Sand Hill Angels reposted this
Faith Driven Investor | Changing the face of investing in Africa | Managing Partner | Non-Executive Board Director | Private Equity & Venture Capital Investor | Mother | BWAM Top 40 under 40 | Institut Choiseul
Five years ago, an idea that seemed impossible took shape. It was a vision that was a road less travelled, a path filled with uncertainty but brimming with potential. That vision was Aruwa Capital Management —a dream to showcase the untapped potential of SMEs and African women whilst fostering sustainable and inclusive growth. Today, only by the favour and grace of God, that journey has reached its 5-year milestone, and the impact we’ve made extends far beyond what I could have ever imagined. What began as a bold aspiration of a 29 year old to bridge the SME and gender funding gap and support women-led businesses across Africa has become a motivational success story for other women. Aruwa Fund I was our first leap of faith and we faced numerous challenges along the way, from navigating complex landscapes such as COVID to overcoming financial and systemic barriers due to the size of our fund and inherent deep seated biases. Yet, each obstacle only fueled my determination and sharpened my focus on the ultimate goal. As we celebrate our 5-year anniversary, I am filled with immense pride and ultimate gratitude for what we have achieved. Our award winning and impactful portfolio has solidified our position as pioneers in gender lens investing. Our portfolio now includes 10 innovative companies that are driving change across diverse sectors, from renewable energy, FMCG manufacturing, fintech and healthcare with 70% being female led and female owned. This journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our investors who decided to take a chance when others wouldnt, seeing opportunity rather than risk. A special thank you to our early local investors who invested in me in the midst of COVID, and opened up not only their wallets but their networks. The Aruwa success story is also not complete without the resilience, ingenuity, and determination of the founders we invest in. Together, we have empowered thousands of micro SMEs, created thousands of jobs, and generated sustainable growth that benefits entire communities. The recognitions we've received, from speaking at global forums to being celebrated by various industry bodies, continues to inspire and motivate us to do more. But this celebration isn't just about our achievements; it's about the dream that started it all. It's about the young girl who believed she could make a difference and the investors, partners and dedicated team that turned that dream into reality. As we look to the future, I am more excited than ever for what lies ahead. We will continue to break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and create opportunities where none existed before. Here’s to the next decade of turning dreams into reality, and to a brighter, more inclusive future for all. Thank you for being a part of this journey and for all of your well wishes. Let’s continue to make history together. #aruwais5 #dreamstoreality #aruwacapital #impact #genderlensinvesting #sustainablegrowth
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