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📺 Media Watch: This Week’s Headlines 📰 Here are the Top 5 news stories you need to know about this week in the African startup ecosystem: 1. Zepz raises $267 million from World Bank, Accel, and TCV, continuing its mission of transforming cross-border payments. 2. Kenya fines Baltic fintech Eleving Group’s local arm for misleading customers, as consumer protection regulations tighten. 3. African startups raised $306M in Q3, a 40% drop year-on-year but showing signs of recovery. 4. Winich Inc Farms raises $3M in pre-Series A funding, fueling growth in Nigeria’s agritech space. 5. Lesaka Technologies Inc. completes the acquisition of Adumo for $96M, marking a significant development in South Africa’s fintech market. Stay informed and keep up with the latest developments in African startups. #news #africanstartups #africantech #fintech #southafrica #mna

🚀 Africa’s Venture Landscape; 2025 Predictions Join us as we explore the exciting future of Africa’s startup ecosystem! This year, we believe Africa’s venture landscape will thrive with fintech, health tech, and climate tech driving growth. Local investors will take the lead, and the rise of African unicorns will transform the continent’s business landscape. Join us as we host Florence Yula (FMVA) and Adeshina A. to a session on the 31st of January to discuss 2025 predictions. https://lu.ma/cnba2kkc Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of the conversation and witness the next wave of innovation in Africa! 🌱💡 #AfricasVentureLandscape #StartupEcosystem #Fintech #HealthTech #ClimateTech #Innovation #AfricanUnicorns #VentureCapital #TalentDevelopment #FutureOfAfrica

2024 African Startups Review: Unpacking Key Trends and Events – Part 4 (Edition 1) M-KOPA Mission to Bridge the Financial Gap Drove it to a USD 400M ARR Milestone 2024 was a breakthrough year for M-KOPA, In 2024, as it helped 5M underbanked Africans access credit with daily micro-payments for essentials. Despite high regional default rates, M-KOPA thrived, hitting USD 400 M ARR and expanding into South Africa. #FinancialInclusion #Innovation #AfricaTech To catch up on the recap, click the link: https://lnkd.in/gEZx6-C9

In Africa, the road to innovation is paved with opportunity and resilience. Yet, what truly powers this journey forward? 🚀 As venture builders, we witness startups across the continent turning challenges into opportunities daily. These ventures are not just participating in a global conversation; they're reshaping it by providing unique solutions to pressing local issues. From fintech innovations addressing financial inclusion to agritech improving food security, African startups are crafting narratives that demand attention. Let's commit to cultivating an ecosystem where these ideas can thrive. Support your fellow entrepreneurs; share their stories, insights, and experiences. It's time for the world to recognize Africa not just as a potential market but as a leader in innovation. #VentureBuilding #AfricaRising #StartupEcosystem #InnovationLeaders

💵 VC Funding in Africa Faces Slowdown in Q1 2024 The African startup ecosystem experienced a significant funding slowdown in the first quarter of 2024, according to the latest industry report. Despite the challenges, there were some positive signals amidst the turbulence. Here are 3 key takeaways on VC trends in Africa for Q1 2024: 🔹 African startups raised $542 million across 153 deals in Q1 2024 year-to-date (Jan-Apr), a 45.62% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. However, the number of startups raising $1 million or more increased to 75 vs. 69 in 2023. 🔹 For the first time, Africa-based VCs accounted for the largest share (35%) of investors active in African startups in 2023, surpassing North America (30%) and Europe (25%). This shift highlights the growing prominence of domestic VC activity. 🔹 Among the leading Africa-based investors were firms from Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Mauritius, reflecting the continent's diverse VC landscape. As the African startup ecosystem navigates this challenging funding environment, domestic VC firms are emerging as key players, supporting local entrepreneurs and driving innovation across the continent. Share your thoughts on the Q1 2024 VC trends in Africa and the role of domestic investors in fostering a resilient ecosystem. 📝 Thank you all for your support and your trust 🔗 Don't forget to register and follow us on appcyto.com 👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔗 Share | ➕ Subscribe Connecting Africa, Empowering You! Africa: The Big Deal Azur Innovation Management Ventures Platform Fund Voltron Capital Renew Capital Founders Factory Africa Catalyst Fund Launch Africa Ventures Joachim Valot Tamara Lerner Corentin Grenon #Fintech #Angola #Africa #Tech #Finance #Inclusion #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Payments #Investments #Efficiency #Transparency #Security #StationF #Remittances #YouthEmployment #EconomicGrowth #FinancialInclusion #SDG #TechInAfrica #StartupFunding #Fintech #Innovation #AfricanTechRevolution #VCTrends #AfricanStartups #VentureCapital #DomesticInvestors

