![DFS Lab - school image](https://africa-school-bucket3.s3.amazonaws.com/static/img/school/2023/11/03/dfsng.png)
DFS Lab
We focus on Africa’s largest economic engines and invest in founders who are creating opportunities for everyone. We invest in early-stage founders building the future of digital commerce in Africa. We back our portfolio with the funding, mentorship, and expertise they need to thrive. <p></p> Our expertise extends from years researching and investing in commerce ecosystems around the continent which have helped us form deep insights and convictions around the approaches we believe will thrive. <p></p> <mark>For our founders and co-investors, we bring an unparalleled mix of startup-building experience and sector-specific knowledge.</mark> <p></p> Thesis<br> We invest guided by a digital commerce thesis informed by years of data-driven research. Our hands-on partnerships with our portfolio companies then enables even deeper, more ground-tested intelligence. <p></p> Insights<br> We're trusted by the world's leading research organizations, investors, and impact donors to help provide insights on the latest developments in digital commerce in Africa and its impacts. <p></p> Community<br> <mark>We're a remote team that hails from the USA, France, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, but our community - Sufficient Capital - spans the globe and includes the most active digital commerce investors and founders.</mark> <p></p> Programs<br> Differentiated Capital<br> We offer high-conviction capital at founder-friendly terms. <mark>We invest $50,000 with our first check, then up to $150,000 in follow-on capital alongside our syndicate. We're often one of the first investors in our portfolio companies.</mark> <p></p> Practical Mentorship<br> We connect founders with other operators who can offer ground-tested advice to help shortcut the cycles needed to keep growing. Our team offers a hands-on program designed to help startups successfully prepare and close their first institutional round in exchange for advisory shares. <p></p> Focused Community<br> Our Sufficient Capital community is the meeting place for the best investors, builders, and experts in the African digital commerce.
![ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator - school image](https://africa-school-bucket3.s3.amazonaws.com/static/img/school/2023/07/31/techng.png)
ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator
The ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator Program invests in early-stage startups based in Africa with a focus on FinTech, Mobility, E-commerce and TalentTech. <p></p> Techstars accelerators have one goal: to help entrepreneurs succeed. During each three-month program, we surround companies with the best mentors and an unrivaled network of corporate partners, investors, and alumni. <mark>We provide funding and fundraising opportunities, workshops and curated resources, not to mention countless moments where you can learn from your peers.</mark> It’s a proven model that’s helped build thousands of successful companies, all over the world.
![Beta Ventures - school image](https://africa-school-bucket3.s3.amazonaws.com/static/img/school/2023/07/29/betang.png)
Beta Ventures
Beta.Ventures is a New York and Lagos based venture capital firm helping ambitious entrepreneurs build innovative products and services, with a focus on rapid revenue and profit growth. We are unique in our ability to help companies grow organically in Africa, while also scaling globally. <p></p> <mark>We work closely with talented founders and teams from product idea to product launch through to the next stage of company development with a goal to maximize success and minimize risk.</mark> <p></p> Our partners, affiliates and mentors lead top technology companies locally and internationally and we encourage you to partner with us to take advantage of our experience building great products/services, negotiating partnerships and deals, leading teams, and raising money. <p></p> With us, you will avoid mistakes we, and others, have made.
