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COSEF is a venture capital organization founded in 2019, dedicated to addressing Africa's significant financing gap for sustainable development, estimated at $402 billion annually. Headquartered in New York, COSEF operates with a fund size of $75 million, focusing on investments that create both financial returns and social impact. The organization emphasizes long-term partnerships and adheres to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, ensuring that its investments align with sustainable development goals.
Currently, COSEF has a portfolio of two companies and employs a team of professionals committed to fostering climate solutions and innovative businesses across Africa. The firm prioritizes investments in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, health, and education, with a particular emphasis on climate solutions. COSEF's approach integrates flexible financing mechanisms, including mezzanine and revenue-sharing instruments, to maximize investment value and growth potential.
COSEF invests primarily in the agriculture, manufacturing, health, and education sectors, with a strong emphasis on climate solutions. The organization targets seed, Series A, Series B, and growth equity stages, deploying check sizes ranging from $1 million to $10 million. Key investment criteria include the quality of the management team, operational history, product or service quality, market size, and competitive landscape. This focus allows COSEF to identify and support businesses that can deliver significant impact while achieving financial returns.
In addition to its sector focus, COSEF is particularly committed to addressing the financing gap for female entrepreneurs in Africa. The organization employs innovative financing mechanisms, such as flexible debt instruments and revenue sharing, to de-risk investments and provide ongoing technical assistance. This strategy not only enhances the growth potential of portfolio companies but also aligns with COSEF's mission to support women-owned or led businesses.
COSEF's portfolio includes two notable companies that exemplify its commitment to sustainable development and impact:
Jeremy Dupont - Chief Executive Officer: Jeremy has extensive experience in venture capital and impact investing, focusing on sustainable development initiatives across Africa.
Amanda Swensson - Creative Director: Amanda brings a background in marketing and communications, specializing in promoting sustainable business practices and social impact.
Bryan Johnson - General Manager: Bryan has a strong operational background, overseeing portfolio management and ensuring alignment with COSEF's mission.
Marianne Smith - HR Manager: Marianne focuses on talent acquisition and organizational development, ensuring that COSEF attracts and retains top talent committed to its mission.
To pitch to COSEF, founders should visit their website at cosefinvest.com and send an email to info@cosefinvest.com. It is important to include a comprehensive business plan that outlines the startup's mission, market opportunity, and social impact. COSEF prefers pitches that highlight the management team's experience and operational history.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory. COSEF encourages direct outreach from founders who align with their investment thesis.
COSEF offers the COSEF Fellowship, which provides business professionals the opportunity to apply their skills to support portfolio companies. Candidates must have an undergraduate degree and a minimum of two years of work experience. The fellowship program is currently not accepting applications for 2025, but it serves as a valuable resource for those looking to engage with COSEF's mission.
As of March 2023, COSEF continues to actively invest in climate solutions and women-led businesses across Africa. The organization has highlighted its portfolio companies, showcasing their impact on smallholder farmers and sustainable practices. COSEF also publishes a newsletter that provides insights and updates related to their fellowship program.
While no specific deal announcements have been made recently, COSEF's commitment to addressing the financing gap for female entrepreneurs remains a core focus. The organization actively participates in events such as the AFSIC (Investing in Africa) conference, enhancing its visibility in the impact investment community.
What are COSEF's investment criteria?
COSEF evaluates potential investments based on management quality, operational history, product quality, market size, and competitive landscape. The organization seeks to support businesses that demonstrate strong growth potential and align with its mission of sustainable development.
How can I pitch to COSEF?
Founders can pitch their startups by visiting COSEF's website at cosefinvest.com and using the contact email info@cosefinvest.com. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and highlight the social impact of the venture.
What makes COSEF different from other investors?
COSEF differentiates itself by focusing on climate solutions and prioritizing investments in women-owned or led businesses. The organization employs innovative financing mechanisms and partners with business development organizations to de-risk investments and provide ongoing support.
What is COSEF's geographic focus?
COSEF primarily invests in Africa, targeting countries with significant opportunities for sustainable development and impact, particularly in sectors like agriculture and clean energy.
What is the typical check size for investments?
COSEF typically invests between $1 million and $10 million in its portfolio companies, depending on the specific needs and growth potential of the business.
What kind of support does COSEF provide to its portfolio companies?
COSEF adds value through a network of business development organizations that offer both catalytic capital and technical assistance, ensuring that portfolio companies receive the support needed to scale effectively.
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