Indiana Resources is an Australian exploration company focused on advancing a portfolio of mineral tenements across South Australia. Its primary projects include the Lake Labyrinth Shear Zone, Double Dutch, Earea Dam, and Boomerang, with interests in rare earths, gold, and base metals.
GoviEx Uranium is a Canada-based mineral resources company focused on the exploration and development of uranium properties in Africa. It holds an 80% interest in the Madaouela uranium project in north-central Niger and owns 100% of the Mutanga project in Zambia, as well as the Falea project in Mali. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.
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.
Great Quest Fertilizer is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on advancing the Tilemsi phosphate project in Mali. Since 2009, it has acquired several phosphate concessions, defining an initial resource of 32.6 million tonnes at a grade of 23.4% P2O5.
Sarama Resources is an exploration company focused on discovering gold deposits in West Africa. It holds exploration licenses in Burkina Faso, Liberia, and Mali.
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.
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.
Nordic Microfinance Initiative, established in 2008 and based in Oslo, Norway, is a government organization focused on empowering impoverished individuals and women while fostering job creation and wealth in developing countries. The initiative specializes in investments in microfinance institutions through various financial instruments, including debt, sub-debt, and equity. It primarily targets companies in emerging and early-stage markets across Sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, as well as parts of Latin America. The organization typically invests between $1 million and $8 million, seeking to acquire minority stakes ranging from 10% to 30% in its portfolio companies. By concentrating on these regions, Nordic Microfinance Initiative aims to enhance economic opportunities and improve living standards for underserved populations.
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.
Established with $500 million, Citi Impact Fund invests equity in U.S.-based private companies addressing societal challenges through innovative solutions. They typically co-invest alongside other venture capitalists, committing between $250,000 to $10 million across seed to pre-IPO stages. The fund focuses on four verticals: future of work, climate resilience, financial inclusion, and social infrastructure. It actively supports women and minority-led businesses.
Founded in 2002 by Patrice Hoppenot, Investisseurs & Partenaires is a pioneering impact investment group dedicated to African Small and Medium Enterprises. Headquartered in Paris with offices across Africa, the firm invests in companies creating local value and long-term employment, focusing on sectors like health, transport, microfinance, and other ventures. Since inception, I&P has invested in over 90 companies across 16 countries, managing four pan-African funds totaling €135 million.
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.
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 Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund is a public-private partnership that mobilizes capital from both public and private sources to lend to infrastructure projects in sub-Saharan Africa. It provides long-term debt and mezzanine financing on commercial terms to infrastructure developments, with funding directed primarily to projects owned, managed, and operated by private sector businesses. The fund concentrates on building and upgrading infrastructure across the region, including in fragile states where traditional lenders are often reluctant to deploy capital. Based in Ebene, Mauritius, the entity is managed and advised by Investec Asset Management, aligning capital providers with private sector-led infrastructure 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 2007 by pioneers of African investment, Development Partners International is a leading Pan-African private equity firm with over US$1.1bn under management across two funds. With a team boasting over 100 years of aggregate African investment experience, DPI has invested in 19 portfolio companies operating across 27 countries.
The Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO) is an economic development agency located in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2001. Its primary goal is to foster a robust private sector in developing and emerging countries, facilitating access to sustainable growth and development. BIO directly invests in private sector projects, contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of the host countries. The agency's mandate emphasizes specific geographical targets, diverse financing tools, and a strong focus on the impact of its investments on development, aligning with international development goals. The management of BIO's assets is overseen by its executive management team, ensuring that its initiatives effectively support sustainable economic progress in the regions it serves.
Founded in 2000, Emerging Capital Partners is a private equity firm focused on investing across Africa. With offices in key African cities and Paris, the firm manages over $2 billion for investments in various sectors such as telecommunications, financial services, infrastructure, consumer goods, and logistics.
Founded in 2018, Saviu Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. It focuses on investing in early-stage startups across various sectors in Africa.
Founded in 2011, Slow Ventures is a San Francisco-based early-stage venture capital firm. It invests in innovative companies operating at the intersection of technology, science, society, and culture across various sectors such as software, biotechnology, e-commerce, fintech, and more.
Founded in 1987, Canaan Partners is a global venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California. With over $5 billion under management, the firm invests in early-stage technology and healthcare companies worldwide.
Breyer Capital is a global venture capital and private equity investor founded by Jim Breyer in 2006. The firm pursues long-term, strategic investments in technology-enabled sectors, focusing on social media, digital health, financial technology, media and entertainment, consumer software, and related areas such as quantum technologies, artificial intelligence in health, enterprise data, security, and climate. It partners with early-stage startups, fast-growing companies, and established corporations to frame strategic opportunities, drawing on founder passion and a broad network of investors. The firm seeks to leverage advances in AI, machine learning, and immersive technologies to identify opportunities across the United States, China, and other markets, aiming to back companies with global growth potential.
