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Launch Africa Ventures is a Pan-African venture capital fund founded in 2020 by Zachariah George and Janade Du Plessis. The firm is headquartered in Mauritius and is dedicated to addressing the funding gap in the Seed and pre-Series A investment landscape across the African continent. Since its inception, Launch Africa Ventures has invested in over 150 startups across various sectors and regions, making it one of the most active seed-stage VC funds in Africa.
The fund has raised a total of $64 million, with its first fund closing at $36 million in March 2022. Launch Africa Ventures has deployed over $31 million into 133 startups across 22 countries, showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative solutions to critical challenges faced by African entrepreneurs. The firm has established a reputation for its high touch, high scale approach, which enables it to identify and back promising ventures effectively.
Notable milestones include the successful exits of portfolio companies such as Orcas, Kashat, and Baia, which highlight the fund's ability to generate returns for its investors. Launch Africa Ventures continues to expand its operations and impact within the African startup ecosystem, focusing on sectors such as fintech, AI, logistics, healthcare, and e-commerce.
Launch Africa Ventures primarily invests in Seed and pre-Series A startups across multiple sectors within Africa. The firm targets companies that address significant challenges on the continent, employing a high touch, high scale approach to identify and support promising ventures. The sectors of interest include fintech, AI, logistics, healthcare, and e-commerce, reflecting the diverse opportunities present in the African market.
The fund's investment strategy is designed to bridge the structural funding gap at the seed stage in Africa, where many startups struggle to secure the necessary capital for growth. Launch Africa Ventures seeks to invest in technology-driven ventures that demonstrate strong market opportunities and founder diversity. The firm operates across 22 African countries, allowing it to tap into a wide range of innovative solutions and business models.
Check sizes typically range from $250,000 for initial investments, with follow-on investments potentially reaching up to $1 million. This flexible approach enables Launch Africa Ventures to support its portfolio companies effectively as they scale and navigate the challenges of the startup landscape.
Launch Africa Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of 133 companies across various sectors and regions in Africa. Notable portfolio companies include:
Since its founding, Launch Africa Ventures has invested over $31 million into these startups, demonstrating its commitment to fostering innovation and growth across the continent. The firm has achieved notable exits, including Orcas, Kashat, and Baia, which further solidifies its reputation as a leading player in the African venture capital space.
Zachariah George - Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Zachariah has over a decade of experience in venture building and has led numerous investments across Africa. He is known for his expertise in identifying high-potential startups and supporting their growth.
Janade Du Plessis - Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Janade brings extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship, having worked with various startups in Africa. His focus is on fostering innovation and addressing the funding gap in the region.
Florence Bavanandan - Head of Platform and Operations. Florence oversees the operational aspects of the firm and ensures that portfolio companies receive the necessary support to scale effectively.
Kartik Sharma - Portfolio Manager. Kartik is responsible for managing the firm's investment portfolio and identifying new investment opportunities across various sectors.
Uwemedimo Uwemakpan - Head of Investments. Uwemedimo leads the investment strategy and execution for Launch Africa Ventures, focusing on impactful investments in the African startup ecosystem.
Natnael Asmerom - Investment Manager. Natnael plays a key role in evaluating potential investments and supporting portfolio companies in their growth journeys.
Daryn Munnik - Investment Associate. Daryn assists in the investment process and works closely with portfolio companies to provide operational support.
Michael Mutie - Investment Manager. Michael focuses on sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities within the fintech and logistics sectors.
Lina Kacyem - Investment Manager. Lina specializes in health tech investments and supports portfolio companies in scaling their operations.
Kamo Motaung - Portfolio Associate. Kamo works with portfolio companies to ensure they receive the necessary resources and support from Launch Africa Ventures.
Terisha Rajagopal - Financial Analyst. Terisha provides financial analysis and insights to support investment decisions and portfolio management.
Jeffery Akemu - Portfolio Associate. Jeffery assists in managing relationships with portfolio companies and supports their growth initiatives.
Mohamed Karar - Venture Partner. Mohamed brings extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship, contributing to the firm's investment strategy.
Margaret O'Connor - Board Chair. Margaret provides strategic oversight and guidance to the firm, leveraging her extensive experience in the investment sector.
Baljinder Sharma - Board Member. Baljinder contributes to the strategic direction of the firm and supports its growth initiatives.
Hannah Subayi Kamuanga - Investment Committee Member. Hannah plays a key role in evaluating investment opportunities and providing insights to the investment team.
Julia Price - Investment Committee Member. Julia contributes to the investment decision-making process and supports the firm's strategic initiatives.
Gwera Kiwana - Investment Committee Member. Gwera provides expertise in evaluating potential investments and supporting portfolio companies.
To pitch to Launch Africa Ventures, founders should utilize the preferred channel of their website at launchafrica.vc or email info@launchafrica.vc. It is important to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and financial projections.
Founders should expect a response time of approximately 2-4 weeks after submission. A warm introduction is preferred but not mandatory. The pitch deck should clearly articulate the startup's value proposition, competitive landscape, and growth strategy to capture the attention of the investment team.
Launch Africa Ventures operates multiple funds, including:
Each fund is designed to address the unique challenges faced by startups at different stages of their growth, providing tailored support and capital to foster innovation across the continent.
In mid-2024, Launch Africa Ventures actively deployed $4.3 million into 16 startups across 11 African countries as part of its Fund II. This fund focuses on B2B, fintech, AI, cleantech, and logistics, with an increased average check size compared to Fund I.
In September 2024, the firm launched its Mezzanine Impact Fund, targeting growth-stage African companies. This new vehicle reflects a strategic expansion beyond seed-only investing, allowing Launch Africa Ventures to provide follow-on capital to successful portfolio companies.
Notable exits from Fund I include Orcas, an Egyptian edtech company acquired by Baims in January 2024, Kashat, which underwent an equity swap with Raseedi, and Baia, absorbed by The Fintex Group. These exits highlight the fund's ability to generate returns for its investors.
What are Launch Africa Ventures' investment criteria?
Launch Africa Ventures focuses on Seed and pre-Series A startups across various sectors, including fintech, AI, logistics, healthcare, and e-commerce. The firm seeks companies that address significant challenges in Africa and demonstrate strong market opportunities.
How can startups apply or pitch to Launch Africa Ventures?
Startups can pitch to Launch Africa Ventures through their website at launchafrica.vc or by emailing info@launchafrica.vc. It is recommended to include a detailed business plan and financial projections in the pitch deck.
What makes Launch Africa Ventures different from other VC firms?
Launch Africa Ventures is recognized as one of Africa's most active seed-stage VC funds, with a focus on addressing the structural funding gap at the seed stage. The firm employs a high touch, high scale approach to support its portfolio companies effectively.
What is the geographic scope of Launch Africa Ventures?
The firm operates across 22 African countries, allowing it to tap into a diverse range of innovative solutions and business models. This broad geographic mandate differentiates it from country-focused VCs.
What is the fund size and check size range?
Launch Africa Ventures has raised a total of $64 million, with check sizes typically ranging from $250,000 for initial investments to up to $1 million for follow-on investments.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Launch Africa Ventures have?
Launch Africa Ventures provides strategic support to its portfolio companies, leveraging its extensive network and experience in venture building to help startups scale effectively. This includes mentorship, operational support, and access to resources.
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