54 Collective

54 Collective is an early-stage venture capital firm dedicated to fostering the growth of African technology startups. Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, the firm positions itself as a crucial partner for founders building scalable tech-enabled businesses across the continent. Their mission centers on providing catalytic capital, alongside significant value-add support and access to a global network, to empower the next generation of African tech entrepreneurs. They are sector-agnostic, demonstrating a broad interest in innovative solutions that address various market needs within Africa.

The firm primarily focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage investments, aiming to be among the first institutional investors in promising startups. Their initial cheque sizes typically range from $100,000 to $500,000, reflecting their commitment to providing foundational capital that can help early-stage companies achieve critical milestones. 54 Collective seeks out companies with strong founding teams and significant market potential, leveraging their deep understanding of the local context combined with a global perspective.

Beyond capital, 54 Collective offers comprehensive post-investment support designed to accelerate portfolio companies' development. This includes strategic guidance on talent acquisition, facilitating key partnerships, assisting with subsequent fundraising rounds, and providing operational expertise. The team brings a wealth of experience, boasting over 50 years of combined expertise in venture capital, technology, and entrepreneurship. This collective knowledge is instrumental in guiding their portfolio, which currently spans over 10 companies across more than 7 African countries, highlighting their widespread impact and commitment to the continent's burgeoning tech ecosystem.