We Started Where You Are. 🙌

Built by Founders. Built for Founders.

“We’re here for you, wherever you are on your journey. Let’s build something remarkable together.”

StartU Africa exists because we know how hard it is to build. We've been in your shoes. Now we're here to make the journey easier with capital, strategy, and the digital infrastructure every idea needs to grow.

Every great company begins with a leap of faith. A late night. A whiteboard covered in scribbles. A belief that you can build something that matters.

We know that feeling because we’ve lived it.

StartU Africa was born from a simple observation: too many promising African startups & ideas struggle not because their ideas are bad, but because the business side of building is hard. Finding the right talent. Getting in front of investors. Building a digital presence that actually converts. Navigating the chaos between “idea” and “scaling.”

We built StartU Africa to be the partner we wished we had back then.

Today, we stand alongside founders across the continent, providing the capital, strategy, and digital infrastructure needed to turn bold ideas into lasting businesses.

Mission, Vision and Core Values at StartU.

Our Mission is to democratize access to capital and business expertise for founders across Africa. We meet you where you are, idea stage, MVP ready, or revenue generating, and provide the support you need to take the next step. While Our Vision is a future where the next global giant is built in Africa, with StartU Africa as the launchpad that helped get it off the ground.

1

Founder-First Approach
We were founders before we were investors. We understand the sleepless nights, the cap table anxiety, the fear of running out of runway. We lead with empathy, not ego.
2

Pan-African Focus
We specialize in African markets, African challenges, and African opportunities. If you're building for this continent, you're building for us.
3

Integrated Support
Web development, business strategy, and seed capital, all under one roof. No juggling multiple vendors. No misaligned incentives. Just one team pulling in your direction.
4

No Pressure. Ever.
Work with us on a fee-for-service basis without giving up equity. Or bring us in as investors when you're ready. The door is open either way.

Catalyst Pioneering Startup Success.

Embarking on a journey of innovation, empowerment, and strategic growth navigating challenges and shaping a global legacy in the ever evolving frontier of entrepreneurship.

Inception

Catalyst was born in 2018, founded by a group of visionary entrepreneurs united by a shared mission to redefine startup support.

2018 Dawn of Catalyst

2019 Laying the Foundation

Early Growth

Catalyst focused on building its core programs and expanding its mentor network. Early partnerships were formed, helping the first wave of startups validate ideas and gain real market traction.

Adapting & Scaling

In a year of global uncertainty, Catalyst adapted fast. Digital-first programs were launched, allowing founders from around the world to connect, learn, and grow without limits.

2020 Strength Through Change

Meet The People Behind the Mission.

We’re operators, strategists, builders, and investors. But more than that, we’re humans who believe in the power of African entrepreneurship.

Catalyst Founder

Anthony Ryan

Anthony is the founder of Catalyst. The fund was launched to invest, incubate, and accelerate the next generation of projects.

Mechanism Designer

Levi Rybalov

Levi is Head of Research at Catalyst. His primary focus is on mechanism design and multi-agent crypto economic protocols.

Investment Analyst

Archie Whitford

Archie is the fund’s analyst fresh out of a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne.

Our Core, Built on Three Pillars.

This is who we are, how we work, and what we promise every founder who walks through our door.

Our Foundation

We exist to remove the barriers that hold great founders back. No more struggling with websites, strategy, or capital alone. We handle the business side so you can focus on building.

Our Approach

We meet you where you are. Idea stage. MVP ready. Revenue generating. Fee-for-service or equity funding. No pressure. No one-size-fits-all. Just real support tailored to your journey.

Our Commitment

Your success is our success. We show up when you struggle, open doors when you’re ready to scale, and stay in your corner long after the ink dries. We’re here to build something lasting, together.