Igor Piquet’s Post

Is VC funding working for Africa? After a very difficult year, investors are worried about the future. But we have a different, longer-term perspective on VC funding cycles and remain confident that the venture capital model can work in Africa. Just 13 years ago, founders from successful companies like Mercado Libre jumpstarted the Latin American ecosystem with local venture capital. And now, founders from successful companies like Go1, Moniepoint Group, and Cellulant are looking to support the next generation. Here's what we know: 🔄 Downturns are part of the venture capital cycle. 🏃 It’s a marathon, not a sprint. ➡️ Africa is on the right track. In this piece written by Maryanne Ochola and Michele Wanjiku Wainaina, discover the entrepreneurs ready to disrupt their industries in the next 5-10 years: https://lnkd.in/dinufKVB #entrepreneurship #africavc #africatech

🌍 The African Entrepreneurial Odyssey: A Quest for Impact In the world of venture capital, the rule of thumb is simple: double the money. Investors entrust their hard-earned capital to venture capitalists, hoping to see it grow twofold. It's a noble mission, but let's pause to ponder the profound challenges faced by those striving to make Africa's entrepreneurial dreams come true. The VC's Dilemma: Imagine being a VC in Africa, where opportunities are ripe but complexities abound. The pressure to double the stakes is unrelenting. Yet, beneath the surface, there's a struggle to identify and nurture startups that truly transform lives. How do you choose between profit and purpose? The Founder's Vision: Now, picture the countless founders across Africa with visions that could revolutionize industries – from fintech to renewable energy. They toil tirelessly, seeking investors who believe in their dreams. Despite brilliant ideas, they face an uphill battle, navigating a landscape where access to funding remains a challenge. The Heart of the Matter: Is it irony, or perhaps a bittersweet paradox, that in a continent rich with innovation, entrepreneurs face Herculean obstacles to secure the support they need? So, we ask: What stories of resilience and determination have you encountered on this entrepreneurial journey? How can we, as a community, empower Africa's dreamers and innovators to create lasting impact? Share your thoughts and let's inspire change together! "Ise l'ogun ise." - A Yoruba proverb meaning "Work is the antidote to poverty." Let us labor with purpose and determination, for through our collective efforts, we forge a brighter future for Africa. #AfricanEntrepreneurship #VentureCapital #Resilience #Impact #Innovation #AfricanDreams

Excited to share insights from Allen Taylor, Managing Director of Endeavor Catalyst, and Michele Wanjiku Wainaina, Head of Endeavor Catalyst for Africa. They recently spoke with Citywire South Africa about the positive trajectory of venture capital in Africa and Endeavor Catalyst's unique approach to fueling growth of Africa’s Start-Ups Key points: Focus on Africa: Investors are increasingly turning their attention to the exciting potential of emerging markets like those in Africa. 🚀 Partnership is key: Endeavor Catalyst's model of co-investing with professional funds is crucial for attracting international capital while supporting local ecosystems. 🤝 Unicorn Track Record: Endeavor Catalyst has a proven history of backing winning companies, including Globant, Go1 (South Africa), Carsome, and Payhawk. 🦄 Allen Taylor quote: "The global landscape of venture capital is transforming, with developing markets emerging as key players in the investment arena." 🌍 This is an exciting time for African entrepreneurs - Great to see global VC investors like Endeavor’s Catalyst Fund, working hard to source, invest in, and to actively support the growth of African entrepreneurs. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gdtynR9g Alison Collier Antonia B. Marc Herson Adrian Garcia-Aranyos Linda Rottenberg Maryanne Ochola Ireayomide O. Walid Bellagha

In 2024, African startups have continued to attract significant #venturecapital interest, with notable resilience and innovation shaping the landscape. Despite a global downturn in VC investments, the African venture ecosystem is evolving, highlighting the importance of partnerships and collaborations. African startups in 2023 raised about $4.5 billion across 603 deals, demonstrating the continent's growing appeal to investors looking for high-potential opportunities in challenging times. The recent Africa Venture Summit by KPMG East Africa underscored the critical need for startups and investors to connect and build strategic #partnerships. The conversations at the summit emphasized the transformative power of #collaboration in driving the evolution of venture capital in Africa. By bringing together #stakeholders, including #entrepreneurs, #investors, and #industryexperts, we are fostering an #ecosystem where startups can thrive and scale. The essence of these engagements lies in the shared vision of building a #robust and #sustainable startup environment. Investors play a pivotal role, not just by providing #capital, but by offering #mentorship, strategic #guidance, and #networking opportunities. The discussions highlighted that startups must align their business models with market needs, focusing on #sustainability and #scalability to attract and retain investor interest. #KPMGAfricaVentureSummit KPMG East Africa | KPMG Africa Sandeep Main Zipporah M. Jesse Muraya Magothe Innocent Zee Gitahi Ruth Mugo James Ruigu Sharon Ndeto Bright Gameli Mawudor, PhD Michael Ochieng Kamau Njoroge. WAIHIGA K. MUTURI (MPRSK, CPM, RTN.) 🇰🇪 Fraiser Kilonzo Mary N. Favour Ruhiu Mukiza Mwenesi

