Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Addis Ababa, Renew Capital is one of Africa’s longest-standing early-stage venture capital firms. With a mission to fuel high-impact startups across the continent, the firm focuses on nurturing innovation where it’s needed most—at the intersection of finance, technology, and social transformation. Over more than 15 years, Renew Capital has built a unique investment model that bridges international capital with local ingenuity.
Pan-African Focus on High-Growth Sectors
Renew Capital targets startups operating in high-potential sectors including FinTech, Transport Tech, Clean Energy, E-commerce & Logistics, and Media. This broad sectoral focus reflects the firm’s ambition to fuel technology-enabled transformation across essential industries. By concentrating on these impact-rich verticals, Renew Capital aims to empower entrepreneurs who are building scalable solutions for Africa’s future.
Investing Early, Catalyzing Growth
As a true early-stage investor, Renew Capital is often among the first institutional backers for young startups. It provides first cheques ranging from $50,000 to $300,000, with a firm-wide average ticket size of $202,000. These investments offer vital early support to entrepreneurs in need of capital and guidance, helping them reach product-market fit and prepare for follow-on rounds.
Beyond Capital: Long-Term Partnership
Renew Capital is more than a source of funding—it’s a committed partner in long-term venture building. The firm engages deeply with its portfolio companies by offering strategic mentoring, governance support, and operational assistance. Its approach helps founders navigate early-stage challenges while setting the foundation for scale, sustainability, and measurable impact.
A Team Built for African Markets
With a team of 51–200 employees, Renew Capital brings together expertise in venture capital, entrepreneurship, development finance, and regional market dynamics. This multidisciplinary team enables the firm to evaluate opportunities with nuance and support startups with tailored, on-the-ground insight. The firm’s leadership remains focused on investing in founders who combine bold ideas with a clear sense of purpose.
Driving Innovation Across the Continent
Renew Capital’s work spans multiple African countries, positioning it as a key player in the continent’s growing startup ecosystem. Whether funding a clean energy startup in East Africa or backing a mobile payment solution in West Africa, the firm is actively fueling the innovation wave that’s transforming local economies and improving lives at scale.
Renew Capital stands at the forefront of Africa’s early-stage investment landscape. With a strong commitment to catalyzing innovation across vital sectors, the firm is helping unlock Africa’s entrepreneurial potential. By combining capital with strategic partnership, Renew Capital is building more than just a portfolio—it’s enabling a new generation of African-led solutions to thrive.