Techstars Central LLC, founded in 2006 and based in Boulder, Colorado, operates as a startup accelerator and venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage technology-oriented companies. It specializes in a mentorship-driven accelerator program, selecting ten startups each summer to participate in a three-month incubation period, offering funding of $120,000 in exchange for equity. Techstars invests primarily in sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, blockchain, augmented reality, and IoT, while avoiding investments in medical devices, healthcare technology, and local service-oriented businesses. In addition to its primary accelerator, Techstars has various specialized programs, including those focused on music, retail, mobility, and social impact, with global reach extending to regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The firm prefers taking minority stakes, typically between six and ten percent, without seeking board representation or investor rights. Techstars has built a robust network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and corporate partners to foster innovation and growth within its portfolio, which includes over 1,000 companies with a significant collective market capitalization.

The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) is a government-owned investment management company in South Africa, established in 1911. It exclusively serves the public sector, managing funds for public bodies that include pension, provident, social security, and guardian funds. As one of Africa's largest and most successful investment managers, PIC operates with a diversified portfolio that encompasses various asset classes, including listed and unlisted equities, bonds, properties, and cash. The corporation's investment strategy incorporates both in-house and externally managed assets, with a focus on maximizing returns for the public sector while adhering to responsible investment principles. Through its comprehensive approach, PIC plays a crucial role in supporting the financial sustainability of public institutions in South Africa.

Founded in 2009, Acorn is a Somerset-headquartered independent alternative asset management firm with an office in Cape Town. The firm targets investments in small and medium enterprises across South Africa.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of The World Bank Group that focuses on fostering sustainable economic growth in developing countries through private sector investment. It provides a range of financial services, including loans, equity investments, quasi-equity products, and advisory services aimed at supporting startups and various stages of company development. IFC invests in sectors such as agribusiness, financial services, health, education, infrastructure, global manufacturing, oil and gas, telecommunications, and tourism, with a particular emphasis on projects that promote food security, digital finance, and affordable healthcare. The organization targets investments ranging from $1 million to $100 million, often seeking minority stakes but may also take a majority position in its portfolio companies. IFC aims to create jobs, generate tax revenues, and enhance corporate governance in emerging markets, thus contributing positively to local communities. Established in 1956 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., IFC operates globally with offices across various regions, focusing its efforts on financing projects that align with its mission of improving lives in developing countries.

South Suez Capital is a private equity fund of funds manager based in Mauritius, specializing in investments across Africa. Established in 2009, the firm caters to institutional investors, endowments, and high-net-worth individuals, offering them exclusive access to a range of primary, secondary, and direct private market investments. By leveraging a well-established local network, South Suez Capital enables investors to build diversified portfolios focused on the African market. The firm's investment strategy includes targeting commitments to African private equity funds, along with direct investments in operating companies as opportunities arise. Additionally, South Suez Capital maintains a commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles in its investment approach.

Proparco is a French government organization established in 1977, dedicated to promoting private sector funding in sustainable development. Based in Paris, the firm focuses on financing and supporting companies and financial institutions across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Proparco's investment strategy emphasizes key development sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, and financial services. The organization aims to strengthen the contributions of private actors towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the international community. Proparco finances projects that create jobs, provide essential goods and services, and combat climate change, offering a range of financial instruments including loans, equity, and guarantees. Its interventions are designed to enhance the resilience of communities and promote sustainable economic growth in emerging markets.

DOB Equity is a private equity firm specializing in growth capital and buy-and-build strategies in small and medium companies.

Nodus Equity is a private equity firm based in Illovo, South Africa, specializing in investments in established, medium-sized businesses during their expansion to mature stages. The firm specifically targets companies with an enterprise value below ZAR500 million and an EBITDA exceeding ZAR10 million per year, making investments ranging from ZAR5 million to ZAR35 million. Nodus Equity does not engage with start-ups or businesses in the agriculture, mining, or property sectors. It primarily seeks to acquire equity stakes of 10% to 49%, often preferring a majority stake, and aims to secure board and executive committee representation within its portfolio companies. The firm focuses on mid-market, leveraged buyouts, and management buyouts, facilitating partial exits and cash realizations for business owners.

