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Enygma Ventures Still Accepting Applications For New Round Of Funding For Southern African Startups

December 29, 2021

Enygma Ventures has continued to throw its weight behind founders in Southern Africa — women. The Southern African VC has announced it is still accepting new applications for funding from Southern African women-led startups

“In partnership with Startup Circles we have launched a program to help support new and existing businesses that are focused on solving issues and systemic problems to help build a new world going forward. We provide either seed funding or mentoring scholarships to those selected. We believe it’s time for businesses to seize the moment, adapt, change and reinvent in order to build a better world,” Enygma Ventures said in a statement.

Enygma Ventures funding — *Sarah Dusek is the Managing General Partner, Enygma Ventures*. *Image credits:* *Enygma Ventures*

Here Is All You Need To Know

Through partnership with Startup Circles, Enygma Ventures is expecting to provide seed capital for startups as well as provide mentoring, training and business validation scholarships through Startup Circles.

“We are looking for entrepreneurs with a vision to solve big problems, to change the status quo, create meaningful solutions and take advantage of this window of time to rebuild our world,” the firm noted in a previous statement.
Read also:Why EchoVC Made Its First AI Investment In Kenyan Startup KOSA.ai

“This fund will award successful candidates either with scholarships to get their business off the ground in conjunction with StartupCircles.AI mentorship and education or seed funding from Enygma Ventures. Startup Circles works with mentors from all around the world who assist in facilitating moving quickly through ideation to validation to operation. Applications are open to both men and women entrepreneurs, creative thinkers and innovators who are focused on creative solutions that benefit SADC or African entrepreneurs from the region,” it further added.

Sandras Phiri, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Startup Circles, said previously entrepreneurs needed to be based in a startup hotspot like Cape Town or Nairobi to gain access to the right circles of mentors and investors.

“But now with Startup Circles, entrepreneurs have the same access to opportunities, mentorship and investment whether they are in Lilongwe or Luanda, male or female. Anybody with access to the internet can apply to access startup support and funding,” he said.

Female-led businesses that are selected for investment will be allowed to participate in the Enygma Ventures’ Investor Readiness Programme which allows businesses to receive an equity investment ranging from $25 000 to $1-million.

Early-stage innovation startups that are selected will be offered a scholarship to Startup Circles’ Acceleration Programme and upon graduation, startups will receive a pre-seed equity investment valued at $25 000.

About Enygma Ventures And How Startups Can Apply For Funding

Enygma Ventures, is a US-based VC firm founded by award winning entrepreneurs Sarah and Jacob Dusek. In 2019, the VC launched a fund with a focus on investing in women entrepreneurs in the SADC region, making its first set of investments in Play Sense and Lupiya.

“We received over 3 000 applications for funding in 2020 which demonstrates what an incredible talent pool there is in the region. We are excited to see the progress of many of the businesses that didn’t get funded in 2020 and to discover new business gems,” said Lelemba Phiri, Principal and COO of Africa Trust Group.

Here Is How To Apply

Applicants interested in the investment fund can apply online here. Applications are open until December 31, 2021.

Startups that do not qualify will be allowed to access support at a cost from Startup Circles which is the leading startup school in Africa and a large contributor to online acceleration.

Enygma Ventures is looking for:

Businesses that are focused on solving problems for Southern Africa (SADC). The business must either be based or serve/operate in the region.
For profit ideas/businesses. It does not support charitable concepts at this time.
Woman founded/led or empowering of women
Scalable
A unique defensible business proposition
A dynamic entrepreneur(s) with demonstrated ability to execute
A proven revenue model & business concept
Clarity of purpose
Demonstrated growth
Looking for early stage or growth capital

Enygma Ventures funding Enygma Ventures funding

We Started With Just $500: Interview With Evelyn Kaingu, CEO & Founder, Lupiya

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer

Enygma Ventures Reopens Applications For Southern African Startups

April 1, 2021

Enygma Ventures has continued to throw its weight behind founders in Southern Africa — female or male. In its latest move, the Southern African VC has announced that it is now accepting applications from Southern Africa startups, irrespective of gender or stage of startup.

“In partnership with Startup Circles we have launched a program to help support new and existing businesses that are focused on solving issues and systemic problems to help build a new world going forward. We provide either seed funding or mentoring scholarships to those selected. We believe it’s time for businesses to seize the moment, adapt, change and reinvent in order to build a better world,” Enygma Ventures said in a statement.

