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The Continent Venture Partners (TCVP) is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2020 by a group of African entrepreneurs and operators. The firm operates from multiple locations, including Lagos, Washington DC, and Nairobi, focusing on empowering technology-driven startups across Africa. TCVP aims to provide capital and operational support to innovative companies, fostering growth and development in the region.
Currently, TCVP manages a portfolio of 25 companies, with an average check size of approximately $250,000. The firm has made 18 early-stage investments in its first three years, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting startups in various sectors. TCVP's investment strategy is informed by a deep understanding of market trends and the demand for goods and services across the continent, particularly in Nigeria and Kenya, with plans to expand into South Africa and Egypt.
Notable milestones include the successful exit of Swvl, a private bus ride-share service that went public on NASDAQ. TCVP's team comprises experienced professionals with backgrounds in finance, technology, and entrepreneurship, enhancing the firm's ability to provide strategic guidance and support to its portfolio companies.
TCVP invests in early-stage and growth capital for technology-driven startups across Africa, focusing on sectors such as fintech, healthcare, edtech, agtech, energy, martech, climate, HR tech, and mobility. The firm engages in single and multiple funding rounds, utilizing its global network of investors to attract additional funding and support for its portfolio companies. TCVP's investment strategy is guided by its understanding of market trends and the demand for goods and services across the continent.
The firm seeks to back tech-driven early-stage companies that target impact, profitability, and continental reach. TCVP's geographic focus spans North America, Europe, and Africa, with a particular emphasis on Nigeria and Kenya. The firm values founders who demonstrate a strong vision, operational expertise, and a commitment to addressing local market needs. TCVP's deal structure preferences include flexibility in funding rounds, allowing for both initial and follow-on investments as companies grow.
TCVP's portfolio includes a diverse range of technology-driven startups across various sectors. Notable companies in their portfolio include:
Gbenga Oyebode: Chair at TCVP, based in Lagos. He has extensive experience in the African market and plays a key role in guiding the firm's strategic direction.
Salim Suleman: Managing Partner at TCVP, operating from Washington DC and Nairobi. He has over 35 years of experience in various sectors, including aviation and telecommunications, and founded iWay Africa, which was acquired by Naspers.
Karim Anjarwalla: Partner at TCVP, based in Nairobi. He brings a wealth of experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship, focusing on supporting startups in East Africa.
Carisa Graf-Suleman: Partner at TCVP, operating from Washington DC and Nairobi. She has over 20 years of international business experience and was formerly the CEO of CallKey Networks, which held a significant market share in corporate internet services in Kenya.
Olufemi Oyinsan: Partner at TCVP, based in Lagos. He has a strong background in finance and technology, contributing to the firm's investment strategy and portfolio management.
To pitch TCVP, founders should use the preferred channel available on their website at tcvp.co. It is important to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and financial projections. TCVP typically responds within a few weeks, and while warm introductions are appreciated, they are not strictly necessary for submission.
In November 2024, TCVP was highlighted in Disrupt Africa for making 18 early-stage investments in its first three years, showcasing its active role in supporting African startups. The firm continues to expand its portfolio, focusing on technology-driven companies that address local market needs.
Additionally, TCVP's notable exit of Swvl, which went public on NASDAQ, marks a significant milestone for the firm, reflecting its successful investment strategy and commitment to supporting impactful startups.
What are TCVP's investment criteria?
TCVP focuses on early-stage and growth capital investments in technology-driven startups across Africa. The firm looks for companies in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, edtech, agtech, energy, martech, climate, HR tech, and mobility.
How can I apply or pitch to TCVP?
Founders can pitch their startups through the TCVP website at tcvp.co. It is recommended to include a detailed business plan, market analysis, and financial projections in the pitch deck.
What makes TCVP different from other venture capital firms?
TCVP is founded by African entrepreneurs and operators, providing unique insights into the local market. The firm leverages its extensive market knowledge and operational expertise to support its portfolio companies effectively.
What is TCVP's geographic scope?
TCVP primarily focuses on investments in Africa, with a particular emphasis on Nigeria and Kenya. The firm is also expanding its reach into South Africa and Egypt, while maintaining a presence in North America and Europe.
What is TCVP's post-investment involvement like?
TCVP actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance and support to help them navigate the complexities of the African market. The firm utilizes its global network of investors to attract additional funding and resources for its startups.
What is the typical check size for TCVP's investments?
TCVP typically invests an average check size of approximately $250,000 in its portfolio companies, depending on the specific needs and growth stage of the startup.
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