Investec is a financial services company founded in 1974 and headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It operates in multiple regions, including South Africa, Australia, and internationally, through three key divisions: asset management, wealth and investment, and specialist banking. The asset management division offers active investment products across global and emerging markets, catering to both institutional and individual investors. The wealth and investment division focuses on providing comprehensive wealth management services, including portfolio management, tax planning, and stockbroking for high-net-worth clients. The specialist banking division delivers a range of banking solutions, including private banking, corporate and institutional banking, and corporate advisory services. Investec serves diverse clientele, including individuals, businesses, and corporations, with a commitment to offering tailored financial products and services designed to meet their specific needs.

RENEW and the Impact Angel Network are one of the most active private equity investors in Ethiopia and recently expanded to Uganda. RENEW and the IAN seek to become the most successful SME investment firm in Sub-Saharan Africa, investing in hundreds of companies across twenty countries. Their mission is to find, invest and help grow great companies led by visionary leaders.

Standard Bank Group, founded in 1863 and headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, is the largest bank in the country. With a strong presence in 17 African nations and operations extending to 16 countries outside the continent, the bank focuses on providing a range of banking and financial services. Its expertise in emerging markets, combined with a global perspective, allows Standard Bank to effectively serve a diverse clientele. The institution’s extensive knowledge of the African market positions it as a key player in the region's financial landscape.

Novastar Ventures Ltd is a venture capital firm established in 2014 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with additional offices in Lagos, Nigeria, and London, United Kingdom. The firm specializes in seed, start-up, early to late venture, and growth capital investments, primarily targeting education, healthcare, agri-business, food, and water sectors. Novastar Ventures focuses on serving Base of Pyramid (BoP) markets in East and West Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States. The firm typically invests between $0.25 million and $8 million in innovative companies that aim to profitably address the needs of East Africa’s aspiring mass market. Rather than viewing themselves solely as fund managers, Novastar Ventures emphasizes collaboration with entrepreneurs to transform ideas into impactful businesses, fostering innovation, accountability, and wealth accumulation for the common good.

Aruwa Capital Management is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Lagos, Nigeria, specializing in early-stage and growth capital investments. The firm primarily targets small to lower middle market companies in Nigeria and Ghana, focusing on sectors such as consumer goods, healthcare, non-banking financial services, agro-processing, education, technology, and B2B services. Aruwa Capital Management is notable for being female-founded and led, and it typically makes investments ranging from $0.5 million to $3.5 million.

AfricInvest, founded in 1994 and based in Tunis, Tunisia, is a leading private equity investment firm within the Integra Group. With a focus on small and medium enterprises across Africa, it manages USD 1 billion across 16 funds and employs 66 professionals in seven offices. The firm specializes in high-growth sectors such as financial services, agribusiness, consumer/retail, education, and healthcare, having invested in 135 companies across 25 African countries. AfricInvest benefits from strong support from local and international investors, including prominent development finance institutions. As a co-founder of the African Venture Capital Association and other regional organizations, the firm actively promotes the growth of the private equity industry in Africa. Its extensive network of executives and expertise positions AfricInvest as a significant player in fostering economic development on the continent.

CDC Group, established in 1948, is the UK’s Development Finance Institution wholly owned by the government. Its primary mission is to foster business development in Africa and South Asia, aiming to create jobs and improve living conditions in some of the world’s most impoverished regions. CDC invests strategically in sectors where job creation is most needed, including manufacturing, agribusiness, infrastructure, financial institutions, construction, health, and education. By supporting businesses in these areas, CDC seeks to stimulate economic growth and enhance the private sector in regions where it is often underdeveloped. Through its portfolio, which includes numerous investee businesses, CDC has demonstrated a significant impact on job creation and local economies, contributing to tax revenues and ultimately improving the lives of individuals in the communities it serves.

TLcom Capital is a venture capital firm established in 1999, with offices in Lagos, Nairobi, and London. The firm primarily focuses on technology-enabled companies across Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in Europe, Israel, and the United States. TLcom Capital manages over $300 million, with a specific emphasis on early to growth-stage investments. In 2017, the firm launched the TLcom TIDE Africa fund, aiming to raise $100 million to support technology startups across Africa. The fund's investment sectors include fintech, commerce, consumer services, and corporate services, covering areas such as health, education, energy, and media.

