advance socially responsible financial inclusion and offer attractive investment products.

88mph is a venture capital firm and accelerator founded in 2011, with headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and an additional office in Cape Town, South Africa. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, primarily targeting the mobile-web sector. It focuses on English-speaking African countries, particularly Nigeria and South Africa, and typically invests up to $100,000 in startups. In addition to funding, 88mph offers a three-month accelerator program that provides startups with essential resources, including mentorship on product development, market strategies, company structure, and scalability. The firm aims to enhance the growth prospects of early-stage technology companies by leveraging its network of founders, investors, and industry professionals.

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.

ARCH Emerging Markets Partners Limited is a private equity advisory firm established on March 29, 2018, and headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with additional offices in Nairobi, Kenya; Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire; and Guernsey, Channel Islands. The firm specializes in identifying and managing private market opportunities across emerging markets, focusing on sectors such as infrastructure, sustainable natural resources, and private credit. With extensive experience in emerging markets, ARCH offers both investment and advisory services, helping high-growth businesses navigate the complexities of these rapidly evolving markets. The firm is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Founded in 2012, Amethis Finance is a Paris-based private equity firm specializing in long-term responsible investments across Africa. It provides growth capital and offers advisory services to mid-cap champions in diverse sectors, focusing on financial institutions and corporates. The firm invests in debt and equity, typically committing between €5 million and €300 million initially, aiming for minority stakes of 15% to 30%. Amethis Finance has an investment capacity exceeding €600 million.

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.

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.

Centum Investment is an East Africa-based investment company focused on private equity and growth capital, with roots in Nairobi, Kenya. It targets middle-market and growth-stage companies across sectors including real estate, infrastructure, financial services, consumer goods, power and energy, education, ICT, agribusiness and health, providing equity and related capital alongside strategic governance support. The firm aims to build high-potential enterprises and create value through active management and multiple exit options.

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.

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.

Founded in 2015, Founders Factory is a global startup builder and investor focused on fintech, health, climate, and deeptech sectors. It provides catalytic capital and bespoke support to over 300 technology companies worldwide, fostering collaboration with corporates and established entrepreneurs.

Mobility 54 Investment, established in 2019, is a venture capital firm based in Paris, France, formed as a joint venture between Toyota Tsusho Corporation and CFAO. The firm focuses on investing in mobility services and technology startups operating in Africa, aiming to support innovative solutions in the transportation sector across the continent.

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.

Founded in 2017, Ingressive Capital is a Pan-African venture capital firm investing in early-stage technology companies led by exceptional founders across Africa. With a focus on Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria, the firm specializes in Pre-Seed and Seed investments, targeting B2C solutions for tech-enabled youth and B2B solutions to increase Africa's value chain ownership.

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.

SBI Investment is the corporate venture capital arm of SBI Holdings, based in Tokyo, Japan. It funds and supports the growth of private venture companies by managing venture capital funds and attracting capital from institutional partners. The firm backs a broad range of technology-driven sectors, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, fintech, information technology, cybersecurity, e-commerce, biotechnology, life sciences, healthcare, and environmental energy. Through regional operations such as SBI Investment Korea, it engages with startups in Korea and focuses on sectors including healthcare, consumer, ICT, entertainment, information services, and manufacturing. SBI Investment aims to create value by helping portfolio companies scale, form strategic partnerships, and pursue exits via initial public offerings or acquisitions, reinforcing its role in fostering innovation and core industries in the 21st century.

Incofin Investment Management is an Antwerp-based impact investment firm focused on financial inclusion in developing countries. The company supports rural and agricultural sectors by investing in microfinance institutions and related financial services through debt, equity and guarantees, often taking minority positions and participating on MFIs' boards to guide growth. It also funds microfinance-focused investment funds and private equity vehicles, aiming to reach the rural poor, smallholder farmers, and other actors along agricultural value chains. The firm operates globally, with activity in Africa, Asia, Latin America and beyond, and emphasizes sustainable returns alongside social impact.

Persistent is a Nairobi-based venture capital firm focused on Africa, investing in climate, renewable energy, e-mobility, agricultural technology, and solar sectors. It supports entrepreneurs with deep operational and strategic guidance to help them scale sustainable businesses. The firm seeks attractive financial returns while creating social and environmental impact, including improving energy access for underserved markets in sub-Saharan Africa.

Inspired Evolution Investment Management is a Cape Town-based private equity and venture capital firm focused on sustainable environmental and energy technologies in Sub-Saharan Africa. It targets equity investments across multiple growth stages, often as a lead investor seeking significant minority or majority stakes and board representation. The firm concentrates on clean energy and resource efficiency, including energy generation, water treatment, waste management, green chemistry, and related sectors, with additional exposure to sustainable agriculture, ecotourism, and green real estate. The geographic focus spans Southern Africa and broader Sub-Saharan Africa, with activity in countries such as Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and neighboring states. Inspired Evolution operates through a multidisciplinary team to deliver returns aligned with social and ecological outcomes, and maintains offices in Cape Town and internationally in Grand Baie, Mauritius; Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Nairobi, Kenya; and London, United Kingdom.

Finnfund, established in 1980, is a Finnish government organization specializing in development finance. It offers long-term capital, primarily through loans and equity investments, to private projects in developing countries. Finnfund focuses on ventures that involve Finnish companies, technology, or partners, or those that generate significant environmental or social benefits.

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.

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.

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.

Founded in Tokyo, Japan in 2009, Samurai Incubate is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups globally. The company supports its portfolio companies with practical expertise in management, marketing, sales, human resources, and finances to help them achieve their revenue potential.

Equity Group Holdings is a financial services provider based in Nairobi, Kenya. It operates primarily through Equity Bank Kenya, which is a licensed commercial bank regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya. Equity Bank Kenya was established in 2014 following a corporate restructure of Equity Group Holdings Limited. The organization offers a range of banking and financial services aimed at various customer segments, contributing to the financial inclusion and economic empowerment of individuals and businesses in the region.

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.

Established in 2005, SMBC Venture Capital is a Tokyo-based corporate venture capital arm of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. It invests primarily in early-stage companies operating within the information technology, life sciences, services, and manufacturing sectors.

Google is a multinational technology company renowned for its search engine, offering services such as Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, and YouTube. It specializes in advertising solutions through Google Ads and mobile operating systems with Android, while actively innovating in artificial intelligence and machine learning.