![Chinook Capital - school image](https://africa-school-bucket3.s3.amazonaws.com/static/img/school/2023/07/28/chinong.png)
Chinook Capital
Chinook Capital is a venture capital firm focused on making investment in "pre-seed" and early stage ventures that are building a viable and scalable technology businesses for strong financial returns with maximum impacts. <p></p> We partner with exceptional entrepreneurs and work side-by-side with them to turn great ideas into remarkable companies, by helping them to provide earliest institutional funding to launch and scale their new ventures. As operators and entrepreneurs, ourselves, we roll up our sleeves and work with the entrepreneurs in all parts of their businesses that need additional resources. <mark>We provide more than capital to our investees, we provide support from market validation, product design, product-market-fit, customer discovery to creating fundable and scalable business. </mark> <p></p> Vision <br> To be the most admirable technology investment firm in Africa. <p></p>Mission <br> Serve as a catalyst to bridge the gap between capital and innovation. <p></p>New Venture <br> We combine seed capital, hands-on help and a great co-working location with an expert team to positively impact the trajectory of early-stage startups. <mark>Through Chinook Lab Program, we invest at the earliest stage of a startup's lifecycle "pre-seed", as the first institutional capital - and helps the entrepreneurs validate and iterate on the original hypotheses of their core business concepts. In short, we help companies achieve product-market fit in preparation to raise institutional venture financing.</mark> <p></p>Strategy Reboot <br> We help existing businesses revamp their strategies through early-stage investment, increase their addressable market opportunities and operationally focus on accelerating revenue growth to become a high-growth, venture-fundable business. We work alongside with the entrepreneurs to give birth to new industry-leading companies by leveraging on our experience and relationships as a fund manager to turn great ideas into great companies.
![Microtraction - school image](https://africa-school-bucket3.s3.amazonaws.com/static/img/school/2023/05/19/micrang.png)
Microtraction
The preferred and most accessible source of pre-seed funding for African technology entrepreneurs. We invest a minimum of $100k into Africa's most remarkable teams with technical founders at the earliest stage of their venture. <p></p> Accepting applications all year round <p></p> - <mark>We identify the best early-stage, growth-driven technology startups with the potential to become billion dollar companies</mark> <br> - We work closely with the startups, providing them with pre-seed funding, professional and advisory services <br> - We get startups to a point where they are impressive enough to raise more funding or join world class accelerators <br> - We introduce startups to later stage investors and help them navigate the process of raising a larger round of funding <p></p> What makes Microtraction different <br> - Founders can apply for investment at anytime, all year round without an intro <br> <mark>- Our investors are Venture Capitalists and Angels on the look out for great startups</mark> <br>- Our startups have a direct line to capital to scale from Seed to Series A and beyond <br>- Our network gives access to companies that would otherwise be hard to reach
![Sasware - school image](https://africa-school-bucket3.s3.amazonaws.com/static/img/school/2023/05/13/sasng.png)
Sasware
We are a technology investment company that provides seed fund for technology and technology-enabled start-ups and those in their growth phase. <p></p> Our goal is not just to provide you with seed fund, but to also provide young entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to develop and take their business to the next level. <p></p> Through workshops, mentorship, and linking entrepreneurs with our network, we aim to expose the entrepreneur to profitable business models and entrepreneurial skills that would make them successful. <p></p> Startup In Residence - Benefits <br> <mark>Co-entrepreneurship <br> Leverage on Sasware’s expertise <p></p>Strategic Funding <br> Receive financial support to cover product development and a 12 months stipend during the incubation period. Additionally, the startup will receive support post incubation for additional seed capital, marketing, technology <p></p>Mentoring <br> Receive support and expertise from professionals in different areas that can drive your startup growth. </mark>
![LoftyInc Capital Management - school image](https://africa-school-bucket3.s3.amazonaws.com/static/img/school/2023/04/22/loftng.png)
LoftyInc Capital Management
We invest in world‐class teams of local and returning Africans who are leveraging technology innovation to solve significant problems in Africa. As capital becomes a commodity with more early-stage investors flocking to Africa, what will make us stand out will be our networks, relationships, and reputations. We manage social impact investment vehicles such as the LoftyInc Afropreneurs Fund. <p></p> What we look for <p></p>Do you have a compelling team? <br> When investing locally, we are very interested in the reputation of your team. Your founders should be globally minded, passionate about the problems you are solving, and interested in developing long-term partnerships. <p></p>Are you looking for more than money? <br> We want to leverage our internal and external networks, as well as our own experience to help you grow into an established business. <p></p>Are you stubborn on vision but flexible on the details? <br> <mark>We expect founders to know that their original idea can change over time and that they might need to pivot to another market as the idea develops.</mark> <p></p>Are you going after a large market? <br> When developing your idea, make sure you are aware of the potential of your market. Position your idea in a market in which you can scale and grow. <p></p> What additional support will you get? <p></p>Sector Experience <br> Help from our experienced GPs and their team. Our 50+ years of experience cuts across different sectors and countries.. <p></p>Founders Network <br> <mark>We have invested in some of Africa's best startups and founders. You will become part of an investee network willing to help you succeed.</mark> <p></p>Wennovation Hub <br> We have a business incubator and supporting entrepreneur community in four Nigerian cities. You can attend important events and use our office space services.
