Japanese VCs launch $20M fund for African & Middle Eastern startups

Raise Africa, the Kenyan fintech that pioneered equity and cap table management for startups across the continent, is closing after 7 years and migrating its clients to Carta, the U.S. equity management giant. Backed by investors such as 500 Global, Launch Africa, CRE Ventures, and Microtraction, Raise helped digitize billions in equity and supported high-growth startups including Nestcoin, Numida, and Workpay. The transition ensures its mission to professionalize Africa’s capital markets will continue on a global scale. More at: https://lnkd.in/eB8N9zcD #Fintech #AfricanStartups #VentureCapital #PrivateEquity #Innovation

SMBC Backs African Startups with $340M Social Value Fund • Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is investing in Novastar Ventures’ “Africa People & Planet Fund III”, aiming to empower early-stage startups driving impact in fintech, agritech, green tech, mobility, and more across East & West Africa. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/di9VQGPc

Elev8 Venture Partners, venture capital firm, has closed its maiden fund at $160 Mn. The fundraise saw KB Investment, part of South Korea’s KB Financial Group, as the anchor investor, with commitments from Self Reliant India Fund, sovereign funds, family offices, unicorn founders, and institutions across South Korea, Hong Kong, and India. Founded by Navin Honagudi, Elev8 Venture Partners will invest in growth-stage companies across consumer internet, enterprise software, and fintech. KB Investment, a venture arm of KB Financial Group, primarily focuses on growth and venture-stage investments across technology-driven sectors globally. #Elev8VenturePartners #NavinHonagudi #KBInvestment #SelfReliantIndiaFund #VentureCapital #GrowthStage #ConsumerInternet #EnterpriseSoftware #Fintech #India #TheVCJournal

Accion Ventures announced the final close of a $61.6 million fund that will invest in early-stage fintech companies focused on the needs of financially underserved people. Accion Ventures will continue backing early-stage fintechs in emerging markets globally. Managing Partner Amee Parbhoo shares more about investments from the new fund, particularly in Africa, with SEMAFOR’s Alexander Onukwue: https://lnkd.in/eUD2xQWt   

Monex Ventures, the #CVC unit of Japanese #financial services company Monex Asset Management, Inc., has teamed up with Japanese #VC UNCOVERED FUND to back tech #startups across Africa. https://lnkd.in/eRQTtW3i

VentureSouq Secures Second Fintech Fund Backed by Major Regional LPs VentureSouq has successfully closed its second venture capital fund, #VentureSouq #Fintech Fund II. The fund received significant backing from major institutional investors across the Middle East, including pension funds, sovereign wealth entities, and family offices. This strong support underscores the growing institutional appetite for venture capital within the region. The fund will focus on investing in early to growth-stage fintech companies, primarily in the #MiddleEast and #Africa, with a strategic allocation for the broader global market. This capital will be instrumental in fueling the next wave of innovation in financial services, supporting startups that are driving financial inclusion and technological advancement. Source: Wamda ومضة

Private funding fuels innovation by providing capital from individuals or institutions without government involvement. It’s crucial for startups, fintech ventures, and growth-stage companies seeking flexibility, speed, and strategic partnerships. Unlike public funding, it allows tailored investment terms and faster execution—ideal for scaling in competitive markets. #PrivateFunding #StartupCapital #FintechGrowth Our Website - https://lnkd.in/gyc4hGvb

Midas, an Istanbul-based investment platform, secured $80M in Series B funding to enhance its services, expand market reach, and strengthen its position as a leading fintech player in Turkey. The round was led by QED Investors, with new participation from IFC, HSG (formerly Sequoia China), QuantumLight (founded by Revolut CEO @Nik Storonsky), Spice Expeditions LP, and George Rzepecki. Egem Eraslan | Yusuf Ozdalga | Tugrul Yilmazer 🔗 Read full article link in comment #Midas #FintechTurkey #SeriesBFunding #QEDInvestors #InvestmentPlatform #FintechNews #TurkeyFintech #StartupFunding #Eustartups #news

Accion Ventures Closes $61.6 Million Fund for Global Fintech Accion Ventures, the investment arm of non-profit Accion International, has closed a $61.6 million fund for seed-stage #fintech startups advancing financial inclusion worldwide. Backed by LPs including FMO Investment Management, Proparco, and Mastercard, the fund will target startups across #Africa, #Asia, Latin America, and the #US. The first investments include PaidHR (Nigeria), Foyer (U.S.), Finfra (Indonesia), and Flowcart (Kenya). Since 2012, #AccionVentures has invested $59.4 million in 76 companies across 39 countries, achieving 13 exits. CEO Michael Schlein emphasized how impact-driven capital can deliver both financial returns and poverty reduction.

South African fintech startup #float has raised $2.6 million (R46 million) in new funding as it accelerates efforts to reshape how consumers use credit cards. The round was co-led by Invenfin and SAAD Investment Holdings, with participation from Lighthouse Venture Partners and existing backers, including Platform Investment Partners. The capital injection will fuel Float’s expansion in South Africa, enhance its proprietary technology, and prepare the business for international growth. https://lnkd.in/d8VVKHNr