The Renew Venture Lab: EmFi Series is a virtual, investor-led program for African technology founders who are building embedded finance and alternative lending solutions for SMEs. Launched by pan-African investment firm Renew Capital, the program supports startups integrating financial services into existing platforms or using alternative data to develop credit products. Its goal is to help selected companies strengthen their strategy, become investment-ready, and access potential follow-on funding.
Program Overview
• Program Goal: To help founders become investment-ready by building a strong embedded finance strategy and a credible alternative lending offering.
• Structure: A virtual program combining self-paced learning modules with live sessions led by experienced operators and investors.
• Investment Path: Selected participants may be shortlisted for direct engagement with Renew Capital’s investment team and potential co-investors.
Key Differentiators
• Investor-Led Approach: The program is designed and delivered with direct input from active investors, giving founders visibility into how investment decisions are made.
• Practitioner-Led Sessions: Participants learn from operators and specialists with hands-on experience in embedded finance, credit, and lending across African markets.
• Clear Path to Capital: The program is structured to prepare top companies for investment consideration through pitch review and diligence readiness.
• Network Access: Founders join a network of investors, operators, and fellow entrepreneurs across Africa and the diaspora.
Participant Outcomes
• Strengthen Your Strategy: Refine your embedded finance and lending roadmap with market-relevant guidance.
• Apply Proven Frameworks: Learn practical approaches for building and scaling financial products for SME customers.
• Expand Your Network: Connect with founders, experts, and investors active in embedded finance and fintech.
• Improve Investment Readiness: Build stronger pitch materials, financial models, and data room content for investor review.
• Access Funding Opportunities: High-performing companies may advance to investment consideration with Renew Capital and partners.
Ideal Candidate Profile
• Company Type: Founders of B2B SaaS, fintech, or data-driven platforms serving SMEs in Africa.
• Stage: Companies with early traction and a credible path to scale.
• Focus: Businesses do not need to be traditional fintechs, but they should be integrating or planning to integrate financial services to solve customer needs.
Application Process and Timeline
• Application Deadline: Apply by 30 April 2026 for early consideration.
• Step 1: Apply: Submit an application and receive access to initial program materials.
• Step 2: Screening and Selection: Applications go through a structured review process, and selected companies are invited into the Venture Lab.
• Step 3: Venture Lab: Participants complete modules, join live sessions, and submit required deliverables.
• Step 4: Shortlisting and Pitch: Top-performing companies may be invited to present to Renew Capital’s investment team.
• Step 5: Investment Consideration: Finalists may proceed to further evaluation and due diligence for potential investment.
This selective virtual program is designed to help African founders build stronger financial products, sharpen their investment case, and connect with capital and expertise to support growth. It focuses on companies serving SMEs and using embedded finance or alternative lending models to address financing gaps across the continent.