# Startup.Africa

> The founder's reference library: guides, analysis and a deal archive on how African startups raise money. South Africa first. Published by Startup.Africa; contact info@startup.africa. Content is dated; items in the deal archive and programmes archive are historical and may be out of date.

## Start here

- [About](https://www.startup.africa/about/)
- [Glossary](https://www.startup.africa/glossary/): plain-English definitions of startup and venture terms
- [Sitemap](https://www.startup.africa/sitemap.xml)

## Fundraising guides

- [African Startup Exit Strategies: A Guide for Founders and Investors](https://www.startup.africa/african-startup-exit-strategies-a-guide-for-founders-and-investors/) (2026-04-30)
- [How to Build a Startup ESOP in Africa: A Complete Founder’s Guide](https://www.startup.africa/how-to-build-a-startup-esop-in-africa-a-complete-founders-guide/) (2025-12-05)
- [Anti-Dilution Strategies for  Startups: A Complete Guide](https://www.startup.africa/anti-dilution-strategies-for-startups-a-complete-guide/) (2025-12-02)
- [2025 Guide to African IP Laws for Startups and Investors](https://www.startup.africa/2025-guide-to-african-ip-laws-for-startups-and-investors/) (2025-11-25)
- [2025 Guide to African Startup Liquidity: Insights from the Stears-VP Index](https://www.startup.africa/2025-guide-to-african-startup-liquidity-insights-from-the-stears-vp-index/) (2025-11-21)
- [The 2025 Startup Growth and Profitability Guide](https://www.startup.africa/the-2025-startup-growth-and-profitability-guide/) (2025-11-19)
- [2025 VC Pitch Deck Guide: How African Funds Raise Capital from LPs](https://www.startup.africa/2025-vc-pitch-deck-guide-how-african-funds-raise-capital-from-lps/) (2025-10-21)
- [GRC Is Critical for African Startups to Scale and Fundraise (2025 Guide)](https://www.startup.africa/grc-is-critical-for-african-startups-to-scale-and-fundraise-2025-guide/) (2025-10-10)
- [Understanding the 2 & 20 VC Fee Model: A Guide for Startups and Investors](https://www.startup.africa/understanding-the-2-20-vc-fee-model-a-guide-for-startups-and-investors/) (2025-09-26)
- [Series B Funding Guide for Startups: Metrics, Investors & Valuation](https://www.startup.africa/series-b-funding-guide-for-startups-metrics-investors-valuation/) (2025-09-16)
- [Early Traction Metrics for Pre-Revenue Startups](https://www.startup.africa/early-traction-metrics-for-pre-revenue-startups/) (2025-09-05)
- [Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs): A Guide for Startups and Investors](https://www.startup.africa/technology-readiness-levels-trls-a-guide-for-startups-and-investors/) (2025-09-03)
- [Investment Rights in Startup Funding: What Founders Must Know](https://www.startup.africa/investment-rights-in-startup-funding-what-founders-must-know/) (2025-08-26)
- [Series A Funding Guide: How Startups Secure Venture Capital](https://www.startup.africa/series-a-funding-guide-how-startups-secure-venture-capital/) (2025-08-22)
- [How to Build a Revenue Growth Model for Your Startup](https://www.startup.africa/how-to-build-a-revenue-growth-model-for-your-startup/) (2025-08-05)
- [Startup Valuation Methods Every Founder Must Understand](https://www.startup.africa/startup-valuation-methods-every-founder-must-understand/) (2025-08-01)
- [Seed Funding for Startups: A Practical Guide for Startup Founders](https://www.startup.africa/seed-funding-for-startups-a-practical-guide-for-startup-founders/) (2025-07-31)
- [Preference Shares Explained: A Guide for SA Startups](https://www.startup.africa/preference-shares-explained-a-guide-for-sa-startups/) (2025-07-22)
- [Convertible Loans for Startups: SA Guide to Early Funding](https://www.startup.africa/convertible-loans-for-startups-sa-guide-to-early-funding/) (2025-07-18)
- [Equity vs Debt Funding for Startups: SAFEs, Valuation & Dilution Explained](https://www.startup.africa/equity-vs-debt-funding-for-startups-safes-valuation-dilution-explained/) (2025-07-02)
- [Legal Essentials for SA Startup Founders: Vesting & Cap Tables](https://www.startup.africa/legal-essentials-for-sa-startup-founders-equity-vesting-cap-tables/) (2025-06-27)
- [How to Raise Startup Funding Without Revenue in 2025](https://www.startup.africa/how-to-raise-startup-funding-without-revenue-in-2025/) (2025-06-17)

