Lateral Frontiers VC

Octavia Carbon is the first Direct Air Capture (DAC) company in the Global South, focused on filtering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The company designs, builds, and deploys patented technology that utilizes Kenya's geothermal energy and geological resources to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of DAC technology. By capturing CO2 directly from the air, Octavia Carbon enables the conversion of this greenhouse gas into stable underground rock formations or repurposes it as an industrial gas, helping to replace polluting fossil fuels. This innovative approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also supports industrial power users in East Africa, contributing to the fight against energy poverty in the region.

Wattnow offers a real-time energy management platform that enables users to monitor and control their electric supply. The platform provides detailed insights into power consumption, helping to identify wasteful trends and reduce energy spending. By integrating various devices into a cohesive network through the Internet of Things (IoT), Wattnow allows industry owners and facility managers to streamline operations without the need for significant alterations to existing setups. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also facilitates cost reduction, making it a valuable tool for effective energy management.

Rhaeos is a pioneering company that has developed the first wearable shunt monitor to enhance care for patients with hydrocephalus. Utilizing a novel thermal biosensor, the device allows for noninvasive, real-time monitoring of cerebrospinal fluid flow. This innovative technology, born from collaborative research at Northwestern University involving experts from engineering, medicine, and management, addresses a significant clinical need by providing timely data to improve treatment for chronic medical conditions. Rhaeos's patches are designed to detect fluid flow in various bodily systems, including blood and lymph, facilitating quicker medical responses and advancing the standard of care in neurosurgery and beyond.

Carry1st is a mobile games publisher focused on social games and interactive content, primarily in frontier markets like Africa. Founded in 2018 by Cordel Robbin-Coker, Lucy Hoffman, and Tino Mundangepfupfu, the company has assembled a diverse team of 29 professionals from 14 countries, drawing talent from notable organizations such as Carlyle, King, and Jumia. Carry1st offers a comprehensive platform for game developers that includes publishing, distribution, localization, user acquisition, marketing, customer experience, and monetization services. This approach enables developers to collaborate with global content owners and tap into previously underserved markets. The company has successfully raised over $10 million in funding, including a recent $7 million Series A led by prominent investors such as Riot Games and Konvoy Ventures. The funds will be utilized to enhance its existing game portfolio, foster new partnerships with international gaming studios, and expand its workforce.

Vibra is an online crypto-currency application that specializes in investments, blockchain, and funding services.

Ejara is a mobile investment platform tailored for Africa and its diaspora, allowing users to access a variety of investment opportunities, including fractional shares, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The app leverages blockchain technology to facilitate global trading and investment in diverse financial products. It also offers features such as interest-bearing accounts, enabling users to save and grow their wealth while monitoring their investment performance. By providing a user-friendly interface, Ejara aims to empower individuals to manage their investments effectively and enjoy greater financial independence.

Masa is a decentralized AI platform focused on creating a data marketplace that allows users to be compensated for their data contributions. The platform aims to transform traditional centralized credit systems by offering a unique infrastructure that includes a non-fungible credit report, composable credit primitives, smart contracts, and liquidity pools. These components are designed to provide a scalable, interoperable, and standardized on-chain identity framework, catering to the evolving needs of the web3 ecosystem. By enabling developers to acquire, retain, and verify users while gamifying community engagement, Masa facilitates the launch of innovative credit products that align with existing centralized credit paradigms.

Kashier is a payment management platform tailored for commerce and retail businesses, offering a comprehensive toolkit to facilitate various aspects of business operations. It simplifies the payment process by providing features such as professional and customized invoicing, automated regular billing, and subscription payment management. The platform is designed to accommodate the diverse needs of businesses, from small startups to large enterprises, enabling them to efficiently process and accept payments from customers, vendors, and partners through multiple payment methods and channels.

LipaLater is a lending marketplace that facilitates postpaid payments for e-commerce transactions. The platform enables retailers to offer a point-of-sale credit option, allowing consumers to purchase goods and services online and repay in manageable monthly installments. This model supports both retailers and customers by making online shopping more accessible and affordable, as individuals can acquire products without the burden of upfront payments. LipaLater's approach aims to enhance the purchasing experience by providing a risk-free financing solution for consumers.

