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FSD Africa's Early-Stage
Finance Conference

Shamba Café - Nairobi, Kenya
18 – 20 September 2024

Counting down to highlighting the innovative work of our portfolio of 20 local fund managers.

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Event Overview

The upcoming FSD Africa’s Early-Stage Finance Conference is pivotal event highlighting the innovative work of our portfolio of 20 local fund managers. These fund managers are at the forefront of a new asset class that provides essential gender-inclusive financing solutions to early-stage businesses across the climate, impact, and real economy sectors.

The conference aims to delve into the innovative approaches and models developed by these early-stage local capital providers. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from their experiences and explore collaborative pathways to scale this vital sector. The two day conference will delve into insightful discussions, networking, and strategic planning as we work together to empower early-stage businesses and drive inclusive growth in key sectors. 

Programme Objectives

Programme Objectives

Facilitate Peer Learning and Engagement

Create an environment where participants can share knowledge, experiences, and best practices to enhance their capabilities and strategies.

Assess Portfolio Demands and Requirements

Evaluate the current and future needs of our portfolio to better understand and address the challenges faced by early-stage businesses.

Showcase Managers to Potential LPs and Co-Investment Partners

Highlight the achievements and potential of our local fund managers to attract interest and investment from limited partners and co-investment partners.

Foster Collaboration Among Catalytic Funders

Encourage partnerships and joint efforts among key funders to amplify the impact of their investments and initiatives.

Connect with FSD Africa Investments Portfolio Managers

Provide a platform for direct interaction and relationship-building with our portfolio managers, facilitating deeper engagement and collaboration.

Profiles of Our Fund Managers

FSD Africa/FSDAi Venture Finance platform

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Climate portfolio

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Nyala Facility

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Venture Launching Portfolio

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Event Agenda

6:00 am - 9:00 pm - Kick-off Cocktail Event (Kwetu Hilton, Nairobi)

Speakers:
- Mark Napier - CEO FSD Africa
- British High Commissioner
- Juliet Munro - FSD Africa - Early Stage Finance Pillar Head
- Zee de Gersigny – FSD Africa Investments – Investment Head: Early Stage and Venture Finance

Morning Sessions (Starting at 9:00 am)

9:00 am - 10:30 am – Welcome & Opening
Early Stage Finance Scene Setting & Ecosystem Awareness
Session Leads: FSDA and FSDAi

10:30 am - 11:10 am – Session 1
The Early Stage Finance Alternative Capital Provider Playbook
Presenters:
- Persistent
- Iungo
- Nithio
- Frontend

11:10 am - 11:30 am Break

11:30 am - 12:45 pm – Session 2
Building Fit for Market Investment Vehicles - Fund Structuring & Capital Stack Considerations (3 tracks)
- Track 1 - Blended Finance Stacks & Open-ended Vehicles (Session Leads – Linea Capital & Persistent)
- Track 2 - Crowding in local capital & Alternative Fund Domiciles (Session Leads – ACV & Ci Gaba)
- Track 3 - Ecosystem Approaches & Partnerships (Session Leads - Five35, Catalyst, Holocene)

Afternoon Sessions

12:45 pm - 2:00 pm Lunch

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Session 3
Value Creation Strategies: Challenges and Innovations of Early Stage Investing (3 tracks)
- Track 1 - Early Stage Company Due Diligence – Managing Risk (Session Leads – FSDAi Risk Team, Nithio, WIC) - Track 2 - Deal Structuring – Self-Liquidating Instruments (Session Leads – Spark, Sayuni, Linea) - Track 3 - Value Creation and Portfolio Management Models for Early Stage Finance (Session Leads – CRAF, Aruwa, First Circle)

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm Break

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm - Session 4
Capital Mobilisation 1: Building the Continuum of Capital for Emerging Managers
Presenters:
- Small Foundation - Mastercard Africa Growth Fund - DFC - IFC - Old Mutual Alternative Assets Kenya - FCDO

4:30 pm - 5:00 pm – Closing

Evening

7:00 pm - Dinner (Kwetu, Hilton) – optional

8:00 am – 10:30 am – Welcome & Climate Breakfast

Session Leads: FSDA and FSDAi

Discussion 1 - The Climate Early Stage Finance Continuum Interactive Discussion (Teca, Untapped, Catalyst, Persistent, Spark, Cavex)
Discussion 2 - Understanding Greenwashing and True/Intentional Climate Investment (ACV, CRAF, Nithio, Holocene)

10:30 am - 10:45 am Break

10:45 am - 12:00 pm - Session 1
FSDA Development Impact Workshop: Developing the Theory of Change for Early Stage Finance

Session Lead: FSDA Development Impact Team

Afternoon Sessions

12:00 pm - 12:15 pm Break

12:15 pm - 1:15 pm - Session 2
Operationalising - ESG and Gender Workshop

 Session Leads: FSDA and FSDAi

1:15 pm - 2:30 pm Lunch

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm - Session 3
Capital Mobilisation 2: Venture Finance Platform

Session Leads: FSDA and FSDAi

Conference Closing

3:30 pm - 4:00pm – Conference Closing

Contact Us

For support requests or queries regarding the conference, please contact Shannon Wangwe via email here .