Here Is All You Need To Know

Through the new in partnership with Startup Circles, Enygma Ventures is expecting to provide seed capital for startups as well as provide mentoring, training and business validation scholarships through Startup Circles.

“We are looking for entrepreneurs with a vision to solve big problems, to change the status quo, create meaningful solutions and take advantage of this window of time to rebuild our world,” the firm noted in a previous statement.
Read also:Renewable Energy Startups Offered $1.2m Innovation Fund

“This fund will award successful candidates either with scholarships to get their business off the ground in conjunction with StartupCircles.AI mentorship and education or seed funding from Enygma Ventures. Startup Circles works with mentors from all around the world who assist in facilitating moving quickly through ideation to validation to operation. Applications are open to both men and women entrepreneurs, creative thinkers and innovators who are focused on creative solutions that benefit SADC or African entrepreneurs from the region,” it further added.

Sandras Phiri, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Startup Circles, said previously entrepreneurs needed to be based in a startup hotspot like Cape Town or Nairobi to gain access to the right circles of mentors and investors.

“But now with Startup Circles, entrepreneurs have the same access to opportunities, mentorship and investment whether they are in Lilongwe or Luanda, male or female. Anybody with access to the internet can apply to access startup support and funding,” he said.

Female-led businesses that are selected for investment will be allowed to participate in the Enygma Ventures’ Investor Readiness Programme which allows businesses to receive an equity investment ranging from $25 000 to $1-million.

Early-stage innovation startups that are selected will be offered a scholarship to Startup Circles’ Acceleration Programme and upon graduation, startups will receive a pre-seed equity investment valued at $25 000.

About Enygma Ventures And How Startups Can Apply To The New Fund

Enygma Ventures, is a US-based VC firm founded by award winning entrepreneurs Sarah and Jacob Dusek. Last year, the VC launched a fund with a focus on investing in women entrepreneurs in the SADC region, making its first set of investments in Play Sense and Lupiya recently.

“We received over 3 000 applications for funding in 2020 which demonstrates what an incredible talent pool there is in the region. We are excited to see the progress of many of the businesses that didn’t get funded in 2020 and to discover new business gems,” said Lelemba Phiri, Principal and COO of Africa Trust Group.

Here Is How To Apply

Applicants interested in the investment fund can apply online before April 30, 2021.

Startups that do not qualify will be allowed to access support at a cost from Startup Circles which is the leading startup school in Africa and a large contributor to online acceleration.

Enygma Ventures is looking for:

Businesses that are focused on solving problems for Southern Africa (SADC). The business must either be based or serve/operate in the region.

The idea/business must be scalable and able to operate on a large scale or have a large addressable market.

For profit ideas/businesses. It does not support charitable concepts at this time.

Both male and female applicants.

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer

Southern African Women Investor Enygma Ventures Is Back With New $7.9m Fund

December 4, 2020

Enygma Ventures has got the back of female founders in Southern Africa. In its latest move, the Southern African female-founder-focused VC has announced a new $7.9 million fund for startups run by female founders in Southern Africa.

*Sarah Dusek, Managing Partner and CEO of Enygma Ventures*

“Never has there been a better time to step up and take your business to the next level. Accessing funding is your opportunity to seize the moment, accelerate your growth, and help build a better world for all,” says Sarah Dusek, Managing Partner and CEO of Enygma Ventures.

Here Is All You Need To Know

Through the new in partnership with Startup Circles, Enygma Ventures is expecting to provide seed capital for startups as well as provide mentoring, training and business validation scholarships through Startup Circles.

“We are looking for entrepreneurs with a vision to solve big problems, to change the status quo, create meaningful solutions and take advantage of this window of time to rebuild our world,” the firm noted in a previous statement.

“This fund will award successful candidates either with scholarships to get their business off the ground in conjunction with StartupCircles.AI mentorship and education or seed funding from Enygma Ventures. Startup Circles works with mentors from all around the world who assist in facilitating moving quickly through ideation to validation to operation. Applications are open to both men and women entrepreneurs, creative thinkers and innovators who are focused on creative solutions that benefit SADC or African entrepreneurs from the region,” it further added.

Sandras Phiri, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Startup Circles, said previously entrepreneurs needed to be based in a startup hotspot like Cape Town or Nairobi to gain access to the right circles of mentors and investors.