SeamlessHR Limited is a human resource technology software company based in Lagos, Nigeria, founded in 2013. It offers a comprehensive, cloud-based HR platform tailored for medium to large-sized organizations, facilitating the automation and optimization of HR processes from recruitment to retirement. The company's product suite includes a Recruitment Management System, HR Management System, Learning Management System, Payroll Management, Leave Management, and Performance and Competency Management tools. Additionally, SeamlessHR provides HR analytics and embedded finance solutions aimed at enhancing financial security for both employers and employees. Through its technology, SeamlessHR enables businesses to streamline various HR functions, ensuring efficient management of their workforce.

B54 is a financial services company that specializes in providing debt financing and consulting for businesses in African countries. The company has developed an application programming interface platform that enhances financial capabilities, allowing businesses to increase their revenue-backed transactions. B54's platform offers licenses and capital, enabling fintech companies across Africa to quickly launch and deliver financial services in multiple countries. Through its innovative solutions, B54 aims to support the growth of the financial sector in Africa by facilitating access to essential financial resources.

Rhaeos is a pioneering company that has developed the first wearable shunt monitor to enhance care for patients with hydrocephalus. Utilizing a novel thermal biosensor, the device allows for noninvasive, real-time monitoring of cerebrospinal fluid flow. This innovative technology, born from collaborative research at Northwestern University involving experts from engineering, medicine, and management, addresses a significant clinical need by providing timely data to improve treatment for chronic medical conditions. Rhaeos's patches are designed to detect fluid flow in various bodily systems, including blood and lymph, facilitating quicker medical responses and advancing the standard of care in neurosurgery and beyond.

INOVUES specializes in innovative retrofit technology that allows building facades and windows to be upgraded with modern energy-saving and smart glass solutions without the need for removal or replacement. As a unique provider of renewable glazing retrofit platforms, INOVUES helps building owners achieve significant energy savings of up to 40%, enhance indoor thermal and acoustic comfort, and increase the overall value and sustainability of their properties. The company's non-intrusive approach ensures that upgrades can be implemented without drilling or altering existing structures, making it an attractive option for commercial real estate owners seeking to modernize their buildings while minimizing disruption.

Vibra is an online crypto-currency application that specializes in investments, blockchain, and funding services.

Autochek is an automotive technology company that aims to build digital solutions.

Mono is a Nigerian company founded in 2020 that specializes in financial data infrastructure through its application programming interface (API) platform. This platform offers businesses the ability to access essential financial information, including bank statements, account verification, and payment initiation. Mono's services are designed to enhance onboarding and identification processes, particularly in emerging markets. By providing real-time access to financial data and enabling secure direct bank payments, Mono aims to empower companies of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises. The company's mission focuses on unlocking the potential of Africa’s financial system, facilitating economic growth by equipping businesses with the necessary tools to thrive in the digital economy.

Ejara is a mobile investment platform tailored for Africa and its diaspora, allowing users to access a variety of investment opportunities, including fractional shares, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The app leverages blockchain technology to facilitate global trading and investment in diverse financial products. It also offers features such as interest-bearing accounts, enabling users to save and grow their wealth while monitoring their investment performance. By providing a user-friendly interface, Ejara aims to empower individuals to manage their investments effectively and enjoy greater financial independence.

Pngme is a financial data platform that aims to enhance access to finance for unbanked and underserved populations. It simplifies the processes of collecting, analyzing, and utilizing financial data, enabling banks, fintech companies, and credit bureaus to develop innovative financial products. The platform facilitates one-click data sharing and provides real-time insights and credit scoring, which empower financial institutions to scale their lending operations while managing risk effectively. By digitizing the credit scoring and capital procurement processes, Pngme helps these institutions access additional capital and improve their offerings. The company's mission centers on returning data ownership to individuals, thereby promoting equitable financial opportunities and fostering wealth creation for billions globally.