## Venture capital and investors

- [How SA Startups Can Scale into Africa: What Investors Want](https://www.startup.africa/how-sa-startups-can-scale-into-africa-what-investors-want/) (2025-10-03)
- [Top Funded Startups in Africa (2019–2025): Key Trends and Insights](https://www.startup.africa/top-funded-startups-in-africa-2019-2025-key-trends-and-insights/) (2025-09-25)
- [The 'Founder’s Test': How VCs Assess Startup Founders](https://www.startup.africa/the-founders-test-how-vcs-assess-startup-founders/) (2025-08-12)
- [Knife Capital: South African VC Backing Top Tech Startups](https://www.startup.africa/knife-capital-south-african-vc-backing-top-tech-startups/) (2025-07-18)
- [What Investors Want: How to Build the Perfect Startup](https://www.startup.africa/what-investors-want-how-to-build-the-perfect-startup/) (2025-07-11)
- [Venture Studios in South Africa: Models & Comparison](https://www.startup.africa/venture-studios-in-south-africa-models-comparison/) (2025-05-27)
- [Top Global VC Firms Fuelling South Africa’s Startup Boom in 2025](https://www.startup.africa/top-global-vc-firms-fuelling-south-africas-startup-boom-in-2025/) (2025-05-23)
- [Venture Capital in South Africa: A Startup’s Guide](https://www.startup.africa/venture-capital-in-south-africa-a-startups-guide-to-funding-stages-investor-alignment-and-strategic-growth/) (2025-05-06)
- [Guide to African Venture Capital: Where and How to Raise Funds](https://www.startup.africa/guide-to-african-venture-capital-where-and-how-to-raise-funds/) (2025-04-11)

## Country and ecosystem guides

- [African Startup Ecosystems 2026: South Africa Leads as Cape Town Surges Ahead](https://www.startup.africa/african-startup-ecosystems-2026-south-africa-leads-as-cape-town-surges-ahead/) (2026-06-05)
- [Top African Startup Sectors to Watch in 2026: A VC and Investor Guide](https://www.startup.africa/top-african-startup-sectors-to-watch-in-2026-a-vc-and-investor-guide/) (2026-01-20)
- [2025 Guide to the Tunisia Startup Act: Benefits, Funding & Investor Opportunities](https://www.startup.africa/2025-guide-to-the-tunisia-startup-act-benefits-funding-investor-opportunities/) (2025-11-14)
- [Cabo Verde Startup Ecosystem 2025: Tech Hub Growth, Funding and VC Opportunities](https://www.startup.africa/cabo-verde-startup-ecosystem-2025-tech-hub-growth-funding-and-vc-opportunities/) (2025-11-04)
- [Ghana Startup Ecosystem 2025: Top Sectors, Funding Trends & Policy Insights](https://www.startup.africa/ghana-startup-ecosystem-2025-top-sectors-funding-trends-policy-insights/) (2025-10-31)
- [Kenya Startup Bill 2025: What Investors and Founders Need to Know](https://www.startup.africa/kenya-startup-bill-2025-what-investors-and-founders-need-to-know/) (2025-10-28)
- [Egypt Startup Ecosystem 2025: Funding, Sectors and VC Trends](https://www.startup.africa/egypt-startup-ecosystem-2025-funding-sectors-and-vc-trends/) (2025-10-24)
- [Nigeria’s Startup Act: A 2025 Guide for Startups and Investors](https://www.startup.africa/nigerias-startup-act-a-2025-guide-for-startups-and-investors/) (2025-10-17)
- [Top Startup Sectors in Nigeria: 2025 Investor Guide](https://www.startup.africa/top-startup-sectors-in-nigeria-2025-investor-guide/) (2025-10-15)
- [Guide to Startup Policies and Strategies in Africa](https://www.startup.africa/startup-policies-and-investment-strategies-in-africa-2025/) (2025-08-29)
- [Africa’s Top Startup Sectors: Fintech, Energy & Health](https://www.startup.africa/africas-top-startup-sectors-fintech-energy-health/) (2025-07-29)
- [Africa’s Top 4 Startup Hubs in 2025: SA, Kenya, Nigeria & Egypt](https://www.startup.africa/africas-top-4-startup-hubs-in-2025-sa-kenya-nigeria-egypt/) (2025-07-25)
- [Johannesburg Ranked Best Startup Ecosystem in South Africa in 2025](https://www.startup.africa/johannesburg-ranked-best-startup-ecosystem-in-south-africa-in-2025/) (2025-05-22)
- [Everything You Need to Know about the SA Startup Act Movement](https://www.startup.africa/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-sa-startup-act-movement/) (2025-05-16)

