Lateral Frontiers

Lateral Capital, often referred to in its early iterations as Lateral Frontiers, is a New York-based venture capital firm with a dedicated focus on early and growth-stage technology-enabled businesses across Africa. The firm is recognized for its commitment to identifying and nurturing companies that address critical needs and capitalize on emerging opportunities within the continent's dynamic markets. Their investment strategy is centered on backing visionary entrepreneurs who are building scalable solutions in sectors such as fintech, logistics, e-commerce, and healthcare, aiming to drive significant economic and social impact.

The firm typically deploys capital into companies that have demonstrated initial traction and are poised for significant expansion. While their investment sweet spot for initial checks often falls within the range of $500,000 to $1.5 million, they have the flexibility to participate in smaller seed rounds, sometimes as low as $250,000, and larger growth rounds, potentially deploying up to $2 million or more in initial capital, often alongside co-investors. Lateral Capital successfully closed its first fund, Lateral Capital Fund I, at approximately $20 million, demonstrating their commitment to the African tech ecosystem.

Beyond capital, Lateral Capital is known for its hands-on approach, providing strategic guidance, operational support, and leveraging its extensive network to help portfolio companies navigate challenges and accelerate growth. Their portfolio includes over 20 investments in prominent African startups, such as Sendy, M-KOPA, and Twiga Foods, reflecting their diverse sector interests and their role in fostering innovation across the continent. The firm's long-term vision is to be a foundational partner for the next generation of African tech giants, contributing significantly to the continent's digital transformation.