Startups in Africa are grappling with limited and uneven early-stage funding, prompting investors and founders to explore new methods such as inclusive investing and cross-continental partnerships to bridge this gap. Despite attracting less than 3% of global venture capital last year, with an even smaller share for women-led companies, funding remains concentrated in specific markets, often favoring fintech and male-led ventures. Pan-African funds like Chui Ventures are challenging this trend by supporting diverse founders and encouraging regional collaboration. At a recent summit in Nairobi, Chui Ventures gathered founders and investors from East and West Africa to discuss growth strategies and review portfolio performance. The event included informal ice-breaking activities and focused workshops on growth and artificial intelligence. Participants emphasized the importance of honest engagement between investors and founders to overcome scaling challenges. The summit concluded with panels on fintech, AI, and ed-tech, reinforcing the fund’s commitment to inclusive investing and a more connected startup ecosystem across the continent.
How are investors closing Africa’s startup funding gap?
