NAIROBI, Kenya- African venture capital firm, Founders Factory Africa (FFA), has officially rebranded to 54 Collective, signaling a transformative shift in its mission to support tech ventures across the continent.
This rebrand reflects its ambitious pan-African vision and commitment to helping entrepreneurs thrive in all 54 African countries.
54 Collective’s rebrand isn’t just cosmetic; it represents a strategic evolution in its business model.
The firm is now focused on providing catalytic capital and value-added support through its Venture Success Platform.
This platform is designed to offer comprehensive assistance to ventures from the idea stage to Pre-Series A, ensuring they have the resources needed to scale successfully.
“Our catalytic capital and value-add support to founders through our Venture Success Platform signifies our evolution and ongoing mission to support entrepreneurs across Africa,” said Bongani Sithole, CEO of 54 Collective.
“Our name change to 54 Collective communicates our continued commitment to African founders. We are more supportive than ever of unlocking opportunities for entrepreneurs and ensuring a level playing field for youth and women founders.”
54 Collective stands out in the venture capital landscape by offering both equity and non-dilutive capital, with investments up to $500k.
Female founders receive an additional $150k, highlighting the firm’s commitment to gender inclusivity.
The Venture Success Platform comprises a team of experienced venture specialists who provide tailored support in areas like product development, business strategy, and investor readiness.
This robust support system is designed to help founders navigate complex challenges and prepare them for successful fundraising. The platform also facilitates networking and community-building opportunities, empowering founders to succeed on a global scale.
With seven of the world’s fastest-growing economies located in Africa, the venture capital sector on the continent is burgeoning, yet it still represents less than 1pc of global venture funding.
54 Collective aims to bridge this gap by investing in 105 startups across Africa over the next five years. This goal is driven by the firm’s desire to create sustainable impact in sectors like financial inclusion, healthcare, and job creation.
In 2023, Founders Factory Africa was named one of the top venture capital investors in Africa, boasting an active portfolio of over 50 ventures across 10 countries. To date, the firm has supported more than 70 ventures, helping them raise nearly $140 million in follow-on capital.
“54 Collective is a powerful economic and social force in the African economy,” said Roo Rogers, Executive Chairman and CEO of UTOPIA.
“It is anchored with strong roots on the continent and an exceptional network and reputation across the globe. Together with our sister funds, we continue our mission to redistribute investment and knowledge pathways towards a more inclusive, relevant, and equitable future for the Global South,” Roo added.
