East Africa the cheapest region to start a business - Savannah Fund

http://www.ventures-africa.com/2014/06/east-africa-the-cheapest-region-to-start-a-business-savannah-fund/?utm_source=Monday,+30th+June+2014&utm_campaign=PR,+Africa+Business,+Africa+Economy,+Africa+Entrepreneur,+Ventures+Africa&utm_medium=email

"VENTURES AFRICA – Startups can easily get their footing in East Africa as the cost of setting up a business in the region is the lowest in sub-Saharan Africa, a recent research by venture capital (VC) group, Savannah Fund has revealed...."

PineBridge Investments

http://www.pinebridge.com/ 

"PineBridge Investments East Africa is a leading fund manager in the region with experience dating back to 1998.

Investment Strategies Offered to Local Clients

PineBridge Investments East Africa provides fund management and investment advisory services to East African segregated pension funds and other institutional investors. We directly invest client assets in local equity and fixed income instruments. In addition, our clients have access to a variety of offshore investment products. Our sizable investment team adheres to a highly disciplined investment process that is driven by detailed fundamental research.

Investment Strategies Offered to Foreign Investors

PineBridge Investments East Africa also sub-advises pan-African investment strategies available to foreign investors. Our investment process is grounded in capitalising on market inefficiencies that exist due to limited sell-side coverage of Sub-Saharan African equity markets. Our on the ground presence, coupled with a strong network and ready access to the markets, provides us with a significant advantage when investing in the region...."

Acumen Fund

"As a non-profit, we raise charitable donations that allow us to make patient long-term debt or equity investments in early-stage companies providing reliable and affordable access to agricultural inputs, quality education, clean energy, healthcare services, formal housing, and safe drinking water to low-income customers...."

http://acumen.org/

Jacana Partners

"Jacana Partners’ East and West Africa funds are
managed by teams based out of Nairobi and Accra.

To find out more, please contact:

West Africa

Chris Biney
cobiney@mustardgh.com
cobiney@fcplgh.com
www.mustardgh.com

East Africa

Steven Otto
sotto@jacanapartners.com
steven.otto@inreturncapital.com
+254 715 599 660
+31 6 51 833 976

Jordan Filko
jfilko@jacanapartners.com
jordan.filko@inreturncapital.com
+254 725 705 773"

 http://www.jacanapartners.com/

Oiko Credit

Oikocredit is a worldwide cooperative and social investor, providing funding to the microfinance sector, fair trade organizations, cooperatives and small to medium enterprises.

Loans

Over the years, we’ve developed a range of financial products that can be tailored to meet the needs of each specific partner.

We give loans instead of grants as we believe that loans are more effective for achieving economic productivity. Loans create a real business partnership based on mutual respect.

Credit lines

We provide credit lines which are generally shorter term, more flexible loan arrangements. For example, if a borrower requires working capital for a few months within a year.

Interest is paid only on the amounts drawn down at any one point. A 1% maintenance fee is paid on the total approved amount of the credit line.

Equity investments

Oikocredit has a diverse and growing portfolio of equity investments. We invest in equities for dual returns: development impact (social performance) and capital gains. Oikocredit equity investments seek to collaborate with companies that are aligned in bringing people out of poverty.

When we invest in a company, our aim is to assist that company in becoming stronger and more effective in reaching its goals to the benefit of stakeholders and intended beneficiaries. This means that Oikocredit has an active role in the governance of investee companies and makes sure that we add value to them. This includes providing advice and contacts, offering technical assistance where appropriate and making sure that the company complies with environmental, social and governance requirements.

If there is a sound balance between the company’s social, financial and environmental objectives, this usually adds to the value of the company. 

Long-term investment horizon

Our equity investments have a long-term investment horizon, are demand-driven and flexible, and can range from € 50,000 to € 5 million. We can provide equity or quasi-equity (including convertible debt) tailored to meet the needs of potential investee institutions.

Our equity partners are often looking for strong institutional shareholders which:

• share their mission and values
• bring expertise and insight to the organization
• focus on social as well as financial returns...."

http://www.oikocredit.coop/ 

Inside Capital Partners

"Inside is an independent private equity manager aiming to seize value creation opportunities in the Indian Ocean and East Africa region through equity investment in close partnership with entrepreneurs.

Inside supports medium-sized enterprises through close and active support, aiming to ensure the development of their businesses in a fast moving economical environment.

Founded in 2013, Inside is active in the region through its office in Mauritius and in East Africa, and through a network of partners wishing to promote the emergence of the region’s dynamism.

Inside believes that focussing on selected geographies and enterprises, while leveraging on a network of operational and business expertise, are the keys to value creation...."

 http://www.insidecapital.net/

Fusion Capital

"Fusion Capital is part of the Fusion Group of businesses.  We are a hybrid business financing and private equity house, designed around the needs of local businesses in the emerging economies of East and Central Africa.  We operate from Nairobi, Kigali, Kampala and Dar es Salaam.

Currently, we are focused on the opportunities of the East African marketplace, but we have plans to expand to the Great lakes region and beyond as our capital base expands.

Targeted funding solutions

Fusion Capital invests through four main programmes:

SME Financing: amounts from as low as $1,000,000 up to $20,000,000. This is the historic core of our business, and we have financed literally hundreds of businesses’ growth across the East African Community. To qualify for our SME Financing, your business should be well established (at least three years of growth), be profitable, and have a well-considered business plan for growth.

Corporate Financing: amounts from $1,000,000 to $20,000,000. If your business has truly moved beyond the pack, we are able to take you further, with our bespoke financing solutions. To qualify, your business should have a well-rounded management team, and a sustainable competitive advantage in its chosen market.

Real Estate Financing: amounts from $3,000,000 to $20,000,000. All across the region, Fusion is financing the development of the buildings which dynamic economies need: from affordable housing, to luxury residential developments to office blocks, warehousing and factories. Fusion invests through well-tried SPV structures, normally having a controlling interest and working closely with real estate entrepreneurs.

Money Market operations: Fusion is an active player in the Bond and Equity markets in its countries of operation, where it enjoys close collaborative relationships with banks and other key institutions...."

 http://www.fusioncapitalafrica.com/