## Start and scale

- [Top 10 African Startups to Watch in 2026: Fintech, AI & Climate Leaders](https://www.startup.africa/top-10-african-startups-to-watch-in-2026-fintech-ai-climate-leaders/) (2026-01-14)
- [How to Start a Tech Startup in Africa (2025 Guide)](https://www.startup.africa/how-to-start-a-tech-startup-in-africa-2025-guide/) (2025-10-07)
- [How SA Startups Scale: Lessons from Top Founders](https://www.startup.africa/how-sa-startups-scale-lessons-from-top-founders/) (2025-07-15)
- [Top SA Startups to Watch in 2025](https://www.startup.africa/top-sa-startups-to-watch-in-2025/) (2025-05-09)
- [Why Customer Experience Is Crucial for Startup Success](https://www.startup.africa/why-customer-experience-is-crucial-for-startup-success/) (2025-05-02)
- [A Practical Guide to Building AI Agents for your Startup](https://www.startup.africa/a-practical-guide-to-building-ai-agents-for-your-startup/) (2025-04-30)
- [How to Build a Successful Tech Startup in South Africa](https://www.startup.africa/how-to-build-a-successful-tech-startup-in-south-africa/) (2025-04-17)

## Analysis

- [Why South Africa Has Become Africa's Digital Infrastructure Investment Capital](https://www.startup.africa/why-south-africa-has-become-africas-digital-infrastructure-investment-capital/) (2026-04-02)
- [South Africa’s SME Funding Problem Isn’t Capital — It’s Execution](https://www.startup.africa/south-africas-sme-funding-problem-isnt-capital-its-execution/) (2026-03-13)
- [Kenya Leads African Startup Funding in 2025 as Big Four Dominate](https://www.startup.africa/kenya-leads-african-startup-funding-in-2025-as-big-four-dominate/) (2026-01-23)
- [Start-up vs SME: Why Most African Founders Shouldn’t Seek Venture Capital](https://www.startup.africa/start-up-vs-sme-why-most-african-founders-shouldnt-seek-venture-capital/) (2025-11-28)
- [Why African Startups Must Localise to Scale Across Markets](https://www.startup.africa/why-african-startups-must-localise-to-scale-across-markets/) (2025-09-19)
- [Why Niche Fintech Startups Are Thriving in South Africa](https://www.startup.africa/why-niche-fintech-startups-are-thriving-in-south-africa/) (2025-09-11)
- [Why Africa’s Industrial Revolution Needs More VC Backing](https://www.startup.africa/why-africas-industrial-revolution-needs-more-vc-backing/) (2025-08-20)
- [Why VCs Must Invest in South African Tech Startups](https://www.startup.africa/why-vcs-must-invest-in-south-african-tech-startups/) (2025-05-12)

