How this vehicle plans to fund African SMEs through crowdfunding

NIA Crowdfund, a UK-based equity crowdfunding platform, is paving the way for startups and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa to access much-needed funding by offering micro-shares in the form of equity. Founded by Sarah Burns, NIA Crowdfund aims to democratize the investment landscape, making it easier for investors to support innovative and impactful businesses on the continent. With over 500 businesses lined up to raise capital on their platform, NIA Crowdfund is set to launch in early 2022, offering investors the opportunity to participate in these ventures. The platform's easy-to-use interface streamlines the investment process, from onboarding to fund allocation, allowing investors to engage with businesses swiftly. By collaborating with local partners and business accelerators across Africa, NIA Crowdfund ensures that the businesses showcased meet the platform's criteria and undergo thorough due diligence. This approach not only facilitates access to funding for SMEs but also provides investors with a diverse pool of opportunities to support various sectors like agriculture, health, education, technology, and renewable energy. One of the unique features of NIA Crowdfund is its ability to cater to investors of all types, including institutional, angel investors, high net worth individuals, and smaller investors who can contribute as little as $1000 to a venture. By bundling these investments together per deal, the platform enables a wide range of investors to participate in funding rounds, promoting inclusivity and diversity in the investment landscape. In terms of deal sizes, NIA Crowdfund focuses on the 'missing middle' range, with minimum ticket sizes starting at $100,000 and maximum caps set at a million dollars. This targeted approach aims to bridge the gap for businesses that require funding in this range, positioning them for future growth and potential collaboration with larger investors and impact funds. While currently headquartered in London due to favorable crowdfunding regulations, NIA Crowdfund has its sights set on expanding its regulatory reach across African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Tunisia, where equity crowdfunding regulations are gradually taking shape. By advocating for more inclusive regulations that allow unsophisticated investors to participate, NIA Crowdfund aims to democratize access to investment opportunities and empower local communities. When it comes to monitoring the impact of funded businesses, NIA Crowdfund employs a robust system of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) tailored to each venture's unique contributions to its community. By tracking data points related to employment, patient demographics, or other relevant metrics, the platform ensures transparency and accountability in upholding the social impact promises made by the supported businesses. In a rapidly evolving investment landscape, NIA Crowdfund stands out as a catalyst for change, facilitating meaningful connections between investors and African businesses poised for growth. With its innovative approach to equity crowdfunding and commitment to driving positive change, NIA Crowdfund is set to play a pivotal role in fueling the growth of SMEs across the continent.