Our first year as an actively operating philanthropic venture capital organization has come to an end—and the results have clearly exceeded our original expectations.
Over the past twelve months, we organized numerous events, shared our idea with a growing community, and gained more than 700 new followers. Most importantly, however, we were able to mobilize more than €1.3 million in donations in our very first year. This strong signal of trust enabled us to move from vision to execution much faster than planned.
At the same time, USD 400,000 was invested in two companies that are creating jobs on the ground, strengthening local value creation, and making a tangible contribution to improving living conditions.
Additional investments are currently in progress, with another closing expected shortly.
fairafric Factory
A Clear Focus on Sustainable Impact
Across all our activities, our approach has remained consistent and clearly defined:
We support local entrepreneurs, create lasting jobs, and invest in economically viable business models that also generate measurable social impact.
We view capital not as short-term aid, but as a strategic tool to sustainably strengthen local value creation and build long-term perspectives.
Our first trip to Ghana (from left): Vanessa Ennen, Lutz Hethey, and Klaus Stein at Makola Market
Outlook: Expansion to Kenya
Looking ahead, 2025 marks the beginning of a new chapter for our organization: expansion to Kenya. We are very much looking forward to this next step. Initial partnerships are already being established, and we are also exploring further exciting investment opportunities. Our goal is to enter into at least four additional investments that will strategically expand our portfolio in the areas of healthcare, agriculture, and education. To achieve this, we aim to raise an additional €1.7 million in donations.
Bernd Schmidt-Ankum, Klaus Stein, and Karsten Wulf at our first fundraising event
Gratitude and Perspective
As the year draws to a close, we would like to extend our special thanks to our partners—and especially to the donors who have consciously chosen to deploy capital on the African continent. Not as traditional development aid, but as a long-term investment decision for a better future in Africa.
Our goal remains unchanged:
Building and financing companies that create value where it is generated.
Made in Africa.
We wish everyone a reflective end to the year and a powerful start to the new one.
On site in Tamale, Ghana, visiting SKIN GOURMET’s shea butter production facility
