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Novastar Ventures

Africa, Nairobi Area, Kenya, Nairobi

Description

Novastar Ventures is a pioneering venture capital firm dedicated to backing high-growth, scalable businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa. With strategic offices in Nairobi, Lagos, and London, the firm is deeply embedded in the continent's entrepreneurial ecosystems, enabling them to identify and support promising enterprises. Their investment philosophy centers on addressing the needs of Africa's mass markets, focusing on sectors critical for development and economic inclusion.

The firm primarily invests in early-stage companies, typically from Seed to Series B rounds, with a keen eye on sectors such as fintech, agritech, education, healthcare, and consumer goods. Novastar Ventures is known for its hands-on approach, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and operational support to its portfolio companies. This commitment to value creation extends beyond financial returns, aiming to foster sustainable businesses that generate significant social and economic impact across the continent.

Novastar Ventures has successfully raised and deployed significant capital across multiple funds. Their first fund, Novastar Ventures I, closed at $80 million, demonstrating early confidence in their investment thesis. This was followed by Novastar Ventures II, which secured $108 million, further expanding their capacity to support African innovation. To date, the firm has made over 30 investments, building a diverse portfolio of companies that are transforming various industries and improving livelihoods for millions of Africans.

Typically, Novastar Ventures' initial cheque sizes range from $500,000 to $5 million, with a willingness to provide follow-on funding as their portfolio companies grow and achieve key milestones. Their long-term commitment to their ventures, combined with their deep regional expertise and extensive network, positions Novastar Ventures as a crucial capital provider for Africa's burgeoning startup scene, driving both financial success and impactful development.

Investor Profile

Novastar Ventures has backed more than 39 startups, with 2 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 20 rounds, about 51% of its total and boasts 2 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series A, Series B, Series Unknown rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana.
  • Strong thematic focus on Health Care, Clean Energy, Agriculture.
  • Led 1 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $500K – $5M.

Stage Focus

  • Series A (33%)
  • Series B (26%)
  • Series Unknown (15%)
  • Seed (13%)
  • Series C (8%)
  • Series D (3%)
  • Convertible Note (3%)

Country Focus

  • Kenya (49%)
  • Nigeria (15%)
  • Ghana (8%)
  • United Kingdom (8%)
  • United States (5%)
  • The Netherlands (5%)
  • Ethiopia (5%)
  • Sweden (3%)
  • Mexico (3%)

Industry Focus

  • Health Care
  • Clean Energy
  • Agriculture
  • Renewable Energy
  • Transportation
  • Financial Services
  • Internet
  • Environmental Consulting
  • Hospital
  • Pharmaceutical
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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 Novastar Ventures frequently co-invest with?

Unbound
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 3
FMO
Europe, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands, The Hague
Co-Investments: 3
Bossa Invest
South America, Sao Paulo, Brazil, São Paulo
Co-Investments: 3
Global Ventures
Asia, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dubai
Co-Investments: 3
Endeavor Catalyst
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 3
Ceniarth
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
Moxxie Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
Kepple Africa Ventures
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 3
CDC Group
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 6
Global Partnerships
North America, Washington, United States, Seattle
Co-Investments: 3

Which angels does Novastar Ventures often collaborate with?

JB
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Shared Deals: 1
CG
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 2
DV
Europe, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland, Basel
Shared Deals: 1
EK
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
Miriam Atuya
Africa, Kenya
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Novastar Ventures?

Sistema.bio

Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico

Sistema.bio is a manufacturer of prefabricated modular biodigester systems for farmers to produce fertilizer and biogas.

AgricultureBiomass EnergyEnergyEnvironmental ConsultingRenewable Energy
Series UnknownJan 14, 2025
Amount Raised: $3,500,000
BasiGo

Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

BasiGo is an e-mobility company that offers a Pay-As-You-Drive model that allows local bus owners to access and operate electric buses.

AutomotiveElectric VehiclePublic TransportationTransportation
Series AOct 23, 2024
Amount Raised: $24,000,000
BasiGo

Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

BasiGo is an e-mobility company that offers a Pay-As-You-Drive model, enabling local bus owners to access and operate electric buses.

AutomotiveElectric VehiclePublic TransportationTransportation
SeedNov 15, 2022
Amount Raised: $6,600,000
MoKo Home + Living

Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

MoKo Home + Living specializes in is the manufacturing and retailing of home furniture products.

FurnitureManufacturingRetail
Series BOct 13, 2022
Amount Raised: $3,500,000
Turaco

Westlands, Nairobi Area, Kenya

Turaco is an insurance company that offers health and life insurance services.

Financial ServicesHealth InsuranceInsuranceInsurTechInternetLife Insurance
Series AAug 31, 2022
Amount Raised: $10,000,000
iProcure

Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

iProcure is a Kenyan startup focused on optimizing rural supply chains.

AgricultureAnalyticsInformation TechnologyLogisticsPackaging ServicesSoftwareSupply Chain Management
Series BAug 18, 2022
Amount Raised: $9,000,000
TeamApt

Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria

TeamApt is a financial technology company that develops digital banking and payment platform for financial transactions.

BankingFinancial ServicesFinTechPayments
Series CAug 10, 2022
Amount Raised: $50,000,000
BasiGo

Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

BasiGo leases electric buses to local bus owners, offering pay-as-you-drive, charging, and maintenance for sustainable mobility.

AutomotiveElectric VehiclePublic TransportationTransportation
SeedFeb 9, 2022
Amount Raised: $4,300,000
Poa Internet

Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

Poa Internet provides affordable internet to individuals and small businesses in low-income and rural communities in East Africa.

Information ServicesInternetISP
Series CJan 18, 2022
Amount Raised: $28,000,000
mPharma

Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana

mPharma offers solutions to health insurance and pharmaceutical companies to make it easier for patients to afford their medications.

Health CareHospitalPharmaceutical
Series DJan 5, 2022
Amount Raised: $30,000,000