Ventures Platform Fund

The Ventures Platform 2023 Impact Report is proof that the continent is brimming with potential for growth and alpha. The report demonstrates that Venture Capital firms are able to deliver strong commercial value and financial returns while producing additional positive outcomes for society. As you read on, you’ll discover how our investments performed, while boosting local economies and improving livelihoods; and learn how we have stayed true to our commitment of fostering gender diversity and inclusive growth; among others. If you are a clean tech enthusiast, you’ll be pleased to discover how we commit capital and resources to exceptional founders building and scaling technology-enabled solutions in a socially responsible manner, and what this has yielded for our portfolio companies, their customers and the environment at large. We are excited at the depth of work that has gone into this report and believe that you’ll enjoy reading this as much as we have enjoyed creating it. Click the link in the comments to read the full report. #BackedbyVP #VPImpactReport #VPFund

At Fluna, our journey from pre-seed to seed stage has been fueled by a steadfast commitment to empowering African exporters and driving sustainable impact. Through Ventures Platform Fund's backing, we've bridged critical gaps in trade finance, connected businesses to global buyers, and offered expert-led training through the Fluna Academy—all to elevate African SMEs to new heights. Aligned with SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), our efforts have deployed $26M in trade finance, facilitated over $40M in cross-border transactions, and created over 5,000 jobs, transforming lives across the continent. Check out our journey, business impact in 2023 and future outlook in the latest Ventures Platform Impact Report: https://lnkd.in/d2kUEvhD #Fluna #Africa #BackedbyVP #VPImpactReport #VPFund

Our 2023 Impact Report offers a deep dive into how our portfolio companies are shaping the future of Africa through innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. From creating thousands of jobs to advancing clean energy transition, we capture the remarkable strides we've made across Africa. Be the first to explore the stories behind our investments and how they’re transforming lives. Click the link in the comments to download #BackedbyVP #VPImpactReport #VPFund

We’re excited to announce the release of the Ventures Platform 2023 Impact Report. Explore how our investments have driven both financial success and transformative change across Africa. Click the link in the comments to download. #BackedbyVP #VPImpactReport #VPFund

We’re excited to partner with Wimbart on the second edition of the Investor Relations Comms report: “Startup Performance Reporting in Africa” 🌍 This report will carve out a roadmap for improved communication between startups and investors across Africa, and we are thrilled to be a part of it! We’re inviting all key players in the African tech ecosystem—founders and VCs alike—to participate in this crucial survey. The survey is completely confidential, and takes just 6 minutes to complete! Don’t miss out - participate before the survey closes on Friday 6th September 2024 at 23:59 pm BST Click here to get started: https://lnkd.in/dTWzeXFu  #WimbartInvestorComms #AfricanTech

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of our Founding Partner, Kola A. to the board of Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access Limited EFInA. EFInA is a financial sector development organisation committed to promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria, with the vision of becoming the leader in facilitating an all-inclusive, growth-promoting financial system. New board member, Kola is an established investor, insightful non-Executive director, and company chair who is passionate about seeing start-ups grow and improving the lives of ordinary Africans by democratising prosperity. He brings demonstrable success from leading investment in over 70 companies in Africa, India, and the US, including payments companies such as Paystack and Piggyvest. He has established networks across the private sector, development partners, financiers, governments, and regulators. He is an entrepreneur, technology operator, and venture capital investor with vast experience working in Africa’s most significant economic market. He brings expertise across several sectors, including venture capital, technology, media, agriculture, infrastructure, publishing, and real estate, and a significant interest in the arts. Kola Aina joins other distinguished EFInA board members, including Dr. Agnes Olatokunbo Martins, former Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria; Olu Akanmu, former President and Co-CEO of OPay-Nigeria; Professor Janice Olawoye, Professor of Rural Sociology, University of Ibadan; and Saude Amina Atoyebi, former Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration) in Kaduna State Government, to deepen EFInA’s mission of promoting inclusive finance in Nigeria and on the continent. For more details, please refer to the press release linked in the comments. #BackedByVP #VPFund #EFInABoard

