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.
Ventures Platform Fund is a venture capital firm established in 2016, headquartered in Nigeria. The firm focuses on supporting innovative startups that address market inefficiencies and infrastructural gaps across Africa. Since its inception, Ventures Platform has backed over 140 founders and invested in more than 90 companies, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering growth in the African startup ecosystem.
The fund operates primarily from its offices in Abuja and Lagos, with investments spanning multiple African countries. Ventures Platform Fund launched its first fund in 2022, raising $46 million, and is currently in the process of closing its second fund, which aims for a total of $75 million. The firm has garnered support from notable limited partners, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and British International Investment (BII).
Ventures Platform Fund invests in early-stage companies across various sectors, including fintech, healthcare, logistics, edtech, and artificial intelligence. The firm targets market-creating innovations that address non-consumption and infrastructural gaps in Africa. Investments typically occur at the seed, Series A, Series B, and growth equity stages, with a focus on mission-driven founders who demonstrate innovation, commitment, and character.
The fund emphasizes operational partnership, providing not only capital but also strategic support to help portfolio companies navigate challenges and achieve growth. Ventures Platform seeks to facilitate category-defining exits by backing differentiated founders who are solving pressing African problems related to infrastructure and affordability.
Ventures Platform Fund has built a diverse portfolio of over 90 companies, with notable successes including:
Kola Aina: Founding Partner with extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship. He has a strong track record of supporting startups in Africa.
Dotun Olowoporoku: Managing Partner/General Partner with a background in C-level operations and entrepreneurship. He has led numerous successful investments in the region.
Aicha Toure: Venture Partner with expertise in supporting early-stage companies and a focus on operational excellence.
Collins Gilbert: Associate, Platform & Networks, responsible for building relationships with portfolio companies and supporting their growth.
Damilola Teidi-Ayoola: Head of Platform & Networks (Principal), overseeing post-investment support and operational partnerships.
Desigan Chinniah: Venture Partner with a focus on identifying and supporting innovative startups across Africa.
To pitch Ventures Platform Fund, founders should submit their applications through the online portal available on their website. The pitch deck should include key information such as the business model, market opportunity, competitive landscape, and team background. Founders can expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
In 2022, Ventures Platform Fund launched its first fund, raising $46 million to support early-stage startups in Africa. The firm has been recognized as one of the most active early-stage investors on the continent, with a portfolio exceeding 140 companies.
In 2025, Ventures Platform Fund announced the first close of its second fund, targeting $75 million, with commitments from notable limited partners including the International Finance Corporation and British International Investment.
Recent investments include backing for companies like Moniepoint and Paystack, both of which have achieved significant market success and recognition.
What are the investment criteria for Ventures Platform Fund?
Ventures Platform Fund invests in early-stage companies that address market inefficiencies and infrastructural gaps in Africa. The firm focuses on sectors such as fintech, healthcare, logistics, edtech, and AI. They look for mission-driven founders who demonstrate innovation, commitment, and character.
How can founders apply or pitch to Ventures Platform Fund?
Founders can apply through the Ventures Platform Fund website. They should prepare a pitch deck that outlines their business model, market opportunity, and team. The firm prefers to receive applications via their online portal.
What makes Ventures Platform Fund different from other investors?
Ventures Platform Fund emphasizes operational partnership alongside capital investment. They provide strategic support to help portfolio companies navigate challenges and drive growth, focusing on mission-driven founders who are solving critical issues in Africa.
What is the geographic scope of Ventures Platform Fund's investments?
The firm primarily invests in Nigeria but has expanded its reach across multiple African countries, targeting startups that address local market needs.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Ventures Platform Fund typically invests at the seed, Series A, Series B, and growth equity stages, indicating a range of investment amounts depending on the stage and needs of the startup.
What is the post-investment involvement of Ventures Platform Fund?
Ventures Platform Fund actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing operational support and strategic guidance to help them achieve their growth objectives and navigate challenges in their respective markets.
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.