Factor[e] Ventures has announced the launch of Delta40, a new venture studio that seeks to enhance the African startup ecosystem by constructing and investing in technology ventures that address income growth and climate change.
The launch event was attended by Meg Whitman, the US ambassador to Kenya, who rallied for the Delta40 team’s combination of technology, talent, capital, and hands-on support, which will aid African founders and startups working to address major problems.
Delta40 will focus on technology-based energy, agriculture, and mobility ventures led by diverse and experienced founders. The studio will also act as a co-founder, offering quick and iterative product testing, technology brokering, early-stage commercialization, and working closely with startups to speed up their growth.
Delta40 has secured early funding and strategic support from various institutions, including the Autodesk Foundation, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), leading climate tech law firm Wilson Sonisi, as well as government, private sector, and finance institutions.
The team, led by Lyndsay Holley Handler, who has over two decades of experience in leadership, operations, and startup growth across 15 African countries, is well-equipped to navigate challenges and excel in Africa’s burgeoning tech industry.
Through Delta40, Holley Handler intends to utilize her knowledge to assist other entrepreneurs in scaling their ventures with organic growth or strategic corporate partnerships and acquisitions.
Factor[e] Ventures, a group of venture builders and pre-seed investors, provides support to Delta40, collaborating on various aspects such as sourcing founders, developing theses, brokering technology, and providing post-investment support to portfolio companies as they grow.
Delta40 aims to capitalize on the increasing momentum of the African tech startup scene, which recorded a total funding of US$6.5B in a record year, showing an 8% YoY growth.
However, there is still a significant lack of investment in diverse founders and crucial sectors such as energy, agriculture, and mobility. This gap in investment creates a favorable environment for investment that is further boosted by the abundance of untapped tech talent resources, a regulatory environment that is increasingly welcoming, and exponential population growth.
Delta40’s approach to addressing this gap is unique and innovative.
Quotes
Delta40 Co-Founder and Managing Partner Lyndsay Holley Handler said:
“By 2100, 40% of the world’s population will live in Africa. This presents an incredible opportunity – and imperative – to invest in entrepreneurs on the ground developing life-changing climate innovations. We are launching the Delta40 Venture Studio to connect African and female founders with the technology, talent, capital, and leadership support they need to build successful companies and thrive. Together with our founders, we aim to build a portfolio of transformative ventures across this important continent that improve lives, amplify the entrepreneurial ecosystem and protect the planet for generations to come.”
