Mar 14Busting the African startup bubble mythThe rapid growth in Africa’s startup ecosystem has led to much speculation about an impending “tech bubble”. This concern falls against the backdrop of a global tech stock rout, which has caused a sharp correction in US startup valuations. By contrast, African startups raised $5 billion in 2021, representing 250%…Africa8 min read
Jan 14What’s behind Africa’s fundraising growth?We’ve all seen the numbers. $4.9 billion. $1 million raised every two hours. 250% growth. Africa’s venture ecosystem is accelerating faster than the global market — but is the boom just hype? What’s behind this ‘sudden’ increase in startup funding on the continent? The inflection point Like all overnight successes, momentum has been…Africa5 min read
Jul 16, 2021What do African mega-deals have in common?Africa’s startup ecosystem is accelerating. In the first six months of 2021, four companies have raised mega-rounds (financing above $100m) — creating an increasingly compelling precedent for founders in the region. …Africa6 min read
Mar 11, 2021Flutterwave is now worth more than some African banks — how should incumbents respond?African payments company Flutterwave announced yesterday that it has closed $170 million in funding, valuing the company over $1 billion. The Series C round was led by New York-based private investment firm Avenir Growth Capital and US hedge fund and investment firm Tiger Global. New and existing investors who participated…Startup4 min read
Feb 10, 20214 lessons from the UK’s COVID-19 vaccine roll-outIn December 2020, the UK became the first western country to authorise the use of a COVID-19 vaccine — just three weeks after Pfizer published the first data from the final stage of its clinical trial. …Innovation4 min read
Jul 1, 2020Venturing for YieldThe untapped venture debt opportunity — The search for yield continues. The prevailing low-interest rate environment has driven down banks’ profit margins on traditional assets, compounded by increased competition from disruptive lending entrants. …Startup8 min read
Jun 29, 2020Venturing for yieldThe untapped venture debt opportunity — The search for yield continues. The prevailing low-interest rate environment has driven down banks’ profit margins on traditional assets, compounded by increased competition from disruptive lending entrants. …Venture Capital9 min read
Mar 30, 2020How you can stop this health crisis from becoming an economic oneCovid-19 is a humanitarian crisis that is fast becoming an economic one. Whilst the scale of the pandemic can make us feel powerless, there are valuable contributions we can all make to mitigate its economic impact, and support the most vulnerable members of our society. Covid-19 has caused unprecedented disruption…Covid 197 min read
Dec 28, 2019Banking the unbanked: Lessons from African fintechThe rise of African fintech has been nothing short of revolutionary. Over the past decade, emerging startups have leapfrogged local banks by providing deposit, transaction and lending services to otherwise unbanked individuals. …Fintech6 min read
Dec 28, 2019How alternative data is changing the world for goodExisting in the eyes of the financial system is something you’ve likely taken for granted. For some, it’s an elusive reality. Alternative data has the potential to put previously ‘invisible’ individuals on the map, unlocking opportunities for financial inclusion and economic growth. Over the past decade, there has been an…Fintech5 min read
