Harry 'Tomi Davies’ Post

The future of fundraising in Africa!

The Future of Fundraising in Africa: Navigating New Frontiers In the vibrant tapestry of global markets, Africa stands out as a continent on the cusp of monumental change, with the fundraising landscape at the heart of this transformation. At Zion Venture Partners (Pty) Ltd, we've been closely observing the trends, challenges, and opportunities that shape Africa's investment ecosystem, and the future looks promising. Redefining Investment Avenues: The digital revolution is democratizing access to fundraising, breaking traditional barriers. From fintech innovations facilitating smoother transactions to platforms connecting African startups with global investors, technology is the linchpin in Africa's fundraising evolution. Impact Investing Gains Momentum: Investors are increasingly motivated by the potential for societal impact alongside financial returns. This shift towards impact investing is particularly resonant in Africa, where investments can significantly address social and environmental challenges, from renewable energy projects to tech solutions improving healthcare accessibility. The Rise of Homegrown Investors: There's a growing trend of African investors funding African innovations. Local venture capitalists and angel investors are playing a pivotal role in supporting startups, driven by a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within their markets. Cross-continental Collaborations: Africa is witnessing an increase in cross-border investments, fostering continental unity and economic growth. These collaborations are not just amplifying the scale of projects but also enriching the African startup ecosystem with diverse perspectives and expertise. Regulatory Landscape and Infrastructure Development: Governments and policymakers are pivotal in nurturing the fundraising environment. Initiatives aimed at improving the regulatory framework and enhancing financial infrastructures are underway, making Africa an even more attractive destination for investors. What Lies Ahead: As we navigate the future of fundraising in Africa, adaptability, innovation, and collaboration emerge as key themes. The potential for growth is immense, and at Zion Venture Partners (Pty) Ltd, we're committed to being at the forefront of this journey, empowering businesses, and fostering partnerships that drive sustainable impact. The narrative of Africa is one of resilience, innovation, and untapped potential. As we look to the future, the continent’s fundraising landscape is poised not just for growth, but for a revolution that redefines what’s possible. #FutureOfFundraising #AfricaRising #ImpactInvesting #Innovation #ZionVenturePartners

Interesting read about the state of the young #venturecapital ecosystem in #Africa. It has been a exciting journey so far with quite some highlights 🚀 and headwinds 🚧 . After a decade of existence, the capacity of the asset class to accelerate the transformation of real economies is proven, and there is, in my view, a persistent need for innovators 💡 to focus on solving a selection of the continent's most pressing development bottlenecks. While the ecosystem matures, we will witness the validation of some investment theses, while others will be challenged and new opportunities will arise. This is why BIO Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries is allocating patient capital to a selection of experienced fund managers in the VC ecosystem. TLcom Capital LLP AfricInvest Group

📢 Exploring the Rise of Venture Capital in Nigeria 📢 🚀 Moniepoint Group recently became Africa’s latest unicorn, marking another milestone in the continent’s fast-growing VC landscape. While Africa’s VC industry often goes unnoticed in Europe, it’s rapidly gaining momentum—with deal volume and value growing at a roughly 40% annual rate from 2018 to 2023 (AVCA - The African Private Capital Association). Maybe we should start taking notice… 📕 In my Master’s thesis, "Adapting Venture Capital for Nigeria," I explored how the US VC model can be tailored to succeed in Nigeria, interviewing 10+ leading VCs who are driving Africa's VC transformation. 💡 Over the next few weeks, I’ll share key insights from my research, featuring quotes from African VC leaders. Whether you’re new to this space or an experienced professional, follow along for unique perspectives on how VC firms can thrive in Africa’s local environments. ✅ If you'd like the executive summary and full thesis, comment "DM” on this post. 🙏 A heartfelt thank you to all the interviewees who generously shared their time and insights despite busy schedules. Your perspectives were crucial to uncovering how VC firms can succeed in Africa, and our discussions left me even more inspired and optimistic about the future of VC on the continent. You are doing incredible work! Iyinoluwa Aboyeji Marsha Wulff Mobolaji Adeoye Uwem U. Bernard Ghartey Nichole Yembra Henry Ukoha Mope Abudu Olu Oyinsan, MBA Special thanks as well to my supervisors, Thierry Ngosso and Prof. Stefan Morkoetter at University of St.Gallen, for their invaluable support throughout this exciting project. #VentureCapital #Nigeria #Africa #Innovation #Research

Join us today for Episode 5 of StartUp Caps, where we delve into Africa's early-stage investment landscape. Discover the continent's vibrant network of tech hubs, led by Nigeria and South Africa, fostering startup growth and innovation. We'll explore key topics including socially responsible investing, local vs. foreign investment impacts, and strategies for navigating regulatory challenges. Don't miss out! Tune in at 17:30 pm CAT on CNBC Africa Dstv channel 410. Startup Caps is brought to you by Onafriq. #StartupCapsAfrica #Seed #Investment #VentureCapital

