The annual Partech Africa Tech Venture Capital report offers valuable insights into the evolution of the African tech ecosystem.
The 2023 edition reveals a significant funding slowdown aligned with global VC trends, yet highlights areas of resilience.
Here are the key takeaways.
Halved Funding Reflects Global Downturn
In 2023, African startups raised $3.5B, a 46% annual drop, spread across 547 deals (-28%). Equity specifically saw a 50% funding decrease.
This mirrors the global VC funding crunch as investors became more cautious. However, Africa still captivated over 500 investors, proving continued strong interest.
Drop Seen at All Funding Stages
The report shows drops across all funding stages, but the largest was in growth rounds (-31% ticket average). Seed and Series A shrank moderately (8-16%), while Series B held steady.
This indicates investors focused on supporting existing portfolio companies rather than new investments.
Top 4 Markets Still Lead, With Shifts
The African “big four” markets —South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Kenya—still dominate, securing 79% of deals. However, their deal share fell somewhat (from 77%), signaling increasing activity across the continent.
South Africa took first place by total equity raised at $548M. Yet Kenya captured the top spot for overall funding at $719M thanks to major debt financing. So these two nations currently lead Africa’s tech funding.
Nigeria persisted as #1 by deal count, despite its equity funding being halved. Meanwhile, Egypt took the biggest hit among the top four, with equity deals plummeting 58%.
Francophone Rising
Encouragingly, 52% of African countries saw a tech investment, up from 46% in 2022. Francophone Africa enjoyed substantial growth taking 15% of equity (up from 11%) across 20% of deals. This indicates strengthened VC attention beyond the major four tech hubs.
As in previous years, fintech ranked first in both deals (113) and total equity funding ($852M).
E-commerce and cleantech tied for second place with 13% shares each. Fintech’s dominance shows Africa’s immense need for financial inclusion and payment solutions.
Funding to Women Founders Growing
Startups with female founders raised 25% of equity deals, up 3 percentage points from 2022. They also secured $392M in equity, representing 17% of total equity versus 13% last year. While still low relative to the population, VC backing for women tech leaders gained meaningful ground.
Debt Emerges as Complement to Equity
The report highlights debt’s increasing relevance, making up 35% of total funding versus just 24% in 2022.
Kenya led debt financing with a 32% share, focused heavily on cleantech and fintech companies.
As equity tightens, debt provides a viable capital alternative for maturing African startups.
In summary, while the Africa tech funding environment grew markedly more challenging in 2023, the sector appears to be weathering the storm.
Key players retained respectable funding levels given the climate, investors continued backing a breadth of markets and founders, and debt helped cushion the equity slowdown.
The Partech report suggests cautious optimism for African tech growth returning post-downturn. Key metrics like deal count and women’s funding underscore the industry’s underlying momentum.
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There are not many places to look but up in the new year for African tech stakeholders after what turned out to be a tough 2023 for startups globally.
This year, budgets and valuations were cut, business models revised, layoffs were frequent, and some startups shuttered as the harsh realities of a funding downturn, mismanagement, and fraud took their toll on African tech.
It’s time to take stock of the last 12 months in what’s been a rollercoaster year. Read on to discover the major themes in Africa’s tech ecosystem.
The venture funding market shrinks
The exuberance of 2022’s VC landscape gave way to a stark reality in 2023, with funding plummeting by around half globally in the first half of the year.
This dramatic shift coincided with hikes in interest rates, which had a chilling effect on fundraising. For every 1% hike in interest rates, there was an alarming 3.2% decline in VC capital.
This tightening environment not only reduced the pool of VC money available to startups but also made debt financing, a potential alternative, a less viable option due to higher borrowing costs.
After a bullish 2022 in which Africa was the only continent to record growth in venture funding values, there was no escaping the downturn this year.
The funding winter reached the continent in the H1 2023. Startup funding plunged to just over $1bn, a stark drop from $3.5bn the year before, per AVCA data.
Investors completed 263 deals – a 40% reduction in both deal volume and funding compared to the previous year.
Although African startups staged an impressive comeback in Q3 2023, with funding jumping by 28% compared to the year before.
The general slowdown prompted a reshuffle, with investor focus shifting towards nurturing young startups in their early stages or mature players nearing unicorn status.
Most likely Africa’s VC funding figures fell far from 2022 levels. The final tally as of Q3 2023 to date, per AVCA, stood at $2.95bn – down from the $4.3bn that was raised by the same point last year.
That means Africa’s venture capital industry managed to attract two-thirds (69%) of the capital it accrued by September 2022, and a more disappointing 56% of the total funding last year.
While VC funding is harder to come by, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs)—such as the IFC, BII, US DFC, and Proparco—are becoming more active in the tech startup landscape.
Venture debt & hybrid rounds become more frequent
2023’s funding scorecards are yet to roll out but available estimates suggest the continent’s startups still managed to attract more than $5bn.