Whether you're a founder exploring unconventional funding paths, an investor scouting the next big thing out of Africa, or someone curious about what drives your favourite startups to success, this edition of Series V is for you. Highlights from this edition include: -Funding Your Startup: A Realistic Look Beyond Venture Capital - Collins Gilbert delves into funding options beyond venture capital, offering alternatives that could align perfectly with the needs of Africa’s growing businesses. -VP Founders Spotlight #BackedbyVP: Get an insider’s view from our chat with Josh Chibueze on what makes Piggyvest one of CNBC’s top 250 fintech companies in the world. -Secrets to Talent Performance & Growth: Access seven resources designed to enhance your team’s performance and drive business growth. -#BackedbyVP In the News & VP Adventures: Catch up on what the VP team and our portfolio companies have been up to. Don't miss out on the valuable content from this edition. It's just the perfect way to wrap up a productive week! Subscribe to Series V via link in the comments. #SeriesV #BackedbyVP #VPFund

New Read on #VPStories Capital is the lifeblood of business growth, fueling innovation, scaling operations, and driving competitive advantage. Yet, for many ambitious entrepreneurs, the journey to raising capital is met with an uphill battle. While venture capital often steals the spotlight with its high-stakes, high-reward allure, it represents but a fraction of the broader financial ecosystem. The quest for venture capital, while transformative for a few, may not be the golden ticket for all. In this article, Collins Gilbert aims to demystify why this is the case. He also explores the funding landscape beyond venture capital, offering an indepth look at emerging/alternative routes that may not only fit but potentially exceed the needs of many growing businesses in Africa. Dive in and uncover new insights for your fundraising journey (see link to article in the comment section) #BackedByVP #VPFund #SeriesV

On August 1, the 2024, our Founding Partner, Kola A. joined an expert panel of private and public sector leaders at the African Caucus Meeting held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. Kola spoke on “Unlocking Access to Private Sector Financing for Startups and Digital Technology,” highlighting the vital role of private financiers like Ventures Platform in funding innovation. He emphasised the importance of government and sovereign funds in creating an enabling environment, setting conducive regulations, and leveraging public funds to catalyse private capital. On the panel were key players in the African startup and digital technology landscape, including: - Min Ayanda Dlodlo (Moderator) - Executive Director, World Bank Group - Hon. Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani - Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria -Jean Lobe Lobe - Founder & CEO of Waspito - ⁠Ismael Belkhayat - Founder & CEO of Chara - Dr. Emmanuel Okeleji - Founder of Seamless HR - ⁠Gatumi Aliyu - Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, Vendease - ⁠Onyekachi Izukanne - Founder & CEO of TradeDepot It was an enlightening discussion on advancing startup success through private sector financing. We valued the opportunity to engage with esteemed industry colleagues and key stakeholders. #VenturesPlatformFund #VentureCapital #AfricaCaucus

One week ago, we held our annual mid-year portfolio event to celebrate our founders' achievements and future goals, themed "Future Frontiers: Mid-year Portfolio Mixer". Ahead of the event, we invited our founders to share their 10-year business goals represented as a single word or number, and surprised them with goal cards reflecting these specific goals. Highlights from the event included: ✨ Founders' photo sessions with their personalised goal cards. ✨ A live podcast hosted by our Managing Partner, Dr. Dotun Olowoporoku, featuring Deepankar Rustagi, CEO/Co-founder of Omniretail, discussing crucial topics like establishing the right infrastructure for business growth, making tough decisions, forging partnerships, and navigating expansion. ✨ Interactive Q&A session. ✨ Engaging networking opportunities. It was a privilege celebrating with our founders and discussing their goals over delicious bites and unlimited drinks! #BackedByVP #FutureFrontiers #Entrepreneurship #Founders #VenturesPlatform #VPFund