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Anthony William Catt

Building Ventures 54 & London Africa Network 🇬🇧🌍

Professional Background

Simon McCann is a dynamic leader and innovator within the tech ecosystem, boasting over a decade of extensive experience in startup support and capital mobilization across the EMEA region. As a visionary founder of Ventures 54, a Pan-African ecosystem building advisory firm, Simon focuses on empowering the African tech landscape by connecting global investors with opportunities across the continent. His work illustrates a commitment to nurturing the African startup ecosystem, supporting diverse stakeholders such as government institutions, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), venture capital funds, and ecosystem support organizations. By bridging Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, Ventures 54 is pivotal in reshaping the perception and realities of investment in African tech.

In addition to his leadership role at Ventures 54, Simon is a co-founder of the London Africa Network, which has emerged as the UK’s largest community dedicated to leaders navigating the UK-Africa technology, startup, and investment corridor. His efforts play an instrumental role in facilitating a robust exchange of ideas, resources, and investment strategies between the two regions.

Google for Startups

Simon’s illustrious career includes serving as the very first Investor in Residence for Google for Startups in the EMEA region. In this capacity, he was crucial in spearheading the inaugural European-African startup investment programme, showcasing his adeptness at identifying and nurturing breakthrough talent. He further extends his influence as an advisor to the Google Black Founders Fund, playing a vital role in supporting emerging entrepreneurs and fostering innovation within the African startup ecosystem.

Prior to his current endeavors, Simon mastered the landscape of capital mobilization between Southeast Asia and Europe, where he significantly contributed to facilitating critical Series A and B deals. Notably, he supported the Series A funding for Monese, a European mobile bank, co-led by Korea Investment Partners.

Thought Leadership and Content Creation

Beyond his direct work in investment and advisory, Simon is dedicated to producing insightful content aimed at highlighting opportunities, talent, and resources within the African tech ecosystem. Through platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, along with his newsletter, he provides valuable insights that empower entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem builders alike.

Education and Achievements

Simon’s educational journey lays a strong foundation for his professional acumen. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Management & Strategy, followed by a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship & International Business, both from Aston University, where he was honored with a full academic scholarship. He also excelled in his A Levels at Queen Mary's College in Basingstoke, focusing on Double Award Business, Information Technology, and Media Studies.

Former Roles

Throughout his career, Simon has held numerous positions that have honed his expertise and insight into the startup and investment landscape, including:

  • Founder & Director at Ventures 54
  • Co-Founder & Committee Member at London Africa Network
  • Co-Founder & Director at Enterprise Academy
  • Newton Scholar at the Newton Venture Program
  • Investor in Residence at Google for Startups (EMEA)
  • Head of Clients & Markets at Pollen8.io (acquired by PwC)
  • Managing Director at Oxygen Startups
  • Business Development Manager at GradQuiz
  • Marketing Manager at Tripster
  • Sales Account Manager at Kukri Sports Ltd

These roles have equipped Simon with a robust understanding of business development, capital raising, and strategic partnerships, allowing him to navigate complex market landscapes and drive successful outcomes for stakeholders.

Conclusion

Simon McCann is a transformative leader in the African tech ecosystem, with a unique blend of strategic acumen, experience in generating investment capital, and a passion for fostering startup success. He stands at the intersection of innovation and investment, making significant strides in reshaping the global perception of Africa’s growing tech landscape. As a guiding force behind various initiatives and his commitment to mentoring others in the space, Simon continues to inspire future leaders in the ecosystem, advocating for a vibrant, interconnected world of opportunities that benefit all involved.

Highlights

Aug 22 · linkedin

Updates from London Africa Network 🇬🇧🌍

As we gear up for our Q3 event and then activities taking us into the end of the year. I wanted to share a few headline recaps from this summer, calls to action and ways the ecosystem can engage with the community.

So what’s been going on?

🔥 AFRICA IGNITE

In June we ran our 2nd London Tech Week event and this time as an official Fringe Event called #AfricaIgnite in collaboration with Africa Tech Festival and partners. We brought the UK-Africa Tech Community came together to connect with and support startup founders visiting from across the African continent. A few stats: 60 Visiting African Startups 🚀 100 London Africa Members 💪 12 Ecosystem Partners 🧠 26 Masterclasses & Office Hours 💯 Hundreds of new Connections Made.

