Ventures Platform, a leading early‑stage venture capital firm in Africa, has secured $64 million for its second fund, with a target of $75 million, according to founding partner Kola Aina. The round includes participation from the Nigerian government through its Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises program, marking the country’s first direct investment in a venture‑capital fund. Other notable investors are the International Finance Corporation, British International Investment, Proparco, Standard Bank, several family offices, and former Y Combinator CEO Michael Seibel. About 70 % of limited partners from the firm’s previous fund have reinvested, underscoring continued confidence in Ventures Platform’s strategy.
Founded in 2016, Ventures Platform has become a key player in identifying and supporting promising African startups. Its second fund will broaden its scope to include Series A rounds, targeting larger ownership stakes and investing with greater conviction. This strategic shift reflects the growing maturity of Africa’s startup ecosystem and the increasing availability of local capital.
The Nigerian government’s involvement is particularly noteworthy, signaling recognition of startups’ critical role in driving economic growth. Ventures Platform’s portfolio now exceeds 90 companies across fintech, healthtech, agritech and other sectors, all addressing significant challenges and opportunities on the continent. The firm’s first fund performed strongly, ranking among the top global performers by TVPI and IRR for its vintage, which helped attract repeat investors and demonstrated the potential for long‑term, high‑upside returns in Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
Despite challenges in the global venture‑capital market, Ventures Platform remains optimistic about African startups, citing strong demographics, GDP growth and rapid digitization of offline sectors as key growth drivers.
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