Investment expert Andrea Böhmert, partner at Knife Capital, believes there is still confusion around the technology potential and its success when it comes to Africa and international investors.
Speaking to HumanIPO on international investment interest at the African Venture Capital Association (AVCA) Alpha conference yesterday (Wednesday), Böhmert said: “To them, tech and Africa is still an oxymoron.”
She added: “The problem is finding more investors and limited partners (LPs).”
More success stories from Africa on the tech scene are essential to provoke more investments from abroad, she feels.
“They are all out there, I was flabbergasted to hear some of the amazing success stories,” Böhmert said.
From her experience, investors often go for the sectors “that make the loudest noise”.
She feels it is better to focus on the way in which technology is used to improve operations in Africa than to put effort into stimulating tech startup investments.
“The big issue is the underlying technology,” Böhmert said. However, time is needed for growth.
“Before success comes failure,” she pointed out, referring to the “desperate” necessity for market leaders to take the risk of investment in Africa.
Böhmert also emphasised the logistical challenge in securing investments in Africa on tech startup level.
The AVCA Alpha Conference took place this week in Cape Town, South Africa.