Compared to previous years, a higher portion of the total funding is likely to be in the form of venture debt, which has become an alternative source of capital for African startups.
Notable in startup fundraising announcements this year is the growing frequency of mixed equity and debt funding rounds.
Examples include:
Okra Solar’s Series A round ($7.85m equity and $4.15m debt);
Complete Farmer’s pre-Series A funding round ($7m equity and $3.4m debt)
Wetility’s $50m fundraising included a $33m commercial debt package from a consortium of commercial and development banks
While venture debt shines as a catalyst for early-stage ventures, providing crucial working capital to fuel their growth, it’s also increasingly powering expansion for more established startups.
This is the case with:
Mobility FinTech startup Moove Africa. It has raised $325m to date ($150m in equity and over $175m in debt)
Kenyan solar home system provider d.Light’s $125m securitization facility. The company’s total securitized financing is $490m since 2020
An uptick in startup shutdowns, pivots & downsizing
With global macro headwinds seeing investors cut fewer checks and some reportedly renege on commitments, a slew of startups were forced to downsize, pivot, or in many cases, close up shop.
At least 15 African startups shuttered this year, including those with once highly-celebrated status on the continent: 54 Gene, Dash, Sendy, WhereIsMyTransport, Lazerpay, Zumi, Zazuu, Hytch, Okada Books, Pivo, Vibra, Redbird, Bundle Africa, Spire, Qefira.
Combined, these startups raised over $200m in disclosed VC funding while operational.
Meanwhile, others like Copia, MarketForce, and Twiga Foods have had to change the way they operate.
It’s noteworthy that the funding slowdown has hit a certain type of African startups hardest—well-funded ventures chasing growth-at-all-costs strategies.
Cleantech/climate-tech now as popular as fintech
The tide is rising for climate tech (comprising innovations across agriculture, clean energy, sustainable materials, environmental sustainability, e-mobility, and nature-based solutions) in Africa.
Last year, funding to the sector grew 3.5 times to over $860m, making it Africa’s most funded after fintech.
It has maintained the second spot so far this year, per AVCA report. Data from Africa: The Big Deal shows the sector accounts for 32% of total VC funding as of Q3, behind fintech’s 35%.
And over the past 12-18 months, several VC firms—among them Satgana, Catalyst Fund, Equator, and EchoVC—have introduced funds to support startups in the sector.
The timing of this surge in climate funding couldn’t be better as Africa grapples with the increasingly severe impacts of climate change, we write in our Pulse54 newsletter, which explores climate tech in general and active players in the sector.
Spotlight on fraud & founder misconduct
Amidst the remarkable growth of Africa’s tech ecosystem, shadows loom over malpractices that impede the full potential and integrity of the continent’s startup landscape.
In 2023 alone, numerous unsettling reports emerged, depicting common themes such as financial misappropriation, deficient or corporate malfeasance, instances of sexual harassment, and the prevalence of toxic work cultures.
Startups like Ghana’s Dash and Float, Egypt’s Capiter, South Africa’s Springleap, and Nigeria-based companies such as PayDay, 54Gene, and Patricia were implicated.
More recently, Tingo was charged by the US SEC, accused of engaging in a “massive fraud” involving “billions of dollars of fictitious transactions,” all under the leadership of CEO Dozy Mmobuosi.
The lessons drawn from the challenges of 2023 underscore the critical need for regulatory clarity to eliminate grey areas in compliance.
Furthermore, investors must prioritize ensuring proper governance to safeguard the integrity of the African startup ecosystem.
Mergers & acquisitions become a survival strategy
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have emerged as a primary exit strategy and, in the current depressed funding environment, a lifeline for African startup founders.
In Q1 2023 alone, seven M&A deals took place in the African startup ecosystem worth over $710m. Tunisia-based InstaDeep’s $682m acquisition in January by Germany’s BioNTech accounted for much of that.
By the end of the year’s first half, there had been at least 16 M&A deals per Big Deal data. About half of them reportedly involve struggling startups.
While this year’s total is likely to be some way off 2022’s 44 deals, one fact remains true: M&As have become a prominent feature of the African tech ecosystem.
Limited funds and the fragmented nature of the African tech market are major drivers.
The presence of numerous small and medium-sized companies across various regions and sectors makes consolidation through M&As a strategic move.
This approach creates larger, more diversified startups that can better compete globally and attract investment.
In addition, African startups are currently viewed as less liquid assets compared to other markets, primarily due to limited exit opportunities.
Thus, as the quest for a reliable path to liquidity in the African tech ecosystem grows, M&As become a viable option for venture capitalists and investors to explore.
Other noteworthy moments and highlights of the year
Starlink, a satellite internet service of Elon Musk-owned SpaceX, became operational in 6 African countries
And digital infrastructure, especially data centers, continues to draw the attention and backing of investors—from telco giants to private equity firms.
