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.

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.

FasterCapital is an online incubator, accelerator, and venture builder based in Dubai that supports startups and small businesses worldwide. It provides equity-based services, including technical development and business development, and assists ventures seeking funding from angels and venture capitalists. Founded in 2010, FasterCapital engages in a broad range of technology-driven sectors such as fintech, edtech, health tech, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and related fields.

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.

Founded in London in 2009, TLG Capital is a private investment firm focused on empowering entrepreneurs in frontier markets, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa. The company invests in sectors such as healthcare, finance, consumer goods, and real estate, aiming to create significant social, environmental, and developmental impact.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a provider of digital infrastructure in Africa, delivering data, voice, and IP services through a nationwide fiber and satellite network. It operates an extensive fiber backbone spanning about 18,000 kilometers across Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, and South Africa, enabling high-speed internet access for public and private sector enterprises and supporting the digital journey. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Ebène, Mauritius, the company serves as a key connectivity partner across the continent.

SBB Research Group, founded in 2010 and based in Northbrook, Illinois, is an investment advisory firm that specializes in bespoke investment strategies aimed at protecting and growing investor capital. The firm employs a systematic and interdisciplinary approach, integrating expertise from fields such as science, economics, and engineering to identify opportunities while mitigating risks. SBB Research Group provides discretionary investment advisory services across various vehicles, including proprietary accounts, family trusts, pooled investment vehicles, and separately managed accounts. The firm is led by founder and CEO Sam Barnett, Ph.D., alongside COO and CCO Matt Aven, who emphasizes continuous innovation in investment methodologies. Additionally, SBB Research Group is dedicated to community engagement, organizing volunteer events and supporting various causes such as the Greater Chicago K-12 Chess Championship and partnerships with organizations like the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center and the World Wildlife Fund.

Founded in 1886, Fresh Del Monte Produce is a global company that produces, markets, and distributes fresh fruits and vegetables. Its extensive product range includes pineapples, melons, grapes, apples, citrus, berries, tomatoes, avocados, and other produce, sold under the DEL MONTE brand among others. The company serves retail stores, club stores, wholesalers, distributors, and foodservice operators worldwide.

Warner Music Group is a leading global music company active in recording, publishing, and artist services, operating through international affiliates and licensees. It is one of the three major record companies. The company owns and operates labels such as Atlantic Records, Warner Records, and Elektra Records, generating the majority of revenue from recorded music, while its publishing arm, Warner Chappell, represents more than 180,000 songwriters and composers and controls a catalog of over one million songs. Warner Music works with a broad roster of artists including Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Cardi B, and Dua Lipa. The company serves a global market with licensing and distribution across multiple regions and maintains a significant presence in the music publishing ecosystem.

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 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.

Alterra Capital Partners is an Africa-focused private equity firm that partners with exceptional entrepreneurs and management teams to grow their businesses. It targets domestic-facing companies serving basic consumer and vital business needs.

Founded in 2015 and based in Amsterdam, Maven 11 is a venture capital firm focused on investing in the cryptocurrency sector.

Founded in 2017, Distributed Capital Partners is a venture capital firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida. It focuses on investing in early-stage companies involved in blockchain technology and distributed software.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 2014, Goodwater Capital is a venture capital firm based in Burlingame, California. It empowers exceptional entrepreneurs globally to build consumer technology products and platforms that positively impact billions of lives.

The African Development Bank is a multilateral development finance institution headquartered in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, established in 1964 to support Africa's economic development and social progress. It funds development projects and programs through loans, lines of credit, guarantees, and equity-like instruments, and provides risk management, treasury services, and trade finance support. It also offers concessional loans and grants, along with technical assistance for project selection, studies, capacity building, and implementation. By mobilizing public and private investment for both sectors, the bank aims to spur poverty reduction, improve living conditions, and foster sustainable growth across African economies.

Founded in 2005, True Ventures is a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm investing in early-stage technology startups. With over $3 billion under management, they focus on seed and Series A financing across sectors like commerce, consumer, hardware, health, and infrastructure technologies.

Norsad Finance Limited is a development finance company based in Gaborone, Botswana, founded in 1990. It specializes in providing funding for start-up and expansion investments in South Africa, focusing on mid-market growth companies that aim to contribute positively to the continent. Norsad Finance offers a range of financing options, including long-term investment loans, mezzanine finance, and equity financing. The company employs various financial instruments such as secured and unsecured debt, income participation loans, and convertible loans. Additionally, Norsad collaborates with development finance institutions and commercial banks to co-finance projects, tailoring its financing solutions to meet the specific needs of its clients.

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.

Founded in 2006, Techstars is a global platform that supports and invests in early-stage technology companies. Through its mentorship-driven accelerator programs, seed investments, and venture capital fund, Techstars fosters innovation across various sectors worldwide.

FCA Investments is an impact investor specializing in developing countries and fragile states.

The World Bank Group is an international organization that provides financial and technical assistance to low- and middle-income countries. Established in 1944, it consists of five institutions and has over 10,000 employees across more than 120 offices worldwide. The group offers low-interest loans, grants, and interest-free credits to support development projects in areas such as education, health, infrastructure, and environmental management. It also provides analytical and advisory services, guarantees and risk management products, and invests in businesses and governments. The World Bank Group's mission is to reduce poverty and support development by promoting sustainable growth and shared prosperity in developing countries.

