Algebra Ventures, a Cairo-based venture capital firm established in 2016, has become a consistent backer of high-growth technology companies across Egypt and Sub-Saharan Africa. Active and founder-focused, the firm operates with a lean team of while managing two funds and more than 35 investments. With ticket sizes ranging from $500,000 to $5 million, Algebra positions itself as a multi-stage partner from seed through Series B, pairing capital with hands-on support to help startups scale efficiently and sustainably.
Investment Thesis and Strategy
Algebra Ventures targets sectors where technology can unlock immediate, measurable improvements in access, efficiency, and inclusion. Its core focus spans fintech, agritech, edtech, logistics, and healthcare, domains that directly intersect with everyday consumer and enterprise needs across African markets. By concentrating on these categories, the firm taps into large addressable markets and structural tailwinds, from financial digitization to resilient food and health systems. Geography-wise, Algebra invests primarily in Egypt while actively pursuing opportunities across Sub-Saharan Africa, leveraging its regional networks to syndicate deals and accelerate portfolio expansion.
Portfolio and Performance
Since launching its $54 million first fund in 2016—and a follow-on $100 million second fund in 2022—Algebra has backed some of Egypt’s most notable technology companies. Its roster includes category leaders such as YolaFresh, Sylndr, Khazna, and MNT-Halan. The firm reports over five exits to date, alongside portfolio acquisitions such as Little Thinking Minds and Orcas, signaling steady maturation within its asset base. Beyond headline names, Algebra’s portfolio breadth reflects disciplined deployment across its priority sectors, with a bias toward resilient business models built for operational rigor and regional scale.
Platform Approach
Algebra emphasizes that it is more than a source of capital. The firm operates as a growth platform, offering strategic guidance, access to co-investors, and talent development to help founders recruit and retain high-caliber teams. This approach is rooted in the leadership’s track record: over the past 15 years, Algebra’s partners have invested in more than 100 companies, translating pattern recognition into pragmatic counsel. As a result, founders gain an embedded operating partner able to support product iteration, go-to-market refinement, governance, and subsequent fundraising.
Leadership Spotlight
Managing Partner Karim Hussein brings deep technical and operating expertise, particularly in healthcare and financial services. A technology veteran and active mentor, Hussein founded and chairs D-Kimia Diagnostic Solutions, a company developing fast, affordable, and accurate medical diagnostics using nanotechnology to combat the Hepatitis C epidemic. His prior roles include SVP, Products and Engineering at WebMD, co-founder and CTO of Riskclick, and a senior associate post at Booz Allen & Hamilton. Hussein holds a PhD in Information Systems from MIT and dual BSc degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, and has served on multiple boards across Egypt and the U.S.
Managing Partner Tarek Assaad complements this with an investing pedigree that spans formative chapters of Egypt’s tech ecosystem. Before Algebra, he managed $50 million in venture investments at Ideavelopers, where he led the investment in Fawry, the first venture-backed company to go public in Egypt and to reach unicorn status. His early career as an engineer at Lucent Technologies and software developer at SAQQARA Systems in Silicon Valley informs a builder’s perspective. Assaad holds a BSc in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Ain Shams University and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Recent Developments
Algebra’s second, $100 million fund continues to expand its limited partner base, with Avanz Capital Egypt joining as an LP. On the deal side, Octane secured $5.2 million in a round led by Shorooq, Algebra Ventures, and SC Holding, underscoring Algebra’s active deployment and collaborative syndication strategy in the current market.
From its base in Cairo, Algebra Ventures has built a durable presence in African venture by coupling multi-stage capital with operator-grade support in sectors that matter. With two funds, more than 35 investments, and seven exits, the firm’s momentum reflects both disciplined selection and sustained portfolio engagement. As new LPs come on board and fresh rounds close Algebra’s platform remains well positioned to back the next generation of transformative technology companies across Egypt and Sub-Saharan Africa.