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CRE Venture Capital

North America, New York, United States, New York

Description

CRE Venture Capital is a New York-based venture capital firm established in 2015, with a dedicated focus on investing in early-stage technology companies that are poised to make a significant impact across Africa. The firm primarily targets Seed to Series A rounds, and occasionally Series B, backing innovative startups that leverage technology to address critical needs and capitalize on the continent's burgeoning digital economy. Their investment thesis often centers on sectors such as fintech, logistics, e-commerce, and consumer internet, identifying companies with strong leadership teams and scalable business models.

CRE Venture Capital is known for its hands-on approach, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and access to a vast network to help its portfolio companies scale. The firm has successfully raised multiple funds, demonstrating its commitment and growing capacity within the African tech ecosystem. In 2022, CRE Venture Capital announced the final close of its second fund, CRE Africa Fund II, securing $60 million from a diverse group of institutional investors, development finance institutions, and family offices.

Their typical initial check sizes range from $500,000 to $5,000,000, with the capacity for significant follow-on investments as companies grow. The firm boasts an impressive portfolio of companies that have achieved substantial success and attracted further funding from global investors, including prominent names like Andela, Flutterwave, Paystack (acquired by Stripe), Yoco, Kuda, and Wave. CRE Venture Capital's strategic investments have played a crucial role in fostering the growth and innovation of Africa's technology landscape, solidifying its position as a key player in the region's venture capital scene.

Investor Profile

CRE Venture Capital has backed more than 53 startups, with 1 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 15 rounds, about 28% of its total and boasts 0 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Series A, Pre Seed rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, South Africa, Nigeria.
  • Strong thematic focus on Financial Services, FinTech, Information Technology.
  • Led 1 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $500K – $5M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (53%)
  • Series A (19%)
  • Pre Seed (11%)
  • Series B (8%)
  • Convertible Note (4%)
  • Series C (2%)
  • Series Unknown (2%)
  • Series D (2%)

Country Focus

  • United States (32%)
  • South Africa (25%)
  • Nigeria (23%)
  • United Kingdom (9%)
  • Egypt (2%)
  • Bahamas (2%)
  • France (2%)
  • Kenya (2%)
  • Uganda (2%)
  • Croatia (2%)

Industry Focus

  • Financial Services
  • Fintech
  • Information Technology
  • Software
  • Payments
  • B2b
  • Human Resources
  • E-commerce
  • Consulting
  • Internet
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does CRE Venture Capital frequently co-invest with?

Golden Palm Investments
Africa, Greater Accra, Ghana, Accra
Co-Investments: 5
Musha Ventures
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 4
Spark Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 4
Google Ventures
North America, California, United States, Mountain View
Co-Investments: 4
500 Global
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 7
Raba Partnership
Africa, NA - South Africa, South Africa, Cape Town
Co-Investments: 5
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 3
4DX Ventures
North America, New York, United States, Brooklyn
Co-Investments: 4
Omidyar Network
North America, California, United States, Redwood City
Co-Investments: 5
Firstminute Capital
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 3

Which angels does CRE Venture Capital often collaborate with?

Iyinoluwa Aboyeji
Africa, Nigeria
Shared Deals: 1
AM
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
IM
North America, Pennsylvania, United States, Philadelphia
Shared Deals: 1
Aaron Fu
Africa, Nairobi Area, Kenya, Nairobi
Shared Deals: 1
Johan Bosini
Africa, NA - South Africa, South Africa, Cape Town
Shared Deals: 1
Eli Pollak
Africa, Nairobi Area, Kenya, Nairobi
Shared Deals: 1
CM
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
DD
Europe, United Kingdom
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
CM
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by CRE Venture Capital?

Cutstruct

Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

Cutstruct is a digital construction materials marketplace transforming the way construction projects source materials.

ConstructionProcurementSoftware
SeedMay 26, 2025
Amount Raised: $1,500,000
Sukhiba

Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

Sukhiba is a decentralized community-based commerce platform.

CommunitiesE-Commerce
SeedOct 25, 2023
Amount Raised: $1,500,000
Stitch

Cape Town, NA - South Africa, South Africa

Stitch is a payments infrastructure company that helps businesses seamlessly connect to the financial system

Financial ServicesFinTechPayments
Series AOct 3, 2023
Amount Raised: $25,000,000
Sabi Am

Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

Sabi is a provider of digital commerce infrastructure for the distribution of goods and services.

B2BInformation TechnologyIT Infrastructure
Series BMay 19, 2023
Amount Raised: $38,000,000
Bettr

Cape Town, NA - South Africa, South Africa

The Digital Banking App for Creators

BankingFinanceFinancial ServicesFinTechPayments
Series UnknownDec 1, 2022
Amount Raised: $1,000,000
Sava

Johannesburg, NA - South Africa, South Africa

Sava is a multi-management platform that provides an unlimited number of virtual cards as well as automated accounting reconciliation.

CreditFinanceFinancial Services
Pre SeedJun 30, 2022
Amount Raised: $2,000,000
In HairCare

Paris, Ile-de-France, France

In HairCare offers hair care products.

Consumer GoodsCosmetics
SeedMar 26, 2022
Stitch

Cape Town, NA - South Africa, South Africa

Stitch is a payments infrastructure company that helps businesses seamlessly connect to the financial system

Financial ServicesFinTechPayments
Series AFeb 14, 2022
Amount Raised: $21,000,000
Vibra

Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

Vibra is an online crypto-currency application that specializes in investments, blockchain, and funding services.

CryptocurrencyFinancial ServicesImpact InvestingMobile Apps
SeedDec 17, 2021
Amount Raised: $6,000,000
Raise

Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas

Raise provides digital solutions to make fundraising easier and smoother for startups, founders, investors and law firms.

Financial ServicesFunding PlatformInformation Technology
SeedNov 21, 2021
Amount Raised: $2,100,000