Is VC funding working for Africa? After a very difficult year, investors are worried about the future. But we have a different, longer-term perspective on VC funding cycles and we remain confident that the venture capital model can work in Africa. Just 13 years ago, founders from successful companies like Mercado Libre jumpstarted the Latin American ecosystem with local venture capital. And now, founders from successful companies like Go1, Moniepoint Group, and Cellulant are funding the next generation. Here's what we know: 🔄 Downturns are part of the venture capital cycle. 🏃 It’s a marathon, not a sprint. ➡️ Africa is on the right track. In this piece written by Maryanne Ochola and Michele Wanjiku Wainaina, discover the entrepreneurs ready to disrupt their industries in the next 5-10 years: bit.ly/ENFVCA . . . . . #Entrepreneurship #AfricaVC #Endeavor #MaryanneOchola #MicheleWanjikuWainaina Tosin Eniolorunda

We're excited to introduce Olusola Osinoiki as our latest Senior Venture Partner as we scale our mission to uplift underserved communities in Africa. One thing we’ve lacked in our support of ventures is a robust community of Angel investors who understand the African context of entrepreneurship is a very adverse environment and are willing to invest under the banner of ubuntu and for building the continent for the generation coming after us. Mr Olusola will fill this gap by helping us establish and drive our angel investment club. Mr Olusola himself is a prolific angel investor who has invested in various startups and he also brings to the table decades of experience in organisations such as Prosus, Naspers, PWC. With a proven track record in Angel investment, startups advisory and a deep understanding of the startup ecosystem, Olusola embodies the values of collaboration, innovation, and inclusive growth that define #Funema. His expertise will be instrumental in fostering strong relationships with our investors in building an impactful community of Angels who are willing to provide critical support to our portfolio companies as they build their businesses. "Mr Sola is a one in a million kind of person who truly understands the critical role those who have gone ahead play in paving the way for those coming behind. In my personal experience, the venture capital community is cold, non-inclusive and impersonal but a session with Mr Sola would make you feel like you truly belong, validated and inspired to keep on building. Mr Sola also walks the talk, he has invested in four companies in our portfolio and referred three of his companies to us. We are lucky and blessed to have him for his wisdom, expertise and experience will help us successfully navigate the uncertain seas of the global economy as we scale our vision and double down on our mission. Africa, it is your time, arise and shine for your light has come, although darkness may cover the world, arise and shine and nations will come to you" — David Ogundeko, CEO, #Funema Join us in welcoming Olusola Osinoiki to the #FunemaFamily. Together, we'll unlock the full potential of African innovation, driving growth, and shaping a brighter future for the continent and the world. If you're interested in joining our angel investment club, you can sign up here --> https://lnkd.in/du8s7JzY

Since all eyes were directed to Africa during GITEX AFRICA last week, let's delve into a thought-provoking question: 𝗜𝘀 𝗩𝗖 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮? After a very difficult year, investors are worried about the future. But we have a different, longer-term perspective on VC funding cycles and we remain confident that the venture capital model can work in Africa. Just 13 years ago, founders from successful companies like Mercado Libre jumpstarted the Latin American ecosystem with local venture capital. And now, founders from successful companies like Go1, @Moniepoint, and Cellulant are funding the next generation. Here's what we know: 🔄 Downturns are part of the venture capital cycle. 🏃 It’s a marathon, not a sprint. ➡️ Africa is on the right track. In this piece written by Maryanne Ochola and Michele Wanjiku Wainaina, discover the entrepreneurs ready to disrupt their industries in the next 5-10 years: https://lnkd.in/dinufKVB #Entrepreneurship #AfricaVC