Mono is a Nigerian company founded in 2020 that specializes in financial data infrastructure through its application programming interface (API) platform. This platform offers businesses the ability to access essential financial information, including bank statements, account verification, and payment initiation. Mono's services are designed to enhance onboarding and identification processes, particularly in emerging markets. By providing real-time access to financial data and enabling secure direct bank payments, Mono aims to empower companies of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises. The company's mission focuses on unlocking the potential of Africa’s financial system, facilitating economic growth by equipping businesses with the necessary tools to thrive in the digital economy.

With a team of over 170 professionals and clients in seven countries, Appzone is Africa’s leading FinTech disruptor and provider of home-grown software solutions for the continent’s Financial Services industry. Founded in 2008, we process over $2 billion in transactions annually serving 18 commercial banks and over 450 microfinance institutions across the continent. Our platforms issue 1.5 million cards and disburse over $300 million in loans monthly, while also managing $200 million in deposits, 10 million accounts and 100,000 transactions daily. We are audacious builders with a mission to completely automate financial services in Africa. Our offerings automate Banking operations, interconnect financial institutions, and provide end-users with access to a broad range of banking and payment services. We are working with the most talented individuals on the continent to create the de facto operating system for digital financial services in Africa. AppZone started off primarily developing custom software for leading commercial Banks in Nigeria. More than a decade later, we have accumulated a remarkable asset-base of intellectual property and built out significant Fintech infrastructure. We are licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria as a Payment Solution Service Provider (PSSP) and have built the first and only EMV compliant card management system in sub-Saharan Africa, while also launching the continent’s first self-service platform for instant debit card issuance. Appzone’s other feats include building and launching a number of global firsts from Africa such as: Cloud-based core banking and digital channel software Global mandate platform for direct debit Decentralised Interbank transaction processing on blockchain We are regarded as Africa’s number 1 FinTech infrastructure provider and have won several awards including: PCI DSS, CEBIH Award, MWOT Innovators Award, Frost and Sullivan Award and the NAMB Award.

INOVUES specializes in innovative retrofit technology that allows building facades and windows to be upgraded with modern energy-saving and smart glass solutions without the need for removal or replacement. As a unique provider of renewable glazing retrofit platforms, INOVUES helps building owners achieve significant energy savings of up to 40%, enhance indoor thermal and acoustic comfort, and increase the overall value and sustainability of their properties. The company's non-intrusive approach ensures that upgrades can be implemented without drilling or altering existing structures, making it an attractive option for commercial real estate owners seeking to modernize their buildings while minimizing disruption.

LipaLater is a lending marketplace that facilitates postpaid payments for e-commerce transactions. The platform enables retailers to offer a point-of-sale credit option, allowing consumers to purchase goods and services online and repay in manageable monthly installments. This model supports both retailers and customers by making online shopping more accessible and affordable, as individuals can acquire products without the burden of upfront payments. LipaLater's approach aims to enhance the purchasing experience by providing a risk-free financing solution for consumers.

Kountable is a global trade and technology platform that delivers trust, transparency and auditability with data-driven insights and real-time information from transactions where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) work with enterprise level suppliers and buyers. Its secure, cloud-based technology facilitates business between qualified SMEs and multinational suppliers in order to efficiently complete large scale projects for governments, NGOs and corporates. SMEs play a vital role in procurement in developing countries and their efficient integration into value chains at scale is essential to building infrastructure and bringing innovation in healthcare, education, telecoms and energy to these markets. Every trade that happens on Kountable's platform contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals as well as being good business. Launched in 2015, Kountable's global presence currently includes offices in San Francisco, Nairobi, Kigali and The Hague.

Autochek is an automotive technology company that aims to build digital solutions.

SeamlessHR Limited is a human resource technology software company based in Lagos, Nigeria, founded in 2013. It offers a comprehensive, cloud-based HR platform tailored for medium to large-sized organizations, facilitating the automation and optimization of HR processes from recruitment to retirement. The company's product suite includes a Recruitment Management System, HR Management System, Learning Management System, Payroll Management, Leave Management, and Performance and Competency Management tools. Additionally, SeamlessHR provides HR analytics and embedded finance solutions aimed at enhancing financial security for both employers and employees. Through its technology, SeamlessHR enables businesses to streamline various HR functions, ensuring efficient management of their workforce.

