{"id":164188,"date":"2025-06-06T23:29:26","date_gmt":"2025-06-06T23:29:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/164188\/"},"modified":"2025-06-06T23:29:26","modified_gmt":"2025-06-06T23:29:26","slug":"top-12-africa-focused-investment-firms-still-funding-startups-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/164188\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 12 Africa-focused investment firms still funding startups in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Africa\u2019s startup scene\u2014largely dominated by foreign investors\u2014has <a href=\"https:\/\/thecondia.com\/african-tech-vc-funding-q1-2024\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">experienced a decline in funding<\/a> following the end of the zero interest rate policy (ZIRP) era and the rapid rise of lean AI startups reaching billion-dollar valuations. With the higher cost of capital and more attractive opportunities in domestic AI ventures, investors are now less inclined to back startups in foreign markets like Africa.<\/p>\n<p>More than ever, young founders building for Africa need to know who is still investing on the continent.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/tobyhanington\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Toby Hanington<\/a>, the co-founder of Baobab Network\u2014an accelerator that has backed over 65 startups in more than 16 African countries\u2014posted a list of 12 investors that everyone should know.<\/p>\n<p>At Condia, we have taken that as a foundation and built on it to provide more in-depth insights for founders who could use this.<\/p>\n<p>The investors are:<\/p>\n<p>1. Egla Ntumba\u2014MsFiT Ventures (\ud83c\uddff\ud83c\udde6 South Africa)<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-2.jpeg\" alt=\"Egla Ntumba, Co-founder of MsFiT Ventures\" class=\"wp-image-19835\"  \/>Egla Ntumba, Co-founder of MsFiT Ventures<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>HQ<\/strong>: \ud83c\uddff\ud83c\udde6 Cape Town, South Africa<\/li>\n<li><strong>Target countries<\/strong>: South Africa, with a pan-African investment outlook<\/li>\n<li><strong>Focus<\/strong>: Female-led, asset-heavy SMEs using basic tech to scale, and fast-growing SMEs needing working capital or supply chain financing<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stage<\/strong>: Early-stage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/msfit-ventures\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MsFiT Ventures<\/a>, co-founded by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/egla-ntumba-802852186\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Egla Ntumba<\/a> and Jill Curr, is tackling Africa\u2019s SME funding gap by offering flexible debt financing to female-led and gender-diverse businesses. Based in South Africa, the firm provides working capital through short-term, revolving credit facilities tailored to the needs of fast-growing companies.<\/p>\n<p>Ntumba\u2019s background\u2014ranging from corporate banking at Standard Chartered to venture capital at Newtown Partners\u2014shapes the firm\u2019s unique blend of financial acumen and operational insight. The team\u2019s portfolio includes ventures like Orisons Activations, which focuses on workplace wellbeing, and their impact has made waves in gender-smart investing circles, including events like the Africa Early Stage Investor Summit.<\/p>\n<p>2. Ibrahim Sagna\u2014Silverbacks Holdings (\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfa Mauritius\/Pan-African)<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Ibrahim-Sagna-HD-Light-1.png\" alt=\"Ibrahim Sagna, Executive Chairman of Silverbacks Holdings\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-19878\"  data-\/>Ibrahim Sagna, Executive Chairman of Silverbacks Holdings<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>HQ<\/strong>: Mauritius  \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfa<\/li>\n<li><strong>Target countries<\/strong>: Pan-African, targeting underserved markets<\/li>\n<li><strong>Focus<\/strong>: Technology platforms, sports, entertainment, creative economy<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stage<\/strong>: Seed to Series A<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/ibrahimsagna\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ibrahim Sagna<\/a> leads <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/silverbacks-holdings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Silverbacks Holdings<\/a>, a Mauritius-based private investment firm allocating capital in tech, entertainment, and sports. Since launching in 2019, the firm has delivered eight profitable exits to its investors.<\/p>\n<p>Its portfolio includes Moove (backed by Uber), Wave Mobile Money (backed by Stripe), Netflix producer Forever7 Entertainment, Stake-sponsored AWFC, and BAL semi-finalists Cape Town Tigers.<\/p>\n<p>With a 30-year track record in global finance\u2014including roles at the IMF, Afreximbank, and Millennium\u2014Sagna serves on several investment and development boards and holds degrees from Boston College, INSEAD, LBS, and HBS.