Closing Notes
As 2023 hurtles to a close, the question on everyone’s mind is will 2024 be better?
Perceptions of industry performance and expectations for the future vary.
Flagging. That’s how we would describe the African tech startup funding scene in 2023.
Global macro headwinds saw investors cut fewer checks and some reportedly backed down from commitments, forcing a slew of startup shutdowns and downsizing.
While on the surface, it seems Africa’s VC funding figures fell far from 2021 and 2022 levels, available estimates suggest the continent’s startups still managed to attract more than $5 billion.
Before the year’s scorecards start to roll out, we take a look at the top 10 largest fundraising rounds in the African tech startup industry this year and the trends they reveal.
Fewer mega-deals (just four >$100m rounds vs nine in 2022):
This signifies a shift towards cautious optimism from investors.
While big bets still happen, they’re rarer, with investors preferring to spread their bets on multiple promising startups.
This could lead to a more sustainable ecosystem, with startups forced to focus on stronger fundamentals and traction before securing large funding rounds.
MNT-Halan‘s $400 million round in Egypt and M-KOPA‘s $250 million in Kenya are rare exceptions, highlighting their established market positions and potential for significant impact.
Fintech takes the top spot but the landscape is more diverse:
Fintech remains a dominant sector due to its potential to address financial inclusion challenges in Africa.
However, other sectors like cleantech and mobility are gaining traction, indicating diversification in investor interest.
This diversification can lead to a more balanced and resilient ecosystem, as the success of the startup scene is not solely dependent on one sector.
The presence of Husk Power, Wetility, Nuru, Planet42, and Moove in the top 10 shows the growing importance of these sectors in attracting investor attention.
The rising prominence of debt + equity rounds:
This hybrid approach combines the flexibility of equity with the stability of debt, offering startups a more tailored financing solution.
It can be particularly useful for startups with strong revenue models but limited access to traditional equity funding.
This trend could democratize access to funding for startups, especially in emerging markets, as it caters to startups at different stages of growth and risk profiles.
MNT-Halan, M-KOPA, Planet42, and Moove all used debt + equity rounds, demonstrating the growing popularity of this approach.
Geographical distribution
The top 10 deals primarily focus on South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, showcasing the continued dominance of these countries in the African startup scene.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) emerged as a surprise entry in the top 10 thanks to Nuru‘s sizable Series B round.
Series B dominance
The majority of deals being Series B raises indicates a focus on mature startups with proven traction and scalability, further highlighting likely investor risk aversion.
Overall, the top 10 fundraising rounds paint a picture of a resilient African tech ecosystem adapting to a challenging global environment.
While mega-deals were scarce, the diversity of sectors, financing models, and geographical representation suggests potential for sustainable growth in the long term.
Stay tuned to our blog for a broader piece that explores standout trends in Africa’s tech landscape in 2023 and our high-conviction themes for the new year—to be published soon!
Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle are familiar names in the world of mobile-based digital payments in the West, having revolutionized how money is transferred and received by millions of people.
But did you know that Africa has been ahead of the game with its own mobile money systems since as far back as 2007?!
That’s right.
Today, we take you on a journey of how Africa became the biggest mobile money player in the world.
Where it all began
Once upon a time, not too long ago, accessing financial services was a challenge for many Africans. Unlike in the U.S. or Europe, traditional banking services were often very limited, especially in remote and rural areas.
But then mobile money.
In 2007, Safaricom, a leading mobile network operator in Kenya, launched a mobile money service called M-Pesa. Little did they know that this innovative concept would spark a digital revolution that would sweep across the continent.
M-Pesa, meaning “mobile money” in Swahili, allowed users to save, send, and receive money using just their mobile phones. This groundbreaking innovation proved to be a game-changer, enabling people without bank accounts to participate in the formal financial system.
In 2007, Safaricom, a leading telecommunications company in Kenya, launched a mobile money service called M-Pesa. Image credit: African Markets
The initial idea behind M-Pesa was to create a convenient way for Kenyans to transfer money securely. The service quickly gained popularity, as people in remote areas, where traditional banking services were scarce, embraced it as a means to conduct financial transactions with ease.
In no time, mobile money took root and started to grow, not only in Kenya but also in neighboring countries.
M-Pesa was launched in Tanzania the following year and is now present in at least 10 countries.
So, what made mobile money so popular?
Well, let’s unravel its magic!
Imagine a scenario: a hardworking individual in a rural village wants to send money to their family in the city.
Historically, this would involve a long and costly journey, with the risk of loss or theft. But with a mobile money account, a few taps on a phone screen can instantly transfer funds to their loved ones, efficiently.
One of the key factors that contributed to the rapid adoption of mobile money was its simplicity: all you needed was a basic mobile phone, and suddenly, you had a bank in the palm of your hand.
No more long queues or complicated paperwork. Money transfers could be done with a few simple clicks.