With a team of over 170 professionals and clients in seven countries, Appzone is Africa’s leading FinTech disruptor and provider of home-grown software solutions for the continent’s Financial Services industry. Founded in 2008, we process over $2 billion in transactions annually serving 18 commercial banks and over 450 microfinance institutions across the continent. Our platforms issue 1.5 million cards and disburse over $300 million in loans monthly, while also managing $200 million in deposits, 10 million accounts and 100,000 transactions daily. We are audacious builders with a mission to completely automate financial services in Africa. Our offerings automate Banking operations, interconnect financial institutions, and provide end-users with access to a broad range of banking and payment services. We are working with the most talented individuals on the continent to create the de facto operating system for digital financial services in Africa. AppZone started off primarily developing custom software for leading commercial Banks in Nigeria. More than a decade later, we have accumulated a remarkable asset-base of intellectual property and built out significant Fintech infrastructure. We are licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria as a Payment Solution Service Provider (PSSP) and have built the first and only EMV compliant card management system in sub-Saharan Africa, while also launching the continent’s first self-service platform for instant debit card issuance. Appzone’s other feats include building and launching a number of global firsts from Africa such as: Cloud-based core banking and digital channel software Global mandate platform for direct debit Decentralised Interbank transaction processing on blockchain We are regarded as Africa’s number 1 FinTech infrastructure provider and have won several awards including: PCI DSS, CEBIH Award, MWOT Innovators Award, Frost and Sullivan Award and the NAMB Award.

CNote is an investment platform that focuses on fostering economic and racial justice through financial innovation. Founded in 2016 by two women with extensive backgrounds in finance and venture capital, CNote operates as a certified B-Corporation based in Oakland, California. The platform offers alternative financial vehicles, such as CNote Savings, which provides savers with competitive returns—up to 2.5% annually—significantly higher than traditional savings accounts. CNote directs investments toward funding women and minority-led small businesses, affordable housing, and economic development in underserved communities across the United States. By aligning financial returns with social impact, CNote enables users to invest in the causes and communities that matter to them.

Pngme is a financial data platform that aims to enhance access to finance for unbanked and underserved populations. It simplifies the processes of collecting, analyzing, and utilizing financial data, enabling banks, fintech companies, and credit bureaus to develop innovative financial products. The platform facilitates one-click data sharing and provides real-time insights and credit scoring, which empower financial institutions to scale their lending operations while managing risk effectively. By digitizing the credit scoring and capital procurement processes, Pngme helps these institutions access additional capital and improve their offerings. The company's mission centers on returning data ownership to individuals, thereby promoting equitable financial opportunities and fostering wealth creation for billions globally.

LipaLater is a lending marketplace that facilitates postpaid payments for e-commerce transactions. The platform enables retailers to offer a point-of-sale credit option, allowing consumers to purchase goods and services online and repay in manageable monthly installments. This model supports both retailers and customers by making online shopping more accessible and affordable, as individuals can acquire products without the burden of upfront payments. LipaLater's approach aims to enhance the purchasing experience by providing a risk-free financing solution for consumers.

Carry1st is a mobile games publisher focused on social games and interactive content, primarily in frontier markets like Africa. Founded in 2018 by Cordel Robbin-Coker, Lucy Hoffman, and Tino Mundangepfupfu, the company has assembled a diverse team of 29 professionals from 14 countries, drawing talent from notable organizations such as Carlyle, King, and Jumia. Carry1st offers a comprehensive platform for game developers that includes publishing, distribution, localization, user acquisition, marketing, customer experience, and monetization services. This approach enables developers to collaborate with global content owners and tap into previously underserved markets. The company has successfully raised over $10 million in funding, including a recent $7 million Series A led by prominent investors such as Riot Games and Konvoy Ventures. The funds will be utilized to enhance its existing game portfolio, foster new partnerships with international gaming studios, and expand its workforce.