<\/p>\n<p>3. Adrienne Henderson &amp; Johan Bosini\u2014Quona Capital (\ud83c\udf0d Global\/African Focus)<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"908\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1749252562_476_image-8.png\" alt=\"Adrienne Henderson and Johan Bosini, Partners at Quona Capital (L-R)\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-19842\"  data-\/>L-R: Adrienne Henderson and Johan Bosini, Partners at Quona Capital<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>HQ<\/strong>: \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 Washington, D.C., USA<\/li>\n<li><strong>Target countries<\/strong>: Emerging markets globally with significant African presence<\/li>\n<li><strong>Focus<\/strong>: Fintech for financial inclusion<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stage<\/strong>: Seed to Series B<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/quona-capital\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Quona Capital<\/a> is a leading venture firm focused on fintech investments that promote financial inclusion across emerging markets, with a strong footprint in Africa. Since 2016, partners like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/johanbosini\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Johan Bosini<\/a> have helped scale promising startups, while newer team members such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/hendersonadrienne\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Adrienne Henderson<\/a> have expanded the firm\u2019s African strategy.<\/p>\n<p>Quona\u2019s portfolio includes impactful companies like Nigeria\u2019s Cowrywise, South Africa\u2019s Lulalend, Kenya\u2019s Wasoko, and Egypt\u2019s Khazna\u2014fintech innovators providing vital financial services to underserved communities. Collectively, these firms have facilitated billions in transactions and hundreds of millions in loans, highlighting Quona\u2019s role in driving Africa\u2019s fintech growth from seed to Series B stages.<\/p>\n<p>4. Sherif Nessim \u2013 Jedar Capital (\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddec Egypt)<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-6.jpeg\" alt=\"Sherif Nessim, Managing Partner at Jedar Capital\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-19837\"  data-\/><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>HQ<\/strong>: \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddec Cairo, Egypt<\/li>\n<li><strong>Target countries<\/strong>: Egypt, MENA region, broader African exposure<\/li>\n<li><strong>Focus<\/strong>: Bottom-of-pyramid solutions for underserved populations<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stage<\/strong>: Pre-Seed to Series A<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/jedar-capital\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jedar Capital<\/a>, based in Cairo, invests in early-stage startups across Egypt, MENA, and Africa, focusing on solutions for underserved populations. Led by Sherif Nessim, with over 24 years in tech and VC, the team includes experts like Axel Peyriere and Nancy Gharib.<\/p>\n<p>Their portfolio features startups such as ImaliPay and ElGameya, highlighting a strong commitment to inclusive, scalable businesses.<\/p>\n<p>5. Houda Ghozzi \u2013 Open Startup (Tunisia)<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1498\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1749252564_549_image-9.png\" alt=\"Houda Ghozzi, PhD, Founder of Open Startup\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-19844\"  data-\/><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>HQ<\/strong>: Tunis, Tunisia<\/li>\n<li><strong>Target countries<\/strong>: North Africa, Francophone Africa<\/li>\n<li><strong>Focus<\/strong>: Digital solutions, deep tech, research commercialisation<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stage<\/strong>: Pre-seed to Seed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/houda-ghozzi-phd-27296b83\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Houda Ghozzi<\/a> leads <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/open-startup-international\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Open Startup<\/a>, based in Tunis, connecting entrepreneurs, scientists, and investors across North and Francophone Africa. Under her leadership, Open Startup runs programs like BRAIN, in partnership with MIT, and the Paper Plane Accelerator, which help science-based startups grow and connect with global investors.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>With her background in strategic management and entrepreneurship policy, including work on Tunisia\u2019s Startup Act, Ghozzi has helped support over 400 startups, many led by women, boosting innovation, job creation, and regional economic growth.