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Unicorn Growth Capital is a New York-based venture capital firm founded in 2020 by Barbara Iyayi. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily in the financial technology (FinTech) sector, with a strong focus on companies operating at the intersection of traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). Unicorn Growth Capital aims to transform financial services through innovative technologies, particularly in Africa and other emerging markets.
The firm has established a portfolio of 12 companies, demonstrating its commitment to supporting diverse and female founders. Unicorn Growth Capital emphasizes operational mentorship and strategic partnerships, leveraging its network of banks, telecoms, and regulators to enhance the growth of its portfolio companies. The firm is actively involved in bridging mobile-based economies with the global digital ecosystem.
Unicorn Growth Capital invests in early-stage companies, specifically from Seed to Series A stages, with a focus on the FinTech sector. The firm targets businesses that leverage emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Their investment strategy includes three core areas: FinTech infrastructure, embedded finance solutions, and digital financial services.
Investment in FinTech infrastructure involves API-based and embeddable solutions that enhance financial services. The firm also seeks vertical SaaS applications that integrate financial services into various industries. Additionally, Unicorn Growth Capital is interested in B2C digital banking platforms and companies focused on decentralized finance (DeFi). The firm prioritizes investments in diverse and female founders, promoting an inclusive economy while bridging the gap between traditional and decentralized finance.
Unicorn Growth Capital has backed several notable companies in the FinTech space, including:
Barbara Iyayi — CEO & Founding Partner. Barbara has over 16 years of experience in financial services, previously serving as a Vice President at JPMorgan. She holds an MBA from Harvard and leads the investment strategy and operations at Unicorn Growth Capital.
Maria Pienaar — Operating Partner. Maria brings over 25 years of experience in software and telecom, having co-founded First Principles. She provides operational mentorship to portfolio companies.
Duncan Muchangi — Principal. Duncan has over 10 years of experience in the African tech ecosystem, previously serving as Managing Director of Jumia Pay. He leads Africa deal flow and portfolio support.
Obi Emetarom — Co-Founder. Obi has a background in finance and technology, contributing to the firm's strategic direction.
Emeka Emetarom — Co-Founder. Emeka has experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship, supporting the firm's investment activities.
Wale Onawunmi — Co-Founder. Wale has expertise in financial services and technology, enhancing the firm's operational capabilities.
Yvonne Johnson, Carlos del Carpio, Anthony Oduwole, Ola Oyetayo, Oluwole Michael, Afolabi Olamide, Simeon Ononobi, Suraj Supekar, Madonna Ononobi, Harshal Gandole, Christian Duffus, Serge — Team Members. Each team member contributes diverse skills and experiences to support the firm's mission and portfolio companies.
To pitch to Unicorn Growth Capital, founders should visit their website at unicorngrowthcap.com. The firm prefers pitches that include a clear business model, market analysis, and details on how the startup leverages emerging technologies. Founders should expect a response time of 2-4 weeks after submission. Warm introductions are encouraged but not mandatory.
In 2022, Unicorn Growth Capital joined the Celo Foundation's Africa ecosystem initiative alongside EchoVC to strengthen Celo's presence across Africa. This partnership aims to enhance the firm's outreach and impact in bridging financial services across diverse markets.
The firm continues to actively deploy capital into its portfolio, which includes 12 companies focused on innovative financial solutions. Unicorn Growth Capital's commitment to supporting underrepresented and female founders remains a key aspect of its investment strategy.
What are Unicorn Growth Capital's investment criteria?
The firm invests in early-stage companies, specifically from Seed to Series A stages, focusing on the FinTech sector. They seek businesses leveraging emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and IoT, particularly those that promote inclusivity and support diverse and female founders.
How can I apply or pitch to Unicorn Growth Capital?
Founders can pitch their ideas by visiting Unicorn Growth Capital's website at unicorngrowthcap.com. The firm encourages submissions that align with their investment focus on FinTech and emerging technologies.
What makes Unicorn Growth Capital different from other venture capital firms?
Unicorn Growth Capital emphasizes support for diverse and female founders, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance. Their operational mentorship and strategic partnerships provide added value to portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Unicorn Growth Capital's investments?
The firm primarily focuses on investments in Africa and the United States, targeting mobile-based economies and emerging markets.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Unicorn Growth Capital typically invests between $500,000 and $2.5 million, with a sweet spot around $1.3 million for their investments.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Unicorn Growth Capital have?
The firm provides operational mentorship, strategic partnerships, and access to a network of banks, telecoms, and regulators to support the growth of its portfolio companies.
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