The fund of funds “ANAVA,” managed by Smart Capital, has announced its commitment to invest €4.5 million ($4.8m) in a new underlying fund named “GO LIVE FUND,” managed by the company GO BIG Partners. This strategic investment is a part of a broader initiative to support startups, co-financed by the World Bank, the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC), and the German Development Bank (KfW).
The GO LIVE FUND, an €8 million ($8.6M) fund with a first closing at €6 million ($6.6M), aims to support 36 B2B startups in their initial development phase. The fund’s focus is on sectors with significant potential for impact, including AgriTech, CleanTech, BioTech, HealthTech, and Cybersecurity. These sectors were chosen for their strategic importance and their ability to address real-world problems through innovative solutions.
“The subscription to the 6th child fund ‘GO LIVE FUND’ reflects our commitment to support innovation and Tunisian startups, providing them with the necessary leverage to grow and internationalize. We firmly believe that these investments will help position Tunisia as a major player in the global startup ecosystem,” said Néjia Gharbi, General Director of the CDC.
Tarek Triki, Acting General Director of Smart Capital, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with GO BIG Partners through the GO LIVE FUND consolidates our efforts to develop the startup ecosystem in Tunisia. We are determined to support innovative startups that create disruptive and high-impact solutions.”
Aymen Mbarek, representative of GO LIVE FUND, highlighted the shared vision and goals of the partnership, “This partnership underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and creating a transformative impact in Tunisia. Our aim is not only to provide funding but also to offer strategic advice, access to an extensive industrial network, and numerous opportunities for global growth and expansion.”
ANAVA is the first fund of funds in Tunisia denominated in Euros and a key pillar of the national initiative “Startup Tunisia.” This initiative seeks to position Tunisia as an innovation and startup hub at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, the MENA region, and Africa. Managed by Smart Capital, a company approved by the Financial Market Council (CMF) and mandated by the Tunisian State, ANAVA plays a crucial role in implementing the “Startup Tunisia” program.
The GO LIVE FUND’s mission is to support early-stage B2B startups, referred to as “Pain Killers,” for their ability to offer practical solutions to pressing problems. The targeted sectors — AgriTech, CleanTech, BioTech, HealthTech, and Cybersecurity — are expected to significantly contribute to transforming the Tunisian technological ecosystem.
The investment from ANAVA, along with the support from EKUITY CAPITAL and Mehdi Ayed, will enable GO LIVE FUND to not only provide financial backing to startups but also strategic guidance and access to a wide industrial network, fostering opportunities for international growth and expansion.
This collaborative effort marks a significant step in strengthening Tunisia’s startup ecosystem, positioning it as a competitive player on the global stage, and highlighting the potential of Tunisian startups to drive innovation and economic growth.
