Equitable Ventures has announced the addition of two new Venture Partners, Hilda Moraa and Wesley Billett, marking a strategic step in strengthening its reach and expertise across Africa’s fintech ecosystem. Both are accomplished founders with deep regional experience who will support Equitable Ventures in identifying and backing the next generation of high-impact entrepreneurs. The move underscores the firm’s commitment to fostering localized, inclusive, and disruptive innovation across the continent.
Hilda Moraa Joins as East Africa Venture Partner
Based in Nairobi, Hilda Moraa brings a wealth of experience as the CEO and founder of Pezesha, one of East Africa’s leading fintech startups focused on financial inclusion. Over the years, Moraa has built scalable digital lending solutions that connect small businesses to affordable working capital, helping bridge the region’s financing gap. Her understanding of regulatory dynamics, market behavior, and ecosystem growth will be instrumental in shaping Equitable Ventures’ investment lens in East Africa.
Wesley Billett Strengthens Presence in Southern Africa
Joining from South Africa, Wesley Billett serves as CEO and co-founder of Happy Pay, one of the country’s fastest-growing fintech platforms. His first-hand experience in product scaling, customer acquisition, and market execution gives him a practical perspective on what it takes to thrive in South Africa’s competitive financial landscape. At Equitable Ventures, Billett will help identify promising ventures in the region, offering founders hands-on support in scaling sustainable fintech solutions.
Leadership Commitment to African Innovation
The appointment of Moraa and Billett complements Equitable Ventures’ leadership team, which includes Managing Partner Fabrice and Analyst Marc, both recognized for their extensive engagement in Africa’s venture capital scene. Fabrice has been a key figure in African VC since 2017, leading Katapult’s African investments and leveraging over 13 years of experience across MCB Equity Fund and Compass. Having evaluated more than 2,000 startups and led investments in over 25 firms, he continues to play a pivotal role in enabling growth and mentorship within the ecosystem.
A Global and Collaborative Perspective
Marc, who joined Equitable Ventures in early 2023, brings an academic background from ESSEC and UC Berkeley, along with professional experience across multiple industries and cities, including Milan, Singapore, New York, and San Francisco. His cross-sectoral expertise and global perspective complement the firm’s mission to build bridges between Africa and international investors. Together, the team embodies the firm’s ethos of being “Native, Disruptive, Collaborative, and Inclusive,” ensuring investments align with Africa’s unique entrepreneurial dynamics.
Strengthening the Firm’s Strategic Vision
With these appointments, Equitable Ventures reinforces its vision of driving equitable and sustainable growth in Africa through venture capital. By engaging experienced founders like Moraa and Billett, the firm aims to bridge the gap between investors and entrepreneurs while accelerating access to funding, mentorship, and ecosystem connections. Their combined presence will enhance deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio management across multiple markets.
The expansion of Equitable Ventures’ leadership reflects a broader commitment to empowering African founders through local insight and international best practices. As the continent’s fintech sector continues to evolve, the firm’s strengthened team positions it to play an even greater role in shaping the future of inclusive finance. With a growing portfolio and a network of visionary leaders, Equitable Ventures continues to champion the next wave of African innovation and entrepreneurship.