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Ventures Platform

North America, Prince Edward Island, Canada, Victoria

Description

Ventures Platform is a prominent early-stage venture capital firm based in Abuja, Nigeria, dedicated to investing in technology startups across Africa. Founded by Kola Aina, the firm has established itself as a key player in the continent's burgeoning tech ecosystem, focusing on companies that address critical challenges and build essential infrastructure. Their investment thesis centers on identifying and nurturing innovative solutions across various sectors, including fintech, healthtech, edtech, and enterprise SaaS, aiming to drive digital transformation and economic growth.

Ventures Platform primarily targets pre-seed and seed-stage companies, often participating in follow-on rounds up to Series A. The firm is known for its hands-on approach, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a robust network. This comprehensive support system aims to accelerate the growth and scalability of its portfolio companies. In 2022, Ventures Platform successfully closed its second fund at $40 million, significantly expanding its capacity to back promising African ventures. This fund is a testament to the firm's growing influence and commitment to the region.

With a diverse portfolio of over 60 companies, Ventures Platform has backed some of Africa's most successful startups. Notable exits include Paystack, which was acquired by Stripe, demonstrating the firm's ability to identify high-potential ventures. Other prominent portfolio companies include Kuda, PiggyVest, and Mono, all of which are making significant strides in their respective industries. Ventures Platform's strategic investments contribute to the development of a resilient and innovative African tech landscape, fostering economic growth and digital transformation across the continent.

Investor Profile

Ventures Platform has backed more than 48 startups, with 4 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 13 rounds, about 27% of its total and boasts 6 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Pre Seed, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in Nigeria, United States, Canada.
  • Strong thematic focus on Financial Services, FinTech, Payments.
  • Typical check size: $50K – $500K.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (48%)
  • Pre Seed (42%)
  • Series A (8%)
  • Series Unknown (2%)

Country Focus

  • Nigeria (52%)
  • United States (17%)
  • Canada (13%)
  • Côte d'Ivoire (4%)
  • Senegal (2%)
  • Spain (2%)
  • Kenya (2%)
  • United Kingdom (2%)
  • Zambia (2%)
  • South Africa (2%)

Industry Focus

  • Financial Services
  • Fintech
  • Payments
  • Finance
  • B2b
  • Information Technology
  • Wholesale
  • Health Care
  • Internet
  • Banking
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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 Ventures Platform frequently co-invest with?

Golden Palm Investments
Africa, Greater Accra, Ghana, Accra
Co-Investments: 7
Techstars
North America, Colorado, United States, Boulder
Co-Investments: 5
Y Combinator
North America, California, United States, Mountain View
Co-Investments: 10
DFS Lab
North America, Washington, United States, Seattle
Co-Investments: 4
MAGIC Fund
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Co-Investments: 7
Launch Africa
Africa, Plaines Wilhems, Mauritius, Ebène
Co-Investments: 4
Microtraction
Africa, Lagos, Nigeria, Lagos
Co-Investments: 9
LoftyInc Capital
Africa, Lagos, Nigeria, Ikeja
Co-Investments: 9
Future Africa
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 5
Voltron Capital
Africa, Lagos, Nigeria, Lagos
Co-Investments: 13

Which angels does Ventures Platform often collaborate with?

Dimeji Sofowora
Africa, Nigeria
Shared Deals: 3
PM
Africa, NA - Zambia, Zambia, Lusaka
Shared Deals: 2
Olugbenga Agboola
Africa, Nigeria
Shared Deals: 5
AO
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 3
Shared Deals: 2
Edmond Olotu
Africa, Nigeria
Shared Deals: 3
Abdul Hassan
Africa, Lagos, Nigeria, Lagos
Shared Deals: 2
CO
Africa, Nigeria
Shared Deals: 3
EE
North America, South Carolina, United States, Columbia
Shared Deals: 3
Prosper Otemuyiwa
Africa, Nigeria
Shared Deals: 3

What are some of recent deals done by Ventures Platform?

SunFi

Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

SunFi tech solution help people access solar energy with installation and payment plans.

EnergySolar
Series UnknownMay 31, 2025
Amount Raised: $1,000,000
OmniRetail

Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

OmniRetail is a B2B e-commerce platform that digitizes informal supply chains.

B2BConsumer GoodsRetail
Series AApr 28, 2025
Amount Raised: $20,000,000
Raenest

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Raenest is a multi-currency accounts platform that helps businesses and freelancers receive international payments.

BillingFinancial ServicesFinTechPayments
Series AFeb 11, 2025
Amount Raised: $11,000,000
Juicyway

Wilmington, Delaware, United States

Juice is a developer of a payment network platform for cross-border business payments for businesses and individuals.

Financial ServicesFinTechPaymentsSoftware
Pre SeedDec 16, 2024
Amount Raised: $3,000,000
Maad

Dakar, Dakar, Senegal

Maad is a B2B marketplace for Francophone Africa

B2BE-Commerce PlatformsInformation TechnologyMarketplaceWholesale
SeedMay 13, 2024
Amount Raised: $2,300,000
Shekel Mobility

Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

Shekel is a software company that provides financing and management system software for auto dealerships.

B2BFinancial Services
SeedNov 13, 2023
Amount Raised: $3,200,000
Remedial Health

Newark, Delaware, United States

Remedial Health is a wholesale company that provides medicines to large and small healthcare industries.

B2BHealth CareWholesale
Series AAug 1, 2023
Amount Raised: $8,000,000
MyCover.ai

Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria

An open insurance API that enables businesses embed insurance into their existing products & services.

InsuranceInsurTech
Pre SeedJul 19, 2023
Amount Raised: $1,250,000
Termii

New Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

Termii helps African businesses communicate with customers across SMS, email, voice, and instant messaging channels.

Digital MarketingDigital MediaEmail MarketingMarketing AutomationMessagingSMS
SeedJun 9, 2023
Amount Raised: $3,650,000
Chargel

Abidjan, Lagunes, Côte d'Ivoire

Chargel is a freight brokerage platform that connects hippers and carriers with avalable trucks.

Logistics
SeedApr 20, 2023
Amount Raised: $2,000,000