Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Trianon, Mauritius, Silverbacks Holdings backs high-growth startups across Africa. Operating with a lean team, the firm deploys a permanent capital model, favoring investments that generate USD-denominated revenues. Its mission is to support “dominant-platform builders in underserved markets,” particularly in fintech, tech, digital health, sports, and the creative economy.
Anchored in a Resilient Investment Strategy
Silverbacks is not a traditional venture capital fund—it operates with a long-term, LP-driven structure that allows for flexibility and tailored liquidity. The firm invests through a mix of GP partnerships, direct deals, and secondaries, offering LPs partial exits to enhance capital recycling. With investment tickets around $2 million, it targets companies that have already achieved product-market fit, aiming for 3–5× gross MOIC, with the potential for outsized returns.
Standout Exits and Billion-Dollar Valuations
Silverbacks’ track record reflects the power of its strategy. In June 2025, it announced two partial exits: Lemfi returned 29×, and Omniretail delivered a 5× return. With 5–15 exits and 15–25 core investments, the firm’s total portfolio valuation exceeds $10 billion. Its approach has made it one of the continent’s most efficient capital recyclers, combining strategic patience with high-growth risk appetite.
A Portfolio of Africa’s Digital Champions
The firm’s portfolio includes some of Africa’s most valuable and fastest-growing startups: Flutterwave, Wave, Moove, Sabi, Kuda, Shuttlers, and Reliance. It also holds stakes in nine venture capital firms, such as Launch Africa and LoftyInc, amplifying its exposure across sectors and regions. These investments span fintech, mobility, e-commerce, and the creative economy—sectors central to Africa’s digital transformation.
Executive Leadership with Global Reach
At the core of Silverbacks’ strategy is Ibrahim Sagna, Executive Chairman and veteran financier with over $30 billion in executed transactions across Africa and global markets. With experience spanning the IMF, Afreximbank, and Africa Finance Corporation, Mr. Sagna drives investment strategy, governance, and investor relations. He also holds leadership roles in sports and media, including ownership of the Cape Town Tigers and co-executive producing a Netflix series rated top 10 globally in 2024.
A Diverse and Experienced Management Team
Silverbacks’ leadership includes Nima Yussuf, Chief Operating Officer and Board Executive Director, who brings expertise from the Gabonese Sovereign Wealth Fund, Goldman Sachs, and the Rwandan entrepreneurial ecosystem. Dina Kamel, Director of PR and Communications, leads regional outreach and media strategy, with experience spanning MENA institutions and global campaigns.
A Strategic Shift Toward Media and Entertainment
In a signal of its expanding vision, Silverbacks recently added Sanford R. Climan to its advisory board. A veteran media executive and producer of acclaimed films like The Aviator, Climan brings Hollywood expertise to Silverbacks’ growing interest in media, entertainment, and cultural infrastructure. His involvement reflects the firm’s intention to deepen investments at the intersection of content, technology, and consumer engagement across Africa.
From Sports to Startups: A Multi-Sector Playbook
Silverbacks is uniquely positioned at the nexus of sectors—its portfolio bridges traditional VC areas like fintech and mobility with sports franchises, media ventures, and digital creative platforms. From backing basketball champions to building tech startups, the firm supports platforms with regional relevance and global scalability. This cross-sector strategy allows Silverbacks to identify emerging consumer trends and monetize them across verticals.
Redefining Liquidity and Capital Recycling
One of Silverback’s most innovative features is its liquidity model. Unlike many early-stage investors, the firm offers partial exits to LPs, balancing long-term conviction with short-term flexibility. This structure allows the firm to remain invested while giving investors early returns—a critical feature in Africa’s evolving financial landscape. It’s a modern model for capital recycling in markets often starved of liquidity.
A Blueprint for Long-Term Value Creation
Silverbacks Holdings isn’t just betting on startups—it’s helping shape the ecosystem itself. By focusing on resilient business models, repeat founders, and USD revenue streams, the firm provides a blueprint for sustainable investing in Africa. It combines financial rigor with creative vision, making it a critical player in sectors that define Africa’s future.
As Africa cements its role in the global innovation landscape, Silverbacks is building the infrastructure for the continent’s next tech giants. Its strategy merges patient capital with operational insight, cross-border networks, and global media fluency. More than an investor, Silverbacks is a platform enabler—powering African founders to scale businesses that not only grow, but endure.