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BM Prime Capital is a hybrid venture capital and venture studio firm founded to provide early-stage funding to technology startups in Francophone Africa while also creating and scaling companies in the United States. Established with a vision to tap into the underfunded tech landscape of Francophone Africa, the firm operates from its headquarters in New York City and Lomé, Togo. This dual presence allows BM Prime Capital to leverage investment expertise and local insights to capitalize on growth opportunities in underserved markets.
The firm targets a significant gap in venture funding within Francophone Africa, which comprises approximately 450 million people, representing about 30% of the African population. Despite this demographic potential, the region receives less than 2% of the continent's venture capital funding. BM Prime Capital aims to address this disparity by focusing on sectors such as EdTech, FinTech, InsurTech, and HealthTech, which are poised for substantial growth.
As of now, BM Prime Capital aspires to build a portfolio of over 100 companies, indicating a high-cadence investment strategy that is ambitious for an emerging fund. The firm combines traditional venture capital approaches with a venture studio model, allowing it to not only invest in startups but also actively participate in their development and scaling.
BM Prime Capital invests primarily in early-stage technology startups, specifically targeting the sectors of EdTech, FinTech, InsurTech, and HealthTech. The firm emphasizes the Francophone African region, which it identifies as having significant growth potential despite receiving a disproportionately small share of venture funding. This focus aligns with the firm’s mission to bridge the funding gap and support the development of innovative solutions that cater to the unique needs of this market.
The investment strategy includes a hybrid model that combines venture capital with a venture studio approach. This allows BM Prime Capital to not only provide capital but also to engage in the operational aspects of building and scaling startups. The firm typically invests at the pre-seed stage, with a focus on high-volume investments, aiming for a portfolio of over 100 companies. Although specific check sizes are not disclosed, the firm’s strategy suggests a preference for smaller, high-frequency investments.
BM Prime Capital seeks founders who demonstrate a strong understanding of their market and possess the ability to execute their vision effectively. The firm values innovative ideas that address real-world problems, particularly those that can scale within the Francophone African context. The geographic focus remains primarily on Francophone Africa, with additional efforts to create and scale companies in the United States.
BM Prime Capital has begun to build its portfolio with a focus on innovative technology startups. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies reflect the firm’s commitment to investing in sectors that are critical for the development of Francophone Africa. The portfolio is expected to grow as BM Prime Capital continues to identify and support startups that align with its investment thesis.
Brice Messavussu: Managing Partner & CEO. Brice has a background in corporate law and venture capital, having trained at a Wall Street law firm. He holds an MBA from Wharton and a JD from Penn Law. He is also a Master Teacher with a separate educational platform.
Godwin Djramedo: Principal. Godwin plays a key role in sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities within the firm’s focus sectors.
Dorgelès Guei: Associate. Dorgelès supports the investment team in due diligence and portfolio management.
Doris Djaglo: Entrepreneur in Residence. Doris provides mentorship and guidance to portfolio companies, leveraging her entrepreneurial experience.
Jean-Paul Yetor: Entrepreneur in Residence. Jean-Paul also offers mentorship and support to startups within the portfolio.
Josué Nlandu: Lead Software Engineer. Josué is responsible for technical assessments and support for portfolio companies.
Jordan Nguepi: Software Engineer. Jordan assists in technical evaluations and development for startups.
BM Prime Capital runs several programs aimed at supporting startups in Francophone Africa. One of the key initiatives is the Propulsor program, which serves as a startup accelerator designed to provide coaching, technical support, fundraising assistance, and marketing consulting to promising startups.
Additionally, the firm offers the Prime VC initiative, which provides a free video course on venture capital tailored specifically for entrepreneurs in Francophone Africa. The Prime Pitch Competition is another significant program, allowing entrepreneurs to pitch their businesses for a chance to win funding and support.
As of the latest updates, BM Prime Capital has not publicly announced specific investments or exits. The firm is actively working towards its goal of building a portfolio of over 100 companies, indicating a high level of activity in sourcing and evaluating potential investments.
BM Prime Capital continues to focus on its dual mandate of providing early-stage funding in Francophone Africa while also creating and scaling companies in the United States. The firm’s unique approach positions it as a first-mover in the underfunded tech sector of Francophone Africa.
What are BM Prime Capital's investment criteria?
BM Prime Capital focuses on early-stage technology startups in sectors such as EdTech, FinTech, InsurTech, and HealthTech. The firm looks for innovative solutions that address real-world problems, particularly in Francophone Africa.
How can I apply or pitch to BM Prime Capital?
Founders can pitch their startups through the Prime Pitch Competition by visiting the firm's website at BM Prime Capital Pitch Competition. Applications can also be submitted via email at primepitchcompetition@bmprimecapital.com.
What makes BM Prime Capital different from other investors?
BM Prime Capital combines a venture capital approach with a venture studio model, allowing it to actively participate in the development and scaling of its portfolio companies. This dual approach is particularly focused on the underfunded Francophone African market.
What is the geographic scope of BM Prime Capital's investments?
The firm primarily targets Francophone Africa for its investments, while also creating and scaling companies in the United States through its venture studio arm.
What is the expected check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed, BM Prime Capital is known for a high-cadence investment strategy, suggesting a preference for smaller, high-frequency investments.
What kind of post-investment involvement does BM Prime Capital have?
BM Prime Capital engages actively with its portfolio companies, providing operational support, mentorship, and resources to help them scale effectively.
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