For deposits and withdrawals, mobile money agents, often found in local shops, act as the bridge between the digital and physical worlds, allowing users to convert cash into digital currency and vice versa.
An M-Pesa agent attends to a user. Image credit: HBS Digital Initiative
By 2010, M-Pesa had acquired 10 million active users and by 2016, it served almost 29.5 million active customers through a network of more than 287,400 agents. In the same year, the service processed around 6 billion transactions, peaking in December at 529 transactions every second.
The success of M-Pesa in Kenya sparked a wave of enthusiasm. As word spread about the convenience and reliability of mobile money, its impact began to reverberate throughout the continent.
Impressed by the service, other African countries eagerly jumped on the mobile money revolution, building theirs in M-Pesa’s image.
Over the next few years, the service spread to countries like Uganda, Ghana, Rwanda, and South Africa as mobile network operators and financial institutions started realizing the immense potential of mobile money.
MTN launched its MoMo service in Uganda in March 2009 and in Rwanda in February 2010. Telesom ZAAD in Somaliland in 2009 and Hormuud launched EVC Plus in Somalia in 2011.
By 2011, more than 100 mobile money services were operating in Africa, reaching people who previously had limited access to formal financial services.
Africa continues to lead global adoption
Fast forward to today, more mobile money services have emerged in Africa while mobile money accounts and transaction value on the continent continue to skyrocket.
Africa accounted for up to 70% of the world’s $1 trillion mobile money value in 2021 after mobile money transactions on the continent jumped 39% from $495 billion in 2020 to $701.4 billion.
Last year, that rose a further 22% to a jaw-dropping $836.5 billion (bigger than the GDP of Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy!) but its share of the global $1.26 trillion mobile money value fell to 66.4%.
Per GSMA’s 2023 State of the Industry Report, mobile money is growing faster in sub-Saharan Africa than in other regions except for the Middle East & North Africa.
However, it’s not just about the numbers
Perhaps its greatest achievement, mobile money has brought financial inclusion to millions of Africans who were previously excluded from the formal economy.
Data from the World Bank shows that around 45% of people living in Sub-Saharan don’t have access to a bank account. But mobile phones are widespread across the continent and are helping to bridge the financial gap.
As of 2022, Sub-Saharan Africa had up to 763 million registered mobile money accounts, more than double the figures in the next closest region, and more Africans now enjoy access to a whole range of financial services that were previously out of reach.
The innovative service has empowered women entrepreneurs, allowing them to take charge of their finances and contribute to their families’ well-being; facilitated access to education and healthcare; paved the way for exciting innovations such as mobile banking apps and digital wallets.
Beyond money transfers…
Mobile money services in Africa have also quickly evolved beyond simple person-to-person money transfers and cash in-cash out.
Providers have continually expanded their services, introducing innovative features to meet the diverse needs of their users.
For instance, mobile micro-loans and savings accounts empower individuals to access credit and save money, fostering entrepreneurship.
In Kenya, M-Shwari allows users to save money and access micro-loans directly from their mobile wallets, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Partnerships between mobile money providers and other companies have expanded the range of services available, with users now able to pay their electricity and water bills via mobile money and purchase airtime from network operators.
Health organizations have integrated mobile money into their operations, enabling payments for medical services and health insurance premiums.
Despite its transformative effect across the continent so far, it’s clear that the mobile money revolution in Africa is far from over.
Innovations continue to emerge, including interoperability between different mobile money platforms, making transactions even more convenient.
The potential for digital lending, savings, and insurance services on mobile money platforms holds great promise for the future.
As the mobile money landscape continues to evolve, so is the competition. Telecom companies, financial institutions, and fintech startups are all in the race to capture a share of this rapidly expanding market.
This healthy competition will only lead to improved services, lower transaction costs, and increased accessibility for users.
The growth of mobile money in Africa is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
From humble beginnings in Kenya, it has spread like wildfire, empowering individuals, driving economic development, and transforming societies across the continent.
As mobile money continues to evolve and expand its horizons, it remains one shining example of how technology is being harnessed to drive positive change in Africa.
Africa’s CleanTech landscape is experiencing an unprecedented boom, fueled by a combination of abundant renewable resources, a growing green consciousness, and significant international investment.
But clean energy investments remain concentrated in just a handful of countries while much of the continent’s clean energy potential remains untapped. The IEA estimates that Africa requires $2 trillion in investment to close this gap.
Foreign investors are keenly aware of this opportunity. In 2022, the sector led foreign direct investment into Africa, according to the Africa Attractiveness Report by global consulting giant EY, further cementing the technology industry’s central role in driving investments into the continent.
If you’re a keen follower of the African tech ecosystem, you must’ve heard of the Paystack, Careem, and Opay Mafia(s) by now.
But have you ever heard of the Jumia Mafia?