Hey African founders, the Renew Venture Lab is back! If you're at the helm of a tech-enabled, asset-light business in Africa, your next big leap forward could be just around the corner.🚀 Join us for an exclusive session with Renew Capital Co-CEO Matthew Davis and the Director of Investment Management Adam Abate as they dive deep into what Renew Venture Lab can offer you and why it might be the game-changer your startup needs. 📅 April 9, 2024 🕑 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. EAT Get insights on the application process and key deadlines for our investment process and terms. Reserve Your Spot Now >> https://lnkd.in/d8WAi27D If you know entrepreneurs raising capital, please tag them below. Let's drive success together in the African tech landscape. #entrepreneurship #africanstartups #investment #venturecapital #funding #RenewVentureLab #angelinvesting #Ethiopia #Uganda #Rwanda #Kenya #Tanzania #Mozambique #Nigeria #Zambia

Nurturing Innovation Afrigrow Global Fund - Your Partner in Africa's Growth Story In the dynamic landscape of African entrepreneurship, where innovation and ambition converge, Afrigrow Global Fund stands tall as a beacon of opportunity and growth. As the heartbeat of Africa's burgeoning startup ecosystem, Afrigrow catalyzes the dreams of visionaries, propelling them towards unprecedented success. At Afrigrow, our ethos revolves around fostering innovation, empowering entrepreneurs, and driving impactful change across the continent. With a dedicated team of seasoned experts, we navigate the intricacies of the investment landscape, meticulously identifying and nurturing the brightest gems within Africa's entrepreneurial tapestry. Our approach transcends mere financial backing; we forge enduring partnerships with entrepreneurs, offering strategic guidance, operational expertise, and unparalleled access to a vast network of industry leaders and thought pioneers. We understand that true growth extends beyond capital infusion; it requires mentorship, support, and a steadfast commitment to nurturing visionary ideas into transformative realities. What sets Afrigrow apart is our unwavering focus on innovation. From groundbreaking fintech solutions to disruptive agritech ventures, we believe in the power of innovation to drive sustainable growth and foster positive change. Our portfolio reflects a diverse array of industries, each imbued with the promise of revolutionizing Africa's socioeconomic landscape. Moreover, Afrigrow is deeply rooted in the principles of sustainability and social responsibility. We actively seek out ventures that not only generate financial returns but also create meaningful impact, uplifting communities and driving inclusive growth across the continent. With Afrigrow, your investment isn't just a financial transaction; it's a catalyst for positive change, shaping the future of Africa for generations to come. As you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, Afrigrow Global Fund stands ready to be your trusted partner and steadfast ally. Whether you're a visionary founder with a transformative idea or an investor seeking to be part of Africa's growth story, Afrigrow offers a gateway to unparalleled opportunities and boundless potential. Join us in shaping the future of Africa – together, we will unleash the continent's full potential, one innovation at a time. Welcome to Afrigrow Global Fund, where dreams take flight, and the future is limitless. #africa entreprenuers#venture capitalism #Africa

🚀 Just 2 Days Until the European Angel Investment Summit! 🚀 Are you ready to dive into the world of angel investing and entrepreneurship in Africa? To get you warmed up and excited for the upcoming #EAIS23 on October 10-11 in Brussels, we've got an interview with Fadilah Tchoumba, head of ABAN, conducted by Link to Leaders Leaders. Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/dZvDVpEy In this insightful interview, Fadilah shares her expertise on the pivotal role of the African Business Angel Network (ABAN) in supporting and nurturing startups across the African continent. From the exponential growth of angel investors in Africa to the tremendous potential of African startups, her words resonate with the promise of innovation and economic growth in Africa. Fadilah also sheds light on the groundbreaking work of Catalytic Africa, a co-investment initiative by ABAN and AfriLabs, which has already made a substantial impact on early-stage startups in Africa. With over €2.1 million invested across 12 countries, Catalytic Africa is propelling the growth of innovative ventures and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. As we look to the future of startup and investor markets in Africa, Fadilah's insights are a testament to the immense opportunities that lie ahead. The African continent is on the verge of a startup revolution, and angel investors are at the forefront of this transformative journey. So, mark your calendars to hear from Fadilah herself as well as pitches from 10 handpicked African companies and get ready for two days of networking, knowledge sharing, and inspiring discussions at the European Angel Investment Summit in Brussels. Don't miss your chance to connect with visionary entrepreneurs, seasoned investors, and industry leaders who are shaping the future of angel investing. Join us on October 10-11 in Brussels for an unforgettable experience. Let's explore the world of angel investing, entrepreneurship, and innovation together. See you there! 🌍✨ For more details and to register for the summit, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/e4MYq4-9