Raba partners with founders from leading start-ups and companies building technology companies solving hard problems in emerging ecosystems in Africa. Raba is backed by a select group of venture capitalists, technology entrepreneurs, and families who have built global businesses across a wide range of industries.

Hlayisani Capital is a private equity firm based in Fourways, South Africa, with an additional office in Stellenbosch. The firm specializes in investments in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and targets later-stage and growth-stage opportunities. Hlayisani Capital primarily focuses on sectors such as information, communication and technology (ICT) and manufacturing, with particular interest in agritech, edtech, and medtech. The firm aims to acquire significant minority or majority ownership stakes in its investments, concentrating on mid-market, high-growth opportunities in South Africa, while also considering prospects in Sub-Saharan Africa and East African countries.

Knife Capital is an independent growth equity investment firm focusing on innovation-driven ventures with proven traction. By leveraging knowledge, networks & funding, Knife accelerates the international expansion of entrepreneurial businesses that achieved a product/market fit in a beachhead market. Knife have offices in Cape Town and London. Knife invests via a consortium of funding partnerships, including SARS section 12J Venture Capital Company KNF Ventures and select family offices. Knife facilitated lucrative exits of local technology companies to the likes of General Electric, Visa, Garmin and Uber.

Futuregrowth Asset Management, established in 2000, is a South Africa-based asset management firm focused on providing financial services to individuals, insurance companies, financial intermediaries, and mutual fund companies. As a member of the Old Mutual Investment Group, Futuregrowth emphasizes the development and empowerment of South Africa and its people, with a commitment to making a meaningful impact through its investment offerings. The firm operates as a licensed Financial Services Provider, aiming to contribute positively to the local economy and society.

Umnotho weSizwe Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd. is a venture capital firm specializing in growth capital and early stage financing. The firm seeks to invest in the mining industry with a focus on coal, platinum, gold, diamonds, and heavy minerals. The firm pursues all investments focusing on resources, oil & gas, construction and materials, telecommunication, and technology sectors. It prefers to invest in operations which contribute to job creation, skills development/transfer, and poverty alleviation. The firm seeks to invest in companies based in South Africa. The firm seeks to participate on either an executive or management level in its portfolio companies. Umnotho weSizwe Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd. was established in 1996 and is headquartered in Bryanston, South Africa.

Old Mutual is an international financial services group that offers a comprehensive range of financial solutions, including life assurance, general insurance, asset management, and banking services. With a history spanning over 175 years, the company serves a diverse clientele, including individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, and corporations across various regions, including Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Old Mutual provides tailored financial products such as loans, debt consolidation loans, low-cost transactional accounts, and unit trust savings accounts. Additionally, the group is recognized as the largest Africa-domiciled asset manager, managing substantial assets and offering a wide array of investment capabilities. To enhance financial literacy, Old Mutual also conducts workshops aimed at educating clients about financial management.

E3 Capital is an investment firm that focuses on enhancing energy access in Sub-Saharan Africa. It serves as an advisor to the Energy Access Venture Fund, which is dedicated to financing entrepreneurial businesses that tackle the region's electrification challenges through innovative technologies and business models. The fund is supported by Schneider Electric, a leading energy management company, along with various public-sector investors. E3 Capital aims to promote sustainable energy solutions to address the significant energy access gap in Sub-Saharan Africa.

4Di Capital is a venture capital firm based in Cape Town, South Africa, with a focus on seed to early-stage investments primarily in the technology sector. Established in 2009, the firm targets high-growth opportunities within the fintech, healthtech, enterprise software, and other technology-related industries across Southern Africa. 4Di Capital invests amounts ranging from ZAR 1 million to ZAR 49.3 million, acquiring equity stakes between 15 percent and 40 percent in its portfolio companies. The firm's approach emphasizes nurturing capital, providing not only financial support but also mentorship and access to valuable networks to help entrepreneurs reach their full potential. With an additional office in Atlanta, Georgia, 4Di Capital employs best practices tailored to the local market to foster the growth of innovative startups.

