This $2.5 million fund will focus on identifying and investing in the most promising early-stage startups with innovative solutions for climate, energy, and agriculture.

EchoVC, driven by the vision to become the Sequoia Capital for underestimated founders and markets, has established its presence with offices in Lagos, Nairobi, New York, and London.

The firm currently has a portfolio of nearly seventy companies, spanning a diverse range of sectors, including smart planet, healthcare, education, agriculture, climate, energy, AI, financial services, mobility, commerce, media, and connectivity.

The EchoVC Eco Pilot Fund I is designed to serve as a catalyst for very-early-stage enterprise development and innovation in climate, energy, and agriculture.

By targeting these critical sectors, the fund aims to foster sustainable solutions that not only address environmental challenges but also empower communities and contribute to an income uplift for all.

Through this pre-seed fund, EchoVC intends to identify and support the most promising startups with the potential to revolutionize climate, energy, and agriculture.

The firm’s investment strategy will focus on early-stage ventures that are poised to disrupt traditional industries and propel sustainable development across Africa and beyond.

The program aims to identify ten high-potential ventures and provide them with the necessary resources and network to accelerate their growth trajectory.

Over the course of 28 months, selected entrepreneurs will gain access to the Endeavor ScaleUp methodology, which encompasses expert mentorship, immersive business development training, fundraising support, and a strong peer network of seasoned entrepreneurs.

This comprehensive approach is designed to empower founders to overcome the challenges and seize the opportunities that come with scaling their businesses.

“Scaling high-growth companies is crucial for fostering a vibrant and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in East Africa,” stated Maryanne Ochola, Managing Director of Endeavor Kenya.

“The Endeavor ScaleUp Program is a catalyst for ambitious local founders to leverage our global expertise and curated services to propel their businesses to new heights.”

To be eligible for the first cohort, early-stage businesses must be headquartered in East Africa, operate with a tech or tech-enabled business model, and have a demonstrable track record of success.

Applicants must also have achieved a minimum of $500,000 in annual recurring revenue, demonstrate year-on-year growth of at least 50%, and be actively contributing to job creation or providing responsible financial services at scale.

The Endeavor ScaleUp Program is a testament to Endeavor Kenya’s unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial landscape in East Africa.

The fund, backed by private investors and family offices, will continue to support innovative early-stage ventures driving growth and transformation in the region.

Established in 2018 under the leadership of Benoit Delestre, Samuel Touboul, and Cynthia Mandjek, Saviu Ventures has emerged as a pioneer in the Francophone African VC landscape.

With a team of seven experienced investors and operators strategically positioned across Abidjan, Dakar, and Paris, Saviu Ventures has established a deep understanding of the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and investment opportunities.

To date, Saviu Ventures has invested in 12 promising startups, primarily from Francophone Africa, including Anka, Julaya, Zanifu, Lapaire, and Paps.

With the first close of Saviu II, reaching EUR12 million (US$13 million), the firm is poised to continue its mission of nurturing and empowering the next generation of Francophone African entrepreneurs.

Aligned with its predecessor, Saviu II will focus on seed to Series A investments in early-stage African startups, with a strong emphasis on Francophone Africa.

The fund’s sector-agnostic approach allows it to identify and support innovative tech or tech-enabled ventures across diverse industries such as fintech, e-health, edtech, climate-tech, and e-commerce.