I am happy to share with you that the growth in angel investors supporting African entrepreneurs over the last few years has been significant. Through our work at ABAN, we’ve been able to track and monitor this, and there is no doubt in our minds that Africa is developing into a vibrant and innovative, early-stage entrepreneurship ecosystem.
If the past few months have taught us anything, it is that innovative, technology-enabled companies will for a large part determine our future - also in Africa. Therefore, being a part of helping those companies come into existence has never been more relevant. We salute these entrepreneurs and the investors that stand beside them. Below I’ve shared some news updates, celebrations and upcoming events from within this space.
MEET THE STARTUPS: 2020 VC4A VENTURE SHOWCASE - SERIES A
We’re proud to announce the 10 African startups selected for the 2020 VC4A Venture Showcase Series A, here. The founders will showcase their businesses online in front of investors during the Africa Early Stage Investor Summit (#AESIS2020)on 3-4 November 2020 with the aim of raising $500K-$10M in Series A capital.
CLICK HERE to register for #AESISI2020 - Please note, for investors only
SECOND INVESTMENT FOR GAMBIA ANGEL INVESTOR NETWORK
Congratulations to the recently launched Gambia Angel Investor Network (GAIN) for making their second investment. The network was formed last year with assistance form the ITC and support from ABAN, to increase the support of local Gambian businesses. Click here for more information about GAIN.
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
The Carthage Business Angels, the first angel investors network in Tunisia, is celebrating 10 years of excellence this year. Click here to view the celebration video.
NEW LOCAL ANGEL INVESTORS GROUP IN ETHIOPIA
A group of local investors have created the Addis Abeba Angels Network, one of the first in Ethiopia. Except for bank loans and Venture Capital entities, Ethiopia does not have an adequate funding mechanism that targets early-stage innovative start-ups.
PIONEERING ANGEL INVESTING IN AFRICA - AN INTERVIEW WITH TOMI DAVIES
In this 20+ mins podcast, the team from Wharton Fintech focus on the work Tomi has done in spearheading angel investing across the African continent and creating economic value for the region. [Click here to listen]
ENTERPRISING YOUTH WEBINARS
Connecting investors with promising entrepreneurs across the continent. ABAN is proud to support the “Meet the Investor” series hosted by the Ye! Community an initiative by the ITC. Want to learn more about the series? Click here to check out a recording of one of the earlier sessions.
HOW DO YOU VALUE AFRICAN STARTUPS - THE KENYA ADDITION
Come and join some of Kenya’s leading investors in a conversation on valuation on 9 October 2020. For more information and to register, click here.
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR RISING TIDE'S UPCOMING DEAL DAY
Nigeria female angel network, Rising Tide is currently accepting applications for its upcoming deal day. Rising Tide is accepting applications from businesses which are female-founded and female-led (gender-diverse management teams) proffering solutions which are tech-enabled. The deadline for pitch submissions is 9 October 2020. [For more information, click here]
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: THE FUNDAMENTALS OF ANGEL INVESTING
Did you miss the "Fundamentals of Angel Investing" Panel at the South Africa Innovation Summit last week? Not to worry, you can watch the video, here. This session was hosted in partnership with The Southern Africa Innovation Support Programme (SAIS 2) and the African Angel Academy.
