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iNOVO

Africa, Lagos, Nigeria, Lagos

Description

iNOVO is a pre-accelerator program specifically designed to bolster early-stage startups within Nigeria's burgeoning technology ecosystem. Launched as a collaborative effort, it brings together the expertise of the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub, Ventures Platform, a prominent African venture capital firm, and Startupbootcamp AfriTech, a renowned accelerator. The program's primary objective is to identify and nurture promising Nigerian tech ventures, providing them with the foundational support necessary for growth and scalability. It represents a strategic initiative aimed at fostering innovation and economic development in the region.

The iNOVO program offers a structured, intensive three-month curriculum tailored to address the unique challenges faced by nascent startups. Each cohort typically comprises 10 selected startups, ensuring focused attention and tailored support. A core component of its support is a non-equity grant, with each selected startup receiving £10,000, which translates to approximately $12,500 USD, to help cover initial operational costs and accelerate development. Beyond financial assistance, participants gain invaluable access to a robust network of mentors, industry experts, and potential investors. The program is designed to equip founders with critical business skills, refine their product-market fit, and prepare them for subsequent funding rounds.

By leveraging the collective strengths of its partners, iNOVO plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between innovative ideas and market-ready solutions. The UK-Nigeria Tech Hub provides strategic oversight and connects the program to broader international initiatives, while Ventures Platform contributes its deep local market insights and investment acumen. Startupbootcamp AfriTech, with its proven track record in accelerating startups across Africa, brings a wealth of operational expertise and a global network. This synergistic approach ensures that iNOVO not only provides capital but also comprehensive guidance, aiming to cultivate a new generation of successful Nigerian tech companies.

Investor Profile

iNOVO has backed more than 29 startups, with 27 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 2 rounds, about 7% of its total and boasts 0 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Pre Seed, Seed, Non Equity Assistance rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Colombia.
  • Strong thematic focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), AgTech, Agriculture.
  • Typical check size: $12.5K.

Stage Focus

  • Pre Seed (79%)
  • Seed (14%)
  • Non Equity Assistance (7%)

Country Focus

  • United Kingdom (14%)
  • The Netherlands (10%)
  • Colombia (10%)
  • Nigeria (7%)
  • Brazil (7%)
  • Paraguay (3%)
  • Turkey (3%)
  • Switzerland (3%)
  • Singapore (3%)
  • Sri Lanka (3%)

Industry Focus

  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
  • Agtech
  • Agriculture
  • Farming
  • Software
  • Saas
  • Robotics
  • Business Intelligence
  • Internet Of Things
  • Internet
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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 iNOVO frequently co-invest with?

Village Capital
North America, District of Columbia, United States, Washington
Co-Investments: 2
Startupbootcamp
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 27
SAIS
Europe, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, Bonn
Co-Investments: 1

What are some of recent deals done by iNOVO?

AgroConform helps farmers manage crop needs, optimize growing conditions, and track harvests for sustainable outcomes.

AgTechArtificial Intelligence (AI)ConsultingSustainability
Pre SeedAug 30, 2024
Sepsiscan

Riga, Riga, Latvia

Sepsiscan is a company that creates medical imaging devices for perfusion monitoring and advice in sepsis treatment.

HospitalMedicalWellness
Pre SeedAug 30, 2024
MUCHroom

Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands

MUCHroom produces shiitake-based meat alternatives, offering healthier and less processed options than traditional substitutes.

Food and BeverageFood Processing
Pre SeedAug 30, 2024
Rescalers

Singapore, Central Region, Singapore

Rescalers is a SaaS platform that uses AI to enhance cohort-based training in universities and businesses.

Business IntelligenceSaaS
Pre SeedAug 30, 2024
Franki AI

Bogotá, Distrito Especial, Colombia

Franki is an AI HR tool that streamlines staff management for restaurants and hotels, reducing turnover and boosting engagement.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Software
Pre SeedAug 30, 2024
AFO Acuaponia

Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia

AFO Acuaponia operates in organic food industry and uses automation and aquaponics techniques for organic fish and vegetables production.

AgricultureAgTechAquacultureConsultingOrganic Food
Pre SeedAug 30, 2024
Amount Raised: $25,000
GROWSMART

Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

GROWSMART uses biotech solutions to improve farming, promote sustainability, and support human health.

AgricultureFarming
Pre SeedAug 30, 2024
Aimrobotic

Gampaha, Western, Sri Lanka

Aimrobotic specializes in UAVs and drones, creating solutions to address society's toughest challenges.

GPSRoboticsSoftware
Pre SeedAug 30, 2024
Teo Technology

Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey

Teo Technology is an AI-powered drones to provide accurate predictions, helping farmers and exporters reduce waste and optimize resources.

AgTechArtificial Intelligence (AI)
Pre SeedAug 30, 2024
LUP

Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia

Lup helps startups and scaleups align teams, set goals, and optimize OKRs and experiments with AI, providing transparency on progress.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Business IntelligenceSaaS
Pre SeedAug 30, 2024

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