AAIC Investment is a venture capital firm established in 2013 and based in Singapore. The firm specializes in investing in fast-growing companies within the healthcare sector in Africa. AAIC aims to provide growth capital and long-term value to help these companies enhance their performance and expand their operations. In addition to its primary focus on healthcare, the firm also considers opportunities in the food sector. Through its investments, AAIC seeks to support the development of innovative solutions that can significantly impact the healthcare landscape in Africa.

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.

Founded in 2019 and headquartered in San Francisco, Unpopular Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in technology companies. Since its inception, it has invested $75 million across approximately 500 startups, supporting innovative ventures such as Zepto, Jeeves, and Yassir.

Convergence Partners is an investment firm established in 2006, specializing in the technology and digital sectors across sub-Saharan Africa. The company identifies and develops private equity and infrastructure opportunities, primarily focusing on the telecom sector. By acting as value-adding partners, Convergence Partners aims to enhance the growth and development of its investments, contributing to the advancement of the technology landscape in the region.

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.

Women’s World Banking is a global non-profit organization dedicated to empowering low-income women through financial inclusion. The organization focuses on designing and investing in financial solutions, institutions, and policy environments in emerging markets. Its mission is to enhance economic stability and prosperity for women, their families, and their communities. By promoting access to market-driven financial services, Women’s World Banking aims to transform the lives of women and foster inclusive growth on a global scale. Through its initiatives, the organization seeks to create a more equitable financial landscape that supports the economic advancement of women.

Founded in 1999, LocalGlobe is a UK-based venture capital firm focusing on seed investments. It supports ambitious founders across various sectors, with notable portfolio companies including Citymapper, Improbable, Lovefilm, Moo, Tweetdeck, TransferWise, and Zoopla.

Partech is a global technology investment firm headquartered in Paris, with offices across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and North America. It combines capital, operational experience and strategic support to back founders from seed through growth stages. Founded in San Francisco about 40 years ago, Partech manages €2.5 billion in assets and maintains a portfolio of roughly 220 companies across 40 countries on four continents. The firm focuses on venture investments in technology-enabled sectors, including software, fintech, AI, cybersecurity, e-commerce and related TMT industries, with a preference for B2B and SaaS models.

Established in 2021, ShockVentures is a venture capital firm based in Williamsburg, Virginia. It focuses on investing in early-stage startups within the mobility vertical, leveraging community power to create lasting value.

The GSMA is a global trade body representing nearly 800 mobile network operators and 200 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem. Established in 1982, it promotes the development of mobile technology, with a focus on GSM, a standard used by the majority of the world's mobile networks. The GSMA's work includes organizing industry-leading events like the Mobile World Congress, and driving innovation through initiatives such as the GSMA Innovation Fund, which supports digital solutions in emerging markets. It also facilitates collaboration between mobile operators and startups through programs like the GSMA Ecosystem Accelerator, and promotes the use of mobile technology in specific sectors, such as agriculture, through the GSMA AgriTech Programme.

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 2013, AgFunder is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California. It invests globally in agritech and food tech startups that are solving problems in the food system through automation, digitization of supply chain, food waste reduction, alternative proteins, and nutrition. The firm manages multiple funds and has invested in over 50 companies, aiming to deliver meaningful environmental and social impact across the food system.

Deciens Capital is a venture capital firm focused on early-stage fintech and financial services startups. It supports founders at the outset of their journeys, offering comprehensive assistance beyond funding to help turn ideas into viable businesses. The firm pursues visionary entrepreneurs and forms strategic collaborations with industry leaders to advance the digital transformation of established financial ecosystems. Deciens Capital was founded in 2017 by Daniel Kimerling and Zac Townsend.

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.

Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), established in 1977 and headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a prominent corporate and investment bank within Africa's financial landscape. As a division of FirstRand Bank Limited, RMB specializes in providing a range of services, including advisory, funding, trading, corporate banking, and principal investing. The bank is adept at structuring tailored financing solutions to address diverse client needs, encompassing areas such as project finance, on-balance sheet lending, and structured asset finance. RMB also offers expertise in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and debt restructuring, along with specific products in debt and equity capital markets, infrastructure finance, real estate finance, and resource finance. With a focus on innovation and client collaboration, RMB distinguishes itself by delivering effective financial solutions while upholding traditional values.

I&M Bank (T) Ltd. is a commercial bank based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, providing a range of banking services to both individuals and businesses. Established in 1974, the institution was originally known as CF Union Bank Limited before rebranding in September 2010. As a wholly owned subsidiary of I&M Holdings Limited, I&M Bank (T) Ltd. has developed a network of branches across Tanzania to serve its customers effectively. The bank focuses on delivering financial solutions tailored to the needs of its diverse clientele, contributing to the region's economic development.

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.

Village Capital is a Washington, DC-based organization founded in 2009 that operates accelerator programs and supports early-stage ventures worldwide. It targets sectors including agriculture, education, energy, financial services, health, and technology, focusing on environmental, social, and economic challenges. Village Capital uses a peer-led model in which entrepreneurs rank ventures and award seed funding to the top graduates of each program. The organization provides training and connects founders, investors, and communities to resources and capital with the aim of broadening access to entrepreneurship. Since its inception, Village Capital has supported more than 1,000 entrepreneurs through its programs and partnered with affiliated investment funds; program graduates have generated about $61.5 million in revenue, reached around 8.5 million customers, and created over 11,500 jobs.

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.