For people not familiar with the name, though we hope there’s none, let’s give you a brief introduction to the company.
An e-commerce giant
Jumia started as an online retailer in Nigeria in 2012, co-founded by Jeremy Hodara and Sacha Poignonnec, ex-McKinsey consultants along with Tunde Kehinde and Raphael Kofi Afaedor.
The company has since expanded to at least nine other African countries, where it offers several services, including digital payments and delivery.
In April 2019, the e-commerce operator became the first African startup to list on a major global stock exchange when it debuted on the New York bourse.
One fact about Jumia that’s equally as impressive—as its NYSE IPO or standing as the continent’s largest e-commerce operator—but often overlooked is the impact that the company has had on Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Meet the Mafia
Jumia has not only made waves in the African tech industry but also inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs who now run their respective exciting startups.
Some of them include:
Tunde Kehinde and Ercin Eksin, co-founded Lidya, a Series B startup that provides SMEs with access to finance. The startup uses a credit-scoring system that analyzes a borrower’s online reputation and has raised $16.5 million since its launch.
Raphael Afaedor is another Jumia alumnus who co-founded Kyosk Digital, a platform that connects informal retailers using kiosks and other similar retail outlets directly to FMCG companies.
Maguelone Biau co-founded Twende, a ridesharing company that pools African city dwellers with the most direct, affordable, and reliable transport options.
Kayode Adeyinka is the CEO of Gigmile, a Techstars-backed startup building the services and financial infrastructure for the African gig economy.
Guy Futi runs ORDA, a startup he co-founded that offers cloud-based restaurant software built for African chefs and food business owners, as CEO.
Sam Chappatte’s Kapu is a new e-commerce platform that aims to “reduce the cost of living” in Africa. By sourcing directly from farms & manufacturers, creating a low-cost logistics model & minimal food waste, Kapu says it can sustainably pass on savings to its customers. These customers access even lower prices if they place the order as a group (“pamoja”).
Roger Xavier Macia, a former Chief Commercial Officer at Jumia Senegal, is now the co-founder of Lengo, a startup that combines AI technologies and retailer crowdsourcing to deliver real-time data on consumer goods for FMCGs in Africa.
Marie-Reine Seshie, Jumia’s former Head of Marketing in Ghana, is now the CEO and co-founder of Kola Market. The startup provides digital inventory management, marketing, and sales solutions to SMEs, powered by AI technology.
Omolola Oladunjoye, ex-Chief Commercial Officer at Jumia Nigeria, now runs Penda LLC – a fully integrated social commerce platform across Africa.
Joe Falter, a former executive at Jumia in the UAE for nearly eight years, co-founded Zapp, a startup that provides on-demand grocery delivery services, has raised around $300m, and is backed by some of the world’s leading venture investors.
These are just some of the incredible startups that have been created by former Jumia employees.
Jumia is one of Africa’s earliest tech companies and ranks among the region’s biggest startup success stories.
So it comes as little surprise that former employees and founders have gone on to create their own incredible technology companies, disrupting various industries across the continent.
By sector classification, well over half, or 70% of startups founded by Jumia alumni are either in retail, e-commerce, foodtech, or fintech.
This suggests that Jumia’s early success as an e-commerce giant has created a positive spillover effect, as former employees leverage their experience and networks to create new businesses in related industries such as retail, last-mile delivery & logistics, and digital payments – all crucial components of e-commerce.
Naturally, working in a particular industry provides individuals with valuable insights into the workings of that industry and complementary ones.
Hence, ex-Jumia employees are well-positioned to leverage their expertise and create innovative solutions to meet the needs of consumers in these industries.
And they’re doing so, successfully and with sufficient VC backing.
Collectively, about 14 of such startups we tracked have raised around $330 million in venture capital funding, with over half of them at the seed stage or above.
This shows the talent and expertise that exists within the Jumia ecosystem, which has helped to create a vibrant startup culture out of emerging markets where it operates.
The funding also signals the emergence of a new generation of innovators who are able to attract significant investment and build successful businesses—a positive development for the tech industry.
In addition, it reflects how the African startup ecosystem is becoming increasingly mature and sophisticated, with successful companies spawning new ventures and nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Altogether, these startups have created around 1,300 direct jobs.
Jumia has served as a springboard for talented individuals who are contributing to the growth of not only Africa’s startup ecosystem but also globally, even after leaving the company.
It’s impressive to see how the e-commerce giant’s success has paved the way for some of Africa’s most brilliant ‘techpreneurs’.
Truly, great companies have the power to inspire incredible founders and fuel the growth of an entire entrepreneurial ecosystem!
By doing so, they help to build a stronger economy and a better future for all.
Not all Africans are poor. This is arguably the key takeaway from the 2023 edition of the annual Africa Wealth Report by London-based Henley & Partners and New World Wealth, which challenges the common stereotype that Africa is uniformly poor.
