Flat6Labs is Sawari Ventures’ dedicated startup accelerator for seed stage investments. Launched in Cairo in 2011, it assists and encourages entrepreneurs throughout the critical first steps of development. Every four months, it funds and mentors a number of carefully selected start-ups from Egypt and the MENA region, providing them with seed capital and physical hosting at its premises. In addition, it offers interaction-based mentorship and educational experiences, organized in conjunction with the American University in Cairo. Flat6Labs’ philosophy is centered on immersing entrepreneurs into the real-world challenges of creating and managing successful enterprises in an open, collaborative and value-added environment. In May 2012, Flat6Labs joined the Global Accelerator Network (GAN), as the first member from Africa.
Plug and Play is a prominent seed and early-stage investor based in Silicon Valley, specializing in innovative startups across various sectors, including Fintech, Insurtech, and Health & Wellness. The firm operates 12 industry-specific accelerator programs annually, connecting high-quality startups with major corporations and strategic partners. In addition to accelerator programs, Plug and Play participates in Seed, Angel, and Series A funding, co-investing with over 180 venture capital partners. Their Startup Camp provides a 10-week intensive program for entrepreneurs to refine their business models, while their global network of mentors and advisors supports startups in product development and investor presentations. With a portfolio exceeding 600 startups, Plug and Play has been instrumental in the growth of market leaders and continues to facilitate innovation by bringing together key stakeholders worldwide, including corporations, venture capitalists, and government entities.
Algebra Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Cairo, Egypt, that focuses on early-stage and growth capital investments primarily in the Fintech sector. Founded in 2015, the firm targets technology-driven startups across various domains, including consumer internet, e-commerce, enterprise software, and advanced digital technologies. Algebra Ventures typically invests between $0.1 million and $4 million, seeking minority stakes of 15% to 30% in the companies it supports. While its primary focus is on Series A and Series B funding rounds in Egypt, it is open to earlier-stage investments and opportunities in other parts of the MENA region, including Jordan, Lebanon, UAE, Tunisia, and Morocco. The firm looks for high-growth companies led by passionate teams with a unique value proposition and the capability to generate significant economic returns.
Development Partners International (DPI) is a prominent Pan-African private equity firm founded in 2007, with headquarters in London and an office in Lagos, Nigeria. The firm focuses on investing in growing companies across various sectors, including manufacturing, telecommunications, healthcare, and financial services, among others. DPI manages over $1.1 billion in assets through two private equity funds and has a strong track record, having invested in 19 portfolio companies across 27 African countries. The firm’s investment team, all of whom are African, boasts over 100 years of combined investment experience in the region, with a commitment to diversity, as over 40% of the team comprises women. DPI typically invests between $10 million and $120 million in equity per company, concentrating its efforts on markets in Angola, Algeria, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone. The firm does not engage in investments related to start-ups or turnaround situations.
AfricInvest, founded in 1994, is a private equity investor based in Tunisia and part of Integra Group. With a focus on North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, the firm manages USD1 billion across 16 funds and has invested in 135 companies across 25 African countries. AfricInvest has 66 professionals in seven offices and benefits from strong support from local and international investors, including leading development finance institutions. The firm is active in promoting the private equity industry in the region and has extensive expertise in key growth sectors such as financial services, agribusiness, consumer/retail, education, and healthcare. Additionally, AfricInvest has played a role in founding industry associations like the African Venture Capital Association and the Middle East North Africa Private Equity Association.
Mediterrania Capital Partners is a private equity firm that specializes in growth investments in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-cap companies, primarily in North Africa. Established in 2008 as "Fons Mediterrania Capital," the firm transitioned to an independent General Partner structure in 2013. With offices located in Barcelona, Casablanca, Tunis, Algiers, and Malta, Mediterrania Capital Partners prioritizes value creation and fosters strong relationships with its partners and investors. The firm is recognized for its expert portfolio management, which distinguishes it in the competitive landscape of private equity.
CDG Capital Private Equity, founded in 2001 and based in Casablanca, Morocco, is a private equity firm that focuses on growth investments for SMEs in Morocco and West Africa. Specializing in early, mid, and late-stage venture investments, as well as growth capital and buyouts, the firm provides mezzanine financing to portfolio companies with equity investments ranging from MAD2 million to MAD60 million. CDG Capital Private Equity, formerly known as Accès Capital Atlantique SA, exclusively takes minority stakes in its investments, aiming to support the development and expansion of businesses in the region.
Orange is a digital operator based in Paris, France, providing mobile and internet services across Europe and Africa, along with corporate telecommunications services worldwide. The company operates under the brand Orange Business Services, offering a diverse range of communication and IT services to large corporations, local authorities, and small to medium-sized enterprises. This includes voice and data, IT solutions, and integrated services to support clients' communication projects. Additionally, Orange fosters innovation through Orange Ventures, a venture fund with significant assets under management, focused on investing in technology and sustainable business models. The company has a global presence, operating in 30 countries and supporting startups through initiatives like the Orange Fabs network, which provides resources and expertise to emerging digital enterprises.
BECO Capital is a venture capital firm based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, that specializes in providing growth capital and operational support to early-stage technology companies. Founded in 2012 by Dany Farha and Amir Farha, the firm focuses on investing in sectors such as business and consumer internet services, mobile services, SaaS, technology infrastructure, and digital media. BECO Capital primarily targets small to medium-sized enterprises in the MENA region, particularly in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Levant, Egypt, and other GCC countries. The firm typically invests between $0.25 million and $3 million per round, aiming to take on the role of a lead investor while also co-investing. In addition to financial backing, BECO Capital offers hands-on operational mentorship to its portfolio companies, emphasizing support for socially responsible businesses with early adopter users and some revenue.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a key member of The World Bank Group, dedicated to fostering sustainable economic growth in developing countries through private sector investments. It provides a wide array of financial products, including loans, equity, and quasi-equity investments, to startups and established companies across various sectors such as agribusiness, financial services, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and technology. IFC aims to mobilize capital in international financial markets while also offering advisory services to enhance corporate governance and environmental performance. The organization focuses on projects that are majority-owned by the private sector in developing countries, with typical investment amounts ranging from $1 million to $100 million. IFC does not invest in certain sectors, including weapons and munitions, tobacco, and gambling. Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., IFC plays a crucial role in creating jobs, generating tax revenues, and improving the quality of life in the communities it serves, particularly for those who are most in need.