## Accelerators and programmes (includes archived calls for applications)

- [Giga Accelerator Opens Applications for African Tech Startups](https://www.startup.africa/giga-accelerator-opens-applications-for-african-tech-startups/) (2025-09-02)
- [Google for Startups Accelerator Opens for SA AI Startups](https://www.startup.africa/google-for-startups-accelerator-opens-for-sa-ai-startups/) (2025-08-18)
- [Sanlam Fintech Accelerator Now Open](https://www.startup.africa/sanlam-fintech-accelerator-now-open/) (2025-07-29)
- [Visa Opens 2025 Africa Fintech Accelerator Applications](https://www.startup.africa/visa-opens-2025-africa-fintech-accelerator-applications/) (2025-07-16)
- [Applications Open for EY SDG Accelerator for Women Entrepreneurs](https://www.startup.africa/applications-open-for-ey-sdg-accelerator-for-women-entrepreneurs/) (2025-06-11)
- [Applications Now Open for Meta’s Llama Impact Accelerator in Africa](https://www.startup.africa/applications-now-open-for-metas-llama-impact-accelerator-in-africa/) (2025-06-06)
- [SA Govt Launches R1 Million Tech Challenge](https://www.startup.africa/sa-govt-launches-r1-million-tech-challenge/) (2025-05-21)
- [Top Tech Incubators and Accelerators in South Africa (2025 Guide)](https://www.startup.africa/top-tech-incubators-and-accelerators-in-south-africa-2025-guide/) (2025-05-20)
- [Applications Open for K-Startup Grand Challenge](https://www.startup.africa/applications-open-for-k-startup-grand-challenge/) (2025-05-13)
- [Flutterwave Launches 2-day Virtual Accelerator for Young Africans](https://www.startup.africa/flutterwave-launches-2-day-virtual-accelerator-for-young-africans/) (2025-04-23)
- [Applications Open for 2025 BRICS Women’s Startup Contest](https://www.startup.africa/applications-open-for-2025-brics-womens-startup-contest/) (2025-04-22)
- [Applications Open for TIA x Savant Seed Fund](https://www.startup.africa/applications-open-for-tia-x-savant-seed-fund/) (2025-04-02)
- [Darkies in Tech Unveils Startup Competition, The Titan’s Turf](https://www.startup.africa/darkies-in-tech-unveils-startup-competition-the-titans-turf/) (2025-04-01)
- [Applications Open for Africa Tech Week Awards](https://www.startup.africa/africa-tech-week-awards-applications-are-open/) (2025-03-31)
- [Innovation City in Cape Town’s Startup of the Year Competition Returns](https://www.startup.africa/innovation-city-in-cape-towns-startup-of-the-year-competition-returns/) (2025-03-31)
- [SAVCA Opens Nominations for 2025 Industry Awards](https://www.startup.africa/savca-opens-nominations-for-2025-industry-awards-2/) (2025-03-28)
- [Google Opens Applications for 2025 Hustle Academy Programme](https://www.startup.africa/google-opens-applications-for-2025-hustle-academy-programme/) (2025-03-25)
- [Startup Club ZA Opens Applications for THE BIG PITCH 2025](https://www.startup.africa/startup-club-za-opens-applications-for-the-big-pitch-2025/) (2025-03-25)

