Nigeria’s startup scene is a hive of activity, with investors fostering technological advancements and successful business ventures.
Venture capital firms and angel investors, who identify high-potential opportunities, particularly in the fintech, healthtech, and SaaS sectors, fuel billions of dollars in funding in Nigerian startups.
These backers invest money and mentor founders, accelerating Nigeria’s rise as a central tech hub in Africa.
Leading Nigerian Startup Investors to watch
Venture Platform, founded by Kola Aina, is a powerhouse investor focusing on early-stage startups across fintech, healthtech, SaaS, and enterprise software. Its portfolio shines with names like PiggyVest, Mono, and MDaaS Global.
Techpoint Africa says Venture Platform goes beyond funding by providing mentorship and accelerator programs that nurture startups’ growth.
Microtraction, headed by Yele Bademosi, targets tech ventures poised for billion-dollar markets. It typically offers $100,000 seed investments for around 7% equity with follow-on funding up to $350,000.
Its assets include Cowrywise, BuyCoins, Wallets Africa, and 54gene. Microtraction’s focus on high-growth tech companies has helped build an impressive portfolio of scalable businesses.
EchoVC Partners stands out by backing startups in underrepresented sectors like climate tech and health. With $41 million deployed, it prioritises firms that bring solutions to critical societal challenges, channelling funds into growth-stage companies with promising impact.
Oui Capital invests $250,000 to $500,000 in early-stage startups, emphasising diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship. This focus ensures funding reaches founders who are typically underrepresented, advancing innovation equity in Nigeria’s tech scene.
Knight Ventures runs a three-month accelerator program, helping nascent digital startups quickly refine their business models and scale effectively. Since its launch in 2021, it has fueled multiple promising tech startups in the Nigerian ecosystem.
Verod Kepple Africa Ventures (VKAV) targets growth-stage startups with investments of $1 million to $3 million. VKAV’s investments help startups bridge the gap between seed funding and maturity, propelling Nigerian companies into competitive regional and global players.
Ingressive Capital invests up to $500,000 in early-stage fintech and marketplace startups. Its portfolio and strategic backing bolster Nigeria’s fintech leadership on the continent.
Startups benefiting from these Investors
Key startups gaining from these investors’ backing include PiggyVest, Mono, MDaaS Global, Remedial Health, Chargel, Cowrywise, BuyCoins, Wallets Africa, 54gene, and Chaka. These companies span fintech, healthtech, and SaaS, reflecting Nigeria’s diverse and rapidly evolving tech market.
This cohort of investors propels Nigerian startups by combining financial capital with mentorship and growth programs. Their targeted focus areas, deal sizes, and accelerator initiatives create a robust foundation for Nigerian founders to build scalable, innovative businesses that attract further investment worldwide.
These seven investors set the pace by identifying and nurturing startups shaping Nigeria’s tech economy. Their contributions reflect a vibrant ecosystem with growing opportunities for founders and investors alike. Their contributions highlight Nigeria’s emergence as a centre of tech innovation in Africa, putting many startups on the path to global success.