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.
Saviu Ventures is a growth capital fund founded in 2018, with offices in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, and Paris, France. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology and tech-enabled companies across Africa, particularly in Francophone regions. Saviu Ventures has established itself as a key player in the African startup ecosystem, focusing on sectors such as fintech, healthcare, SaaS, edtech, food-agtech, proptech, and logistics.
Currently, Saviu Ventures manages a fund size of $40 million and has invested in 21 companies across 10 countries. The firm emphasizes high ESG standards among its portfolio companies and aims to provide not only capital but also operational support to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses effectively. Notable milestones include the successful backing of companies that have achieved significant exits, such as an on-demand last-mile logistics provider in Kenya and a farm-to-table crowdfunding platform in Ivory Coast.
Saviu Ventures invests in early-stage tech or tech-enabled startups primarily in Africa, with a strong emphasis on Francophone regions. The fund typically provides investment checks ranging from $500,000 to $1 million, targeting B2B and B2B2C business models that demonstrate significant growth potential and a clear path to profitability. The firm is particularly interested in companies that adhere to high ESG standards, reflecting its commitment to sustainable business practices.
The investment strategy of Saviu Ventures is centered around growth capital for startups in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, SaaS, edtech, food-agtech, proptech, and logistics. The firm actively seeks out entrepreneurs who are not only innovative but also possess a strong operational understanding of their markets. Saviu Ventures aims to support its portfolio companies with operational expertise, assisting in areas such as business development, recruitment, and strategic planning to ensure successful scaling and early exit strategies.
Saviu Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of 21 active companies across 10 countries, with a significant concentration in Francophone Africa. The portfolio includes notable companies such as:
In addition to these active investments, Saviu Ventures has achieved notable exits, including a successful on-demand last-mile logistics provider in Kenya and a farm-to-table crowdfunding platform in Ivory Coast. The firm’s portfolio reflects its commitment to supporting innovative solutions across various sectors, contributing to the growth of the African tech landscape.
Benoit Delestre: Managing Partner at Saviu Ventures, Benoit has extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship, having previously worked with several startups in Africa.
Samuel Touboul: Managing Partner, Samuel brings a wealth of knowledge in investment strategies and operational management, with a focus on scaling tech startups.
Cynthia Mandjek: Principal at Saviu Ventures, Cynthia specializes in identifying high-potential investment opportunities and supporting portfolio companies in their growth journeys.
Papa Mady Sidibé: Head of Portfolio, Papa Mady oversees the firm's portfolio management, ensuring that companies receive the necessary support to achieve their objectives.
Cecilia Truchi: Portfolio Manager, Cecilia is responsible for managing relationships with portfolio companies and providing operational guidance.
Ivan Bahintchie: Analyst, Ivan conducts market research and analysis to support investment decisions and portfolio management.
To pitch to Saviu Ventures, founders should utilize the online form available on their website. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, financial projections, and team background. Saviu Ventures prefers concise and well-structured presentations that highlight the startup's growth potential and operational strategy.
Response times can vary, but founders can generally expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are encouraged, as they can facilitate a more favorable review process.
In March 2026, Saviu Ventures announced the first close of its second fund, Saviu II, with EUR 12 million raised. The fund aims to target 15 to 20 additional tech companies while emphasizing high ESG standards. The African Development Bank (AfDB) approved a EUR 6.5 million investment in Saviu II, further solidifying the firm's commitment to supporting early-stage tech startups in Francophone Africa.
Recent investments from Saviu II include Waspito, Rubyx, and Workpay, showcasing the firm's active engagement in the startup ecosystem. Saviu Ventures continues to focus on scaling its portfolio and achieving successful exits for its companies.
What are Saviu Ventures' investment criteria?
Saviu Ventures focuses on early-stage tech or tech-enabled startups in Africa, particularly in Francophone regions. The firm typically invests between $500,000 and $1 million in B2B and B2B2C business models that demonstrate significant growth potential and a clear path to profitability.
How can I pitch to Saviu Ventures?
Interested parties can pitch to Saviu Ventures by filling out the online form available on their website. Additionally, they can send their CV for opportunities at Saviu or its portfolio companies. The firm encourages direct communication through their email at contact@saviu.vc.
What makes Saviu Ventures different from other investors?
Saviu Ventures distinguishes itself by providing not only capital but also operational support to its portfolio companies. The firm assists with business development, recruitment, and strategic planning, ensuring that startups have the resources they need to scale effectively.
What is the geographic scope of Saviu Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in Francophone Africa, with a significant focus on countries such as Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Senegal, and others. Approximately 70% of their investments are concentrated in these regions.
What is the fund size and check size of Saviu Ventures?
Saviu Ventures currently manages a fund size of $40 million, with individual investment checks typically ranging from $500,000 to $1 million.
What is Saviu Ventures' post-investment involvement?
The firm is actively involved with its portfolio companies post-investment, providing operational support and guidance to help them achieve their growth objectives and plan for successful exits.
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.