<\/p>\n<p>6. Seamon Chan \u2013 Palm Drive Capital (Silicon Valley\/Global)<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"638\" height=\"638\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-3.jpeg\" alt=\"Seamon Chan, Founding Partner at Palm Drive Capital\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-19833\"  data-\/><\/p>\n<p>HQ: New York, USA | Focus Countries: Global emerging markets, including Africa | Sector Focus: Technology startups across various sectors | Stage: Pre-seed to Series A<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/palm-drive-ventures\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Palm Drive Capital<\/a>\u2019s approach centres on the belief that innovation happens everywhere, and it bridges emerging market founders, especially in Africa, with Silicon Valley capital and expertise. Notable portfolio companies include Nigerian fintech Flutterwave and other global tech firms like Rappi and Boom Supersonic, highlighting their diverse impact.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/seamonchan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Seamon Chan<\/a>, the firm\u2019s founding partner, brings extensive experience from top venture and tech roles and is active in philanthropic efforts, adding a human dimension to Palm Drive\u2019s mission of supporting innovative startups worldwide.<\/p>\n<p>7. Magdi Amin \u2013 African Renaissance Ventures (South Africa)<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-4.jpeg\" alt=\"Magdi Amin, Managing Partner at African Renaissance Ventures\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-19834\"  data-\/><\/p>\n<p>HQ: Cape Town, South Africa | Focus Countries: Pan-African focus | Sector Focus: Healthcare, education, financial inclusion, agriculture | Stage: Early-stage (Pre-seed to Seed)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/african-renaissance-ventures\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">African Renaissance Ventures (ARV)<\/a>, headquartered in Cape Town with offices across Africa and the US, focuses on early-stage investments that tackle the continent\u2019s biggest challenges in sectors like healthcare, education, financial inclusion, and agriculture. Led by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/magdimamin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Magdi Amin<\/a>, a seasoned expert in economic development and venture capital, ARV takes a long-term approach to backing founders who deeply understand local markets.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Notable portfolio companies, such as Rwanda-based healthtech startup Kapsule, showcase ARV\u2019s commitment to impactful innovation supported by global partners like Google and the Gates Foundation. Through this strategic focus, ARV aims to drive sustainable development and inclusive growth across Africa.<\/p>\n<p>8. Caitlin Wale \u2013 Kinjani (South Africa)<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1020\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-8.jpeg\" alt=\"Caitlin Wale, Founder of Kinjani\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-19840\"  data-\/><\/p>\n<p>HQ: Cape Town, South Africa | Focus Countries: Sub-Saharan Africa | Sector Focus: Climate tech, sustainability, environmental solutions | Stage: Early-stage climate entrepreneurs<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/caitlin-wale\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Caitlin Wale<\/a> leads <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/kinjani\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kinjani<\/a> from Cape Town, South Africa, where the firm focuses on early-stage climate tech startups across Sub-Saharan Africa. Under her guidance, Kinjani addresses the critical funding gap for entrepreneurs developing sustainability and environmental solutions.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Beyond capital, Caitlin and her team provide hands-on support to help founders scale, in a bid to position Africa as a leader in climate innovation and resilience.<\/p>\n<p>9. Omar Darwazah \u2013 AAF Management Ltd. (Jordan)<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-9.jpeg\" alt=\"Larry McCarthy, Head of Strategic Equity Investments at Standard Bank Group\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-19841\"  data-\/><\/p>\n<p>HQ: Washington, D.C., United States | Focus Countries: Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa | Sector Focus: Technology companies across sectors | Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/aafmanagement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AAF Management<\/a> Ltd., led by General Partner <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/odarwazah\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Omar Darwazah<\/a>, focuses on early-stage technology investments across the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Since 2016, the firm has backed over 120 startups in sectors like fintech, enterprise software, and healthcare.<\/p>\n<p>They have backed companies like Robinhood, Didi, and Curacel, to reinforce their commitment to innovation in emerging markets and strengthen their presence across Africa and beyond.