Janngo Capital

Overview

Janngo Capital, a pioneering venture capital firm, was established to invest in and support African startups, with a strong focus on gender equality. Founded by Fatoumata Bâ, Janngo Capital is headquartered in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, with operations extending to Europe through an office in Paris. The firm recently made headlines by closing its second fund at $78 million, surpassing its target by 20%. Since its inception, Janngo Capital has been dedicated to providing much-needed financial support and capacity building to startups, particularly those led by women and addressing key social challenges in Africa.

Recent Developments

  • October 2024: Janngo Capital finalized its second investment fund at $78 million. This fund aims to empower female entrepreneurs by offering comprehensive support beyond finance, including mentorship, strategic guidance, and networking opportunities. This initiative places Janngo Capital as the largest gender-equal tech venture capital firm in Africa, reaffirming its commitment to supporting technologically-driven startups in the continent.
  • March 2024: Janngo Capital welcomed a €4 million ($4.3 million) equity investment from Tunisia's Smart Capital ANAVA fund. This partnership reinforces Janngo's focus on Francophone African startups and enhances funding opportunities specifically for businesses founded or co-founded by women.
  • 2023 Developments: Throughout 2023, Janngo Capital expanded its influence in the tech sector, exemplified by its recognition with the Gender Equality Award at the Africa CEO Forum. This accolade acknowledges Janngo's impactful work with a portfolio where 56% of the companies are women-led or benefiting women.

Company Information

AttributeInformation
Founding Date2018
HeadquartersAbidjan, Ivory Coast
FoundersFatoumata Bâ
RevenueNot publicly disclosed
ProfitsNot publicly disclosed
Key InvestorsEuropean Investment Bank (EIB), African Development Bank (AfDB), Mastercard Foundation, International Finance Corporation (IFC)
IndustryVenture Capital, Technology
Number of EmployeesApproximately 10 professionals

Early History

Founded in 2018 by Senegalese entrepreneur Fatoumata Bâ, Janngo Capital emerged from her vision to leverage technology and venture capital for development across Africa. Bâ, formerly an executive at Jumia, understood the vast potential that digital innovation could play in addressing systemic market failures in Africa. The firm was set up to address the severe underrepresentation of women in leadership positions within the tech industry and to bridge the funding gap experienced by female founders. Janngo Capital's early strategic vision was to build an inclusive financial ecosystem that capitalizes on underutilized talent across the continent while also delivering robust financial returns to its investors.

Company Profile and Achievements

Janngo Capital operates with a distinctive business model that focuses on enhancing digital transformations and economic growth in Africa. By targeting early-stage investments in tech and tech-enabled startups, Janngo Capital positions itself as a key player in fostering innovation:

  • Investment Strategy: Janngo Capital invests in areas crucial to sustainable development goals, such as healthcare, education, and financial services, focusing on sectors that alleviate digital literacy gaps.
  • Milestones:
    1. Established their first major fund in 2020, with an initial commitment of €60 million aimed at gender-equal investment.
    2. Successfully closed its second investment vehicle at $78 million in 2024, making it the largest gender-focused tech fund in Africa.
    3. Launched innovative partnerships with the European Investment Bank and the African Development Bank, which support Janngo's agenda of promoting diversity and inclusion in the venture capital landscape.

Current Operations and Market Position

Currently, Janngo Capital stands at the forefront of venture capital in Africa, particularly in empowering women-led businesses. The firm is active across multiple sectors, with investments ranging across fintech, agritech, healthcare, and logistics, among others. Their unique model provides both financial and strategic consulting to portfolio companies, aiming for significant social impact in addition to financial success. Janngo Capital has gained a reputation for not only funding but also building capacity in entrepreneurship, ensuring that African startups can sustain and scale over time. As a leader in gender-focused investments, Janngo Capital is significantly influencing the African VC landscape and setting standards for diversity and inclusion.

Conclusion

Janngo Capital's trajectory signifies a powerful movement within the African venture capital scene, focusing on the untapped potential of female-driven enterprises. By directing capital towards diverse founders and emphasizing technological solutions to societal problems, the firm is making critical inroads in gender equality and economic development within tech ecosystems across Africa. With continued strategic investments and partnerships, Janngo Capital is well-positioned to expand its role in fostering equitable growth and contributing to a more sustainable economic future on the continent.

References

  1. Disrupt Africa: Janngo Capital reaches final close of $78M gender-equal VC fund
  2. Techpoint Africa: Janngo Capital closes €73 million fund for African startups
  3. TechMoran: Janngo Capital closes its second fund at $78 million
  4. Semafor: Janngo Capital raises largest fund led by Africa-born woman
  5. Capital FM - Kenya: Janngo Capital closes second fund at $78M