2X Ignite GP Sprint, Africa Cohort
We are thrilled to announce the first Africa Cohort of the 2X Ignite GP Sprint.
The 2XI GP Sprint is a 6-month acceleration programme for 7 female-led or gender-balanced fund managers with gender-smart investing strategies across Africa. The Sprint’s ambitious goal is to accelerate these fund managers’ timeline to a first or subsequent close in 2023.
Applicants to the programme underwent a three-staged, competitive selection process. Applicants were shortlisted based on the strength of their application package comprising a questionnaire, a motivation letter and a fund pitch deck. Fund managers with diverse GLI strategies and the spectrum of instruments were considered. Short-listed applicants were then interviewed by a group of independent strategic advisors – Anne-Marie Chidzero, Hany Assaad and Sven Soderblom – as well as a group of limited partners (LPs) from the 2X network investing in Africa. Selection criteria included being a female-led and -owned or gender-balanced GP (partner level, IC composition, GP ownership and carry), a strong and credible Gender Lens Investing (GLI) thesis and strategy, the likelihood of getting to a first/next close within the 6 months’ sprint, the extent to which the GP is prepared to focus on intensive fundraising and make the time commitment required to successfully complete the programme.
The cohort of the 7 selected fund managers comprises:
These GPs will now work closely with the 2X Ignite team and an extended team of investment experts and mentors, receive tailored and constructive feedback from an LP perspective as well as hands-on support on their sprint to a first/next close.
The programme will be run by Christian Rangen of Strategy Tools & Link VC, Jessica Espinoza & Marijn Wiersma of 2X Collaborative, a team of LP investment professionals from across 2X’s global network, and a handpicked team of mentors including Soula Proxenos, Hany Assaad, Peter Tropper, Cathy Goddard and Sven Soderblom who bring longstanding experience in fund management and investing in a regional context.
Interest in the programme and the quality of applications were phenomenal and it was a tough decision to select only 7 of the many great GPs that applied. We look forward to launching the next cohort in the near future!
Note: The 2XI GP Sprint is a standalone programme and is not linked to a future 2X Ignite investment facility or any expectations of 2X funding. Selection for a future 2X Ignite facility will be a separate process.