New equity fund targets SMEs

scent, a Kenyan private equity firm, has raised Sh4.3 billion ($50 million) for investment in growth enterprises across Eastern Africa. The company management said the money will be invested in 12 fast-growing small and medium companies in Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia.
Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000129280/new-equity-fund-targets-smes

"Ascent, a Kenyan private equity firm, has raised Sh4.3 billion ($50 million) for investment in growth enterprises across Eastern Africa.
The company management said the money will be invested in 12 fast-growing small and medium companies in Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia...."

 http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000129280/new-equity-fund-targets-smes

The Silicon Savannah - an insider's view

"Nairobi has gotten a lot of press over the past few years as the rising “Silicon Savannah” of Africa – a hub for tech start-ups in Sub-Saharan Africa. Most of the press is legit, but there is also a bit of hype. I’ve been a participant in Nairobi’s tech scene since 2012 when I discovered the iHub, a year after moving here in 2011. I thought I would share my notes here for those who want to get a real picture of what is going on in the “Silicon Savannah.”...."

http://vc4africa.biz/blog/2014/07/18/the-silicon-savannah-an-insiders-view/ 

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/ 

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/