
Novastar Ventures
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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