In the world of venture capital, women are steadily reshaping the African investment landscape, backing visionary founders, driving innovation, and proving that capital can be a force for inclusion.
From Lagos to London, Nairobi to Riyadh, they are not only providing capital but also creating networks, mentorship opportunities, and systemic shifts that make Africa’s startup scene more inclusive and resilient.
We’ve listed some of these women leaders whose funds and firms span continents but remain firmly committed to Africa. Together, they represent one of the most dynamic and forward-looking movements in global venture today.
Here are 25 women backing Africa’s boldest entrepreneurs:
- Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes – Founding Partner at Aruwa Capital Management, a growth equity fund closing gender gaps across Africa.
- Ashley Lewis – Managing Partner and Head of Venture at Development Partners International (DPI), managing over \$3 billion across strategies.
- Fope Adelowo – Investor at Helios Investment Partners, the largest Africa-focused private investment firm.
- Shiyan K. – Managing Partner at Hustle Fund and frequent co-investor into Baobab portfolio companies.
- Ashim Egunjobi – Managing Partner at Octerra Capital, investing pre-seed to Series A across Africa.
- Cristina Ventura Serra – General Partner at White Star Capital and supporter of the AI Venture Lab powered by INSEAD.
- Maya Horgan Famodu – Founder and Partner at Ingressive Capital, deploying $200k–$400k cheques into tech-enabled businesses from their $50m Fund II.
- Amoye H. – Managing Partner at FoundHers.VC, a $10m first-mover pre-seed fund dedicated to women-led startups in AI, climate, and digital innovation.
- Ruta Luobikyte – Partner at Bain & Company Middle East and angel investor backing African startups.
- Monica Brand Engel & Adrienne Henderson – Managing Partner and Global Investment Officer at Quona Capital, investing in fintech innovators expanding financial access globally.
- Christine Namara – Partner at F6 Ventures Africa Seed Fund, set to invest in up to 170 startups across Africa over the next five years.
- Niama El Bassunie, CFA – Exited founder of YC-backed WaystoCap and now Managing Partner at Baobab Network.
- Catherine Young – Investor across the full cycle, from GrindstoneXL accelerator to venture capital with Knife Capital, while spinning up initiatives with Thinkroom Consulting.
- Maria Rotilu, Yvonne Bajela & June Angelides, MBE – Investors bridging the gap between Europe and Africa with multiple leadership roles in venture.
- Omobola Johnson, Andreata Muforo & Eloho Omame – Part of the powerhouse team at TLcom Capital LLP, one of Africa’s most prominent VC firms.
- Isha Doshi – Investor at TLG Capital, focused on transformative businesses across Africa.
- Maelis Carraro – Managing Partner at Catalyst Fund, driving innovation in fintech and climate tech across Africa.
- Mareme Dieng – Director at 500 Global, championing African founders on the global stage.
- Dr Ola Brown – Founder of HealthCap Africa, investing in health-focused ventures on the continent.
- Kate Turner-Smith – Director at Savant, supporting deep-tech innovation across Africa.
- Thandeka Xaba – Co-founder and Managing Partner at Digital Africa Ventures, backing early-stage African startups.
- Surabhi (Ruby) Nimkar – Partner at GreenHouse Capital Africa, focused on fintech and tech-enabled businesses.
- ’Tokunboh Ishmael, CFA – Co-founder and Managing Partner at Alitheia Capital, one of Africa’s foremost gender-lens funds.
Why this matters:
This list is more than just a list of names. It’s a snapshot of a broader movement, women investors stepping into leadership at a time when Africa needs bold capital, inclusive thinking, and long-term conviction.
These women represent more than capital; they embody conviction. They are betting on Africa’s founders at a time when global investment flows are cautious, proving that belief in bold ideas can unlock transformative businesses.
From Lagos to London, Singapore to Saudi Arabia, their efforts highlight an undeniable truth, which is that the future of African innovation is being powered, in no small part, by women investors who understand both the challenges and the potential of the continent.
Their work signals a future where gender gaps in both investing and entrepreneurship continue to close, where African founders (male and female alike) have access to diverse pools of capital, and where innovation isn’t just funded, but deeply understood.
And this is just the beginning.
Read Also: https://techsudor.com/queens-of-cash-the-women-behind-our-citys-pos-economy/
