Supporting high-potential innovative start-ups

Proparco intends to play a catalytic role in private investment by supporting African startups, directly or through Fisea. The objective is twofold:

1/ to support venture capital funds active on the continent, set up by quality teams capable of developing the companies in which they invest. Since 2015, 4 bridge funds have been supported for an amount of nearly 20 million dollars. They could not have been created without funding from development institutions, which contributed more than 50% to the financing round.

2/ Invest directly in high-impact startups, which use technology to lower the cost of access to goods and services for local populations and thus promote their dissemination. 4 startups have been supported live since 2016, including 2 in Africa.

Since 2018, a division dedicated to investing in young innovative companies has been created within Proparco's Investment Department. Its ambition is to identify and finance the best venture capital funds operating in the region, which share our development objectives.

Alongside venture capital funds, Proparco will continue to invest in start-ups that have not yet achieved profitability, but with proven products and technologies that can be replicated throughout the continent. The sectors of fintech (development of financial inclusion and lower transaction costs), energy (access to solar energy), education and health will be particularly targeted.

Beyond its financing offer, Proparco is also committed to meeting the very specific needs of these young companies by offering them dedicated technical support in setting up a solid management framework capable of encouraging and welcoming their growth - whether in terms of governance, management, innovation or responsibility.