![GreenTec Capital Partners - school image](https://africa-school-bucket3.s3.amazonaws.com/static/img/school/2023/04/09/grenng.png)
GreenTec Capital Partners
GreenTec Capital Partners invests in African start-ups and SMEs with a focus on combining social and environmental impact with financial success. We use capacity building, process optimization and a diverse team of international experts to help them implement and adapt the latest technologies to their models so they can extend their value chains and have more impact locally. <p></p> Transformative Venture Building <br> Jointly, we seek to transform innovative local businesses with a proof-of-concept into successful and sustainable enterprises that have growth perspective in Africa and beyond. We do more than just invest: We provide custom-tailored operational support to transform companies and help them create the additional added value necessary to bridge funding gaps and early crucial phases. <p></p> <mark>Portfolio Company Profile <br> We are looking to support entrepreneurs operating in Africa who are positioned to grow their businesses and need additional capacity, expertise, technology and funding in order to extend their impact and add value. <br>Operations in Sub-Saharan Africa Focus on Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Early stage companies with proof of concept </mark> <p></p> Investment Criteria <br> We rank investment attractiveness through a proprietary country scoring model based on certain public domain criteria. <br> - Proof of Concept Scalability <br> - Potential Management Team <br> - Environmental and Social Impact <br> - Profitability Potential <br> - Long-term Commitment and Strategy <p></p> Sector Focus <br> We invest into three broad categories that are positioned for growth connected with the rapidly increasing young African population. We focus on solutions, products, and services with Pan-African expansion potential, high impact, and strong returns. <p></p> Agriculture <br> By 2030 we expect the size of the African agriculture market to reach 1 trillion US-Dollars. <p></p>Sustainable Resources <br> Sustainable resources are essential to meet the growing demographic needs of Africa. <p></p>Digitalization <br> Digitalization will be the driver for a sustainable transformation across various sectors.
![Growth Capital - school image](https://africa-school-bucket3.s3.amazonaws.com/static/img/school/2023/04/09/gcng.png)
Growth Capital
We are Nigeria's first social innovation fund aimed at creating an unprecedented path to scale for outliers driving social change in Nigeria. <p></p> We support high potential, early stage businesses building our next generation infrastructure using technology. <p></p> Our participating investors bring their experience, resources and networks together to work for our investees to catalyze their path to growth <p></p> Our primary purposes include: <mark><br> - Supporting early stage ventures solving local problems in Nigeria to rapidly scale through targeted support <br> - Generating profits to increase the Company’s value and sustainability over time, providing good returns for our investors <br> - Serving as a vehicle for investing in early stage innovative ventures incubated within the CcHub’s network </mark>
![Consonance - school image](https://africa-school-bucket3.s3.amazonaws.com/static/img/school/2023/04/07/cosong.png)
Consonance
We are an Africa-focused venture capital firm with a simple, yet powerful mission: to help early and growth-stage entrepreneurs build enduring, high-impact businesses that drive the African continent forward. Our investment approach emphasizes key sectors like clean energy, agribusiness, education, healthcare, fintech, and social entrepreneurship. <p></p> As responsible investors, we pay close attention to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, working to create inclusive growth, jobs, gender equality, climate resilience, and financial inclusion within our diverse portfolio companies. <p></p> <mark>Our strategy is rooted in a thesis-driven, research-based methodology, allowing us to uncover exceptional opportunities that contribute to sustainable development, regional integration, and better access to essential services in Africa.</mark> By harnessing our expertise in frontier markets and our commitment to social and economic empowerment, Consonance Investment Managers is the go-to choice for global Limited Partners (LPs) eager to make a lasting, positive impact on the African continent. <mark>Our Approach <br>01 - We are Thesis driven <br>02 - We invest in technology and technology-enabled companies <br>03 - We are Africa-focused <br>04 - We invest in foundations </mark>
![V8 Capital Partners - school image](https://africa-school-bucket3.s3.amazonaws.com/static/img/school/2023/04/02/v8cang.png)
V8 Capital Partners
As a firm, we are focused on achieving enterprise automation on the African continent. We believe the transformative power of technology is key to accelerating business growth across all major industry verticals. <p></p> We invest in highly driven and ambitious entrepreneurs who can harness the power of technology to create more effective and efficient ways for businesses to deliver goods and services to a vibrant young African population. Being able to scale their vision and dream is key to creating a better future for all Africans living in Africa.