“But now with Startup Circles, entrepreneurs have the same access to opportunities, mentorship and investment whether they are in Lilongwe or Luanda, male or female. Anybody with access to the internet can apply to access startup support and funding,” he said.

Female-led businesses that are selected for investment will be allowed to participate in the Enygma Ventures’ Investor Readiness Programme which allows businesses to receive an equity investment ranging from $25 000 to $1-million.
Early-stage innovation startups that are selected will be offered a scholarship to Startup Circles’ Acceleration Programme and upon graduation, startups will receive a pre-seed equity investment valued at $25 000.

About Enygma Ventures And How Startups Can Apply To The New Fund

Enygma Ventures, is a US-based VC firm founded by award winning entrepreneurs Sarah and Jacob Dusek. Last year, the VC launched a fund with a focus on investing in women entrepreneurs in the SADC region, making its first set of investments in Play Sense and Lupiya recently.

“We received over 3 000 applications for funding in 2020 which demonstrates what an incredible talent pool there is in the region. We are excited to see the progress of many of the businesses that didn’t get funded in 2020 and to discover new business gems,” said Lelemba Phiri, Principal and COO of Africa Trust Group.

Here Is How To Apply

Applicants interested in the investment fund can apply online before 31 December.

Startups that do not qualify will be allowed to access support at a cost from Startup Circles which is the leading startup school in Africa and a large contributor to online acceleration.

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer

Application Now Open For Enygma Ventures $1m Shift Fund

August 3, 2020

VC firm Enygma Ventures is positioning itself for the world after COVID-19. The firm reopened applications for its newly launched a ZAR20 million (US$1 million) Shift fund today to support African startups, entrepreneurs and innovators that are building solutions for the post-pandemic world.

*Jacob Dusek, co-founder at Enygma Ventures*

“We have decided to launch our new Shift Fund as the current crisis has given a rare opportunity for large scale changes in the world. Suddenly, we have a period in which we can influence change for good” said Jacob Dusek, co-founder at Enygma Ventures earlier in April this year. “It’s time to redefine normal and in the process, create a better normal.”

Here Is All You Need To Know

Through the new sub-fund dubbed, SHIFT, launched in partnership with Startup Circles, Enygma Ventures is expecting to provide seed capital for 20–40 startups and provide mentoring, training and business validation scholarships through Startup Circles.

“We are looking for entrepreneurs with a vision to solve big problems, to change the status quo, create meaningful solutions and take advantage of this window of time to rebuild our world,” the firm noted in a statement.

“This fund will award successful candidates either with scholarships to get their business off the ground in conjunction with StartupCircles.AI mentorship and education or seed funding from Enygma Ventures. Startup Circles works with mentors from all around the world who assist in facilitating moving quickly through ideation to validation to operation. Applications are open to both men and women entrepreneurs, creative thinkers and innovators who are focused on creative solutions that benefit SADC or African entrepreneurs from the region,” it further added.

Sandras Phiri, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Startup Circles, said previously entrepreneurs needed to be based in a startup hotspot like Cape Town or Nairobi to gain access to the right circles of mentors and investors.

“But now with Startup Circles, entrepreneurs have the same access to opportunities, mentorship and investment whether they are in Lilongwe or Luanda, male or female. Anybody with access to the internet can apply to access startup support and funding,” he said.

About Enygma Ventures And How Startups Can Apply To The New Fund

Enygma Ventures, is a US-based VC firm founded by award winning entrepreneurs Sarah and Jacob Dusek. Last year, the VC launched a fund with a focus on investing in women entrepreneurs in the SADC region, making its first set of investments in Play Sense and Lupiya recently.

If you are thinking ahead and starting to imagine what the world will look like after Covid-19 then you should apply to Enygma Ventures’ new Shift fund.

Applications reopens today Monday August 3rd, 2020, after it was earlier postponed due to uncertainties brought about by COVID-19.

Click here for more information.

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer

Applications Reopen For Enygma Ventures $1m Shift Fund On Monday, August 3

August 1, 2020

VC firm Enygma Ventures is positioning itself for the world after COVID-19. The firm reopens applications for its newly launched a ZAR20 million (US$1 million) Shift fund on Monday, August 3, 2020 to support African startups, entrepreneurs and innovators that are building solutions for the post-pandemic world.

