Introduction
While it is not very popular in Kenya, angel investors play a crucial role in providing funding for startups and early-stage businesses, contributing to innovation and economic growth. It is essentially another way of capitalizing on investment opportunities. Angel investing is a form of early-stage investment where individuals, known as angel investors, provide capital to startup businesses in exchange for ownership equity or convertible debt. Angel investors are typically entrepreneurs or individuals with extensive business experience who not only offer financial support but also provide mentoring, support, and access to contacts.
Listed below are part of an Angel community located throughout Kenya. They may act as an individual or as a syndicate to fund projects of their preference, so these networks are the best opportunity for you to find a potential Angel with an aligned vision and interests.
Lokal Capital
- Stage: Preseed
- Focus: Sector Agnostic
- Portfolio: ElevateHR, Shukran, Kinetic
- Contact
Lokal Capital Angel Network Model
Lokal Capital operates a community-based venture capital model designed to enable local angel investors to participate in transformative local innovations. The model empowers local investors by connecting them to local venture investment opportunities and giving them the tools and support needed to succeed. Key aspects of this model include:
- Community Involvement: Lokal Capital leverages the power of the community to foster innovation and economic growth. This approach brings together successful professionals, domain experts, novice and experienced angel investors, and entrepreneurs.
- Simplified Investment Structure: Lokal Capital offers a streamlined and accessible investment process, making it easier for angel investors to engage without the complexity typically associated with venture capital.
- Accelerative Capital: Beyond financial investment, Lokal Capital provides startups with comprehensive support, including mentorship, advisory services, and practical tools such as GTM frameworks, engineering practices, data management, and storytelling capabilities.
How to Join Lokal Capital's Angels Network
Joining Lokal Capital’s Angel Investors Network involves several steps aimed at integrating investors into the community-based model and ensuring they are well-prepared to engage in venture investing. Here’s how to join:
- Express Interest: Potential investors can start by expressing their interest in joining the network, likely through Lokal Capital’s website.
- Onboarding Process: Lokal Capital likely has an onboarding process where new investors are introduced to the platform, the investment process, and the available tools and resources.
- Community Engagement: Investors are encouraged to participate in the community, attending events, networking with other investors, and collaborating on.
- Start Investing: Once onboarded, investors can begin evaluating and investing in startups that align with their interests and goals, leveraging Lokal Capital’s simplified investment structure and support system.
By joining Lokal Capital, angel investors can actively contribute to local innovation, support economic growth, and achieve significant returns on their investments.
Kenya Investment Network
- Stage: Seed, Series A
- Focus: Sector Agnostic
- Notable Portfolio:
- Contact
Kenya Investment Network is an angel investment platform where founders can pitch their projects and state their funding requirements to find angels. The platform also allows founders to browse through several angel investor members on the website and contact them directly.
Nairobi Business Angel Network
- Stage: Pre Seed, Seed
- Focus: Sector Agnostic
- Notable Portfolio: Mosmos, AMP, Rescue,co, Uncover, BuuPass, Rubyx
- Contact
NaiBAN is a community of technology-enabled startup founders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and tech enthusiasts who support and invest in tech startups. Made up of over 100 business angels, their aim is to be entrepreneur-first investors who actively promote startups by providing advice, contacts, and capital for founders.
Viktoria Business Angels Network
- Stage: Seed
- Focus: EdTech, HealthTech, ICT
- Notable portfolio: -
- Contact
ViKtoria Business Angels Network (VBAN) syndicates local and international investor capital into seed stage investments in tech startups in East Africa.
VBAN Members benefit from training and networking opportunities with experienced investors, startups and industry leaders. The ViKtoria Ventures team provides deal sourcing, structuring, investor syndication, due diligence, post investment monitoring and leads the investment into every startup presented to network members.
African Business Angel Network
- Stage: Seed, Series A
- Focus: Sector Agnostic
- Notable Portfolio: -
- Contact
ABAN, standing for African Business Angel Network, is the largest pan-African association of angel investment networks with over 56 member networks in more than 40 African countries and the Diaspora. They exist as the contact point for various networks, in which founders may browse through their network directory to find relevant networks in their region.
Conclusion
Angel investors play a pivotal role in the growth and development of startups in Kenya, offering not only financial backing but also valuable mentorship and networking opportunities. The top 5 angel investor communities listed above—Lokal Capital, Kenya Investment Network, Nairobi Business Angel Network (NaiBAN), Viktoria Business Angels Network (VBAN), and African Business Angel Network (ABAN)—represent a vibrant and diverse ecosystem supporting entrepreneurial endeavours across various stages and sectors. These networks offer a platform for startups to connect with potential investors who share their vision and ambition. For entrepreneurs in Kenya looking to kickstart or elevate their ventures, tapping into these communities can be a game-changing move towards securing the necessary funding and guidance to thrive in the competitive business landscape.
