Launch Africa Backs 15 Startups in 2026 as Early-Stage Cheques Slow
The pan-African VC firm completed 15 new investments in 2026, targeting early-stage deals many investors have pulled back from.
AfroEuropa Newsroom
AfroEuropa desk
Launch Africa Ventures has invested in 15 startups so far in 2026, concentrating on early-stage companies at a time when many other investors have eased back on such deals, according to TechCabal.
The wider funding environment showed mixed signals at the start of the year. African startups raised $711 million in the first quarter, a rise of about 27% compared with the same period in 2025, indicating that the recovery underway since 2025 was continuing. However, the number of deals valued between $100,000 and $500,000 dropped from 140 to 92, a fall of roughly 30%. The smallest early-stage cheques declined more steeply, from 73 to 32. TechCabal also reported that debt financing surpassed equity funding for the first time in recent quarters.
Keep reading
UK Budget Targets Scaleup Gap as Britain Leads Europe on Startup Funding
New tax reliefs and entrepreneur support aim to keep British firms scaling at home, though experts say incentives alone will not close the scaleup gap.
Other highlights
Wall Street Analysts Suggest Buying Crypto Stocks After Binance Hack
Analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald, TD Cowen and Compass Point say a multibillion-dollar Binance breach is unlikely to stall the crypto market's recovery.
Follow the story
One newsletter, two continents
The Bridge brings you the tech, startups, and leaders moving between Africa and Europe in one sharp email each morning. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
