Fund managers with a focus on Africa are invited to apply for the Obuntu Launchpad initiative.
Fund managers with an emphasis on Africa are encouraged to apply for the Obuntu Launchpad program in order to enhance their investment strategy, maximize fund results, and broaden their influence.
Applications for the third cohort of the Obuntu Launchpad program are currently being accepted. The program is run by the Obuntu Foundation, which aims to develop the next generation of fund managers with an emphasis on Africa. Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), a global non-profit organization that promotes entrepreneurship and economic development, is a strategic partner of MEDA.
The 12-month program offers LP engagement opportunities, specialized training, a cooperative network for information exchange and deal flow, and the necessary skills and knowledge for early-stage fund managers to establish and run profitable funds in an African setting.
First-time fund managers investing in belief capital can be supported by MEDA and Obuntu by harnessing the energy of the venture capital ecosystem. This guarantees that successful participants will receive ongoing support, which includes fundraising aid, mentorship, and the promotion of creative fund models that are specifically suited to the needs of African startups. Industry leaders like Lewam Kefela (Partech), Andreata Muforo (TLcom Capital), and Fope Adelowo (Helios) lead workshops for practitioners as part of the fellowship.
The Obuntu Launchpad Fellowship was established in 2022 and has now completed two cohorts of successful applications, providing support to 24 fellows who represent 21 funds with a target Assets Under Management (AUM) of US$281 million. Among the notable alumni are Emmanuel Adegboye, the head of Madica, Thandeka Xaba, general partner at Savant, Aly El Shalakany, managing partner at Acasia, and Yewande Odumoso, founder partner of HoaQ.
The Obuntu Foundation’s goal of fostering a healthy ecosystem of African fund managers will be strengthened by the relationship with MEDA. Through securing substantial investments from domestic and foreign investors, this partnership provides much-needed funding to a continent where entrepreneurs are still underfunded despite having a wealth of promise.
“We are excited to join forces with MEDA, an organisation that shares our passion for empowering African entrepreneurs and driving economic development,” said Wambui Kinya, co-founder of the Obuntu Foundation. “This partnership serves as a validation of our successes to date and will significantly enhance our Launchpad Fellowship, providing our fellows with unparallelled access to MEDA’s vast network, resources, and expertise. “
