Founded in 2017 and based in Lagos, Nigeria, LoftyInc Capital Management has steadily grown into one of Africa’s most persistent backers of early-stage technology startups. Built to champion “Afropreneurs”—founders creating tech-enabled solutions for the continent’s everyday economy—LoftyInc was designed to address the systemic shortage of capital between pre-seed and Series A. With a track record of more than 230 deals across 37 countries, the firm has become a key player in Africa’s innovation economy, combining local insight with a diaspora-backed capital network.
Stage-Flexible Investment With Scalable Capital
LoftyInc's investment approach is stage-diverse and impact-driven. While its roots trace back to small $25,000 to $50,000 angel checks in Fund I, the firm now, through its latest fund, writes $50,000 to $250,000 tickets with up to $1 million in follow-on capital. Rather than narrowing its focus, LoftyInc has broadened its reach—targeting startups in FinTech, HealthTech, ClimateTech, EdTech, AI, and beyond—so long as they solve Africa-first problems with scalable, tech-enabled solutions.
A Pan-African Footprint With Global Reach
Geographically, LoftyInc remains committed to pan-African coverage, with core activity in Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and Francophone West Africa, alongside select diaspora-linked ventures. This flexibility, matched with repeatable due diligence processes and high-touch founder engagement, has helped LoftyInc back both unicorns and fast-scaling challengers. The firm’s approach ensures capital isn't just deployed—it is paired with mentorship, local know-how, and long-term alignment.
Founders With Global Credentials and Local Roots
The leadership behind LoftyInc combines high-impact global experience with deep African entrepreneurial understanding. Founding Partner Idris Ayodeji Bello, often described as “the original Afropreneur,” brings a cross-sector résumé that spans global corporations like Procter & Gamble, Chevron, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative. He also founded Afropreneurs Angels, a network of 100+ executives of African origin supporting tech ventures across sectors.
Partners Bridging Capital and Impact
Alongside Bello, Marsha Wulff offers decades of investing experience across emerging markets, having advised on deals in India, China, South America, and sub-Saharan Africa. Her work with institutions like Stanford’s Institute for Innovation in Developing Economies and Middlebury’s Frontier Market Scouts Program reflects her long-standing commitment to mission-aligned capital. Rounding out the founding team is Michael Oluwagbemi, an engineer-MBA hybrid with extensive infrastructure development experience and regulatory insight across Nigeria and the U.S.
Backing Africa’s Breakout Startups
LoftyInc’s investment record includes some of Africa’s most talked-about startups. Early bets on Flutterwave and Andela helped solidify its reputation as a talent spotter and a conviction-based investor. The portfolio has since expanded to include companies like Reliance Health, Moove, Wave Mobile, Chefaa, and Omnibiz, with exits in companies such as SHYFT Power Solutions validating LoftyInc’s long-game strategy.
A Portfolio That Delivers Returns and Impact
With more than ten realized exits, the firm is beginning to see its early-stage theses translate into tangible liquidity. Beyond returns, LoftyInc tracks its broader impact footprint, citing over 6,000 jobs created and alignment with nine Sustainable Development Goals. Its ability to combine financial performance with developmental outcomes makes it a standout player among Africa-focused venture capital firms.
Alpha Fund Marks a Strategic Leap Forward
The March 2025 first close of the $43 million Alpha Fund marks LoftyInc’s most ambitious vehicle to date, designed to plug the continent’s Series A funding gap. Its latest investment, Salus Cloud, an AI-native DevSecOps platform, brought in strong co-investors such as P1 Ventures, Atlantica Ventures, and Zedcrest Group, reinforcing the fund’s strategic edge. The Alpha Fund reflects a broader maturation of LoftyInc’s model—combining early conviction with late-seed firepower and co-investor syndication at scale.
LoftyInc Capital Management was built to back bold, African-led ventures from inception through inflection. Eight years in, its stage-flexible, sector-relevant approach—anchored by a globally seasoned leadership team—has turned early cheques into market-moving exits. With its Alpha Fund now live and active, LoftyInc is not just funding Africa’s startup ecosystem—it is helping shape the next generation of founders into continental and global category leaders.