Africa-based venture capital firm The Continent Venture Partners (TCVP) is quietly becoming a powerhouse for early-stage investments across the continent. Since its launch in 2020, the firm has backed 18 startups spanning fintech, e-health, agri-tech, and more, investing with a vision to foster impact, profitability, and regional growth.
Investing Beyond Capital
Led by founders Carisa Graf-Suleman, Salim Suleman, and Olufemi Oyinsan, TCVP focuses on more than just funding. “We aim to help startups navigate challenges, whether regulatory, operational, or strategic,” Graf-Suleman explained.
TCVP’s hands-on approach includes working closely with founders to fine-tune their products and expand their reach across African markets. The firm’s average cheque size is $250,000, but its contribution often extends to management guidance and operational insights.
“At our core, we are operators,” Graf-Suleman said. “We seek to bring our operational experience to every company we invest in, enabling them to scale regionally and pan-Africa.”
Transformative Investments
TCVP’s portfolio includes some of Africa’s most promising names, such as Helium Health, Terragon Group, and Moniepoint, which now serves 1.5 million SMEs. Another standout, Fingo, is creating a digital neo-bank for Africa’s underbanked youth.
For Oyinsan, these investments demonstrate TCVP’s thesis on addressing fundamental consumer pain points. “Fintech companies, for instance, face significant regulatory hurdles,” he noted. “We provide the support and credibility they need to navigate those challenges successfully.”
Expanding African Markets
Although TCVP’s roots are in Nigeria and Kenya, the firm is now eyeing opportunities in South Africa and Egypt. “We think there is a regional play for each of our companies,” Graf-Suleman said.
Their strategy also aligns with the evolution of Africa’s venture ecosystem. “The current funding climate may seem deflated compared to past years,” Graf-Suleman admitted. “But this recalibration is healthy. Quality entrepreneurs—those focused on capital efficiency and disciplined management—are emerging stronger.”
What’s Next for TCVP?
As it supports its portfolio through the current macroeconomic challenges, TCVP is also preparing for the future. “We’re in the early stages of planning a new fund focused on later-stage investments,” Suleman revealed. Meanwhile, four promising startups are already in line for potential funding in the coming months.
“The African tech ecosystem is still teeming with opportunities,” Suleman said. “From payments to healthcare and energy access, the potential for impactful innovation is immense. We’re excited to be part of that journey.”