Goodwell Investments BV is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with additional offices in Cape Town, South Africa, and Nairobi, Kenya. Founded in 2005, the firm focuses on seed and early-stage investments in small and medium-sized enterprises in impact sectors, particularly in financial services, agriculture, health, logistics, and mobility. Goodwell aims to support companies that provide essential goods and services in Sub-Saharan Africa and India, with a particular interest in microfinance, mobile payments, affordable housing finance, and renewable energy. The firm typically invests a minimum of €250,000 and prefers to hold its investments for five to ten years while taking minority stakes. In addition to financial backing, Goodwell offers advisory services to its portfolio companies, emphasizing sustainable business practices and social impact.

Plug and Play, founded in 2006 and based in Sunnyvale, California, operates as a business accelerator and venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage and seed investments in technology startups. The firm runs 12 industry-specific accelerator programs annually, connecting startups with corporate partners and investors to foster collaboration and growth. Plug and Play's investment strategy encompasses a wide range of sectors, including fintech, health and wellness, travel, cybersecurity, and sustainability, allowing it to support diverse startups from any country. The firm provides various resources, including funding, mentorship, office space, and networking opportunities, and has a global presence with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Plug and Play has a strong track record, having helped numerous startups secure over $9 billion in funding since its inception. Its programs aim to refine business models and facilitate introductions to potential investors, ultimately contributing to the growth of the startup ecosystem.

Village Capital is a Washington, D.C.-based venture capital firm founded in 2009 that focuses on early-stage and seed investments in sectors such as agriculture, education, energy, financial services, and healthcare. The firm aims to empower entrepreneurs by employing a unique peer-support model, allowing entrepreneurs to select the ventures that receive pre-committed seed funding at the conclusion of its programs. Village Capital connects high-potential entrepreneurs with essential resources, fostering innovation and growth. It operates both a nonprofit that provides training for founders and a for-profit investment fund that invests in top program graduates, having supported over 1,000 entrepreneurs and more than 550 enterprises across various global regions. The firm has achieved notable success, with its alumni generating significant revenue and creating thousands of jobs, while maintaining a high recommendation rate among participants.

Cauris Management SA is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 1996, with offices in Lomé, Togo, and Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The firm focuses on both direct investments in startups and growth-oriented companies, as well as fund of funds investments in private equity funds. It targets investments ranging from €2 million to €15 million, seeking to acquire majority, minority, or controlling stakes in companies. Cauris Management emphasizes sectors with strong growth potential while excluding investments in military, adult entertainment, tobacco, and businesses that exploit child labor or harm the environment. Its investment strategy spans small and medium-sized enterprises in several countries across Francophone West Africa, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and Senegal, among others, positioning it as a key player in the regional private sector.

All On is an independent impact investing company based in Nigeria, established in 2004 with initial funding from Shell. The organization focuses on increasing access to commercial energy products and services for unserved and underserved off-grid energy markets, particularly in the Niger Delta region. All On invests in various off-grid energy solutions, including solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and gas technologies. These investments are made in collaboration with both foreign and local companies that provide access to energy, aiming to complement existing grid power and address Nigeria's significant energy gap. Through its initiatives, All On seeks to enhance energy accessibility and contribute to sustainable development in the region.

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.

SEI Investments is a global provider of asset management, investment processing, and investment operations solutions, established in 1968 and headquartered in Oaks, Pennsylvania. The firm serves a diverse clientele, including wealth managers, institutional investors, and high-net-worth individuals, by offering a comprehensive range of wealth solutions. These services encompass fund administration, portfolio and fund accounting, as well as trustee and custodial services tailored for various investment vehicles, including private equity and mutual funds. Additionally, SEI operates internationally, with a presence in markets such as Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. Through its innovative global operating platform, SEI aims to enhance clients' success by addressing their emerging needs and delivering relevant business solutions.

Swedfund International AB is a government-owned investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1979. The firm specializes in direct and fund of fund investments, focusing on emerging markets in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Swedfund does not invest in Swedish businesses or in sectors such as weapons, tobacco, or alcohol. It seeks to provide risk capital through various financial instruments, typically investing between SEK 5 million and SEK 100 million. The firm targets seed, start-ups, and mid to late-stage ventures, often taking a minority stake in its portfolio companies while ensuring its investments do not exceed one-third of the total investment. Swedfund aims for an exit within five to ten years and actively participates in the governance of its investments by taking a Board seat and engaging in investment committees. With an additional office in Nairobi, Kenya, Swedfund is dedicated to fostering sustainable development through responsible investment.

