In a strategic move aimed at fortifying its presence in the dynamic African startup landscape, Flat6Labs (www.Flat6Labs.com), the preeminent seed venture capital firm in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, proudly welcomes Christine Namara as a Partner for its Africa Seed Fund. With over a decade of extensive experience in private equity, startup operations, and venture capital, Namara brings unparalleled expertise and a vast network to Flat6Labs’ recently unveiled US $95 million Africa Seed Fund (ASF), dedicated to nurturing early-stage tech startups across the African continent.
The Africa Seed Fund will concentrate its investments in three key regions: North Africa, West Africa, and East Africa, signaling Flat6Labs’ expansion into the East and West African markets. Namara’s regional proficiency will play a crucial role in establishing and managing this expansion, ensuring seamless integration with local startup ecosystems. Over the next five years, ASF aims to invest in over 160 early-stage startups operating in the technology sector in Africa.
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Describing herself as “vigorously pan-African,” Namara boasts extensive experience within the African technology ecosystem. Her journey includes transitioning from the operational side to the dynamic world of venture capital. In her previous roles at two prominent high-growth startups in East Africa, Namara honed her skills in B2B sales, people management, and product management. Before joining Flat6Labs, she led capital ventures at a reputable accelerator for early-stage startups in Africa. This diverse background has provided Namara with an intricate understanding of the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that early-stage entrepreneurs encounter in the ever-evolving African tech landscape.
In her role at Africa Seed Fund, Namara takes on a pivotal position in identifying, nurturing, and supporting innovative startups. Her extensive experience in private equity and venture capital equips her with unparalleled knowledge and strategic insights, making her an invaluable asset to the fund’s mission.
“With innovation as our compass and collaboration as our engine, I am honored to join Flat6Labs, a pioneering force in shaping Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. Together, we will embark on a transformative journey, unlocking the vast potential of startups across the continent. In this interconnected world, every idea has the power to change lives. I am excited to champion these innovations, catalyzing progress and leaving a lasting impact on communities in Africa and beyond,” Namara states.
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Dina el-Shenoufy and Ramez El Serafy, General Partners of Africa Seed Fund, emphasize that Namara’s appointment is a significant milestone in the company’s African expansion journey. Her wealth of knowledge, combined with her extensive regional network, will be invaluable as the team continues to support and nurture innovative startups on the continent through the Africa Seed Fund. The fund is anticipated to have a substantial impact on the continent, potentially creating more than 14,000 jobs, supporting over 1,200 founders with 20% female participation, and generating revenue exceeding US$700 million.
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert.
As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard