The CDC Group who is plans to increase early stage venture capital investment in Africa, specifically in early-stage technology-based companies that have the potential to play a significant role in fighting climate change. The organisation will invest more than £ 3 billion to help emerging economies in Africa and Asia cope with the climate emergency. The CDC is the UK’s development finance institution supporting entrepreneurs across Africa and Asia for the past 70 years. 
Yesterday’s announcement at COP26 in Glasgow will make CDC one of the world’s largest climate finance investors in Africa and select South Asian markets and be a shot in the arm for entrepreneurs seeking venture capital in South Africa. The announcement contributes to the “Clean Green Initiative” announced by the Prime Minister this week to help developing countries take advantage of green technologies and grow their economies sustainably.
Part of this will be UK government’s £ 200 million Climate Innovation Fund specifically focussed at venture capital for early stage businesses who provide innovation in the way we fight climate change.
World leaders and investors are meeting at the COP26 climate emergency summit in Glasgow this week and the conference has already meant a number of other funding promises being made. Jeff Bezos, the now retired founder of Amazon committed to giving £1.47bn for land restoration in Africa , while Bill Gates announced that the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation will provide an additional $315 million over the next three years supports climate-smart agricultural research to help smallholder farmers in the developing world.
Why early stage venture capital investment in Africa?
The new fund was created to finance the most pioneering climate solutions in developing countries.
By testing, and then scaling, the most effective solutions, CDC aims to open up new markets for investment.
The first beneficiary of the new fund is Pula, an agricultural technology company based in Kenya.
The purpose of the capital is to test a new insurance product “PayatHarvest” that has hardly been tested in Africa, but has the potential to significantly increase the acceptance of insurance by small farmers and have impacts on both the development as in climate.
In addition, the CDC announced new climate-related investments in Africa: $ 37 million in the Africa Renewable Energy Fund II, a fund that invests in small hydroelectric, wind, geothermal and solar projects in sub-Saharan Africa; and a $ 10 million follow-up investment in MKopa, Kenya’s off-grid solar company that provides vital energy to homes and communities in rural areas.
The CDC Group also announced that it will support more than £ 3 billion to help emerging economies in Africa and Asia cope with the climate emergency.
The commitment makes the CDC one of the world’s largest climate finance investors in Africa and selected markets in South Asia.
The announcement contributes to the Clean Green Initiative announced this week by the Prime Minister to help developing countries take advantage of green technologies and grow their economies sustainably.
CDC’s £ 3 billion climate funds will be invested in a variety of sectors, including renewable energy, infrastructure and agriculture, including forestry, over the next five years.
Used to help emerging economies achieve their Paris Agreement goals and adapt to the already noticeable effects of the climate emergency and become more resilient.
CDC expects the power generated from its growing renewable energy investment portfolio to double over the next five years. The share of renewables in CDC’s total energy portfolio will increase from 32% to around 70% over the same period as new investments come online.
Nick O’Donohoe, CDC Executive Director, recently said: “The financial commitment announced today means that CDC will become a global leader in climate finance in Africa and South Asia. The COP tries to make concrete commitments for action, and this is reflected in a doubling of our financial support to the countries most affected by the devastation of the climate emergency. ”Billions of US dollars invested in climate finance in Africa and South Asia.
The organization’s portfolio with more than 1000 investments will be net zero by 2050 at the latest.
How To Find Early Stage Venture Capital Investment in Africa
Securing early-stage venture capital (VC) investment is a pivotal milestone for startups in Africa, fostering growth, innovation, and market expansion. Let’s consider a strategic approach for entrepreneurs seeking early-stage VC in Africa, with a particular focus on Caban Capital in the UK and Caban Investments in South Africa as potential sources of investment.
- Understand the Venture Capital Landscape:
Before embarking on the journey to secure early-stage VC, entrepreneurs must gain a deep understanding of the venture capital landscape in Africa. Research prominent VC firms, such as Caban Capital in the UK and Caban Investments in South Africa, to comprehend their investment focus, sectors of interest, and track record in supporting early-stage startups.
- Craft a Compelling Business Proposition:
A compelling business proposition is the cornerstone of attracting early-stage VC investment. Entrepreneurs should refine their business plans, clearly articulating the problem their startup addresses, the solution it provides, the market opportunity, and the potential for scalable growth. Highlighting the unique value proposition is crucial for capturing VC attention.
- Identify the Right VC Partners:
Not all VC firms are alike, and finding the right partners is paramount. Research Caban Capital in the UK and Caban Investments in South Africa to understand their investment criteria, industry preferences, and geographic focus. Align your startup’s profile with the specific interests and expertise of potential VC partners.
- Network and Build Relationships:
Building relationships is fundamental in the VC world. Attend industry events, networking functions, and engage with the startup ecosystem to connect with potential investors. Caban Capital and Caban Investments are likely to appreciate entrepreneurs who actively seek opportunities to build meaningful connections within the investment community.
- Leverage Online Platforms:
Explore online platforms and networks that connect startups with potential investors. Caban Capital and Caban Investments may participate in such platforms to discover promising ventures. Ensure your startup is well-represented on these platforms, providing comprehensive information that attracts investor interest.
- Showcase Traction and Milestones:
VC investors are attracted to startups that demonstrate traction and achievements. Showcase key milestones, customer acquisition data, revenue growth, and any notable partnerships or product developments. A track record of progress enhances your credibility and positions your startup as a compelling investment opportunity.
- Prepare a Solid Pitch:
Entrepreneurs should be prepared to present a solid pitch that succinctly communicates the essence of their startup. Whether in written materials, pitch decks, or face-to-face presentations, clearly convey the business case, market potential, and the impact of VC investment on achieving key milestones.
- Address Risks and Mitigation Strategies:
Investors are risk-averse, and entrepreneurs should proactively identify and address potential risks associated with their startups. Caban Capital and Caban Investments will appreciate a comprehensive understanding of risks, coupled with well-thought-out mitigation strategies, showcasing your strategic thinking and risk management capabilities.
- Seek Advice from Mentors and Advisors:
Leverage the expertise of mentors and advisors who have experience with VC funding. Their insights and guidance can be invaluable in refining your approach, preparing for due diligence, and navigating the nuances of early-stage VC negotiations.
- Be Open to Collaboration and Feedback:
The VC funding process involves collaboration and open communication. Be receptive to feedback, adapt your approach based on investor input, and demonstrate a willingness to collaborate. Entrepreneurs who show flexibility and responsiveness are more likely to build strong partnerships with investors like Caban Capital and Caban Investments.
Navigating early-stage venture capital investment in Africa requires a strategic and comprehensive approach. Entrepreneurs should thoroughly understand the VC landscape, craft compelling business propositions, identify suitable VC partners such as Caban Capital and Caban Investments, build meaningful relationships, leverage online platforms, showcase traction and milestones, prepare solid pitches, address risks, seek advice from mentors, and remain open to collaboration. By following these strategic steps, entrepreneurs can increase their chances of securing early-stage VC investment, unlocking the capital needed for growth and success in the dynamic African startup ecosystem.
Early stage venture capital investment in Africa, is one of the areas which have increased in focus in recent years. Entrepreneurs focussing in technology and innovation across Sub-Saharan Africa have had a fair amount of success in raising funding, with 2021 seen as another milestone in the volume of investment going into Africa. This announcement of early stage venture capital investment in Africa by the CDC at COP26 this week will be another boost for early stage businesses across te continent.