The African Development Bank (AfDB), founded in 1964 and headquartered in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, serves as a multilateral development finance institution dedicated to fostering economic and social progress in Africa. It provides a range of financial products including loans, lines of credit, guarantees, and risk management solutions to both public and private sector projects. The bank collaborates with national and international development entities to finance development initiatives, offering technical assistance for project selection, preparation, and studies. Additionally, the African Development Fund (ADF), a concessional financing arm of the bank, supports low-income regional member countries with loans and grants aimed at poverty reduction and economic development. Through these efforts, the AfDB promotes investments that contribute to sustainable growth across the continent.

EchoVC Partners is a venture capital firm based in Lagos, Nigeria, specializing in seed and early-stage investments across various technology sectors. The firm focuses on internet technologies, including consumer internet, smart graph platforms, and applications, as well as smart data technologies such as machine learning and predictive analytics. EchoVC also invests in e-commerce, digital media, and enterprise solutions, with particular attention to underserved entrepreneurs and regions in North America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The average investment size ranges from $25,000 to several million dollars, depending on the specific opportunity and business needs. By leveraging insights from Silicon Valley, EchoVC Partners aims to foster local entrepreneurial ecosystems, support high-potential growth companies, and promote mentorship and knowledge transfer among diverse markets.

500 Global, formerly known as 500 Startups, is a venture capital firm and incubator based in Mountain View, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in seed investments, primarily focusing on early-stage technology and financial services startups across various sectors, including biotech, e-commerce, fintech, and digital healthcare. 500 Global operates a four-month accelerator program, where it typically invests between $0.05 million and $1 million for a 5 to 10 percent equity stake in companies with at least $100,000 in monthly revenue. The firm targets a global market, with particular emphasis on regions such as the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Since its inception, it has invested in over 2,200 startups and supports the growth of innovation ecosystems through educational programs and partnerships. 500 Global also prioritizes investments in companies led by minority founders, reflecting its commitment to diverse entrepreneurial leadership.

Sanari Capital is a South African private investment company. They partner with owners and management in building companies, concepts and ideas.

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is a self-sustaining U.S. Government agency that helps American businesses invest in emerging markets. Established in 1971, OPIC provides businesses with the tools to manage the risks associated with foreign direct investment, fosters economic development in emerging market countries, and advances U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities. OPIC helps American businesses gain footholds in new markets, catalyzes new revenues and contributes to jobs and growth opportunities both at home and abroad. OPIC fulfills its mission by providing businesses with financing, political risk insurance, advocacy and by partnering with private equity investment fund managers. OPIC services are available to new and expanding businesses planning to invest in more than 160 countries worldwide. Because OPIC charges market-based fees for its products, it operates on a self-sustaining basis at no net cost to taxpayers. All OPIC projects must adhere to best international practices and cannot cause job loss in the United States.

Phatisa is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 2002 and headquartered in Mauritius. It specializes in investments in small and medium-sized enterprises, focusing on management buy-outs, expansions, acquisitions, and start-ups. The firm emphasizes sectors such as food and affordable housing across sub-Saharan Africa. Phatisa also invests in real estate projects, primarily targeting affordable and middle-income residential developments alongside mixed-use projects in urban areas. However, it excludes investments in bio-fuels, timber, alcoholic beverages, seed capital, short-term bridging, debt finance, and does not provide grants or soft loans.

Ethos, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Illovo, is a prominent private equity firm that specializes in investments in medium-to-large businesses primarily within South Africa and selectively in sub-Saharan Africa. With a pioneering role in South African private equity, Ethos has successfully completed the first private equity-led acquisitions in the country and has invested in over 100 companies across various sectors, including financial services, healthcare, technology, consumer products, and industrials. The firm has built extensive local networks complemented by international reach, enabling it to deliver strong returns that consistently outperform the stock market. Ethos is independently owned and managed by investment professionals, ensuring alignment of interests with stakeholders. Currently, the firm is investing through Ethos Fund VI, which has garnered commitments of approximately R7 billion, making it one of the largest pools of third-party capital in Africa.