## Deal archive (2025-2026, historical)

- [Fintech and Logistics Dominate African Start-up Funding in H1 2026](https://www.startup.africa/fintech-and-logistics-dominate-african-start-up-funding-in-h1-2026/) (2026-07-31)
- [African Startup Funding Hits $1.4 Billion in H1 2026 as June Sparks Recovery](https://www.startup.africa/african-startup-funding-hits-1-4-billion-in-h1-2026-as-june-sparks-recovery/) (2026-07-10)
- [PURA Beverages Secures R260M Funding to Drive Global Expansion](https://www.startup.africa/pura-beverages-secures-r260m-funding-to-drive-global-expansion/) (2025-10-01)
- [Airnergize Capital Fund I: CleanTech Investment in Africa](https://www.startup.africa/airnergize-capital-fund-i-cleantech-investment-in-africa/) (2025-09-30)
- [Contactable Raises $13.5M to Scale Digital ID Platform Across Africa](https://www.startup.africa/contactable-raises-13-5m-to-scale-digital-id-platform-across-africa/) (2025-09-29)
- [Canal+ Completes MultiChoice Takeover](https://www.startup.africa/canal-completes-multichoice-takeover/) (2025-09-23)
- [Mustek Invests R7 Million in Local AI Marketplace Startup Business AI](https://www.startup.africa/mustek-invests-r7-million-in-local-ai-marketplace-startup-business-ai/) (2025-09-22)
- [Africa Startup Funding Drops to $2.8B in 2025 as Fintech, Cleantech Lead](https://www.startup.africa/africa-startup-funding-drops-to-2-8b-in-2025-as-fintech-cleantech-lead/) (2025-09-17)
- [SA's Float Raises R46 Million in Funding to Accelerate Growth](https://www.startup.africa/sas-float-raises-r46-million-in-funding-to-accelerate-growth/) (2025-09-10)
- [African Startup Funding Hits $93M in August 2025 Despite Slowdown](https://www.startup.africa/african-startup-funding-hits-93m-in-august-2025-despite-slowdown/) (2025-09-08)
- [SA EdTech Startup The Invigilator Raises R195M for Global Expansion](https://www.startup.africa/sa-edtech-startup-the-invigilator-raises-r195m-for-global-expansion/) (2025-09-04)
- [REdimension Capital Closes R250M Proptech Fund](https://www.startup.africa/redimension-capital-closes-r250m-proptech-fund/) (2025-08-20)
- [Nedbank Acquires Fintech iKhokha in R1.65 Billion Deal to Boost SME Banking](https://www.startup.africa/nedbank-acquires-fintech-ikhokha-in-r1-65-billion-deal-to-boost-sme-banking/) (2025-08-14)
- [Cerebrium Raises $8.5M to Scale Serverless AI Platform](https://www.startup.africa/cerebrium-raises-8-5m-to-scale-serverless-ai-platform/) (2025-07-15)
- [Standard Bank Invests R400m in Paymenow to Expand EWA in Africa](https://www.startup.africa/standard-bank-invests-r400m-in-paymenow-to-expand-ewa-in-africa/) (2025-07-11)
- [Kholo Capital Invests R200M in Bayport SA to Tackle Employee Debt](https://www.startup.africa/kholo-capital-invests-r200-million-in-bayport-sa-to-tackle-employee-debt-and-boost-financial-wellness/) (2025-07-10)
- [Stitch Acquires Efficacy Payments to Launch Direct Card Clearing in SA](https://www.startup.africa/stitch-acquires-efficacy-payments-to-launch-direct-card-clearing-in-sa/) (2025-07-10)
- [African Startups Raise $365M in June, Totalling $1.4B in H1 2025](https://www.startup.africa/african-startups-raise-365m-in-june-totalling-1-4b-in-h1-2025/) (2025-07-04)
- [Wave Secures €117M to Expand Mobile Money in Africa](https://www.startup.africa/wave-secures-eu117m-to-expand-mobile-money-in-africa/) (2025-07-01)
- [Open Access Energy Raises $1.8M to Scale SA Energy Tech](https://www.startup.africa/open-access-energy-raises-1-8m-to-scale-sa-energy-tech/) (2025-06-19)