“We have decided to launch our new Shift Fund as the current crisis has given a rare opportunity for large scale changes in the world. Suddenly, we have a period in which we can influence change for good” said Jacob Dusek, co-founder at Enygma Ventures earlier in April this year. “It’s time to redefine normal and in the process, create a better normal.”

Here Is All You Need To Know

Through the new sub-fund dubbed, SHIFT, launched in partnership with Startup Circles, Enygma Ventures is expecting to provide seed capital for 20–40 startups and provide mentoring, training and business validation scholarships through Startup Circles.

“We are looking for entrepreneurs with a vision to solve big problems, to change the status quo, create meaningful solutions and take advantage of this window of time to rebuild our world,” the firm noted in a statement.

“This fund will award successful candidates either with scholarships to get their business off the ground in conjunction with StartupCircles.AI mentorship and education or seed funding from Enygma Ventures. Startup Circles works with mentors from all around the world who assist in facilitating moving quickly through ideation to validation to operation. Applications are open to both men and women entrepreneurs, creative thinkers and innovators who are focused on creative solutions that benefit SADC or African entrepreneurs from the region,” it further added.

Sandras Phiri, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Startup Circles, said previously entrepreneurs needed to be based in a startup hotspot like Cape Town or Nairobi to gain access to the right circles of mentors and investors.

“But now with Startup Circles, entrepreneurs have the same access to opportunities, mentorship and investment whether they are in Lilongwe or Luanda, male or female. Anybody with access to the internet can apply to access startup support and funding,” he said.

About Enygma Ventures And How Startups Can Apply To The New Fund

Enygma Ventures, is a US-based VC firm founded by award winning entrepreneurs Sarah and Jacob Dusek. Last year, the VC launched a fund with a focus on investing in women entrepreneurs in the SADC region, making its first set of investments in Play Sense and Lupiya recently.

If you are thinking ahead and starting to imagine what the world will look like after Covid-19 then you should apply to Enygma Ventures’ new Shift fund.

Applications reopens on Monday August 3rd, 2020, after it was earlier postponed due to uncertainties brought about by COVID-19.

Click here for more information.

VC Firm Enygma Ventures Launches A $1m Shift Fund To Back African Entrepreneurs With Post-Covid-19 Solutions

April 17, 2020

acob Dusek, co-founder at Enygma Ventures

VC firm Enygma Ventures is positioning itself for the world after COVID-19. The firm has just launched a ZAR20 million (US$1 million) Shift fund to support African startups, entrepreneurs and innovators that are building solutions for the post-pandemic world.

“We have decided to launch our new Shift Fund as the current crisis has given a rare opportunity for large scale changes in the world. Suddenly, we have a period in which we can influence change for good” said Jacob Dusek, co-founder at Enygma Ventures. “It’s time to redefine normal and in the process, create a better normal.”

Here Is All You Need To Know

Through the new sub-fund dubbed, SHIFT, launched in partnership with Startup Circles Enygma Ventures is expecting to provide seed capital for 20–40 startups and provide mentoring, training and business validation scholarships through Startup Circles.

“We are looking for entrepreneurs with a vision to solve big problems, to change the status quo, create meaningful solutions and take advantage of this window of time to rebuild our world,” the firm noted in a statement.

“This fund will award successful candidates either with scholarships to get their business off the ground in conjunction with StartupCircles.AI mentorship and education or seed funding from Enygma Ventures. Startup Circles works with mentors from all around the world who assist in facilitating moving quickly through ideation to validation to operation. Applications are open to both men and women entrepreneurs, creative thinkers and innovators who are focused on creative solutions that benefit SADC or African entrepreneurs from the region,” it further added.

Sandras Phiri, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Startup Circles, said previously entrepreneurs needed to be based in a startup hotspot like Cape Town or Nairobi to gain access to the right circles of mentors and investors.

“But now with Startup Circles, entrepreneurs have the same access to opportunities, mentorship and investment whether they are in Lilongwe or Luanda, male or female. Anybody with access to the internet can apply to access startup support and funding,” he said.

About Enygma Ventures And How Startups Can Apply To The New Fund

Enygma Ventures, is a US-based VC firm founded by award winning entrepreneurs Sarah and Jacob Dusek. Last year, the VC launched a fund with a focus on investing in women entrepreneurs in the SADC region, making its first investment last week.

If you are thinking ahead and starting to imagine what the world will look like after Covid-19 then you should apply to Enygma Ventures’ new Shift fund. Applications are open from April 15, 2020.

Click here for more information.

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer