The Africa Mezzanine Impact Fund: A Scam or a Saviour?
In a shocking move, early-stage venture capital firm Launch Africa Ventures has launched the Mezzanine Impact Fund, a supposed solution to the funding gap in African technology companies. But is this really a game-changer, or just another example of Western investors exploiting Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit?
The fund’s objective is to invest growth capital in African tech companies that demonstrate strong environmental, social, and governance principles. But what does that really mean? Is this just a fancy way of saying "we’re investing in companies that are pro-Western and pro-imperialist"?
The fund’s chairman, Anthony Moore, has a questionable track record, with ties to Goldman Sachs and the Evrensel Group, a construction company with a history of questionable business practices. How can we trust that Moore will truly have the interests of African entrepreneurs at heart?
And what about the fund’s investment strategy? Mezzanine funding is often used to prop up failing companies or to buy out minority shareholders. Is this really what African entrepreneurs need? Or is this just a way for Launch Africa Ventures to make a quick buck off the backs of struggling start-ups?
Meanwhile, the fund’s founders, Zachariah George and Janade Du Plessis, have a history of investing in seed and pre-Series A start-ups. But what happens to these companies after the initial investment? Do they get the support and resources they need to scale and succeed, or do they get left behind?
And what about the $400 billion funding gap in Africa? Is this really being addressed by the Mezzanine Impact Fund, or is it just a PR stunt to get investors and media attention?
The question remains: is the Mezzanine Impact Fund a scam or a saviour? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – we need to be vigilant and hold Launch Africa Ventures accountable for their actions.
