From London to Lagos, Singapore to Saudi Arabia, a new wave of women investors is shaping Africa’s startup future. Armed with billions in assets under management and a sharp focus on impact, these trailblazers are writing cheques, building funds, and backing bold entrepreneurs across the continent. They range from early-stage venture capitalists to growth equity pioneers—and they are redefining what it means to invest in Africa’s best founders.
Here they are:
- Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, Founding Partner at Aruwa Capital Management, a growth equity fund closing gender gaps across Africa.
- Amoye H., Managing Partner at FoundHers.VC – a $10m, first-mover pre-seed venture fund focused exclusively on women-led tech startups in AI, climate, and digital innovation.
- Ashim Egunjobi, Managing Partner at Octerra Capital, investing pre-seed to Series A across Africa.
- Ashley Lewis, Managing Partner and Head of Venture at Development Partners International (DPI) – a firm with over $3bn AUM across strategies.
- Christine Namara, ex Baobab and now Partner at F6 Ventures Africa Seed Fund – investing into up to 170 startups across Africa over the next 5 years.
- Cristina Ventura Serra, General Partner at White Star Capital and supporter of the AI Venture Lab powered by INSEAD.
- Fope Adelowo, Investor at Helios Investment Partners, the largest Africa-focused private investment firm.
- Maya Horgan Famodu, Founder and Partner at Ingressive Capital, deploying 200k-400k cheques into tech enabled businesses across Africa from their $50m fund II.
- Monica Brand Engel and Adrienne Henderson, Managing Partner and Global Investment Officer respectively at Quona Capital – backing bold fintech innovators expanding financial access globally.
- Niama El Bassunie, CFA. Exited founder of Y Combinator -backed WaystoCap and Managing Partner at Baobab Network.
- Ruta Luobikyte, Partner at Bain & Company Middle East and Angel investor into tech startups across Africa.
- Shiyan K., Managing Partner at Hustle Fund and frequent co-investor into Baobab portfolio companies.
Source: Toby Hanington