DFS Labs

Information

Digital Financial Services Lab (DFS Lab) is a research-driven venture capital firm dedicated to supporting African entrepreneurs who are leveraging technology to redefine the future of digital commerce on the continent.
DFSLAB.NET

Key Highlights:

Investments: Since 2019, DFS Lab has been a high-conviction investor, specializing in African digital commerce. They invest at very early stages and provide tailored, practical support to their portfolio companies.
DFSLAB.NET

Portfolio:

Number of Companies: Over 30
Countries Represented: 10
Female Representation in Founding Teams: 40%
DFSLAB.NET
DFS Lab's mission is to back entrepreneurs who are using technology to redefine the future of African digital commerce.

How to Apply

To apply to DFS Lab, a research-driven venture capital firm focusing on African digital commerce, you can follow these steps:

Open Application Process:

DFS Lab accepts applications on a rolling basis. You can submit your application through their official website.
DFSLAB.NET
Venture Scout Referrals:

DFS Lab collaborates with a network of venture scouts who can refer promising startups for consideration. If you're connected with one of their scouts, you might seek a referral through them.
VC4A.COM
Eligibility Criteria:

Stage: DFS Lab often provides the first external funding for startups, typically before a formal pre-seed round. They prefer companies with at least a compelling minimum viable product (MVP) and substantial user feedback.
VC4A.COM
Post-Selection Process:

Selected startups receive an initial investment of $25,000, with the possibility of additional funding in the future.
DFS Lab assists in building a solid foundation for your startup, including creating materials to validate your vision.
They introduce teams to a network of investors interested in supporting cohort companies.
Over a 4-6 month period, DFS Lab collaborates with your team to develop a growth plan aimed at securing subsequent financing rounds.

Total number of startups invested: 32

Average Funding: 55000

Industry: ["finance"]

Market: ["Egypt","Ghana","Kenya","Nigeria","South Africa","Tanzania","United States","Zambia"]

Other Accelerators/VC/Investors

Accelr8

Accelr8 is an impact fund that focuses on investing in companies committed to accelerating the reduction and sequestration of greenhouse gases. Entrepreneurs partnering with Accelr8 benefit from their...

View

EIT Digital

EIT Digital is a European digital innovation and entrepreneurial education organization. EIT Digital focuses on driving Europe’s digital transformation by fostering digital technology innovation and...

View

The Power Forward Small Business Grant

The Power Forward Small Business Grant program aims to create a lasting impact through the economic empowerment of Black-owned small businesses. This initiative is designed to provide financial suppor...

View