Madica Backs 3 Startups, Launches Pre-Seed Guide

Madica, a pre-seed investment programme focused on African startups, has added three new companies to its portfolio and unveiled a detailed fundraising guide aimed at first-time founders.

The organisation has committed up to $600,000 in total funding to three startups in Tanzania, Kenya and Nigeria, advancing its goal of widening access to early-stage capital beyond the continent’s most established tech hubs.

The latest batch of investments brings Kilimo Fresh, Hakimu and Biovana into Madica’s portfolio. Each startup will receive up to $200,000 and participate in Madica’s 18-month support programme.

Beyond the funding, participating founders gain access to mentorship, executive coaching and global investor networks. The programme also includes immersion trips designed to expose founders to other ecosystems and deepen their connections across markets.

Since launching in 2022, Madica has targeted founders who are often overlooked by traditional venture capital, whether because of their location, sector, or limited access to investor networks. The new investments continue that thesis, focusing on sectors that are growing but still attract less funding than fintech.

• Kilimo Fresh (Tanzania) – An agritech platform that connects smallholder farmers with urban markets. By tightening the supply chain, Kilimo Fresh aims to cut post-harvest food waste and improve margins for farmers.
• Hakimu (Kenya) – A legal tech startup building AI-driven legal infrastructure to expand access to legal services across Africa. The platform is part of a relatively early-stage legal technology segment, as more professional services begin to move online.
• Biovana (Nigeria) – A health data company focused on harmonising and certifying datasets for use in global pharmaceutical and AI research. The startup is also notable for being co-founded by two women.

Emmanuel Adegboye, Head of Madica, said each new investment moves the programme closer to its goal of building a portfolio that reflects the diversity of African entrepreneurship. He added that the organisation is committed to being a consistent partner in realising the continent’s broader opportunity.

Alongside the new investments, Madica has released a 75-page resource titled Zero to Funded: A Founder’s Guide to Pre-Seed Fundraising in Africa.

The guide is designed as a practical toolkit for early-stage African founders who may not be familiar with venture capital. It covers:

• Common myths that often come up in investor conversations
• Trade-offs involved in taking venture capital
• Checklists and templates to help founders navigate their first funding round

Madica’s activities extend beyond cheque-writing and published resources. The programme is also convening ecosystem engagements, including an upcoming gathering of its team and portfolio companies in Morocco, scheduled to align with GITEX Africa. Such meetings are positioned as opportunities for early-stage founders seeking visibility, partnerships and new investor connections.