Founded in 1975, Ipsos is a global market research firm specializing in advertising, media, technology, government, and consumer businesses. It offers comprehensive research solutions, including opinion polls, surveys, and data analysis, serving diverse industries such as financial services, health, public affairs, and technology across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
La Mancha Holding is an investment advisory firm specializing in the precious and energy transition metals sectors. The firm provides equity finance and consulting services to mining companies, focusing on long-term investments that support their growth and expansion strategies. With a mandate to enhance the capabilities of mining firms, La Mancha offers not only capital but also valuable board-level expertise. Established in July 2021, La Mancha was formed when the Sawiris family restructured their mining assets into a fund format, alongside a strategic partner. The firm has a proven track record in transforming junior mining companies into significant players within the industry, leveraging its team's extensive experience since 2012. At the end of 2021, La Mancha had over US$1.3 billion invested in mining assets and is actively exploring new opportunities to diversify its portfolio while remaining open to new capital from qualified investors.
Mercy Corps, established in 1979, is a global non-profit organization headquartered in Portland, Oregon. It specializes in international development, providing assistance to communities affected by conflict, crisis, and natural disasters. The organization offers a range of services, including emergency relief, agriculture and economic development, housing and infrastructure, and nonviolent conflict management. Additionally, Mercy Corps Ventures, its impact investing arm, supports early-stage ventures that focus on resilience-building solutions in areas such as adaptive agriculture, climate fintech, and climate-smart technologies. Since its inception, Mercy Corps has provided over $3.7 billion in assistance worldwide, empowering communities and fostering sustainable change.
Taurus Funds Management, established in 2006, is a Sydney-based investment firm that specializes in global resources. It caters to institutional and high net worth clients, offering services that focus on mined commodities. Taurus invests in both public and private companies, with a particular interest in small to mid-tier metals and mining enterprises.
Stellantis Ventures invests in early and later-stage startups developing cutting-edge technologies for the automotive and mobility sectors, focusing on sustainability.
CFAO is a multinational conglomerate focused on facilitating mobility, healthcare, consumer goods, infrastructure, and energy sectors. The company specializes in accelerating development and securing access to quality pharmaceuticals, while also contributing to the advancement of renewable energy initiatives. CFAO is involved in modern food retail, helping clients enhance their capabilities in international trade and overall development. Through its diverse operations, CFAO aims to meet the growing demands of various industries and improve the quality of life in the regions it serves.
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.
Fast Forward is a venture studio—and early-stage fund—that builds and backs companies to unlock prosperity through technology.
Fast Forward’s venture studio selects up to 10 ideas and founding teams annually—with priority on platform and infrastructure plays—in sectors including (but not limited to) B2B, Fintech, eCommerce, Edtech, Healthcare, Logistics, Deep Tech, SaaS, Future of Work, and Blockchain.
Fast Forward recruits dynamic entrepreneurs advancing concepts we believe will fast track to scale to at least 10M people and achieve >$10m ARR value in 3-5 years.
As a fund, Fast Forward invests pro rata in future rounds of venture studio companies and makes select investments in pre-seed African startups.
At Fast Forward, we put startup founders first. African entrepreneurs founding successful tech companies offer huge potential for exponential impact across the continent. African founders have the ability to scale business and social solutions, modernize economies, improve day to day lives and create jobs and upward mobility. Africa’s founder class can also bring additional benefits to the continent through philanthropy and positive political reform.
HoaQ is a venture angel group established in 2020 and based in Dublin, Ireland. The organization focuses on supporting early-stage technology and tech-enabled startups across Africa and its Diaspora. By fostering a community of creators and operators, HoaQ aims to back entrepreneurs in their efforts to develop scalable businesses that can thrive in the African market.
GuarantCo Ltd. is a risk mitigation firm that specializes in enhancing local currency debt issuance for infrastructure projects in lower-income countries, primarily in Africa and Asia. Founded in 2005 and based in Mauritius, it provides contingent credit solutions, mainly in the form of guarantees, to facilitate debt financing for private, municipal, and parastatal sectors. GuarantCo also offers technical assistance to develop and structure transactions and supports local capacity building and capital market development. The company operates a diverse portfolio across 18 countries and two multi-country projects, with its activities managed by GuarantCo Management Company, which is part of the Cardano Development Group. By mobilizing local currency investment, GuarantCo aims to improve the availability of finance for infrastructure development and contribute to the growth of local financial markets.
