In a groundbreaking milestone for African entrepreneurship, StartBank Africa Fund has secured a $15 million investment from The Private Office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al-Qassimi for Strategic Alliances and Policies. This historic commitment, unveiled at the Funders & Fundees Roundtable Dialogue in Dubai, reinforces Africa’s position as a high-growth investment destination and a hub for world-class innovation.
This investment represents a powerful endorsement of StartBank Africa Fund’s mission—fueling Africa’s most promising startups and visionary entrepreneurs while bridging the capital gap for game-changing ventures.
Farouk Khailann, Founder and General Partner of StartBank Africa Fund, celebrated this milestone, emphasizing that Africa’s rise will be driven not just by financial backing but by bold leadership and transformative vision. 
“This is a defining moment—not just for StartBank Africa Fund, but for the entire African investment landscape,” Khailann declared. “The real challenge isn’t capital or ideas—it’s leadership. With this investment, we are doubling down on our mission to empower Africa’s brightest minds to build the next wave of global enterprises.”
Khailann expressed profound gratitude to Amb. Dunston P, Group CEO of The Private Office, and Chief Investment Officer Pranav Jyoti for their unwavering belief in Africa’s potential. He also acknowledged investment experts Olatokunbo Ige and Manya Pamnani, whose strategic insights and commitment will help steer the fund toward unprecedented success.
A New Era of Investment in Africa Begins
The $15 million injection sets the stage for StartBank Africa Fund to accelerate its expansion, scale high-impact startups, and reshape Africa’s business ecosystem. More than just capital, this backing signals a global shift toward recognizing Africa as the next frontier of economic power.
The Funders & Fundees Roundtable Dialogue in Dubai served as a catalyst for high-level discussions, bringing together top investors and entrepreneurs to drive bold, character-driven leadership in Africa’s business landscape.
About StartBank Africa Fund
StartBank Africa Fund is a dynamic venture capital firm dedicated to scaling Africa’s innovation ecosystem, empowering visionary founders, and driving economic transformation. With a focus on leadership, funding, and sustainable development, the fund is at the forefront of positioning Africa as a dominant force in the global economy.
