Global VC with dedicated Africa programs and a 2,700+ company network
500 Global (formerly 500 Startups) is one of the world’s most active global VCs with dedicated Africa programs. Has backed more than 100 African portfolio companies since 2011, including Chipper Cash, Smile Identity and Stitch. The standard cheque for accepted startups is about US$220,000, allocated through its global hubs, so African founders compete against international applicants rather than a regional pool. Provides global network access across their 2,700+ company portfolio worldwide.
Use when
You want both funding and access to a massive global VC network, and can benefit from 500 Global’s Silicon Valley and emerging market connections.
Skip when
You are counting on an accelerator to lead your round. Accelerator participation in African funding rounds has thinned sharply, and the Nairobi programme is thematically narrow, so check the current cohort focus before building a plan around it.
Status (21 Sep 2026): still investing in Africa, but without a dedicated African entry point. The standard cheque for accepted startups is about US$220,000, allocated through global hubs, so African founders compete against international applicants rather than a regional pool. It runs a Sustainable Innovation Seed Accelerator in Nairobi, eight weeks, for seed-stage companies in mobility, energy, agriculture and the built environment, as part of UNDP's timbuktoo initiative. More than 100 African portfolio companies since 2011, including Chipper Cash, Smile Identity and Stitch.
Alternatives
South African seed and Series A VC backed by RMI Holdings
Cairo-based VC investing in North African and Arab tech startups
Pan-African angel network connecting startups with operators and diaspora investors
