Singapore-based investment network XA Network has announced its expansion into Africa with the launch of XA Africa, marking a significant move by the Southeast Asian investor to tap into Africa’s growing tech ecosystem. XA Network, which comprises tech alumni from global giants, is set to bring both capital and expertise to promising African startups.
XA Network’s entry into Africa comes as part of its broader vision to foster innovation and growth in emerging markets. With nearly 100 investments already under its belt in Southeast Asia, the firm is now turning its attention to Africa, a region that is increasingly attracting global investors due to its vibrant and undercapitalized tech scene.
XA Africa, the network’s African arm, will focus on connecting exceptional African founders with seasoned investors and industry experts, particularly from leading global and regional technology companies. According to the company’s statement last Friday, the aim is not only to provide funding but also to offer strategic guidance that will help startups scale effectively.
XA Africa is being spearheaded by three well-established tech professionals: Nitin Gajria, former Managing Director of Google Sub-Saharan Africa; Jason Scott, a venture capitalist and one of the architects behind Google’s Black Founders Fund; and Marek Dawidowicz, the Marketing Director at YouTube and a native of South Africa. Together, they bring a wealth of experience from their roles in the tech industry, positioning XA Africa as a powerful player in the region’s venture capital landscape.
“Founders of technology startups in Africa are uniquely placed to solve some of the continent’s most profound challenges while unlocking its greatest opportunities,” Gajria said in a statement. “Our expansion into Africa is a natural progression, enabling us to connect these exceptional founders with expert operators who can help them navigate the complexities of scaling their businesses.”
XA Africa has already begun investing in African startups, with notable companies in its portfolio including Crop2Cash (Nigeria), BuuPass (Kenya), Kaya (South Africa), and Talamus Health (Ghana). These early investments signal XA Africa’s commitment to backing high-impact startups across various sectors, from agriculture and transport to healthcare.
Sonia Kabra and Wyclife Omondi, the co-founders of Kenya-based mobility startup BuuPass, praised XA Network for bringing in valuable strategic expertise. “XA Network has introduced us to advisors from Expedia and other major global firms,” Kabra noted. “Their understanding of emerging markets makes them an invaluable partner.”
Similarly, Michael Ogundare, CEO of Nigerian agritech startup Crop2Cash, said XA Network’s involvement has been transformative. “Their strategic guidance has opened doors to new opportunities. We are excited to continue our collaboration and are grateful for their trust in our vision.”
XA Network’s investment approach is distinct in that it is made up of senior leaders from prominent global and regional technology companies. This structure allows portfolio companies to benefit from the firsthand experience of seasoned operators who have scaled businesses across various markets. Over the past six years, XA Network has ranked as the top investment network in Southeast Asia, and now it aims to replicate this success in Africa.
While XA Network is focused on driving value for African startups, it also sees an opportunity to strengthen ties between the African and Southeast Asian tech ecosystems. “There is much to be learned from the interplay between these two regions,” Gajria said. “In fact, we are already seeing the benefits of this cross-regional collaboration with some of the African founders we are currently supporting.”