<\/p>\n<p>10. Larry McCarthy \u2013 Standard Bank Group (South Africa)<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-7.jpeg\" alt=\"Larry McCarthy, Head of Strategic Equity Investments at Standard Bank Group\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-19839\"  data-\/><\/p>\n<p>HQ: Johannesburg, South Africa | Focus Countries: Sub-Saharan Africa (20 African countries)<br \/>| Sector Focus: Financial services, fintech, digital banking | Stage: Series A to growth stage<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/larry-mccarthy-230078a9\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Larry McCarthy<\/a> leads strategic equity investments at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/standard-bank-group\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Standard Bank Group<\/a>, Africa\u2019s largest bank by assets. Based in Johannesburg, he focuses on backing fintech and digital financial services across the continent, with ticket sizes ranging from $1 million to $50 million.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Under his leadership, the bank has made notable moves, including growth financing for South Africa\u2019s Float, a major debt facility for M-KOPA\u2019s expansion, and partnerships with firms like Flutterwave and Optasia to scale digital services across Africa.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>11. Abdullah Solomons<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-5.jpeg\" alt=\"Abdullah Solomons, COO at Geomer Investments\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-19836\"  data-\/><\/p>\n<p>HQ: Cape Town, South Africa | Focus Countries: South Africa, Southern Africa | Sector Focus: Community impact companies across sectors | Stage: Early to growth stage<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/geomer-investments\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Geomer Investments<\/a> based in Cape Town, takes a patient capital approach, backing businesses that combine financial returns with tangible community impact across South Africa and the broader Southern African region. While the firm\u2019s portfolio remains largely under wraps, its focus on sustainable, locally rooted models speaks to a long-term development ethos.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/abdullah-solomons-68a43073\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Abdullah Solomons<\/a>, the firm\u2019s COO, plays a key role in driving this mission forward alongside a leadership team that includes industry veteran Marcel Golding.<\/p>\n<p>12. Kayode Odeleye<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1308\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/image-10.jpeg\" alt=\"Kayode Odeleye, Founder of 23mile Capital\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-19843\"  data-\/><\/p>\n<p>HQ: Lagos, Nigeria | Focus Countries: Nigeria, West Africa | Sector Focus: Venture-backed startups | Stage: Growth stage, bridge financing<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/kayodeodeleye\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kayode Odeleye<\/a> runs Lagos-based <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/23milevc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">23mile Capital<\/a>, a firm focused on helping African startups bridge the often-overlooked gap between hypergrowth and profitability. With deep experience in finance, M&amp;A, and startup operations, Odeleye brings hands-on support to companies in need of strategic restructuring.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>While the firm\u2019s portfolio remains under the radar, its focus on turnaround-stage investments makes it one of the few African firms actively addressing the tough realities of scale and sustainability.<\/p>\n<p>Conclusion  <\/p>\n<p>South Africa leads the pack with five names on the list, followed by international firms with a strong Africa focus, then Egypt, Nigeria, and Tunisia. Fintech and financial inclusion are the biggest themes, but there\u2019s also backing for climate, community impact, and deep tech. Investment ticket sizes among these investors range from $50,000 to $50 million, covering stages from pre-seed to growth. This breadth indicates a comprehensive support system for startups at various development phases across the continent, even if the market feels quieter than before.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Africa\u2019s startup scene\u2014largely dominated by foreign investors\u2014has experienced a decline in funding following the end of the zero&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":164189,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3094],"tags":[68849,51,3134,68850,16,15,3141],"class_list":{"0":"post-164188","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-entrepreneurship","8":"tag-2025-african-startups","9":"tag-business","10":"tag-entrepreneurship","11":"tag-investors-africa","12":"tag-uk","13":"tag-united-kingdom","14":"tag-venture-capital"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114639023109304492","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/164188","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=164188"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/164188\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/164189"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=164188"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=164188"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=164188"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}