Since launching in 2016, The Baobab Network has become one of Africa’s most active early-stage investors. Built on the belief that African founders can create transformative impact and returns when equipped with capital, mentorship, and networks, the firm blends a structured accelerator model with long-term portfolio support. Today, Baobab has backed over 65 startups in more than a dozen African countries, deploying $100,000 cheques and connecting founders to a global community.
Leadership Grounded in Entrepreneurial and Global Experience
Managing Partners Niama El Bassunie and Art Chupeau lead Baobab’s mission to empower African tech founders, supported by co-founders Tom Fairburn and Toby Hanington, whose combined expertise in marketing, corporate strategy, finance, and entrepreneurship brings operational depth and a strong grasp of Africa’s venture ecosystem.
A Targeted Approach to Early-Stage Growth
Baobab’s 12-week remote-first accelerator helps African pre-seed and seed tech startups achieve product-market fit, gain traction, and prepare for fundraising through an initial two weeks of intensive consulting followed by tailored support from venture partners and sector experts. Sector-agnostic and focused on asset-light, tech-enabled ventures, the firm invests in exchange for a 12.5% equity stake, providing not only capital and structured mentorship but also lifetime access to its investor and alumni network, with additional growth opportunities through a co-investment vehicle and strategic partnerships.
Pan-African Reach, Diverse Portfolio
From its headquarters in Nairobi, Baobab has built a portfolio that spans Africa’s leading innovation hubs and emerging markets. Notable portfolio companies include Terminal Africa (logistics), Hadi (edtech), Lemonade Payments (fintech), and Rentscore (proptech). Its recent investment in Morocco’s VOVE ID demonstrates Baobab’s commitment to backing high-potential startups in North Africa and beyond. With over 65 investments to date, the firm’s reach extends into multiple sectors, from fintech and logistics to identity verification and payments, reflecting its sector-agnostic thesis.
By combining targeted capital, deep operational guidance, and a pan-African network, The Baobab Network continues to position itself as a catalyst for scaling African innovation. Its approach reflects a long-term vision: building sustainable, scalable ventures that can shape the continent’s economic future.