Grace Ashiru
Saviu Ventures has successfully achieved the first closure of Saviu II, its second fund dedicated to Francophone Africa. The fund, backed by private investors and family offices, will enable Saviu to sustain its investments in the region’s most promising entrepreneurs. Co-founded in 2018 by Benoit Delestre, Samuel Touboul, and Cynthia Mandjek, Saviu Ventures has a team of seven investors and operators in Abidjan, Dakar, and Paris, positioning itself as an early contributor to the Francophone African V.C. industry.
Saviu Ventures has invested in startups like Anka, Julaya, Zanifu, Lapaire, and Paps, totaling 12 in its portfolio. With a focus on Francophone Africa, the company recently closed the first round of its second fund at EUR12 million (US$13 million). Following the model of its previous fund, Saviu Ventures’ second fund aims to support early-stage companies in Africa, with a particular emphasis on the Francophone regions, covering funding from seed to Series A. Notable investments from Saviu II include Waspito (Cameroon), Rubyx (Senegal), and Workpay (Kenya).
Saviu Ventures has successfully achieved the first close of Saviu II and secured regulatory approval, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s journey. With a track record established through Saviu I and a reputable brand in the Francophone Africa region, the company is poised to extend support to a fresh wave of skilled entrepreneurs in the tech industry. Saviu funds have previously invested across diverse sectors such as fintech, e-health, edtech, climate-tech, and e-commerce, demonstrating a commitment to fostering innovation without being limited to specific industries. According to Delestre, this achievement reflects the culmination of five years of dedicated work. Saviu Ventures is eager to continue its collaborative journey with emerging tech talent.
Saviu Ventures and its management company have secured a license from the Mauritius Financial Markets Authority (FSC) concurrently with the initial closing. This achievement positions Saviu Ventures as one of the few fully regulated venture capital fund management companies in the Francophone West African region.