Established in 1953 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Sayani Investments is a private equity firm primarily focused on property-related investments. Additionally, they invest patient long-term capital in both public and private markets.
Founded in Dubai in 2014, Wamda Capital is a leading venture capital firm investing in high-growth technology startups across the MENA region. It provides multi-stage funding, from seed to growth stages, aiming to support portfolio companies until exit.
Founded in 2005, Spark Capital is a venture capital firm that invests across various sectors and stages. Known for embracing risk, the firm supports founders of exceptional products to achieve success on their own terms. Notable investments include Twitter, Discord, Cruise, Niantic, Oculus, Warby Parker, and Tumblr.
Founded in 2015, FJ Labs is a New York-based venture capital firm focusing on stage-agnostic investments in marketplaces and consumer-facing startups. Their investment range varies from $50,000 to $5,000,000, typically at seed or series A stages.
Founded in 2019, Flourish Ventures is a global venture capital firm based in San Francisco. It invests in early-stage companies focused on fintech, insurtech, regtech, and other sectors that advance financial health and prosperity for individuals and small businesses. The firm manages $850M in patient capital, deploying it with a long-term perspective across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the United States.
Unbound is an innovative online publishing platform that enables authors to pitch book ideas directly to readers. If a project gains sufficient support, Unbound facilitates the editing, typesetting, printing, and distribution of the book, crediting all supporters.
Amethis Finance is a private equity firm focused on long-term, responsible growth investments in Africa. It provides growth capital, long-term debt and equity to financial institutions, corporates and infrastructure projects, with sector emphasis on financial services, energy and infrastructure, agribusiness, and consumer-facing industries, targeting West, Central and East Africa as well as growth markets such as Kenya, Nigeria and Morocco. The firm backs local mid-size banks and insurance groups, regional players expanding into higher-risk markets, and related financial sector services, while also pursuing opportunities in processing, distribution and urban infrastructure. It applies social, environmental and governance criteria in its investments and supports portfolio companies with active governance and value-added external growth. Typical tickets range from a few million to tens of millions of euros, with initial commitments up to the hundreds of millions in combined equity and long-term debt, and exits planned over five to eight years. Amethis maintains a pan-African footprint with offices in Paris, Nairobi, Abidjan, Casablanca, Cairo, Luxembourg and Rabat.
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.
Established in Denmark in 1967, this organization supports green and inclusive societies globally by providing advisory services and risk capital to companies, particularly focusing on developing countries and emerging markets.
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.
Untapped Global facilitates data-driven investment opportunities for global investors in high-growth businesses across emerging markets. Its innovative Smart Asset Financing model provides real-time tracking of asset usage and revenue streams, ensuring transparency and profitability. With a presence in San Francisco, Brussels, and Africa, the company aims to create shared prosperity by unlocking economic opportunity in underserved regions.
Founded in 1996, Cauris Management is a private equity firm headquartered in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, with an additional office in Lomé, Togo. It specializes in mid-market and growth-oriented investments across Francophone West Africa, focusing on companies with strong potential for growth and profitability.
ASA Gold and Precious Metals is a closed-end investment company specializing in managing investments in precious metals and mining companies. Its primary focus is to achieve capital growth by investing in businesses involved in the exploration, development, or mining of precious metals and minerals.
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.
Eight Capital Management, established in 2005, is a Mumbai-based independent investment firm. It specializes in identifying and investing in distressed and special situation opportunities within the Indian market.
Stifel Financial is a full-service financial services firm headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri. Through its subsidiaries, it provides securities brokerage, trading, investment banking, investment advisory, and related services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. It also operates Stifel Bank, delivering banking and lending solutions to individuals and small to medium-sized businesses, including residential mortgages, cash management, and payment services. The company serves diverse sectors such as healthcare, education, financial services, defense, and other commercial markets, helping clients design integrated financial strategies that cover wealth management, retirement, estate planning, risk management, and liquidity needs.
Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. is an independent wealth management and capital markets firm based in Toronto, Canada, with additional offices in several major cities, including Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver, Victoria, and even Tokyo. Founded in 2010, the firm provides a range of services designed to meet the financial needs of individuals, households, institutions, and corporate clients. Its offerings include portfolio management, financial planning, estate and tax planning, and insurance, as well as investment banking services tailored for both institutional and retail clients. Echelon Wealth Partners aims to deliver sector-based expertise and advisory services through a team of experienced investment advisors and portfolio managers, fostering a dynamic and flexible environment for financial guidance. The company was previously known as Euro Pacific Canada Inc. before rebranding in April 2016.