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Since 2018, 500 Startups has backed 3 African startups across 3 disclosed funding rounds totaling $20M, most heavily in Egypt and Fintech.
500 Startups, now known as 500 Global, is an early stage venture capital firm and seed accelerator that invests in fast growing technology companies. It operates globally and has been associated with Silicon Valley, providing capital and structured programs to support founders. The firm describes itself as a venture capital company that backs technology businesses across multiple sectors. In Africa, 500 Startups has invested at the seed stage, including three seed rounds between 2018 and 2020. These transactions include NowPay in Egypt in December 2020, Smile ID in Nigeria in April 2019, and Nawah Scientific in Egypt in December 2018. The firm’s African portfolio, based on these disclosed deals, spans fintech through NowPay, cybersecurity through Smile ID, and health tech through Nawah Scientific, with a geographic focus that includes Egypt and Nigeria. Through these investments, 500 Startups has participated alongside a range of other venture investors and local funds, reflecting its collaborative approach to early stage financing. Its activity in Egypt and Nigeria aligns with its broader mandate to back technology driven companies in emerging and established markets.
Data updated · Jul 30, 2026
500 Startups has backed 3 African startups across 3 disclosed funding rounds tracked on Liners, totaling $20M since 2018.
Mostly Seed: 3 of its 3 tracked rounds are at that stage.
Its tracked rounds lean toward Fintech (1), Cybersecurity (1), Health Tech (1).
500 Startups most often shares rounds with Endure Capital (2 shared deals), Foundation Ventures (1 shared deal), BECO Capital (1 shared deal).
500 Startups, also referred to as 500 Global, is an early stage venture capital firm and seed accelerator that invests in technology companies. It combines capital with programs and support for founders building fast growing businesses.
In Africa, 500 Startups has invested in NowPay, a financial wellness and earned wage access platform in Egypt, Smile ID, an identity verification and fraud prevention company in Nigeria, and Nawah Scientific, a lab testing and R&D services platform in Egypt. All three investments were seed rounds.