The study, a definitive guide to African wealth, takes a close look at private wealth on the continent. Africa’s wealth is concentrated in five key markets: South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, and Morocco but their dominance could potentially be challenged by emerging economies like Mauritius and Rwanda, which could see a potential shift in the dominance of these wealth markets over the next decade.
Dans le paysage commercial dynamique d’aujourd’hui, les startups se sont imposées comme les moteurs de l’innovation, perturbant les industries traditionnelles et façonnant l’avenir.
Ce post vise à démystifier le monde des startups, en éclairant ce qu’elles sont, comment fonctionne l’investissement dans les startups, comment les investisseurs peuvent gagner de l’argent en investissant dans les startups, et le processus de sortie d’un investissement dans une startup.
Qu’est-ce qu’une startup ?
Une startup est une jeune entreprise à ses débuts, généralement fondée par des entrepreneurs avec une idée révolutionnaire ou une solution unique à un problème.
Les startups se caractérisent par leur potentiel de croissance rapide, leur évolutivité et leur vision de perturber ou de créer de nouveaux marchés. Elles opèrent souvent dans des secteurs axés sur la technologie, mais peuvent s’étendre à diverses industries.
Qu’est-ce que l’investissement dans les startups ?
L’investissement dans les startups consiste à fournir un soutien financier à des entreprises en phase de démarrage en échange d’une participation au capital.
Ce processus se déroule généralement lors de différentes phases de financement, où les startups lèvent des capitaux pour stimuler leur croissance. Les investisseurs peuvent participer à ces étapes ou phases de différentes manières, comme l’investissement providentiel, les fonds de capital-risque ou les plateformes de financement participatif.
En règle générale, l’investissement dans les startups se déroule à différentes étapes, notamment le démarrage, la série A, la série B, etc., jusqu’à l’introduction en bourse (IPO) et la sortie, etc., chaque étape représentant une phase distincte de la croissance et du développement d’une startup.
Il est important de noter que toutes les startups ne passent pas par toutes ces étapes, et la chronologie et les besoins de financement peuvent varier considérablement.
Lors de l’investissement dans les startups, la due diligence est cruciale. Les investisseurs analysent en profondeur le modèle commercial de la startup, son potentiel de marché, l’expertise de l’équipe, le paysage concurrentiel et les projections financières.
En menant des recherches approfondies, les investisseurs peuvent identifier les startups prometteuses ayant plus de chances de réussir.
Comment pouvez-vous gagner de l’argent en investissant dans les startups ?
Investir dans les startups offre le potentiel de rendements significatifs, mais comporte également des risques plus élevés par rapport aux voies d’investissement traditionnelles. Voici quelques moyens pour les investisseurs de gagner de l’argent grâce aux investissements dans les startups :
Appréciation du capital : À mesure qu’une startup se développe et atteint des étapes clés, la valeur de ses actions peut augmenter. Les investisseurs qui ont acheté des actions à un stade précoce peuvent bénéficier de l’appréciation du capital lorsque l’entreprise réussit et attire d’autres investissements ou devient publique.
Dividendes ou distribution de bénéfices : Certaines startups peuvent générer des bénéfices à un stade précoce. Dans de tels cas, les investisseurs peuvent recevoir des dividendes ou des distributions de bénéfices, fournissant ainsi un flux de revenus régulier.
Acquisition ou fusion : Les startups dotées de produits ou de technologies convaincants deviennent souvent des cibles d’acquisition attrayantes pour de plus grandes entreprises. Si une startup est acquise ou fusionne avec une autre entreprise, les investisseurs peuvent réaliser un profit de la vente de leurs actions. Par exemple, Instagram, l’application populaire de partage de photos, a été acquise par Facebook en 2012 pour environ 1 milliard de dollars. Cette acquisition a généré des rendements importants pour les investisseurs de première heure.
Introduction en bourse (IPO) : Une autre stratégie de sortie potentielle pour les investisseurs dans les startups est une IPO. Lorsqu’une startup devient publique, les investisseurs peuvent vendre leurs actions sur le marché boursier, réalisant des gains si la valorisation de l’entreprise a augmenté. En 2019, le géant du commerce électronique africain Jumia est entré en bourse, offrant à ses premiers investisseurs la possibilité de sortir et de réaliser des profits.
Marché secondaire : Les investisseurs peuvent vendre leurs actions sur un marché secondaire, où des investisseurs privés achètent et vendent des actions de sociétés non cotées en bourse. Cela permet aux investisseurs de sortir de leurs investissements avant une IPO ou une acquisition. SharesPost et EquityZen sont des exemples de plateformes de marché secondaire qui facilitent l’achat et la vente d’actions de startups.
En conclusion, investir dans les startups peut être une entreprise gratifiante mais risquée. Comprendre la nature des startups, effectuer une due diligence approfondie et diversifier son portefeuille d’investissement sont des étapes essentielles pour réussir dans l’investissement dans les startups.