SeamlessHR Limited is a human resource technology software company based in Lagos, Nigeria, founded in 2013. It offers a comprehensive, cloud-based HR platform tailored for medium to large-sized organizations, facilitating the automation and optimization of HR processes from recruitment to retirement. The company's product suite includes a Recruitment Management System, HR Management System, Learning Management System, Payroll Management, Leave Management, and Performance and Competency Management tools. Additionally, SeamlessHR provides HR analytics and embedded finance solutions aimed at enhancing financial security for both employers and employees. Through its technology, SeamlessHR enables businesses to streamline various HR functions, ensuring efficient management of their workforce.

Arcturus provides on-site collection in emerging markets. The company's contact modes are phone and physical address.

Tivic Health is a bioelectronic therapeutics company that specializes in developing non-invasive medical devices aimed at enhancing healthcare through neuroscience. The company focuses on creating consumer-friendly products that activate the body's natural healing mechanisms, offering an alternative to traditional pharmaceutical treatments. Its flagship product, ClearUP Sinus Pain Relief, is a patented handheld device designed to provide temporary relief from sinus pain and congestion associated with nasal allergies and sinus infections. The device employs ultra-low current electrical waves and has been clinically validated for its efficacy. Tivic Health received FDA clearance for ClearUP in January 2019, with the product set to be shipped starting in September 2019.

Workstyle Africa is a company based in Westlands, Nairobi, that specializes in developing, operating, and leasing office space tailored for startups, entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), freelancers, and consultants. Founded in 2018, the company provides a range of workspace solutions, including co-working spaces, private offices, dedicated desks, and facilities for meetings and events. By creating an environment conducive to productivity and collaboration, Workstyle Africa aims to support both emerging and established businesses in their operations.

Lynk Jobs Limited operates a digital platform that connects informal workers with customers seeking various services, including cleaning, plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Lynk facilitates the recruitment of professionals by allowing users to describe their project or service needs. The platform queries relevant professionals, provides quotes from verified workers, and manages logistics for the services rendered. Additionally, Lynk offers training courses aimed at personal and professional development, helping workers enhance their skills and improve their employability. By addressing the challenges faced by informal workers and the households and businesses that require their services, Lynk creates a more efficient marketplace for both parties.

SparkMeter, Inc. designs electricity metering systems and grid management software aimed at enhancing electricity access in underserved markets, particularly rural areas. Founded in 2012 and based in Washington, D.C., with an office in Nairobi, Kenya, the company offers a range of metering products tailored to different customer needs, including residential and commercial users. Its solutions include the SM16R, SM60R, SM60RP, and SM200E models, which cater to various consumption levels. In addition to hardware, SparkMeter provides software solutions that facilitate prepaid billing, customer communication, and remote monitoring, thus improving grid efficiency and asset performance. By enabling utilities to automate operations, manage loads, and integrate renewable energy sources, SparkMeter helps communities access sustainable and reliable electricity.

With a team of over 170 professionals and clients in seven countries, Appzone is Africa’s leading FinTech disruptor and provider of home-grown software solutions for the continent’s Financial Services industry. Founded in 2008, we process over $2 billion in transactions annually serving 18 commercial banks and over 450 microfinance institutions across the continent. Our platforms issue 1.5 million cards and disburse over $300 million in loans monthly, while also managing $200 million in deposits, 10 million accounts and 100,000 transactions daily. We are audacious builders with a mission to completely automate financial services in Africa. Our offerings automate Banking operations, interconnect financial institutions, and provide end-users with access to a broad range of banking and payment services. We are working with the most talented individuals on the continent to create the de facto operating system for digital financial services in Africa. AppZone started off primarily developing custom software for leading commercial Banks in Nigeria. More than a decade later, we have accumulated a remarkable asset-base of intellectual property and built out significant Fintech infrastructure. We are licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria as a Payment Solution Service Provider (PSSP) and have built the first and only EMV compliant card management system in sub-Saharan Africa, while also launching the continent’s first self-service platform for instant debit card issuance. Appzone’s other feats include building and launching a number of global firsts from Africa such as: Cloud-based core banking and digital channel software Global mandate platform for direct debit Decentralised Interbank transaction processing on blockchain We are regarded as Africa’s number 1 FinTech infrastructure provider and have won several awards including: PCI DSS, CEBIH Award, MWOT Innovators Award, Frost and Sullivan Award and the NAMB Award.