![Venture Platform Fund - school image](https://africa-school-bucket3.s3.amazonaws.com/static/img/school/2023/04/02/vcng.png)
Venture Platform Fund
We are a discovery fund that invests early in mission-driven founders that are building capital-efficient platforms that democratize prosperity, plug infrastructural gaps, connect underrepresented communities, solve for non-consumption, and improve livelihoods in Africa. <p></p> <mark>We’re founders and tech junkies - your first call, the coach in the corner, and a kick in the ass when you need it most. We don’t split angel, seed and pre-seed into separate categories - we provide support across the board. The earlier we can invest, the more helpful we can be.</mark> <p></p> We are early investors in some of the most compelling technology companies on the African continent
![RAD5 Tech Hub - school image](https://africa-school-bucket3.s3.amazonaws.com/static/img/school/2023/02/05/redng.png)
RAD5 Tech Hub
A venture studio where entrepreneurs and innovators are empowered to accelerate innovation and collaborate within the firm. Our ventures leverage shared resources to build, test and deploy new ventures. Our entrepreneurs are given a sense of community, exposure, mentorship and necessary support needed to grow. We guide them to building tech startups and products on e-Governance, e-Commerce, AgroTech, EduTech, FinTech, e-Health, Entertainment and AdTech. Our professional support for startups is across all stages of development from ideation to exit. <p></p> Our Services<br> Venture Building <br> As a venture studio, we invest in entrepreneurs and innovators to accelerate innovation and collaborate within the firm. We embed our team of top-tier operators into the ventures to work side-by-side with the entrepreneurs for a higher probability of success <p></p> <mark>Software Projects <br> We help individuals and organizations to build and deliver technology projects ranging from Web App Development to Mobile App Development. We use the 4Ps approach to effectively transform and innovate across the institution’s products, processes, position and paradigm.</mark> <p></p>Our Social Projects <br> We have a corporate responsibility to drive the adoption of technology in under-served locations. We achieve this through collaboration and partnerships with different organizations. We promote the TeenHack, Abia4Tech and Ladies who code Initiatives.