- [African Startups Secure $254M in May 2025, Topping $1B YTD](https://www.startup.africa/african-startups-secure-254m-in-may-2025-topping-1b-ytd/) (2025-06-10)
- [Vital Capital Invests in Vastpoint to Transform Land Ownership in Emerging Markets](https://www.startup.africa/vital-capital-invests-in-vastpoint-to-transform-land-ownership-in-emerging-markets/) (2025-06-10)
- [Anza Capital Launches Fund II, Appoints Robert E. Williams](https://www.startup.africa/anza-capital-launches-fund-ii-appoints-robert-e-williams/) (2025-05-30)
- [Zero Carbon Charge Secures R100 Million from DBSA for Off-Grid EV Network](https://www.startup.africa/zero-carbon-charge-secures-r100-million-from-dbsa-for-off-grid-ev-network/) (2025-05-28)
- [AURA Raises R273M to Expand Emergency Response Tech to US](https://www.startup.africa/aura-raises-r273m-to-expand-emergency-response-tech-to-us/) (2025-05-21)
- [African Startups Defy Odds: April 2025 Funding Surge Hits $343M](https://www.startup.africa/african-startups-defy-odds-april-2025-funding-surge-hits-343m/) (2025-05-07)
- [Stitch Secures $55 Million in Latest Funding Round](https://www.startup.africa/stitch-secures-55-million-in-latest-funding-round/) (2025-04-11)
- [Peach Payments Acquires West-African Payments Gateway PayDunya](https://www.startup.africa/peach-payments-acquires-west-african-payments-gateway-paydunya/) (2025-04-07)
- [Local AI Startup NOSIBLE Raises $1 million in pre-Seed Funding](https://www.startup.africa/local-ai-startup-nosible-raises-1-million-in-pre-seed-funding/) (2025-03-28)
- [Renew Capital Invests in NjiaPay To Enhance Payment Efficiency for Businesses in Africa](https://www.startup.africa/renew-capital-invests-in-njiapay-to-enhance-payment-efficiency-for-businesses-in-africa/) (2025-03-28)
- [Jem HR raises R60m In pre-Series A Funding Round Led by Next176](https://www.startup.africa/jem-hr-raises-r60m-in-pre-series-a-funding-led-by-next176/) (2025-03-25)
- [Enza Secures $6 million Investment from Algebra Ventures & Quona Capital](https://www.startup.africa/enza-secures-6-million-investment-from-algebra-ventures-quona-capital/) (2025-03-24)
- [Summit Africa Launches New Fund with $20m Anchor Investment](https://www.startup.africa/summit-africa-launches-new-fund-with-20m-anchor-investment/) (2025-03-18)
- [Microsoft Invests R5.4 billion to Support South Africa’s Digital Transformation](https://www.startup.africa/microsoft-invests-r5-4-billion-to-support-south-africas-digital-transformation/) (2025-03-17)
- [VC Firm Equator Closes $55M Fund to Drive Private Capital to African Climate Tech](https://www.startup.africa/vc-firm-equator-closes-55m-fund-to-drive-private-capital-to-african-climate-tech/) (2025-03-12)
- [Kholo Capital Closes Funding Round of R1.4 Billion](https://www.startup.africa/kholo-capital-closes-funding-round-of-r1-4-billion/) (2025-03-11)
- [EIB Global Invests $75 million in Helios Fund V](https://www.startup.africa/eib-global-invests-75-million-in-helios-fund-v/) (2025-03-11)
- [Flow48 Secures $25 million in pre-Series A Funding Round](https://www.startup.africa/flow48-secures-25-million-in-pre-series-a-funding-round/) (2025-03-11)
- [Lesaka Technologies Completes R507 Million Acquisition](https://www.startup.africa/lesaka-technologies-completes-r507-million-acquisition/) (2025-03-10)
- [South African AgriTech Khula raises R126 million in Series A Funding Round](https://www.startup.africa/south-african-agritech-khula-raises-r26-million-in-series-a-funding-round/) (2025-03-10)