TLDR:
- Orange Ventures Africa is a corporate venture fund with a portfolio of startups such as Terragon, SudPay, Gebeya, Julaya, Chari, and Yoco.
- Orange Ventures aims to invest in startups that complement the operations of its parent company, Orange Group, with €350 million in assets under management.
Orange Ventures Africa, founded in 2015, is actively transforming Africa’s startup ecosystem through strategic investments. The fund focuses on startups that align with the operations of its parent company, the Orange Group. With a diverse portfolio that includes startups like Terragon, SudPay, Gebeya, Julaya, Chari, and Yoco, Orange Ventures Africa is one of the most active corporate venture funds in Africa. The fund has €350 million in assets under management and recently announced a partnership to co-invest in African startups with Digital Africa.
Orange Ventures Deputy CEO, Brelotte Ba, discussed the fund’s approach to investing at the GITEX Morocco event. Orange Ventures stands out from other VCs due to its presence in 18 countries and strong assets, allowing for synergies with startups. Ba highlighted Orange Ventures’ focus on nurturing and connecting startups with its ecosystem, leveraging its 153 million customers across 17 markets.
Orange Ventures’ investment strategy revolves around identifying market trends and operational capabilities. The fund allocates over €1 billion annually to extend coverage, provide network infrastructure, and deliver services like mobile money through Orange Money. Additionally, Orange Ventures offers solar home systems through Orange Energy, aiming to reach 1 million customers.
When it comes to exits, Orange Ventures evaluates startups based on market dynamics, technology, and team capabilities. While the fund prefers long-term investment, it works closely with startups to align exit strategies with business priorities. Looking ahead, Orange Ventures sees significant potential in partnerships and investments in areas like AI, digital customer care, and logistics.
Orange Ventures sees a promising future for Africa’s startup ecosystem, driven by a young population, innovation, and increasing connectivity. Ba emphasized the continent’s diverse dynamics, predicting the emergence of multiple tech hubs like Silicon Valley across countries like South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Egypt. As Africa’s largest operator, Orange is confident in its evolving role in shaping the continent’s digital landscape.