L’Afrique offre non seulement une richesse culturelle et des paysages à couper le souffle, mais elle propose également d’incroyables opportunités d’investissement.
Cependant, investir sur le continent demande de la patience, car les stratégies qui réussissent dans un pays peuvent ne pas fonctionner dans d’autres.
Dans cet article, nous explorons cinq raisons convaincantes pour lesquelles vous devriez envisager d’investir en Afrique, même si vous résidez en dehors du continent.
Un marché jeune et en croissance
L’Afrique compte plus de 1,3 milliard d’habitants et est la région la plus jeune du monde, avec près de 60 % de sa population ayant moins de 25 ans et un âge médian de 19 ans.
Le continent affiche également une population en rapide croissance et une classe moyenne en expansion. Selon le Forum économique mondial, d’ici 2030, plus de 40 % des Africains appartiendront à la classe moyenne ou supérieure, ce qui entraînera une demande accrue de biens et de services.
À cette époque, la consommation des ménages devrait atteindre 2 500 milliards de dollars, plus du double de celle de 2015, qui s’élevait à 1 100 milliards de dollars.
Avec l’urbanisation croissante et l’augmentation des revenus disponibles, le continent représente un marché inexploité prêt à être exploré par les investisseurs, offrant un potentiel de croissance considérable dans divers secteurs.
Innovation et entrepreneuriat
L’Afrique connaît une montée remarquable de l’innovation et de l’entrepreneuriat. Des start-ups fintech aux solutions d’énergie renouvelable, les entrepreneurs africains exploitent la technologie pour résoudre des problèmes locaux et créer des entreprises évolutives.
Le continent a produit au moins sept licornes, des entreprises privées valant un milliard de dollars ou plus.
L’une de ces start-ups est Flutterwave, une licorne fintech nigériane qui révolutionne les paiements numériques à travers le continent. Une autre entreprise remarquable est Andela, une entreprise panafricaine qui met en relation des développeurs de logiciels qualifiés avec des entreprises mondiales.
De plus, Jumia, souvent appelée “l’Amazon de l’Afrique”, est devenue un acteur dominant du commerce électronique.
Ces start-ups innovantes démontrent la montée en puissance croissante de l’Afrique sur la scène technologique mondiale, stimulant la croissance économique et favorisant les avancées technologiques à travers le continent.
En investissant dans les start-ups africaines et les fonds de capital-risque, vous pouvez soutenir ces esprits innovants tout en bénéficiant potentiellement de leurs succès futurs.
Transformation numérique rapide
L’Afrique a connu une transformation numérique rapide au cours des dernières années, révolutionnant divers secteurs.
Avec la pénétration croissante d’Internet, la connectivité mobile et des solutions innovantes, le continent a adopté la technologie dans tous les aspects de la vie.
Selon la GSMA, l’Afrique ajoutera près de 100 millions de nouveaux abonnés d’ici 2025, portant le nombre total d’abonnés à 613 millions, soit près de la moitié de la population de la région.
De plus, la contribution de l’industrie mobile à son PIB atteindra près de 155 milliards de dollars.
De la banque mobile aux plateformes de commerce électronique, la révolution numérique de l’Afrique permet aux individus de se doter d’outils technologiques, de combler la fracture numérique et de créer des opportunités de développement socio-économique dans tout le continent.
Abondance de ressources naturelles
L’Afrique est bénie par une abondance de ressources naturelles qui contribuent de manière significative à son potentiel économique.
Avec d’importants gisements minéraux, le continent détient une part substantielle des réserves mondiales d’or, de diamants, de platine et d’autres métaux précieux. Il est également riche en ressources pétrolières et gazières, avec des pays comme le Nigeria, l’Angola et l’Algérie étant de grands producteurs.
De plus, l’Afrique possède d’importantes réserves de bois, des terres agricoles fertiles et une gamme diversifiée de faune et de flore.
Ces ressources offrent d’immenses opportunités de croissance économique, de développement industriel et d’investissement étranger.
Avec la bonne stratégie d’investissement, vous pouvez profiter de la richesse des ressources du continent et contribuer à son développement durable.
Économies plus fortes et plus dynamiques
L’Afrique connaît une transformation remarquable vers des économies plus diversifiées et plus fortes. En mettant l’accent sur l’innovation, l’entrepreneuriat et le développement durable, plusieurs nations africaines réalisent des progrès significatifs.
Le continent a assisté à une montée en puissance des avancées technologiques, favorisant la transformation numérique et le contournement des barrières infrastructurelles traditionnelles.
Des pays comme le Nigeria, le Kenya et l’Afrique du Sud sont devenus des pôles technologiques, attirant des investissements mondiaux et favorisant l’émergence de start-ups locales.
Les gouvernements africains soutiennent également des secteurs tels que l’agriculture, les énergies renouvelables et la fabrication pour stimuler la croissance économique et réduire la dépendance aux matières premières.
