- Seedstars Capital represents an alternative investment platform focused on supporting emerging fund managers and investing in technology companies in emerging and frontier markets.
- Fondation Botnar is a Swiss philanthropic foundation dedicated to improving the health and well-being of young people living in urban areas worldwide.
- The partnership reflects their shared commitment to fostering positive impact through strategic investment.
Switzerland-based investment platforms– Seedstars Capital and Fondation Botnar have launched the Seedstars Youth Wellbeing Ventures mandate targeting Africa. Consequently, they intend to invest $20 million in early-stage, purpose-driven companies. These companies will help improve the well-being of young people in low- and middle-income countries across the continent.
Seedstars Capital represents an alternative investment platform. The platform supports emerging fund managers and invests in technology companies in emerging and frontier markets. Moreover, Fondation Botnar is a Swiss philanthropic foundation dedicated to improving the health and well-being of young people living in urban areas worldwide.
The partnership between Seedstars Capital and Foundation Botnar reflects their shared commitment to fostering positive impact through strategic investment. As such, the mandate will target pre-seed to Series A companies in health services, environmental sustainability, local food security, water and sanitation and waste management. The partnership will also cover digital technologies, quality education, access to employment, financial services, safe transportation, and affordable housing.
Additional capital
Seedstars Youth Wellbeing Ventures will catalyse additional capital into the continent and co-invest alongside like-minded investors. Investments will happen across Africa, focusing on companies active in or expanding to Tanzania, Ghana, Senegal, Morocco, and Egypt.
“Our partnership with Fondation Botnar will combine our strengths and resources to drive meaningful impact in emerging markets,” said Benjamin Langer, Partner at Seedstars Capital.
“Together and with the added strength of our co-investor network, we will identify, invest and scale innovative companies with the potential to transform the lives of young people across our key markets.”
Antoine Veyrassat, Venture Philanthropy Lead at Fondation Botnar, said: “Fondation Botnar is excited to join Seedstars in supporting companies that are making a difference.”
He added: “Our shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of young people aligns strongly with our investment strategy that takes a market-based approach to philanthropy in addition to our other philanthropic funding, especially as rapid urbanization and the increasing number of young people living in cities presents both unique challenges and opportunities.”
Read more: Investing in Africa’s human capital
Making strides in Africa
The partnership between Seedstars and Fondation Botnar has already begun making strides in Africa. One of their first joint investments is Chargel, a Senegal-based logistics technology company.
The venture, which uses technology to streamline operations in the fragmented logistics sector, has raised $2.5 million in seed funding. This move exemplifies the partners’ commitment to backing companies contributing to youth well-being. They help to improve the working conditions of young Senegalese truck drivers.
Cyrine Ben Fadhel is joining Seedstars as an Investment Manager to support the mandate further and drive its mission. She brings years of hands-on experience in venture capital, with past roles at Lateral Frontiers Capital and Global Ventures. Cyrine will act as the main point of contact for the mandate. Her knowledge will be instrumental in identifying and scaling innovative companies across the African continent.
Read more: Africa Climate Ventures Get $1.08M from FSD Africa
About Seedstars Capital
Seedstars Capital represents an alternative investment platform specialized in emerging markets. The platform partners and invests in emerging venture capital fund managers active in complementary sectors in the Pre-Seed to Series A stages across emerging markets. It makes direct co- and follow-on investments in its portfolio companies.
Contrastively, Fondation Botnar advocates for including youth voices and the equitable use of AI and digital technology. The foundation invests in and supports innovative programs and research. It brings together actors from across sectors to create dialogue and partnerships.
Read also: Middle East, Asia banks raise funds for Africa’s Infrastructure
