Private Equity Firms in Abidjan

Launch Africa Ventures is a prominent Pan-African venture capital firm dedicated to bridging the significant funding gap for Seed and pre-Series A technology startups across Africa. The firm employs a high-touch, high-scale approach to identify and support promising ventures across diverse sectors, including fintech, artificial intelligence, logistics, healthcare, e-commerce, edtech, climate tech, and agritech. Their investment strategy focuses on backing startups that address critical challenges and demonstrate strong market opportunities within the African continent, aiming to foster innovation and transform the region's economic landscape.The firm was co-founded in 2020 by Zachariah George and Janade Du Plessis, who have been pioneers in early-stage venture capital in Africa since 2014. George's background in investment banking and angel investing, combined with Du Plessis's expertise in entrepreneurship, research, and banking, laid the foundation for Launch Africa Ventures. Since its inception, the firm has rapidly grown, investing in over 150 startups across 22 African countries and establishing itself as one of the most active seed-stage VC funds on the continent.Launch Africa Ventures has built a diverse portfolio, with notable investments in companies such as Kuda, a neobank offering digital banking services in Nigeria; MarketForce, a B2B e-commerce retail platform in Kenya; and GOMYCODE, an edtech startup providing digital skills training in Tunisia. Other portfolio companies span various sectors, including financial software (Liquify, VaulFi), media (Baskett, Lounges.tv), and business/productivity software (Andela). The firm has also achieved successful exits with companies like Orcas, Kashat, and Baia, demonstrating its ability to generate returns for its investors.The Launch Africa Ventures team comprises experienced professionals with a deep understanding of the African market. Co-founders Zachariah George and Janade Du Plessis lead a diverse team that includes investment managers, portfolio associates, and a robust investment committee. This collective expertise enables the firm to provide not only capital but also strategic guidance and access to extensive global advisory networks and corporate distribution channels across Africa, thereby unlocking significant value for its portfolio companies.

SPE Capital is an independent investment management firm dedicated to responsible investing and consistently delivering superior returns. The firm focuses on growth equity investments, acting as a long-term strategic partner to its portfolio companies. They provide financial, strategic, and operational support, emphasizing a patient capital approach to drive both solid financial returns and positive social impact. SPE Capital primarily targets opportunities across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, leveraging its extensive regional knowledge and on-the-ground presence.The firm was established in 2016 as a spinout from Swicorp, a prominent regional investment banking firm. This origin provided SPE Capital with a strong foundation and an experienced team that had already invested over USD 500 million across Africa and the Middle East since 2005. The founding team brought together a wealth of expertise and a shared vision for value creation through strategic partnerships.SPE Capital's investment portfolio spans various sectors, including notable companies such as Orchidia Pharmaceutical Industries, a leading ophthalmic pharmaceutical manufacturer in Egypt, Africa, and the Middle East. Other key investments include Ademat, a provider of power security solutions in Côte d'Ivoire; GlobalCorp, a non-banking financial services company in Egypt; Vital, a nutritional supplements producer in Tunisia; and Clinique Tilila, a multidisciplinary private clinic in Morocco. The firm also shows interest in emerging technologies, as evidenced by its insights on Artificial Intelligence in emerging markets' private equity.The firm is led by an experienced senior team of over 20 members, boasting nearly 100 years of combined experience in the private equity sector. This team is characterized by an entrepreneurial spirit, a commitment to excellence, and a 'boots-on-the-ground' approach, working closely with partners. Key team members, such as Edouard Pontet, Managing Partner and COO, bring extensive experience in private equity across emerging markets and a background in international law, overseeing critical operational functions including finance, legal, investor engagement, and ESG.

Uhuru Investment Partners is a private equity firm based in West Africa, dedicated to unlocking the potential of middle-market companies across the region. The firm focuses on driving sustainable growth and creating long-term value by partnering with passionate entrepreneurs. They aim to become the investment partner of choice in Africa for both domestic and global investors, generating competitive returns alongside a positive and enduring impact on local communities.Founded in 2016, Uhuru Investment Partners draws its inspiration from Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point, symbolizing their commitment to excellence and ambitious goals. The firm's approach emphasizes deep local knowledge, robust processes, and a commitment to excellence throughout the investment lifecycle. They work collaboratively with investors, entrepreneurs, employees, and communities to achieve success that matters, extending beyond financial returns to include significant social and environmental impact.Uhuru Investment Partners primarily invests in high-growth, middle-market companies within West Africa, with a particular focus on Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire. Their portfolio includes companies such as Royal Foam Products Nigeria, a leading manufacturer of mattresses and bedding products; ST Digital, a regional IT services group providing cloud, datacenter, and cybersecurity solutions; Impact Life, a Ghanaian life insurance provider; and Everyday, one of Nigeria's largest supermarket chains. They also have investments in La Tulipe Food, an Ivorian food group, and Cresta Paints, a manufacturer of automotive refinish paints in West Africa. The firm typically invests as either minority or control investors, utilizing various equity and mezzanine instruments.The team at Uhuru Investment Partners comprises local investors with a proven business and investment track record across West Africa. They provide hands-on support and strategic advice to their portfolio companies, acting as advisors to management teams and actively engaging in governance and value creation. Their expertise spans areas such as strategy, marketing, operations, and finance, complemented by an ESG toolkit to enhance the sustainability of their investments. Notable team members include Amaka Paul-Okafor, Managing Director, Private Equity; Francis Ojei, Finance & Operations Manager; Babatunde Makanjuola, Associate; Chuka Maduabum, Deal Execution and Portfolio Management; Dominique Lecossois, Operating Partner; Folakemi Oduwole, Associate, Investments; and George Sognon, Associate, Investments.

Founded in 2008, Verod Capital Management is a prominent private equity firm dedicated to investing in high-growth, mid-market companies across West Africa. Leveraging deep local expertise and networks in Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Kenya, Verod focuses on fostering the growth of promising businesses by providing equity and equity-linked capital, typically ranging from $15 million to $30 million. The firm also manages a venture capital fund, Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures, which invests between $250,000 and $7.5 million in tech startups across sectors such as FinTech, HealthTech, EdTech, Logistics, and Software.Verod is committed to aligning its investment strategy with global sustainability standards, being the first West African signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and the first private equity fund worldwide to achieve 2X Certified ‘Best-in-Class’ status. The firm integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks into its operations, focusing on gender equity, climate action, and quality job creation, thereby investing for profit while generating positive social impact across its portfolio.Supported by a diverse group of institutional investors, Verod has successfully executed multiple exits through strategic sales, financial acquisitions, and management buyouts. Its seasoned team comprises professionals with extensive experience in investing, banking, strategy, and operations across various industries. Verod’s vision is to provide stakeholders with expert guidance, access to capital, and opportunities to make lasting impacts in Africa’s economic landscape.