Development Partners International LLP (DPI), a renowned private investment firm with a significant focus on Africa, has launched DPI Venture Capital to support and cultivate early-stage companies that positively impact the continent’s burgeoning middle class. DPI’s strategic move leverages its 18-year history of backing innovation-led enterprises and its extensive reach across 43 African countries. This venture aims to take advantage of the unique opportunities available in the region by investing in fintech and other sectors poised for growth.
DPI Takes Over Nclude Innovation Fund
DPI’s Strategic Move in the Fintech Sector
DPI’s recent acquisition as the investment adviser for the Nclude Innovation Fund LP, a fintech investment fund based in Egypt, marks a significant step forward. Since its inception just three years ago, Nclude has successfully invested over $28 million in nine transactions, including prominent companies like Paymob, Khazna, Flapkap, and Connect Money. Supported by major national banks in Egypt and international financial services-focused LPs, including Mastercard, the fund also has the capacity to allocate up to 30% of its commitments outside Egypt. By targeting the broader Middle East and Africa region, Nclude aims to assist companies in expanding into the Egyptian market, thereby fostering greater financial inclusion. Given Egypt’s strategic importance, DPI has recognized the potential for tremendous growth and innovation within its borders. Over the past five years, DPI has invested approximately $850 million in Egypt. The company aims to harness the power of digitization through its portfolio firms, such as MNT-Halan and Kazyon, which are at the forefront of technological innovation in the region. With oversight of Nclude’s $105 million in assets, DPI seeks to develop a thriving fintech ecosystem in Egypt, thereby enhancing financial inclusion and supporting the digital transformation agenda of the country.
Leveraging Existing Relationships and Expertise
The launch of DPI Venture Capital and DPI’s involvement with the Nclude Innovation Fund consolidates the firm’s position as a leading Africa-focused private investment advisor. Managed by Ashley Lewis and supported by a team of seasoned professionals, including general partner Mohamed Aladdin, DPI Venture Capital is poised to capitalize on the underpenetrated African venture capital market. Lewis points out that Africa’s venture capital ecosystem remains significantly underexplored, presenting considerable opportunities for impactful investments.
DPI Venture Capital intends to capitalize on Nclude’s established relationships with key investors and tech innovators in Egypt. By leveraging these connections, DPI can enhance its investment capabilities and support the growth of pioneering companies in the fintech sector. This strategic alignment not only strengthens DPI’s investment portfolio but also fosters a collaborative environment that accelerates digital innovation and financial inclusion across the region. The firm is committed to identifying and nurturing startups that have the potential to make profound changes in the African financial landscape.
DPI’s Commitment to Innovation and Growth
Fostering a Thriving Fintech Ecosystem
DPI’s strategic expansion into venture capital through the launch of DPI Venture Capital and the Nclude transaction underscores its dedication to fostering growth and innovation in Africa’s fintech landscape. By concentrating on Egypt, a priority market where DPI has already invested a substantial amount, the firm aims to leverage its longstanding commitment to digitization and financial inclusion. DPI’s investment in MNT-Halan, a leading fintech company, and Kazyon, a dominant grocery retailer, reflects the firm’s strategic focus on companies driving substantial technological innovation. Through DPI Venture Capital, the firm seeks to utilize its extensive experience and networks to identify and support startups that can offer innovative solutions to the challenges faced by the African market. This initiative aligns with DPI’s broader objective of building a robust platform that not only nurtures early-stage companies but also drives broader financial inclusion and technological advancement. By fostering a vibrant fintech ecosystem, DPI aims to contribute meaningfully to the economic development of the region.
Building a Sustainable Investment Platform
DPI’s strategic move into the venture capital space is designed to create a sustainable investment platform that offers diverse opportunities while positively impacting the African investment landscape. The firm’s ambition to support early-stage companies through DPI Venture Capital and the Nclude Innovation Fund is part of a broader strategy to drive financial inclusion and digital transformation across Africa. By focusing on the fintech sector, DPI is well-positioned to help bridge the gap between traditional financial services and the growing need for digital solutions. This initiative is expected to bring significant benefits to the African economy, including job creation, increased access to financial services, and enhanced economic stability. DPI’s commitment to fostering innovation and growth through strategic investments in the fintech sector underscores its role as a key player in shaping the future of Africa’s financial landscape. By supporting startups that address critical financial needs and driving technological advancements, DPI aims to create a lasting impact that transcends the immediate financial returns.
A Vision for the Future
Development Partners International LLP (DPI), a leading private investment firm renowned for its substantial focus on Africa, has announced the launch of DPI Venture Capital. This new initiative aims to support and nurture early-stage companies that have a significant positive impact on the continent’s burgeoning middle class. Drawing on an 18-year track record of backing innovation-driven enterprises, DPI leverages its extensive network spanning 43 countries across Africa to identify and foster growth opportunities. The firm’s strategic move with DPI Venture Capital is designed to maximize the unique prospects available in the region, particularly by investing in fintech and other high-growth sectors. DPI’s venture seeks to contribute to the economic vitality of Africa by fueling startups poised to offer transformative solutions. The emphasis on early-stage companies reflects DPI’s commitment to fostering innovation and development, aligning with its goal to create sustainable, long-term value within the African market. The initiative is expected to attract significant interest from investors looking to capitalize on the continent’s dynamic economic landscape.