African startups led by women or focused on women’s needs are getting a boost, thanks to Five35 Ventures’ latest funding round. The venture capital firm, which has made a name for supporting underrepresented founders, announced that it has raised a new fund aimed specifically at empowering female entrepreneurs across the continent.
The move comes amid a growing recognition that women-led startups often face systemic barriers to funding, mentorship, and market access. According to industry reports, while women make up nearly half of Africa’s entrepreneurial population, they receive only a fraction of venture capital investment. Five35 Ventures’ latest initiative aims to bridge this gap by providing both financial support and strategic guidance tailored to women-led ventures.
The fund will target startups at early and growth stages, particularly those in fintech, health tech, education, and consumer services—sectors where women founders have been increasingly active. By focusing on companies that solve challenges affecting women or are led by women, the fund hopes to not only generate returns but also create meaningful social impact.
Speaking on the launch, the firm’s managing partners highlighted the importance of nurturing an ecosystem that values diversity and inclusion. They emphasized that supporting women entrepreneurs is not just about equity but also about tapping into an underutilized segment with tremendous potential to drive innovation and economic growth.
Several female-led startups have already shown interest, signaling a strong pipeline for investment. Industry observers believe that initiatives like this could catalyze a broader shift in Africa’s venture capital landscape, encouraging more investors to recognize the value of backing women-led businesses.
With Five35 Ventures’ new funding, female entrepreneurs across Africa now have a stronger platform to scale their ideas, access resources, and contribute to shaping the continent’s future startup ecosystem.
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