Asoko Insight is Africa’s leading corporate information platform, providing market mapping solutions to investment firms, banks, corporates and governments looking for research on Africa’s key private sector landscapes. Users can access industry reports, supply chain analyses, and a database of companies to help with origination, business development and due diligence. The company's local research analysts, based out of several regional offices, work with executives and data partners to monitor corporate data from key companies in the region. As Asoko consolidates their footprint in the largest economies, they are also expanding data collection operations to surrounding countries across the continent.

Medsaf is a pharmaceutical platform based in Lagos, Nigeria, that facilitates the delivery of medications to hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics. Founded in 2014, the company offers a wide range of products, including antacids, antiviral drugs, anaemia treatments, antiseptics, and vitamins. Medsaf aims to enhance the accessibility of affordable, quality medications through an integrated suite of technologies designed to improve efficiency and transparency in the supply chain. Its services include online product distribution, quality control as a service, and a marketplace that connects healthcare providers with vetted suppliers and logistics partners. Additionally, Medsaf features an embedded finance platform that provides buy-now-pay-later solutions for medication procurement, streamlining the financial aspects of the pharmaceutical supply process.

NGX Bio is an online marketplace that facilitates access to DNA sequencing services, connecting researchers with high-quality genomic resources. By streamlining the sequencing process, the platform allows customers to complete their projects in a single transaction, ensuring cost-effectiveness through partnerships with providers that have available capacity. NGX Bio offers a comprehensive range of services, including design and planning, sample preparation, sequencing, and data analysis. Additionally, the company features an online project management tool that enhances sample tracking through the use of barcoded tubes and plates. Serving a global clientele, NGX Bio simplifies the sequencing experience for researchers worldwide.

KOKO Networks Ltd is a technology company founded in 2014 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with additional offices in East Africa and India. The company focuses on developing a technology platform tailored for emerging markets, particularly in urban Africa. KOKO Networks offers a suite of innovative solutions that connect suppliers, retailers, and consumers, facilitating smart commerce. By leveraging its unique technology, KOKO Networks aims to enhance the quality of life in African cities through various consumer and business services.

4G Capital, founded in 2013 and based in Nairobi, Kenya, specializes in providing instant access credit to small business owners in Africa, particularly targeting self-employed informal market traders. The company offers unsecured loans and financial literacy training tailored to micro-entrepreneurs operating in low-income sectors, including agriculture and trade. Utilizing proprietary machine learning technology, 4G Capital delivers insights from data-scarce environments to create scalable credit products that align with clients' business risks and affordability. Clients can access loans quickly through mobile money, and the company achieves high collection rates without requiring collateral or refinancing. With operations in Kenya and Uganda, 4G Capital has positively impacted over one million individuals and demonstrates a strong commitment to improving financial literacy and sustainable growth for small businesses. The company reports significant increases in client revenues and boasts a high percentage of repeat customers, particularly among women and rural traders.

Asoko Insight is Africa’s leading corporate information platform, providing market mapping solutions to investment firms, banks, corporates and governments looking for research on Africa’s key private sector landscapes. Users can access industry reports, supply chain analyses, and a database of companies to help with origination, business development and due diligence. The company's local research analysts, based out of several regional offices, work with executives and data partners to monitor corporate data from key companies in the region. As Asoko consolidates their footprint in the largest economies, they are also expanding data collection operations to surrounding countries across the continent.

Once Innovations is a privately held corporation that manufactures highly differentiated LED lighting using a visionary approach to research and product development - from unique designs with proprietary technologies through final production and distribution. ONCE was founded in 2008 by current CTO, Zdenko Grajcar considered a pioneering rebel in LED technology for his remarkably unconventional thinking and relentless challenge to the industry status quo. The ONCE technology research, marketing, and product development campus is located in Plymouth, MN United States of America.