10 VC firms you should know - Investing in African startups

Securing venture capital is a crucial step for African startups looking to scale. In this article we present a few VC firms operating in the continent, providing not only funding but also mentorship, strategic support, and access to global markets. This is not an exhaustive list but certainly helpful for anyone wanting to unlock a sizeable investment in Africa.

Understanding VC funding

Venture capital funding is typically divided into different rounds, each serving a specific purpose in a startup’s growth journey. Pre-seed and seed funding help early-stage startups validate their ideas and build initial prototypes. Series A funding allows startups with proven traction to scale operations, refine their products, and expand customer bases. Series B and C rounds focus on rapid expansion, market dominance, and sometimes international growth. Startups reaching Series D and beyond are often well-established businesses looking for strategic partnerships, acquisitions, or even preparation for an IPO (initial public offering). Practically, this means that early-stage startups should target seed and pre-seed investors, while more mature businesses should seek later-stage capital to drive aggressive scaling.

Here are some names that keep coming up in VC conversations around Africa.

Seedstars Africa Ventures

Seedstars Africa Ventures is the VC arm of Seedstars, a global entrepreneurial ecosystem. They provide smart capital to African startups, leveraging their international experience to help businesses scale globally.

• Investment Size: Over $10 million invested in African startups

• Support Offered: Smart capital, mentoring, market access

• Geographic Focus: Sub-Saharan Africa

• Industries: Multi-sector

  
  

Launch Africa Ventures

Launch Africa Ventures is an active early-stage VC firm that helps tech startups scale quickly across multiple African markets. They focus on founders who can leverage technology to drive economic growth.

• Investment Size: $200,000 – $300,000

• Support Offered: Early-stage funding, mentorship

• Geographic Focus: Pan-African

• Industries: Fintech, EdTech, B2B/B2C startups

  
  

Ventures Platform

Ventures Platform is one of the most active early-stage VC firms in Africa. The firm backs bold entrepreneurs building innovative businesses in key sectors and provides additional support through mentorship and access to its extensive network of advisors and investors.

• Year Founded: 2016

• Investment Size: $50,000 – $1 million

• Support Offered: Mentorship, scaling support

• Geographic Focus: Africa-wide

• Industries: HealthTech, Logistics, InsurTech, AutoTech, SaaS, AgriTech, EdTech

Vantage Capital

Vantage Capital provides funding to growth-stage businesses across Africa. They specialize in mezzanine financing, which helps companies expand without giving up significant equity.

• Investment Size: Varies based on deal size

• Support Offered: Growth-stage funding

• Geographic Focus: Africa-wide

• Industries: Multi-sector

  
  

Techstars Accelerator

Techstars is a globally recognized startup accelerator that provides funding, mentorship, and business development support. The program is highly competitive and helps startups scale through deep industry connections and investor introductions.

• Investment Size: $120,000

• Support Offered: Startup programming, mentorship, networking

• Geographic Focus: Nigeria, global presence

• Industries: Fintech, e-Commerce, Proptech, TalentTech, MobilityTech

  
  

Voltron Capital

Voltron Capital focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage startups. The firm actively invests in high-growth technology startups that can scale across multiple markets in Africa.

• Investment Size: $20,000 – $100,000

• Support Offered: Early-stage funding, advisory support

• Geographic Focus: Africa-wide

• Industries: Fintech, HealthTech, EdTech

Y Combinator

One of the world’s most famous startup accelerators, Y Combinator has backed African giants like Paystack and Flutterwave. It provides early-stage funding along with access to a vast network of investors and experts.

• Investment Size: $500,000 (SAFE & equity investment)

• Support Offered: Mentorship, investor connections, accelerator program

• Geographic Focus: Africa-wide, global reach

• Industries: Multi-sector, strong presence in Fintech and e-Commerce

Renew Capital

Renew Capital specializes in impact investing, particularly in early-stage businesses with high-growth potential. The firm provides not just capital but also expertise in business development and leadership training.

• Investment Size: $228,000 (average)

• Support Offered: Capital structuring, executive training

• Geographic Focus: Sub-Saharan Africa

• Industries: e-Commerce, HealthTech, MobilityTech

Catalyst Fund

Catalyst Fund focuses on supporting tech startups that drive financial inclusion and climate resilience. They provide grants along with hands-on venture-building support to help startups refine their business models.

• Investment Size: $2,500 – $15,000 (grants)

• Support Offered: Startup acceleration, ecosystem support

• Geographic Focus: Emerging markets

• Industries: Climate resilience, digital commerce, inclusive fintech

DOB Equity

DOB Equity is a family-backed VC firm investing in businesses that deliver social impact alongside financial returns. The firm prioritizes sustainable business models that create jobs and improve livelihoods.

• Investment Size: $250,000 – $3 million

• Support Offered: Business development, impact-driven investment

• Geographic Focus: East Africa

• Industries: Fintech, EdTech, Agritech, HealthTech

DFIs

You can check out our list of some of the most active DFIs working in Africa as well.