International VC with interest in African startups: 1.⁠ ⁠African Investment Corporation (AIC): Invests in startups across Africa, with a focus on technology, healthcare, and finance. 2.⁠ ⁠Helios Investment Partners Manages over $3 billion in assets, investing in African startups across various sectors. 3.⁠ ⁠Actis Invests in African startups in sectors like technology, healthcare, and consumer goods. 4.⁠ ⁠CDC Group plc A UK-based firm investing in African startups, with a focus on financial inclusion, infrastructure, and technology. 5.⁠ ⁠TLcom Capital LLP : Invests in African startups in technology, media, and telecommunications. West African VCs: 1.⁠ ⁠EchoVC Partners : Invests in West African startups, focusing on technology, media, and telecommunications. 2.⁠ ⁠Savannah Fund : Invests in early-stage startups in West Africa, with a focus on technology. Follow for startup updates & trends! Join our Founders community: https://lnkd.in/dd7Mmjzd #TechFieldAfrica #StartupAfrica #Innovation

Access to finance remains the most pressing challenge for African businesses - there is $330B annual SME financing gap on the continent. Secondary to that - and only once capital has been secured - is the need for market access and strategic support (i.e., going beyond capital) to help founders think critically about how to put the capital to the best use. #SMEfinancing #SMEdebt #Earlystagefinance

🚀 Reflecting on the Ecosystem's Performance: A Tale of Two Months In July, the African startup ecosystem hit a high note, but as we anticipated, August didn't quite keep pace. 📉 Last month, startups across the continent raised just $56m in funding— a steep drop from July’s $443m (~8x less) and significantly below August 2023’s $234m (~4x less). In fact, August 2024 marked the second-slowest month for funding in four years, only surpassed by June 2024’s $42m. 💰 Key Stats: - 87% of the funding raised was equity-based. - 9% came in the form of debt. - 4% was secured through grants. 🔍 A total of 27 startups announced funding, falling short of the 40+ monthly average we've seen over the past year. The largest deals included: - $10m from Dutch DFI FMO into Ghanaian fintech Fido. - $9m raised by Solarise Africa (Energy, South Africa). - Waza (Nigerian fintech) announcing $8m in funding (split between seed and debt). While no exits were recorded in August, and 2024 is still trailing behind last year's performance (-40% YoY compared to 2023), there's a silver lining 🌟: thanks to a strong July, the total funding raised in Q3 is already higher than in Q1 and Q2 combined, with one month still left to go. What’s next? September is here, and we’re ready to see if the momentum picks up again. 💡 What are your thoughts on how the ecosystem will close out Q3? Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇🏾 Thanks Africa: The Big Deal for those insights ! #Africanventures #Venturecapital #Africanecosystem #Africanentrepreneur #Seedinvesting #Seedfunding #Africanstartups #Afropreneur #Angelinvesting

🦄TymeBank is Africa's newest unicorn following its $250M Series D raise It took 12 years to reach unicorn status—making it one of the longest, alongside Interswitch (17 years) & Moniepoint (9 years). However, on average, it takes about 7 years for African startups to reach such a milestone. Fintechs continue to lead Africa's unicorn club, proving that expanding financial access isn’t just profitable—it’s driving lasting economic and societal change across the continent. . #tcinsights #AfricanStartups #techunicorns #Africantechecosystem

The global economic outlook is uncertain… In this challenging environment, African startups must adapt swiftly to survive and thrive. Here’s how they can navigate the shifting landscape: ✅ Diversify Funding Sources: With venture capital tightening, African startups should explore alternative financing options, such as crowdfunding and partnerships, to sustain their growth. ✅ Leverage Local Opportunities: Focus on local markets and essential services that meet the immediate needs of communities. Understanding regional consumer behavior can drive demand and loyalty. ✅ Embrace Technology and Innovation: The digital transformation presents a unique opportunity for African startups. By leveraging technology, they can streamline operations and reach broader audiences. ✅ Build Resilience: Startups should prioritize financial health and operational efficiency, ensuring they can withstand economic pressures while remaining agile in their strategies. ✅ Strengthen Networks: Collaboration is key. Building strong networks with other startups, investors, and stakeholders can create a support system that fosters growth and innovation. In these turbulent times, African startups have the chance to lead with resilience and creativity. Let’s adapt and seize the opportunities ahead! 💡💪 Don’t keep this information to yourself, please repost ♻ if you found value in this post. For start-up and digital health content, follow Great Oyita. Need to discuss and scale your digital health initiative? Reach out for a conversation. #AfricanStartups #Innovation #EconomicOutlook #Resilience #Startups #BusinessStrategy