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DOB Equity

Europe, Gelderland, The Netherlands, Veessen

Description

DOB Equity is a Netherlands-based independent investment firm with a dedicated focus on fostering sustainable growth in East Africa. Operating from Veessen, the firm distinguishes itself through a long-term investment horizon and a dual mandate that prioritizes both robust financial returns and significant social and environmental impact. Their strategy is deeply rooted in the belief that commercially viable businesses can also be powerful engines for positive change across the region, contributing to local economies and communities.

The firm primarily targets growth-stage companies that are either profitable or nearing profitability, demonstrating clear strategies for expansion. DOB Equity's investment thesis spans a diverse range of critical sectors, including consumer goods, food & agriculture, healthcare, education, financial services, and renewable energy, reflecting the foundational needs and emerging opportunities within East African economies. Typically, DOB Equity commits initial investments ranging from EUR 1 million to EUR 10 million per company, which translates to approximately USD 1.08 million to USD 10.8 million based on recent exchange rates. They generally seek to acquire significant minority stakes, often between 20% and 49%, allowing them to be active partners without assuming full control.

As a patient capital provider, DOB Equity typically holds its investments for a substantial period, often between 5 to 10 years. This long-term perspective enables them to provide strategic guidance, operational support, and access to their extensive network, helping portfolio companies scale sustainably. Their hands-on approach involves working closely with management teams to enhance governance, improve operational efficiency, and embed strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. This commitment to responsible investing underscores their mission to build resilient and impactful businesses that contribute to the socio-economic development of East Africa.

Investor Profile

DOB Equity has backed more than 43 startups, with 2 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 25 rounds, about 58% of its total and boasts 0 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Private Equity, Series Unknown rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in Kenya, Tanzania, Germany.
  • Strong thematic focus on Food and Beverage, E-Commerce, Agriculture.
  • Led 2 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $1.1M – $10.8M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (28%)
  • Private Equity (28%)
  • Series Unknown (16%)
  • Series B (9%)
  • Series A (9%)
  • Pre Seed (7%)
  • Series C (2%)

Country Focus

  • Kenya (72%)
  • Tanzania (7%)
  • Germany (5%)
  • Rwanda (5%)
  • Uganda (5%)
  • France (2%)
  • United States (2%)
  • Burundi (2%)

Industry Focus

  • Food And Beverage
  • E-commerce
  • Agriculture
  • Farming
  • Health Care
  • Grocery
  • Marketplace
  • Retail
  • Shopping
  • Information Technology
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does DOB Equity frequently co-invest with?

AHL Venture Partners
Africa, Nairobi Area, Kenya, Westlands
Co-Investments: 3
Global Innovation Fund
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 3
Endeavor Catalyst
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 2
Globivest
Asia, Beyrouth, Lebanon, Beirut
Co-Investments: 2
Breega
Europe, Ile-de-France, France, Paris
Co-Investments: 2
Co-Investments: 2
Creadev
Europe, Ile-de-France, France, Paris
Co-Investments: 2
Launch Africa
Africa, Plaines Wilhems, Mauritius, Ebène
Co-Investments: 2
FV
North America, District of Columbia, United States, Washington
Co-Investments: 3
TLcom Capital Partners
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 3

Which angels does DOB Equity often collaborate with?

Kamran Ahmad
Africa, Butare, Rwanda, Kigali
Shared Deals: 1
CA
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
WA
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
HD
Europe, The Netherlands
Shared Deals: 1
Steve Moran
Africa, Nairobi Area, Kenya, Nairobi
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
MS
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
Joseph Rehmann
Africa, Nairobi Area, Kenya, Nairobi
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by DOB Equity?

FarmWorks

Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

FarmWorks is an agricultural technology company that gives farmers access to farm inputs as well as a market for the produce.

AgricultureFarmers MarketFarming
Series UnknownMar 26, 2025
Spouts of Water

Kampala, Kampala, Uganda

Spouts of Water is manufacturing water purification filters for households to ensure that they have constant access to clean drinking water.

Food and BeverageManufacturing
Series UnknownJan 15, 2025
Ilara Health

Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

Ilara Health is a health technology company that connects private clinics with diagnostic devices and pharmaceuticals.

Electronic Health Record (EHR)Health CareHealth DiagnosticsMedical Device
SeedFeb 12, 2024
Amount Raised: $2,500,000
Zydii

Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

Zydii is workforce upskilling platform providing accessible, transformative digital training that’s designed for Africa

E-LearningEdTechTraining
Pre SeedMay 17, 2023
Victory Farms

Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

Victory Farms is an aquaculture farm for tilapia fish comprising of hatcheries, nursery ponds and deep-water cages for farming.

AgTechAquacultureFarming
Series BApr 6, 2023
Amount Raised: $35,000,000
Kwara

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Kwara is on a mission to improve financial health in emerging markets. We believe the fastest way to get there is through credit unions

Information Technology
SeedJan 16, 2023
Amount Raised: $3,000,000
Power

Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

Power is a platform that enables financial services to employees and gig workers across sub-Saharan Africa.

BankingFinancial ServicesInsurance
SeedDec 20, 2022
Amount Raised: $3,000,000
Eden Care Medical

Kigali, Butare, Rwanda

Eden Care Medical is a mobile application that provides medical and health insurance as well as financial services.

Customer ServiceHealth CareHealth InsuranceInsuranceWellness
Pre SeedNov 2, 2022
Kentaste

Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

Kentaste is a producer of all natural, locally sourced food and beauty products from coconut.

BeautyFood and Beverage
Series UnknownNov 1, 2022
Amount Raised: $1,000,000
Zuri Health

Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

Zuri Health is a telemedicine company that uses apps, websites, and SMS services to provide affordable and accessible healthcare solutions.

AppsHealth CareMedicalSMSTelehealth
Pre SeedMay 18, 2022
Amount Raised: $1,297,154