VC4A is excited to partner with the GSMA Innovation Fund to provide its portfolio companies with award-winning investment readiness training and facilitated access to the global investor community.
This programme will equip up to 40 GSMA funded companies from across Africa and Asia with the tools they need to prepare fundraising campaigns, attract investment, and scale their solutions post-GSMA support.
A global leader in supporting high-growth, high-impact entrepreneurship in emerging markets since 2007, VC4A boasts a community of over 25,000 startups from 158 countries and more than 20,000 investors of which we work with 1,400+ funds and angel investor networks as part of a curated investor network. VC4A offers comprehensive programme support through its Startup Academy, Mentorship Marketplace, Ventures Index and Fundraising tools. Through dedicated masterclasses with industry experts and 1-1 support, VC4A provides tailored solutions for every stage of venture development with a strong emphasis on access to capital.
The platform has become an anchor for anyone looking to scale startups that address social, environmental, and economic challenges across the world’s most exciting markets.
The GSMA Innovation Fund: Accelerating digital tech solutions that are addressing key global challenges
The GSMA Innovation Fund, part of the GSMA Mobile for Development, has funded over a hundred and fifty companies to de-risk innovation across a range of sectors including agriculture, climate resilience, e-commerce, education, energy, financial services, humanitarian challenges, sanitation, waste management and water. Since 2013, the GSMA Innovation Fund has been sourcing innovative startups and scaleups that leverage digital and emerging technologies, supporting their growth to create positive impacts in local communities.
The goal is for the success of these startups to drive greater digital and financial inclusion, as well as increased resilience to climate and humanitarian shocks. So far, the GSMA Innovation Fund team has launched six Innovation Fund rounds focused on these areas: Mobile Internet Adoption and Digital Inclusion, AssistiveTech , Digital Urban Services, Climate Resilience and Adaptation (cohort 1 and cohort 2) and Anticipatory Humanitarian Action.
With a particular focus on Africa and South and Southeast Asia, the GSMA Innovation Fund supports startups by providing grant funding of between £100,000 and £250,000, alongside technical assistance, the fund helps early-stage companies grow their solutions, test new business models, and scale their impact.
Programme implementation for portfolio companies of the GSMA Innovation Fund
VC4A will deliver its award winning high-impact Investment Readiness Training (IRT) for the selected companies, preparing them for stronger investor engagement and financial growth.
The companies selected for this programme come from a diverse geographical distribution which includes: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Somaliland, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Thailand. With VC4A’s 15+ years of experience supporting the startup ecosystem in emerging markets, the project is well-aligned with the mission to see innovation thrive in places where it can have the greatest impact. The implementation will be supported by Social Innovation Circle, a leading funding and training platform for social innovators looking to build sustainable business models for impact and unlock funding, with extensive networks and expertise in the Asian and African markets.
The IRT is structured in three comprehensive phases, designed to equip the founders with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to secure investment. The training includes refining their investment pitches to investors such as venture capitalists and angel investors.
VC4A launched Phase 1 of its Investment Readiness Training (IRT) in September with a needs assessment to provide customised support for each portfolio company. Virtual masterclasses followed, covering venture capital fundamentals, pitching, and valuation strategies. A key feature is the mentor matching initiative, connecting grantees with global mentors for tailored guidance. In Phase 2, selected GSMA-funded companies will receive pitch deck reviews, one-on-one advisory support, and feedback through peer-coordinated pitching sessions. In Phase 3, selected GSMA-funded companies will receive coaching on fundraising essentials and access to a DealBook, showcasing them to investors, with the opportunity to pitch directly in facilitated DealRooms.
Continuous support for programme beneficiaries
Beyond the scope of the programme, VC4A will continue to support these companies by facilitating connections to additional fundraising opportunities, alumni networking events, and pitching competitions, ensuring that the entrepreneurs remain connected to a broader community of investors and partners.
Partner for good
Are you an organisation, corporation, development agency, or investor looking to support early-stage innovation across the world?
VC4A welcomes partnerships that align with our mission. We invite you to connect with our team and learn how our tailored programs, expansive network, and investment readiness services can unlock the full potential of the next generation of entrepreneurs, thereby providing every entrepreneur with an equal access to opportunity. Learn more about VC4A’s work and partnership opportunities, or reach out directly to our partnership team at support@vc4a.com.