Have you ever wondered why about 80% of African startups fail within their first few years? For those who secure VC funding, failure is oftentimes linked to premature exposure to large initial investments. For others, it is a myriad of factors. Bringing a vision to life requires more than a brilliant idea; it also needs guidance, expertise, and a supportive network. We offer these and more. #1 Expertise: We share valuable industry knowledge, experience, and networks to help make informed strategic decisions. #2 Mentorship: Offering guidance and support to help navigate the challenges of growing a business. #3 Networks: Our ecosystem is made up of formidable and accessible networks. We offer a solid pool of resources and strategic partners to help foster the success of startups. If you’re an early-stage startup needing support or an angel investor looking to make a difference, let’s connect! Reach us via https://lnkd.in/dj7r98iT #InnovateAfricaFund #ProblemSolve

Thrilled to share that I am now part of the Dream VC 2024 cohort! 🌟 A prestigious program designed to foster innovation and growth in Africa's venture capital landscape. This opportunity is a pivotal step in my journey to deepen my understanding of venture capital dynamics and refine my investment strategies. *What the Dream VC Program Offers:* 1) Expert-Level Knowledge: In-depth courses on venture capital fundamentals and advanced investment techniques. 2) Valuable Networks: Connection to a vibrant community managing over $6.6 billion in assets, offering unparalleled networking and partnership opportunities. 3) Strategic Insights: Learning how to maximize investment returns through strategic co-investments and partnerships. 4) Hands-On Experience: Practical training covering the full spectrum of venture activities, from sourcing deals to post-investment management. My short and long term Goals for the Program: 1) To harness this learning to fuel sustainable and scalable ventures in Africa. 2) To collaborate with and learn from some of the brightest minds in the industry. 3) To launch a dedicated venture capital fund specifically for AI tech startups based in Francophone Africa. This initiative will focus on discovering and nurturing high-potential AI technologies and entrepreneurs who are positioned to influence both regional and global tech landscapes. I am excited to embark on this journey and am eager to share the insights and experiences I will gain. Stay tuned for updates as I navigate this transformative experience. Looking forward for this newjourney Mark Kleyner Devika Bade Cindy Ai Mutsa Katomeni #DreamVC #Innovation #Africa #VentureCapital

"Africa’s angel investment landscape is evolving, characterised by investors who continue to support early-stage companies despite financial and macroeconomic challenges, helping them scale effectively. Angel investors, a growing class of capital allocators on the continent, are stepping in to bridge the gap for sustainable financing for promising early-stage companies charting a new course for development in Africa. They invest capital and provide hands-on support for innovative companies with the potential to generate significant economic growth and social impact. Angels play an important role, complementing other efforts to build a robust early-stage ecosystem capable of producing investible companies that attract catalysts such as venture capitalists and development finance institutions." Fadilah Tchoumba, CEO ABAN Read more about this in our Angel Investment Survey Report, which was launched at #AESIS2024 here: https://bit.ly/4g0A02h #InnovatingPathways Dutch Good Growth Fund African Angel Academy Briter Harry 'Tomi Davies, Joe K., Joel Nana Kontchou, Ndita Mulimbeni Maha M. Martin Warioba, Rodrique M., Alexandra Fraser Mohamed Ihab Launch Africa Ventures Cameroon Angels Network Zambia Business Angels Network COREangels MEA Warioba Ventures Serengeti Angels Viridian HoaQ Catalytic Africa UNDP UNDP Africa timbuktoo Africa TechCabal Disrupt Africa Africa Early Stage Investor Summit Ahunna Eziakonwa

The African angel investing landscape is rapidly evolving, and your experiences and insights are vital in guiding this transformation. It only takes 2 minutes to participate in the ABAN 2024 Angel Investment Survey and make your voice heard. Below are some of the insights that came out of the 2023 report: - How 2,058 angel investors invested over $22.5m across 408 deals, averaging $55.2k per ticket. - Emerging trends in angel investing, showcasing how early-stage capital can be unlocked locally through transparent frameworks, supporting investment instruments, and a seamless process for business angel investors. Take the survey here: https://bit.ly/3VYDQQX Together, we can drive the growth and sustainability of our continent's startups. #AngelInvesting #InvestmentImpact #ABAN2024Survey Briter Launch Africa Ventures African Angel Academy

Excellent article by Mathias Léopoldie The African VC ecosystem is still developing, requiring time for infrastructure and networks to mature. With a large, growing population and innovative solutions tailored to local challenges, Africa presents significant long-term market potential. Historical comparisons show that other emerging markets took decades to yield substantial returns. Venture capital needs a long-term perspective, and gradual improvements in regulations and government support can enhance the investment landscape over time. Therefore, it's premature to judge African VC's success at this stage.