TLG Capital is an award-winning private investment firm dedicated to empowering frontier market entrepreneurs, with a focus on opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).TLG firmly believes that impact creation is crucial to sustained financial success. They are committed to tackling persistent challenges and better directing resources towards improving the lives for some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Their investments have had a significantly social, environmental and development impact across Sub-Saharan Africa.TLG Africa Limited is a permanent capital investment vehicle focusing on equity opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). TLG Africa invests in sectors underpinned by the ‘rise of the African consumer’, such as: healthcare, finance, consumer goods and real estate. These investments include direct minority/majority stake investments, secondary opportunities and distressed fund restructurings. TLG Africa always seeks board representation, along with other minority protections. Notable investments include WHO pre-approved pharmaceutical plant QCIL (Uganda) and healthcare facilities in West Africa. In recognition for their efforts, their deals have won multiple awards including ‘Landmark Deal of the Decade’ in 2012 and 'Frontier Deal of the Year' in 2014 from Private Equity Africa.

Norfund is a Norwegian government organization founded in 1997, based in Oslo, that focuses on reducing poverty and enhancing economic development in low-income countries. It serves as an active, strategic minority investor, providing risk capital, equity, and loans to businesses in regions where access to financing is limited. Primarily operating in Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as selected areas in Southeast Asia and Central America, Norfund aims to foster sustainable business growth in environments where the private sector is underdeveloped. The organization also invests in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to further support local economic initiatives. Through its investments, Norfund seeks to create a significant positive impact on the economies of the countries it targets.

Investisseurs & Partenaires is an impact investment group focused on supporting African Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Established in 2002 by Patrice Hoppenot and currently led by Jean-Michel Severino, I&P has invested in over 90 companies across 16 African countries, spanning various sectors such as health, transport, and microfinance. The organization aims to foster local economic development by providing capital, technical assistance, and strategic support to enhance the growth of its portfolio companies. I&P manages four pan-African funds and sponsors five additional impact funds, with a total of €135 million under management. The team, comprising approximately forty professionals, operates from Paris and seven African offices located in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Madagascar, Niger, and Senegal. Through its investments, I&P seeks to create long-term employment opportunities and generate significant social, environmental, and governance impacts across the continent.

SOSV is a global venture capital firm founded in 1995 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey. Specializing in seed-to-growth stage investments, SOSV operates multiple accelerator programs worldwide, including HAX for hardware, IndieBio and RebelBio for life sciences, Chinaccelerator and MOX for cross-border internet ventures, Food-X for innovative food solutions, and dlab for blockchain technology. The firm focuses on investments in revolutionary deep technologies aimed at improving human and planetary health, as well as cross-border markets, particularly in Asia. SOSV invests in approximately 150 startups annually, providing support through its resources to accelerate product development and scaling. Over its two-decade history, SOSV has established a strong reputation, consistently ranking among the top venture capital firms globally.

Antler is a global early-stage venture capital firm founded in Singapore in 2017, focused on investing in technology companies with significant growth potential. With a presence across six continents and major entrepreneurial hubs such as London, New York, Singapore, and Sydney, Antler has supported the establishment of over 200 startups, 40% of which have at least one female co-founder. The firm identifies exceptional individuals and early-stage businesses, providing comprehensive support from team formation and business model validation to capital investment. Antler invests primarily at the pre-seed stage and continues to engage with its portfolio companies through subsequent funding rounds, including Series C. The firm operates several funds, including those targeting specific regions like East Africa, while maintaining a commitment to fostering diverse founding teams representing 70 nationalities. Through its global platform, Antler aims to help founders build impactful startups that can define the future of technology.

Nedbank Group, based in South Africa, provides a comprehensive range of banking and financial services through its subsidiary, Nedbank Limited. The group offers personal banking solutions such as savings accounts, home and personal loans, credit cards, and investment services. It also caters to businesses with various banking products, including loans, structured solutions, and treasury services. Additionally, Nedbank provides corporate and investment banking services, focusing on sectors like infrastructure, energy, and telecommunications. The company engages in private equity and venture capital through Nedbank Capital Private Equity, which specializes in growth capital and management buy-outs, primarily investing in mid-market unlisted companies across various industries. Founded in 1831 and formerly known as Nedcor Limited, Nedbank Group has a strong presence in South Africa and operates in other regions, including Europe, Asia, and the United States. The group emphasizes sound banking practices and risk management across its diverse financial services portfolio.