Les collaborations régionales, telles que la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf), promeuvent le commerce intra-africain, ouvrant de nouveaux marchés et encourageant l’intégration économique.
Cette dynamique vers des économies plus diversifiées et plus fortes est sur le point de libérer le potentiel immense de l’Afrique, d’autonomiser sa population et d’offrir aux investisseurs des opportunités passionnantes à travers le continent.
Investir en Afrique offre un monde d’opportunités pour ceux qui résident en dehors du continent.
Avec un marché inexploité, des ressources abondantes, une infrastructure en croissance, un écosystème entrepreneurial dynamique et des politiques favorables, l’Afrique est prête pour la croissance économique et le développement.
Africa is not only rich in cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes but also offers incredible investment opportunities.
But investing in the continent requires patience as strategies that succeed in one country may not work in others.
In this post, we explore five compelling reasons why you should consider investing in Africa, even if you reside outside the continent.
A young and fast-growing market
Africa has over 1.3 billion people and is the world’s youngest region, with almost 60% of its population under 25 years old while the median age is 19.
The continent also boasts a rapidly growing population and an expanding middle class. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2030, over 40% of Africans will belong to the middle or upper classes, and there will be a higher demand for goods and services.
By that time, household consumption is expected to reach $2.5 trillion, more than double that of 2015 at $1.1 trillion.
With increasing urbanization and rising disposable incomes, it presents an untapped market ready for investors to tap into a vast consumer base, which offers tremendous growth potential across various sectors.
Innovation and entrepreneurship
Africa is witnessing a remarkable surge in innovation and entrepreneurship. From fintech startups to renewable energy solutions, African entrepreneurs are harnessing technology to solve local challenges and create scalable businesses.
The continent has produced at least seven unicorns—private companies worth $1 billion or more.
One such startup is Flutterwave, a Nigerian fintech unicorn revolutionizing digital payments across the continent. Another standout is Andela, a pan-African company connecting skilled software developers with global companies.
These innovative startups demonstrate Africa’s increasing prominence in the global tech landscape, fueling economic growth and driving technological advancements across the continent.
By investing in African startups and venture capital funds, you can support these innovative minds while potentially benefiting from their future successes.
Rapid digital transformation
Africa has witnessed a rapid digital transformation in recent years, revolutionizing various sectors.
With increasing internet penetration, mobile connectivity, and innovative solutions, the continent has embraced technology in all facets of life.
More so, the contribution of the mobile industry to its GDP will grow to almost $155 billion.
From mobile banking to e-commerce platforms, Africa’s digital revolution is empowering individuals, bridging the digital divide, and creating opportunities for socio-economic development across the continent.
The abundance of natural resources
Africa is blessed with an abundance of natural resources that contribute significantly to its economic potential.
With vast mineral deposits, the continent holds a substantial share of the world’s reserves of gold, diamonds, platinum, and other precious metals. It is also rich in oil and gas resources, with countries like Nigeria, Angola, and Algeria being major producers.
Additionally, Africa possesses extensive reserves of timber, fertile agricultural land, and a diverse range of flora and fauna.
These resources present immense opportunities for economic growth, industrial development, and foreign investment.
With the right investment strategy, you can benefit from the continent’s rich resources and contribute to its sustainable development.
Stronger and more dynamic economies
Africa is experiencing a remarkable shift towards diverse and stronger economies. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development, several African nations are making significant strides.
The continent has witnessed a surge in technological advancements, fostering digital transformation and leapfrogging traditional infrastructure barriers.
Countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa have emerged as tech hubs, attracting global investments and nurturing homegrown startups. African governments are also supporting sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, and manufacturing to stimulate economic growth and reduce dependency on commodities.
Regional collaborations, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), are promoting intra-African trade, opening up new markets, and encouraging economic integration.
Africa’s total exports are projected to reach approximately $952 billion by 2035, driven by the growth of regional trade and enhanced connectivity, according to a new report by Standard Chartered.
This momentum towards diverse and stronger economies is poised to unleash Africa’s immense potential, empowering its people and offering investors exciting opportunities across the continent.
Investing in Africa presents a world of opportunities for those outside the continent.
With an untapped market, abundant resources, growing infrastructure, a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, and favorable policies, Africa is poised for economic growth and development.
Disclaimer:This material has been presented for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed in the articles above are generalized and may not be appropriate for all investors. The information contained in this article should not be construed as, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or hold, an interest in any security or investment product. There is no guarantee that past performance will recur or result in a positive outcome. Carefully consider your financial situation, including investment objective, time horizon, risk tolerance, and fees prior to making any investment decisions. No level of diversification or asset allocation can ensure profits or guarantee against losses. Articles do not reflect the views of DABA ADVISORS LLC and do not provide investment advice to Daba’s clients.
