Mr Nasir El-Rufai, who used to be a player in Nigeria’s private sector before becoming a state governor, is planning to launch a $100 million venture capital (VC) fund early next year for startups in Nigeria, particularly those in the Kaduna tech ecosystem.
He disclosed this during an interview with BusinessDay Newspaper.
Elrufai said the firm will commence operations in January 2024.
According to the former governor of Kaduna State, the firm will be positioned to finance, nurture, and mentor young Nigerians to compete with the African richest man, Aliko Dangote, in the near future.
“I can confirm that our VC-PE firm, Afri-Venture Capital Company Ltd, will, by the grace of God, begin operations initially in Abuja in January 2024 with Jimi Lawal, Hafiz Bayero, Eyo Ekpo, and Kabir Yabo as founding directors and initial shareholders.
“I am privileged to be the part-time chairman of the board. Please pray for our success and the Nigerian [and in the near future African innovators and entrepreneurs we hope to finance, nurture, and mentor to be the Dangote Group of the future,” he said.
While speaking on his vision and purpose for moving into startup investments, Mr El-Rufai said he wants to set up a venture capital fund or private equity that will invest in young Nigerians with innovative ideas.
Elrufai added that he is willing to fund local startups, irrespective of what segment of the economy the ideas are, “so long as it has the potential to add value to the world.
“We don’t intend to remain in any business. We want to catalyse growth in these startups,” he said.
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