Global betting and gaming investor Tekkorp Capital is setting its sights on Africa, a region it identifies as a high-potential frontier for growth in online gaming and sports betting. With a commitment to building a portfolio of compliant, well-regulated gaming brands, the U.S.-based venture capital firm has appointed Conor O’Donovan as its regional partner to lead its strategic push into the African market.
Africa’s gaming sector has emerged as one of the most dynamic regions for gaming investment worldwide. Rising internet penetration, smartphone adoption, and a young demographic are contributing to the rapid expansion of the industry. Recognizing these factors, Tekkorp’s founder and chairman, Matt Davey, stated that Africa offers a unique combination of growth drivers that could make it a cornerstone of Tekkorp’s investment strategy. “We believe the time is right to get ahead of the trends, leveraging our expertise to establish a portfolio of leading African gaming assets,” he said.
Tekkorp’s Regional Strategy and Expertise
Davey highlighted that Tekkorp Capital’s Africa strategy aims to create value through hands-on support, helping portfolio companies in Africa with capital access, product development, media partnerships, and operational guidance. The firm also plans to address regulatory requirements through its legal expertise, ensuring that the companies it backs can operate in a compliant manner, a factor Davey believes is crucial for fostering investor confidence in the region.
“Tekkorp is intent on developing a balanced portfolio of high-performance, governance-led brands in Africa, laying the foundation for the continent’s growth in this sector,” said Davey.
To lead this expansion, Tekkorp has tapped O’Donovan, an associate partner at the firm since early 2023, as its Africa partner. With over a decade of experience in Africa’s gaming and betting markets, O’Donovan brings extensive industry knowledge and operational experience to the table. His background includes founding Tribe54, an investment company focused on Africa’s gaming, fintech, and payments sectors, as well as roles with NewPlay Group and Betyetu Group, both prominent entities in East and West African gaming.
O’Donovan will spearhead Tekkorp’s efforts to identify investment opportunities and oversee operational growth across African markets. His initial steps will involve assembling a robust advisory and management team in Africa to tailor Tekkorp’s support to local dynamics, an approach he believes will bridge gaps between regional potential and international investment standards.
“Having been immersed in the African gaming landscape for years, I’m confident that with the right support and strategic insight, local businesses can lead this sector,” O’Donovan commented. “Tekkorp, alongside our strategic partners, is equipped to navigate complexities and unlock growth for promising local brands. Our mission is to build a diversified portfolio of regionally dominant gaming companies, all operating under strong governance.”
Tekkorp Capital has already established its presence within the global gaming ecosystem through strategic investments. In recent years, the firm participated in funding rounds for companies like Odds On Compliance and The Game Day, reflecting its commitment to supporting operationally sound and growth-driven ventures in gaming compliance and digital media. Tekkorp’s move into Africa comes at a time when international firms are increasingly looking to diversify and capitalize on emerging markets, where regulatory progress is paving the way for organized investment and scalable growth.
As O’Donovan undertakes his mandate, Tekkorp is optimistic that its deep industry experience and strategic relationships will position it to take advantage of Africa’s burgeoning gaming market. The firm’s long-term goal is to nurture regionally leading, globally respected African gaming brands, a move it believes will ultimately open the door for more international investors to enter the African gaming space with confidence.