Capria, the largest network of emerging market fund managers, has said it would be investing up to $20m in existing members and 2-3 new funds to capitalize on the budding entrepreneurial ecosystems of the African region.

Capria’s efforts will focus on supporting local fund managers to strengthen their business, accelerate growth, and build world-class investing operations.

Capria has recently opened an office in Nairobi, Kenya to connect with fund managers in the country.

Its Africa expansion efforts are led by regional director, Mercy Mutua.

To capitalize on the abundant opportunities in the fastest growing and stable emerging economies, Capria is launching its 8th investment cycle and is now open for applications.

So far, out of 800 applications, only 19 have been selected to Capria’s Network, of which seven are from Africa. 

Will Poole, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Capria, said: “As a global recession looms, we can expect consumption rates in developed markets to go down. At the same time, evidence suggests that most EMs show high resilience to US-initiated economic downturns."

"Capria works closely with EM funds to build resilient strategies to deliver superior returns for their global investors while creating sustained social and/or environmental impact. Our network model is now more relevant than ever to support local fund managers and link them with global LPs,” he said.

Capria will invest its next group of funds across 3-5 additional EM managers that it will recruit for its collaborating global network that’s already 19 managers strong.

Capria’s objective is to help emerging market fund managers build differentiated strategies, to adopt international standards, and to collaborate with one another to deliver superior returns.

Capria Ventures is a global investment firm leading, partnering with and funding the largest network of emerging market fund managers collaborating to deliver superior returns and scaled impact.

Capria brings venture capital innovation and global best practices to local venture capital, private equity and innovative debt funds, managed by local investment experts.

Capria’s network of investing partners collectively manage more than $300m in assets deployed in early stage and early growth companies in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

Capria invests in partners via its $100m network fund, taking anchor GP and LP positions.