![TVC Labs - school image](https://africa-school-bucket3.s3.amazonaws.com/static/img/school/2023/02/05/tclabng.png)
TVC Labs
TVC Labs is an entrepreneur support organization providing strategic and operational support to innovative early-stage African tech-enabled ventures. We believe that African startup founders are building a better future and supporting innovative African startups not only creates economic value but also social impact. We also believe that local Angel investors are a critical resource to founder and startup development and that international support when led locally accelerates the development of our African startup ecosystem. <mark>Our vision is to enable technology-led innovation and independence for new ideas on the African continent, especially West Africa.</mark> <p></p> TVC Labs values intellect, innovation, independence, collaboration and integrity in all our relationships as defined here: <p></p>01.Intellect<br> We make the abstract concrete by researching, reviewing and assessing to provide insights that inspire action. We bring talent together that uses critical thinking to drive change. We partner with our clients to build the capacity required for sustainable competitive advantage. <p></p><mark>02.Innovation<br> We are constantly on the lookout for new ideas, devices and methods that can be applied for better solutions that meet new requirements, unarticulated needs, or existing market needs. Being good is not always good enough as it can always be better.</mark> <p></p>03.Independence<br> Whether the required thinking is logical or creative, being independent thinkers enables us to increase performance, productivity, and efficiency. Independent thinking is the tool we use to open doors to opportunity for commercial expression. <p></p>04.Collaboration<br> We are a member of a vibrant, emerging, evolving ecosystem that requires knowledge, expertise and financial exchanges so our successful participation as those of others requires an ability to collaborate effectively and efficiently to the benefit of all. <p></p>05.Integrity<br> We believe Integrity is not just a core value, but that it is the fabric of every core value. It is the foundation on which we build relationships and trust, and it is a non-negotiable value we seek to always demonstrate and find in all people we engage with.
![Itanna - school image](https://africa-school-bucket3.s3.amazonaws.com/static/img/school/2022/10/13/itahnng.png)
Itanna
Itanna is an impact initiative that invests in disruptive businesses in Africa providing growth capital and seed capital through its 5-month accelerator programme. Developed by the Honeywell Group in partnership with the African Economic Revolution Fund (AERF), it is located at the Enterprise Factory in Lagos where Africa’s top talent can bring their ideas, visions, expertise, and resources to create a new wave of revolutionary enterprises that stimulate economic growth across the continent. <p></p> <mark>We have a 4 month accelerator programme operating out of our Enterprise Factory in Lagos, Nigeria. Tech Startups will receive initial investment, as well as hands-on advice from experts and mentorship from leading global Tech entrepreneurs and industry experts.</mark> <p></p> We offer a professional working environment that is flexible and easily accessible, we also provide an environment where you can meet people, network, share your interest and achieve business growth and productivity.
![GreenHouse Capital - school image](https://africa-school-bucket3.s3.amazonaws.com/static/img/school/2022/10/13/greeng.png)
GreenHouse Capital
Working with Greenhouse Capital helps startups as our platform is enriched by VGG's decade of experience in innovative thinking and business incubation. Due to our various business functions we're able to provide a global network, know how of dealing with regulators, access to a community at various stages of a business and mentors. <p></p> GreenHouse Capital began as a simple initiative (known as GIBE) to empower budding entrepreneurs. We have since grown to run multiple accelerator programs each year, including our flagship program, GreenHouse Lab-Nigeria’s first tech accelerator for women-led startups. Our <mark>accelerators are developed in partnership with leading corporates and tech companies, with sessions facilitated by industry experts. Participating startups gain access to training, mentorship, the opportunity for investment from GreenHouse and our global network of investors.</mark>
![Adaverse - school image](https://africa-school-bucket3.s3.amazonaws.com/static/img/school/2022/10/13/advng.png)
Adaverse
Adaverse is a Cardano Ecosystem Accelerator that aggregates entrepreneurs, strategists and mentors building its most robust foundation in Africa and Asia. It's a collaborative initiative between EMURGO and Everest Ventures Group that supports blockchain founders with funds, mentorship and tech infrastructure to scale Web3 solutions across the globe. <p></p><mark>Adaverse aims to facilitate the growth of selected projects and success of entrepreneurs building on Cardano, by working with most seasoned mentors and navigating through products build-up and go-to-market strategy.</mark> <p></p> Program Highlights <br> - A 3-month virtual accelerator program <br> - Up to $750K immediate funding for 6% equity and 8% future token/NFT supply with advisory tokens upon negotiation <br> - Project valuation range from 2M-30M <br> - Product launch and Listing management after successful fundraising through our joint venture partners <br> - Strategic Planning in Product, token economy design, fundraising, marketing and research.
![Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa - school image](https://africa-school-bucket3.s3.amazonaws.com/static/img/school/2022/08/08/gogdz.png)
Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa
A three-month virtual accelerator program for high potential Seed to Series A tech startups based in Africa. <p></p> If you're building a great business or product in Africa, for Africa, we should work together! Google for Startups Accelerator Africa <mark>accepts applications from startups located in Algeria, Botswana, Cameroon, Côte D'ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.</mark> <p></p> Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa is a three-month accelerator program for Seed to Series A technology startups across the African continent. <p></p> The accelerator is designed to bring the best of Google's programs, products, people and technology to startups that leverage machine learning and AI in their company today or plan to in the future. In addition to mentorship and technical project support, the accelerator also includes deep dives and workshops focused on product design, customer acquisition and leadership development for founders, specialized training, media opportunities and access to Google’s network of engineers and experts.
![Renaissance Innovation Labs - school image](https://africa-school-bucket3.s3.amazonaws.com/static/img/school/2022/07/11/rilng.png)
Renaissance Innovation Labs
At Renaissance Innovation Labs, we reimagine Africa in today’s world of rapid technological development. We find the smartest people, provide them with the right tools for success, and generate innovative solutions for individuals and industries. <p></p> RIL facilitates technology experiments from ideation to formation of business units, and translate solutions to enterprise. <p></p> <mark>We find areas right for disruption by engaging diverse participants in open collaboration. These participants (innovators) are taken through a guided learning process that equips them with the requisite knowledge and skill for progress. Together, we’re able to engineer innovative prototypes and explore opportunities with contributors, mentors, and sponsors.</mark> <p></p> We take on challenges too big for one organization by engaging diverse participants to create, elaborate, and prototype disruptive solutions.
![Eko Innovation Center - school image](https://africa-school-bucket3.s3.amazonaws.com/static/img/school/2022/07/11/ekong.png)
Eko Innovation Center
EIC accelerate enterprises that leverage innovation and technology at the core of their business. <p></p> Innovation Pillars <p></p> 1. Learning<br> We train and help people to acquire new understanding, skills and competencies in 5 key areas - Data, AI, Media, Blockchain and Digital Products <p></p> 2. Acceleration<br> We expose high-impact businesses to our faculty of high-ranking, multi-sector advisors, as well as our network of private & public stakeholders. Exposing high-impact businesses to our faculty of high-ranking, multi-sector advisors, as well as our network of private & public stakeholders. <p></p> 3. Digital Product Incubation<br> We accelerate the idea to commercialization curve for individuals and businesses that want to launch their products so they can go to market in record time. <p></p> <mark>Our Passion For Start-Ups<br> Passionate about the growth and development of Startups and entrepreneurship in Nigeria, grooming them to become global challengers, and help boost the economic revival of Africa.</mark>
![Wennovation Hub - school image](https://africa-school-bucket3.s3.amazonaws.com/static/img/school/2022/01/23/winnovationhub.jpg)
Wennovation Hub
Wennovation Hub is a Pioneer Nigerian Innovation Accelerator. Wennovation Hub brings productive people together through shared workspaces, special events, social spaces and our digital member network. <p></p>We focus on social impact sectors: Agriculture, Healthcare, Education, Clean Energy and Infrastructure. <p></p> <mark>As one of the very early innovation hubs in Nigeria, our “we”nnovators have enjoyed early success as we helped propel several award-winning start-ups to greatness. We strive to provide best tech support ever!</mark> <p></p> Our modern office spaces are simply stunning. Whether you’re an established enterprise or a growing startup, discover spaces in Ikeja, Abuja, Ibadan and Barbados (across the Caribbean) designed and equipped with all the tools bright minds need to inspire business ideas. <p></p> Founded in 2010 <br> As Nigeria's pioneer innovation hub we enjoyed successes and spun several award winning start-ups. <p></p> Our Focus <br> To inspire and empower Africa. We focus on social impact sectors: Agriculture, Healthcare, Education, Clean Energy and Infrastructure. <p></p> Large Community <br> Join our community & "we"nnovate. We have the advantage of being the only hub in Nigeria with the widest reach across the 4 locations.