Access to capital remains one of the biggest challenges for startups globally. We’ve handpicked ten exceptional mentors from the VC4A Mentorship Marketplace who are experts in fundraising and finance related topics. These mentors have not only raised millions in funding but also transformed countless startups into scalable, investment-ready businesses. Here’s a look at the top mentors who can help you navigate the complexities of fundraising and accelerate your growth:
Egla Ntumba (Cape Town, South Africa)- Expertise: Early-stage investing, financial modeling.
- Background: Egla is an ex-SME operator and investor passionate about supporting African innovation at the early stage. She focuses on addressing the primary reason early-stage companies fail: lack of funding.
- Contribution: Provides guidance on fundraising strategies and connects startups with potential investors.
- Connect to mentor: Egla Ntumba
Anna Shanalingigwa (Tanzania)- Expertise: Finance, team and operations management.
- Background: Anna is a professional accountant with over 20 years of experience in the development sector, specializing in financial management.
- Contribution: Assists startups in preparing financial documents and strategies to attract investors.
- Connect to mentor: Anna Shanalingigwa
Paul Okunaiya (Nigeria)- Expertise: Fundraising, growth and strategy.
- Background: Paul is an investment professional with a vast entrepreneurial mindset and extensive leadership experience, engaging in corporate and structured finance.
- Contribution: Guides startups through fundraising processes and offers insights into investor expectations.
- Connect to mentor: Paul Okunaiya
Geraldine Mupandanyama (Zimbabwe)- Expertise: Fundraising, strategy, and marketing and communications.
- Background: Geraldine has years of experience mentoring startups and SMEs, equipping them with actionable fundraising strategies and connecting them with angel investors and venture capitalists.
- Contribution: Specializes in helping startups align their business models with investor expectations and preparing them to scale sustainably.
- Connect to mentor: Geraldine Mupandanyama
Ryham Ragab (Egypt)- Expertise: Financial management and fundraising.
- Background: Ryham has a proven track record in guiding startups on securing funding through diverse financing mechanisms. Her hands-on experience in finance makes her a go-to mentor for entrepreneurs looking to scale.
- Contribution: Assists startups in developing actionable fundraising strategies and investor pitches.
- Connect to mentor: Ryham Ragab
Abdelrhman Soliman (Egypt)- Expertise: Financial management and fundraising.
- Background: Abdelrhman brings a wealth of experience in guiding startups to secure venture funding, with a focus on business scalability and financial sustainability.
- Contribution: Assists entrepreneurs in crafting fundraising strategies, managing investor relations, and scaling operations.
- Connect to mentor: Abdelrhman Soliman
Yolisa Molefe (South Africa)- Expertise: Finance, tax and compliance.
- Background: Yolisa is an experienced mentor who has helped numerous startups become investor-ready, with a focus on building sustainable and scalable business models.
- Contribution: Guides entrepreneurs in preparing for funding rounds and building investor confidence.
- Connect to mentor: Yolisa Molefe
Israël Baelongandi (Congo DRC)- Expertise: Fundraising, SME development, and financial planning.
- Background: Israel has a deep understanding of financial planning and fundraising strategies for startups and SMEs. He has guided multiple businesses to secure sustainable funding and achieve growth.
- Contribution: Mentors startups on strategic financial planning and investor outreach, ensuring they are well-prepared to attract the right investment partners.
- Connect to mentor: Israël Baelongandi
Dami Olonilua (USA)- Expertise: Business development, fundraising, and investor relations.
- Background: Dami has extensive experience in supporting startups to secure funding and build relationships with investors. She is committed to driving growth for African entrepreneurs by leveraging her expertise in finance and business strategy.
- Contribution: Offers mentorship on refining fundraising strategies, negotiating with investors, and scaling startups sustainably.
- Connect to mentor: Dami Olonilua
Sherif Abdelaty (Egypt)- Expertise: Fundraising, valuations, and financial modeling.
- Background: Sherif has years of experience supporting startups with their fundraising goals, focusing on crafting solid financial models and connecting them with the right investors.
- Contribution: Guides entrepreneurs on building investor confidence and creating actionable strategies for fundraising success.
- Connect to mentor: Sherif Abdelaty
Whether you’re seeking guidance on financial modeling, preparing investor-ready pitches, or scaling your business, these mentors are here to support your journey.
Every random once in a while there is someone who holds up a mirror to you, just at the right time, to remind you that you’re on the right path and that no one else really knows what they’re doing anyway so you should just keep going – that’s a mentor!
— Egla Ntumba, Founder – MsFit Ventures, Mentor – VC4A.
Find any mentor tailored to your professional and startup needs on VC4A’s Mentorship Marketplace. Connect with top mentors in fundraising today and gain access to their insights and networks. Additionally, explore other tools on the VC4A platform, such as the Startup Academy, where you can sharpen your entrepreneurial skills, or the Deal Room (returning soon), where you can showcase your business to investors. Combined, these resources form a powerful ecosystem designed to help you achieve your business growth ambitions and succeed.
Share this article and follow us online: Instagram, LinkedIn, X
For any inquiries, please contact: VC4A support
Follow this link to join the VC4A community