Innovate Africa Fund

Beyond invest in early-stage tech startups with funding from $10K to $150K, we also offer support in product development & talent resourcing. and so much more. We’re here to help founders navigate their journey from ideation to market fit. Are you building a startup that addresses pressing challenges in Africa? Visit https://lnkd.in/d72upFba, fill out our application form and explore how we can support your vision.

The AgriTech sector is booming, with funding skyrocketing from $19 million to a cumulative of over $860 million in just a few years. This growth reflects the need for innovative solutions in the space. As startups like ThriveAgric, Twiga Foods and Apollo Agriculture lead the charge, the potential for impactful change is enormous. Are you building solutions to address wicked and systemic problems in AgriTech? Let’s connect to discuss how we can collaborate and drive innovation together!

Our Managing Partner, Kristin H. Wilson, will be attending the ongoing Tech in Ghana conference live in Accra. We're excited to connect with entrepreneurs, founders, and innovators in the Ghana startup ecosystem. If you're at the conference, please don't hesitate to reach out and say hi👋 We look forward to meeting you and exploring opportunities for collaboration and growth.

What does it take to unlock the full potential of investing in women and through women in Africa? Join us in just 2 days for an insightful roundtable discussion on how gender-lens capital drives transformation in the African early-stage investment ecosystem. This session will explore the innovations and opportunities shaping female-focused investments and the strategies investors are using to champion women entrepreneurs and leaders. Moderated by Christine Namara, Partner at Flat6Labs, the panel will feature: ➡️ Hlengiwe Makhathini CA (SA), Chief Investment Officer at IDF CAPITAL ➡️ Elena Haba, Lead at 2X Global ➡️ Kristin H. Wilson Wilson, Managing Partner at Innovate Africa Fund Secure your spot today and join us in 48 hours for this impactful conversation. Get your tickets now at https://bit.ly/47HBTO4! #AESIS2024 is proudly brought to you by ABAN and VC4A

Lagos, often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of Africa," currently boasts of over 35 tech hubs. According to Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Olatubosun Alake, the state currently houses over 2,000 technology startups with an ecosystem worth over $9 billion, and is attracting significant investments and fostering a dynamic startup culture. As Africa's tech landscape continues to evolve, cities across the continent are emerging as vibrant ecosystems for innovation and entrepreneurship. With Lagos already leading the way as a prominent tech hub, we’re witnessing a surge in activity from cities like Nairobi, Cape Town, and Kigali. Meanwhile, Nairobi, known as the "Silicon Savannah," has recently overtaken Lagos in digital innovation, with major players like Amazon, Google, Visa and Microsoft establishing their presence there. Cape Town is also making waves with its focus on fintech and e-commerce, supported by a strong infrastructure and skilled workforce. As we look toward the future, we want to hear from you.. Which city do you think will rise to prominence as the next major tech hub in Africa?

Tomilola Majekodunmi, CEO of Bankly on how they were able to pivot to success. In this video, she talks about: - the power of co-opetition - ⁠how COVID contributed to their success story - ⁠the importance of finding the right partner..and so much more. Also S/O to Interswitch Group for being a trusted partner 🤝 Share your thoughts and key lessons with us in the comment section.

Deepankar Rustagi on the importance of focus🎯during the Founders Town Hall at the recently concluded Inspire Africa Conference 2024.

Our own Pierre Jallow led an eye-opening discussion on #GoToMarket strategies for achieving success in African markets! Every panelist shared really good insights from their lived experiences: 📌 Kristin H. Wilson of Innovate Africa Fund highlighted that market entry should be driven by curiosity and deep respect for local founders, enabling investors to experience the opportunity authentically. 📌 Norbert Dziwornu from START OA emphasized the critical role of understanding regulation and macroeconomic trends for making realistic, grounded projections. 📌 David Akinin of #JABU stressed the importance of customer-centric partnerships and encouraged businesses to prioritize customers over investor perspectives. At #Remode, we believe a successful African market entry requires: *People first: Market entry is driven by people who want to be understood in their local context. Boots on the ground and working with those who have local expertise is crucial. *Strategic partnerships: Strong, local partnerships build resilience and enable sustainable growth. *Innovation awareness: Don’t underestimate competition; local innovation is happening and deserves attention. *Adaptability: Allocate the right resources and stay agile to pivot as the market shifts. 🌍 Actionable insights for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in Africa’s tech ecosystem! Kudos Wimbart 🙌 #AfricaTechFestival #ATF24 #TechInAfrica #Innovation #StrategicPartnerships

Today’s panel, moderated by Pierre Jallow of Remode, sparked insightful conversation around effective #GoToMarket approaches in Africa! Kristin H. Wilson from Innovate Africa Fund emphasised that market entry requires curiosity and respect for founders while making investors feel the opportunity firsthand. Norbert Dziwornu of START OA highlighted the importance of understanding macroeconomic factors for realistic numbers. And David Akinin from JABU discussed the value of strategic partnerships from a customer-centric viewpoint, moving beyond the focus on investors. 💡 Great insights from all – demonstrating how to build and scale with a deep respect for the African market! #AfricaTechFestival #GoToMarket #ATF24 #TechInAfrica #Innovation #StrategicPartnerships

JarToGo is a sustainable food tech company that offers circular food logistics to address the issue of disposable plastics. Their eco-friendly meal-prep service provides delicious zero-waste meals that can be easily obtained from various vending nodes without waiting or standing in line. Kofi Apraku, the CCO of JarToGo had this to say about Bold Angel Fund and Innovate Africa Fund networking mixer held in Accra for Investors and founders. #BoldAngelFund #InnovateAfricaFund #AccraMixer #Entrepreneurship #StartupsinnAccra