Founders Factory Africa Rebrands as 54 Collective, Boosting African Entrepreneurship

Founders Factory Africa has rebranded as 54 Collective, expanding its business model to offer catalytic capital and value-add support through its Venture Success Platform. This pan-African initiative aims to empower entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries.

54 Collective builds on its strong track record of supporting early-stage ventures in Africa. Its new name reflects its ambition to create a level playing field for all entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth.

The firm invests in ventures from idea to pre-Series A stage, providing up to $500,000 in equity and non-dilutive capital. Female founders receive an additional $150,000 in non-dilutive capital.

The Venture Success Platform, comprised of experienced venture specialists, offers tailored support in product development, growth strategies, commercial relationships, business strategy, talent acquisition, technology, and data analytics.

The team also provides access to funding, including investor readiness training, fundraising strategies, and debt and impact capital.

This unique combination of funding and comprehensive support distinguishes 54 Collective as the only Venture Capital firm in Africa offering early-stage founders with the highest amount of catalytic capital and support from the largest Africa-based venture capital team with over 70 staff members.

The firm, previously focused on Agtech, Fintech, and Healthtech, now operates across all sectors, supporting founders navigating complex challenges and driving economic growth and job creation.

In 2023, Founders Factory Africa was recognized as one of Africa’s top venture capital investors, with an active portfolio of over 50 ventures across 10 countries. The firm has supported over 70 ventures across Africa and helped its portfolio startups raise nearly $140 million in follow-on capital.

With Africa’s venture capital sector rapidly expanding, 54 Collective aims to invest in 105 startups across the continent in the next five years, driving solutions to critical challenges and transforming lives and industries. The firm is targeting a portfolio where 50% or more of its startups are founded by women.

54 Collective’s investment strategy creates social and economic impact. For example, Asaak, a vehicle asset financing company, has improved financial inclusion for over 11,000 bodaboda drivers, resulting in a significant increase in income and quality of life.

Roo Rogers, Executive Chairman of 54 Collective and UTOPIA CEO, stated that 54 Collective is a powerful economic and social force, anchored with strong roots on the continent and a global network.

54 Collective’s vision is to create a future where African entrepreneurship drives generational progress and prosperity.

Its new name, catalytic capital, and value-add Venture Success Platform mark a new era for the venture capital ecosystem, redefining investing across Africa and empowering founders to build without boundaries.