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Ventures Platform
Ventures Platform, founded by Kola Aina in 2016, is an Abuja-based VC firm that has backed over 80 African startups at seed and Series A.
Ventures Platform
We back founders building the future of Africa. We invest in companies that solve for non-consumption, plug infrastructural gaps and democratise prosperity in Africa, by eliminating the barriers for access and reducing the costs of delivering goods and services.
General information
Firm type
Venture Capital
Year founded
2016
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
Africa
Country
Nigeria
City
Abuja
Corporate office
Abuja, Nigeria
Principals
Kola Aina
Founder and Managing Partner
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at Ventures Platform?
Kola Aina, the firm's founder, serves as Managing Partner and leads the investment committee. The firm's partnership includes senior investment professionals with operational backgrounds in African tech ecosystems. Day-to-day sourcing and diligence is conducted by a team split between Abuja and Lagos.
How does Ventures Platform source proprietary deal flow?
The firm leverages its Abuja headquarters and founder fellowship program to access networks in northern Nigeria and Francophone West Africa that Lagos-based VCs often overlook. Its community of portfolio founders and alumni provides a strong referral engine. The firm also runs an acceleration program that identifies pre-seed companies before they come to market.
What investment stages does Ventures Platform typically target?
Ventures Platform invests primarily at pre-seed, seed, and Series A. Its first check sizes typically range from $50,000 to $250,000, with reserves for follow-on capital. The firm is often the first institutional investor in its portfolio companies.
Which sectors does Ventures Platform focus on?
The firm is officially sector-agnostic but has historically concentrated on fintech, enterprise software, health tech, and agritech. Portfolio holdings span digital lending, cloud accounting, crowdfarming, and logistics platforms. It avoids extractive industries and hardware-heavy plays.
Does Ventures Platform participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
Ventures Platform conducts direct equity investments into operating companies. It does not operate as a fund-of-funds or make LP commitments to other venture managers. The firm's model is built on direct, hands-on engagement with founding teams.
What is Ventures Platform's geographic scope?
The firm invests across sub-Saharan Africa, with primary markets in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. It has also completed deals in Egypt and South Africa. Its sourcing network extends into Francophone West Africa, an area where few Anglophone VC firms are active.
What is the background of Kola Aina?
Kola Aina was an active angel investor in Nigeria's tech ecosystem before formalizing his investment activity through Ventures Platform in 2016. He is a computer engineering graduate and previously founded and exited an e-commerce business. He serves on multiple portfolio company boards and is a frequent speaker on African venture capital.
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