Inclusive Impact Investments is a venture capital firm specializes in small, early growth, mezzanine, emerging growth and expansion investments. The firm seeks investments in agricultural sector (primarily in agro processing) and consumer products that have a positive effect on the lives of women, youth and small farmers living in poverty. It invests in Africa and Asia primarily. The investments are focused in the countries Nigeria, Uganda and Vietnam. It does not invests in Cooperatives, farmer groups, savings, credit and cooperative organizations, NGO’s, private persons, listed companies and foundations, Companies active in real estate, project finance (housing, water irrigation and power plants), leisure (hotels, restaurants and travel agencies), private schools and private health clinics. It prefers to invest in €0.1 million ($0.11 million ) and €2 million ($2.34 million). Inclusive Impact Investments was founded in October 2014 and is based in Rotterdam, Netherlands with additional offices in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Hague, Netherlands, Abuja, Nigeria; Kampala, Uganda and Hanoi, Vietnam.

Apis Partners is a private equity asset manager based in London, specializing in financial services within growth markets, including Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe. The firm is managed by a seasoned team with over 20 years of experience in financial services and private equity, having built a strong track record in the industry. Apis Partners has developed a wide-ranging network of operating partners, comprising over 20 financial services professionals, which enhances their on-the-ground presence in five countries. The firm's recent fund, Apis Growth Markets Fund III, launched in 2023, focuses on investments in the financial services sector, targeting ticket sizes between USD 60 to USD 70 million across 10 to 15 companies. Apis Partners leverages its extensive industry expertise and resources to capitalize on growth opportunities in emerging markets.

Verod Capital Management Limited is a private equity firm established in 2008, headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, with an additional office in Ghana. The firm focuses on mid-market investments, primarily in West Africa, particularly in Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. Verod specializes in growth capital and buyout transactions across various sectors, including financial services, business services, education, healthcare, agriculture, consumer goods, light manufacturing, civil engineering, media, technology, real estate, and energy. The firm typically invests between $3 million and $20 million, seeking to acquire either a majority or significant minority equity stake in its portfolio companies. Verod aims to enhance the value of these companies through active management, fostering strong governance practices and operational improvements, and typically holds investments for four to seven years. By partnering with motivated management teams and focusing on companies with proven business models and growth potential, Verod seeks to build sustainable regional leaders in their respective industries.

Finnish Fund for Industrial Cooperation Ltd. (Finnfund) is a development finance company based in Helsinki, Finland, that specializes in providing long-term risk capital for private projects primarily in developing countries and transition economies. Established in 1980, Finnfund focuses on direct investments in small and medium enterprises, offering equity capital, mezzanine financing, and investment loans, typically ranging from EUR 1 million to EUR 10 million. The firm actively seeks to co-invest with Finnish companies and supports ventures utilizing Finnish technology, while also prioritizing projects that generate significant environmental or social benefits. Finnfund strategically avoids investments in sectors such as weapons production, gambling, and activities involving forced or child labor, adhering to strict ethical guidelines. Its investment areas include agribusiness, cleantech, renewable energy, health services, and infrastructure, with a particular interest in countries such as China, Bangladesh, and various African nations. Finnfund aims to contribute to sustainable development by financing projects that align with Finland’s development cooperation objectives.

Quona Capital Management Ltd. is a venture capital firm that focuses on early to growth-stage investments in financial technology companies within emerging markets, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., with additional offices in Bengaluru, Lima, Cape Town, and Mexico City, Quona Capital aims to enhance financial inclusion by backing startups that leverage technology to improve the accessibility, quality, and affordability of financial services for underserved consumers and businesses. The firm primarily invests in disruptive innovations related to digital lending, payments, and wealth management, as well as adjacent sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and commerce. Investments typically range from $1 million to $10 million, focusing on solutions that address the financial needs of those lacking access to traditional banking services.