Antler Lagos has unveiled its first three portfolio startups following the completion of its inaugural eight-week residency program, marking a new phase for the global venture capital firm’s operations in Africa. The initiative aims to help founders build scalable, impact-driven businesses from the earliest stage through mentorship, funding, and global networks. The Lagos program strengthens the city’s position as a fast-rising innovation hub while extending Antler’s footprint across key African markets.
Early-Stage Acceleration for African Founders
The Lagos residency program focuses on founders who possess deep expertise and a clear mission to address real-world challenges. Over two months, participants refine their ideas, validate demand, and prepare for investment through hands-on mentorship and access to technology resources. The approach blends structured venture building with community support, ensuring startups move from concept to operational readiness faster than traditional incubation models.
The First Portfolio: Raba, Cubbes, and Forti Foods
Antler’s debut Lagos portfolio highlights ventures tackling finance, education, and food security—three sectors central to Africa’s development. Raba provides lease-to-own financing for small and medium-sized businesses through equipment dealers, improving access to essential assets that drive productivity. Cubbes offers an AI-powered learning platform for university students, while Forti Foods delivers fortified, ready-to-eat meals designed for institutional and retail distribution.
Raba: Powering SME Growth Through Flexible Financing
Raba addresses one of Africa’s major bottlenecks—limited access to affordable equipment financing for SMEs. Its platform enables equipment dealers to embed financing solutions directly into their sales channels, simplifying ownership for businesses across manufacturing and agribusiness. By linking liquidity, dealer tools, and risk management, Raba contributes to boosting productivity and strengthening local supply chains.
Cubbes: Reinventing Digital Learning for African Students
Cubbes centralizes study materials and learning tools through a single digital platform built for higher-education students. The company uses artificial intelligence to create adaptive flashcards, tutors, and planners that help learners organize coursework and improve outcomes. With thousands of users across Nigeria and Uganda, it represents the next generation of personalized edtech solutions emerging from Africa.
Forti Foods: Scaling Nutrition and Food Access
Forti Foods develops fortified, shelf-stable meals tailored to African diets and supply constraints. Its products cater to institutional feeding, defense programs, and retail consumers, combining convenience, cultural relevance, and long shelf life. The company’s model integrates nutrition with sustainability, reducing food waste while promoting locally sourced production across regional markets.
Building an Inclusive Pipeline of Innovation
Through the Lagos program, Antler is establishing a foundation for early-stage founders who often lack access to structured funding and mentorship. The firm’s model combines capital with operational guidance, helping entrepreneurs build resilient businesses from day one. By connecting founders to global experts and peers, Antler strengthens Africa’s pipeline of investor-ready startups capable of scaling beyond local borders.
The launch of Antler’s first Lagos portfolio reflects rising confidence in Nigeria’s startup landscape and its capacity to generate globally competitive ventures. With additional cohorts planned, Antler is positioning Lagos as a launchpad for high-growth companies addressing challenges in finance, education, health, and sustainability. This milestone demonstrates how localized venture-building can translate Africa’s talent and creativity into enduring economic impact.