Seedstars

Seedstars is a Swiss-based private group dedicated to fostering technology and entrepreneurship in emerging and frontier markets. Founded with a mission to impact lives through innovation, Seedstars operates a multifaceted platform that includes global startup competitions, acceleration programs, and an active investment arm, Seedstars International Ventures. Their strategic focus is on addressing critical challenges and unlocking potential in regions often underserved by traditional venture capital, emphasizing scalable solutions with significant social and economic impact.

Seedstars International Ventures primarily targets pre-seed and seed-stage technology startups. The firm's investment thesis centers on leveraging technology to drive impact across diverse sectors such as fintech, edtech, healthtech, and agritech. Geographically, Seedstars maintains a strong presence and investment focus across Africa, Latin America, and Asia, leveraging its extensive network built through years of on-the-ground engagement and community building.

Seedstars manages dedicated funds to support its investment activities. For instance, its Seedstars International Ventures II fund, which closed at $30 million in 2022, is designed to provide crucial early-stage capital. This fund typically deploys initial cheques ranging from $100,000 to $250,000, with the capacity for follow-on investments up to $500,000. To date, Seedstars has invested in over 90 companies across more than 30 countries, demonstrating its broad reach and commitment to diverse ecosystems.

Beyond direct investments, Seedstars plays a significant role in building and nurturing startup ecosystems globally. Their renowned Seedstars World Competition has engaged thousands of startups, providing mentorship, visibility, and access to capital. The collective success of their portfolio companies is notable, with these ventures having cumulatively raised over $300 million in follow-on funding, underscoring Seedstars' effectiveness in identifying and scaling high-potential enterprises in challenging yet promising markets.