Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
Pearl Capital Partners (PCP) is an independent agriculture investment management firm founded in 2005. The firm specializes in providing risk capital to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the agriculture value chain in East and Southern Africa. With offices located in Kampala, Uganda, and Nairobi, Kenya, PCP has established itself as a key player in the agribusiness sector.
Over the years, PCP has managed four agriculture-focused funds, including the Yield Uganda Investment Fund and Dairy and Horticulture Limited. The firm has built a diverse portfolio of over 48 investments, demonstrating its commitment to supporting agribusinesses that contribute to economic growth and social impact in the region.
PCP's investment strategy emphasizes the importance of creating significant social impact, particularly for smallholder farmers. By focusing on SMEs, the firm aims to enhance agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods across East Africa.
Pearl Capital Partners primarily invests in small and medium-sized agribusinesses in East Africa, particularly in Uganda. The firm targets companies within the agriculture value chain, including sectors such as food processing, dairy, horticulture, seeds, coffee, poultry, animal feed, and organic farming. PCP provides medium to long-term capital, typically ranging from $250,000 to $2 million, through a mix of equity, quasi-equity, and debt investments.
The firm’s investment strategy is designed to generate financial returns while also creating measurable social impact. PCP seeks businesses that demonstrate high growth potential, capable management, and good governance practices. The firm is particularly interested in agribusinesses that can strengthen agricultural value chains and connect smallholder farmers to markets, thereby improving income generation in rural communities.
Pearl Capital Partners has a diverse portfolio of over 48 investments in the agribusiness sector. Notable portfolio companies include:
Dr. Edward Isingoma Matsiko: Managing Partner. Dr. Matsiko has a background as the financial controller of African Agricultural Capital and has been instrumental in establishing Pearl Capital Partners since 2010.
Wanjohi Ndagu: Managing Partner. Ndagu is a founding member of PCP and previously worked as an Investment Manager with African Agricultural Capital. He has experience in mortgage securitizations with J.P. Morgan Chase.
Mary Nantume: Finance Director. Nantume joined PCP in 2017 and became CFO in 2019. She was promoted to Finance Director in February 2024 and plays a key role in capital raising and portfolio management.
David I. Wangolo: Investment Director. Wangolo has been with PCP since 2012, focusing on new and existing investments. He previously worked at First Renaissance Securities in transaction advisory and capital raising.
Denis Mugalu: Investment/Credit Manager. Mugalu oversees investment and credit processes, ensuring that portfolio companies meet financial and operational standards.
Dorothy Kyomuhangi: Senior Investment Analyst. Kyomuhangi supports investment analysis and due diligence for potential portfolio companies.
Francisca Maiyo: Investment Manager. Maiyo is responsible for managing relationships with portfolio companies and monitoring their performance.
Brenda Miiro: Investment Analyst. Miiro assists in evaluating investment opportunities and conducting market research.
Cinderella Alinaitwe: Investment Analyst. Alinaitwe supports the investment team in analyzing potential investments and portfolio management.
Godfrey Busobozi: Credit Officer. Busobozi manages credit assessments and risk evaluations for portfolio companies.
Lawrence Akankwasa: Credit Officer. Akankwasa works alongside Busobozi in assessing creditworthiness and financial health of investments.
To pitch Pearl Capital Partners, founders should send an email to info@pearlcapital.net. It is recommended to include a comprehensive business plan, financial projections, and details about the management team. A clear articulation of the social impact of the business is also essential.
PCP prefers pitches that demonstrate a strong understanding of the agriculture value chain and the specific challenges faced by smallholder farmers. Founders should be prepared for a thorough evaluation process, which may include follow-up meetings and discussions about the business model and growth strategy.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions through mutual connections can enhance the likelihood of a favorable response.
In July 2023, Pearl Capital Partners announced its investment in Quality Milk Dairies Limited, marking the firm's 15th Ugandan agriculture investment.
In November 2022, PCP backed Newman Foods Ltd, an agro-processing company, with a blend of equity and quasi-equity.
In 2022, PCP made a significant investment in Kamp Group Limited, providing a $2.6 million aggregate blended equity/debt investment for its animal feed processing operations.
In July 2025, PCP successfully exited its investment in Clarke Farm, demonstrating the firm's commitment to achieving financial returns for its investors.
What are Pearl Capital Partners' investment criteria?
PCP focuses on small and medium-sized agribusinesses in East Africa, particularly those with high growth potential and capable management. The firm looks for businesses that can strengthen agricultural value chains and connect smallholder farmers to markets.
How can I apply or pitch to Pearl Capital Partners?
Founders can pitch PCP by sending an email to info@pearlcapital.net. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and financial projections in the pitch.
What makes Pearl Capital Partners different from other investors?
PCP emphasizes both financial returns and social impact, particularly for smallholder farmers. The firm provides flexible capital structures and business-development support to its portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Pearl Capital Partners?
PCP primarily invests in East Africa, with a strong focus on Uganda. The firm also has a presence in Southern Africa.
What is the typical check size for investments?
PCP typically invests between $250,000 and $2 million in its portfolio companies, with the potential for larger investments depending on the specific needs of the business.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Pearl Capital Partners have?
PCP actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing operational support, governance guidance, and assistance with strategic planning to help them achieve their growth objectives.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.