Capria VC is a global venture firm managing $207 million in assets, with a unique investment model focusing on startups and local fund managers in emerging markets. The firm has invested in 17 fund managers globally, indirectly supporting nearly 400 portfolio companies while directly investing in 41 startups.
In Africa, Capria collaborates with partner firms like Global Ventures, Lateral Frontiers, and Atlantica Ventures to gain valuable market insights. Mobola da Silva, the Africa partner at Capria, emphasizes the benefits of this model in leveraging a vast data set that benefits both the firm and its portfolio companies.
Da Silva, who transitioned to a partner role in 2024, brings extensive experience in venture capital and emerging markets from previous roles at notable organizations. She highlights the focus on deploying capital into promising opportunities and supporting founders in scaling transformative businesses.
Capria typically invests $1-3 million in startups, with a keen interest in sectors like fintech, agtech, HRtech/jobtech, edtech, healthtech, and B2B SaaS. The firm’s support extends beyond financial investments, with an internal AI team available to assist portfolio companies in implementing AI solutions.
Regarding investment strategy, Capria prioritizes exceptional teams, strong revenue traction, compelling unit economics, and market ‘right to win.’ The firm looks for founder-market fit, soft skills, coachability, and industry connections in evaluating founding teams.
Capria’s due diligence process involves multiple stages, including initial screening, investment committee approvals, due diligence assessments, and deal execution. The firm structures investments in Africa to mitigate macro risks through diversification across sectors, stages, and regions, collaborating with local partners for market insights.
Capria’s focus on Series A investments stems from reducing risk compared to seed-stage startups, emphasizing scalable and proven business models. The firm’s ideal startups include tech-enabled companies in key sectors with strong founding teams and a large addressable market.
In navigating regulatory hurdles and market challenges, Capria leverages deal structuring, local partnerships, and resilient business models. The firm tracks performance metrics of portfolio companies regularly, provides guidance while respecting founders’ autonomy, and adapts to cultural and economic contexts in its investment approach.
Despite global economic uncertainties, Capria maintains an optimistic outlook on venture capital in Africa, driven by disciplined investment practices and a maturing startup ecosystem. The firm remains committed to supporting startups through fundraising, AI support, talent sourcing, and strategic partnerships, positioning them for sustainable growth and successful exits.