You can check 🎥 the official event recap video below!

📣 SMALL FOUNDATION PARTNERSHIP

We we're delighted to renew our partnership for the second year running with the Small Foundation whom have been instrumental partner in helping us to evolve the community and its offering to members. A real believer, provider of council and best practice who has opened up its own network and resources for the benefit of the community.

Read the announcement article here: https://bit.ly/46QMbuQ

📝 LAN H1 COMMUNITY SURVEY

As continue to develop our community offering - our half year LAN Feedback Survey is now open, so whether a member or considering to join then let us know how what we can do to improve the community.

You can contribute via the survey here: https://lnkd.in/dMvfZtsy

🌆 JOIN US - LAN SUMMER ROOFTOP CLOSING MIXER

So whats next? Join us next month for our annual LAN Summer Rooftop Closing Mixer to see out the summer in style! African-fusion food, drinks, entertainment and good company with the community. Whether a member or curious to find out more about London Africa - details below to join us:

📅 Wednesday 25th September 🕣 18:00 - 22:00 📍 Uncommon, Liverpool Street 🎟️ Tickets can be purchased here: https://lnkd.in/dCN3PHtK

We have more announcements coming in the next month - but in the meantime to find out more about London Africa you can reach out to myself, Anas, Blessing & Dario or go to: www.londonafrica.org

P.S. tagged a few thanks you’s 🙏 in the first few comments for those who supported Africa Ignite and those more broadly the Community.

#BuildingTogether #FromLondonToAfrica #Events #Community

Jul 16 · linkedin

So what’s going on in the African startup, tech & investment ecosystem? Here are a few announcements, opportunities & resources worth checking out.

Week 29 (2024) Post #101

Register for my newsletter for deeper insights launching this month - 🍍 link.

SPOTLIGHT

🧐 Africa's Curves - "The unique shape of the African Tech Opportunity" is an insightful writeup from DFS Lab very own Stephen Deng. This is a deep-dive and refreshingly original break down and perspective on the ups, downs and unique qualities of Africa's Tech and Investment ecosystem. For those new to the space a useful introduction and those old a great piece to review, scrutinise and start discussions on the state of play and what is needed to ensure those ecosystem curves are positive ones's. Enjoy the read!

NEWS & RESOURCES

🇹🇿 Fintech NALA secures $40m Series A to grow B2B payment platform. 🤝 The Africa Debate Post-Event Report an insightful from Invest Africa Ltd. 📣 How to perfect fundraising announcements, PR strategies from Wimbart. ♻️ BFA Global, FSD Africa & IUCN select Blue/Green Economy Cohort. 🤖 AfriLabs Unlocking the future of AI in Africa ecosystem Mapping Report. 🤑 Innovate Africa Fund launch $2.5M early-stage African startups fund. 🌍 UNDP Announces $1 Billion Initiative to Fuel African Startup Revolution. 🎉 Nigeria’s Fintech's Kuda & PalmPay on CNBC's FinTech Top 250 List.

PROGRAMMES & OPPORTUNITIES

🧠 African Venture Philanthropy Alliance (AVPA) Fellowship open for apps. 🇳🇬 GCIP Nigeria Cleantech Innovation Programme open for startup apps. 🇿🇦 SA Social Entrepreneurs - Yunus Social Business Corp Partnerships Pro. 🚀 Microsoft for Startups Middle East & Africa GrowthX Accelerator Program .

EVENTS

📅 16-18th Jul: African Angel Academy Startup Showcases [Virtual]. 📅 17th Jul: Shujaa Capital Maximising ROI & Social Impact in Webinar. 📅 17-19th Jul: Africa Impact Summit 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya 📅 18th Jul: 4th India Africa Entrepreneurs & Investment Summit in Mauritius. 📅 24th Jul: Baobab Network Investor Only Startup Demo Day [Virtual].

👉 To find out more about Africa Tech & Investment focused events then check out my annual African Tech Events Watchlist - 2024 Edition.

🔥 Person to Follow #65 - Fernando Cabral is the Managing Partner of Djassi Africa a Tech Venture & Ecosystem Builder for African and Afro-Diasporan around the globe. The former Investment Banking and Financial Advisor with a background in large scale digital innovation and transformation across Europe and Africa. A real bridge builder to follow!

🎙️ The History of Africa Podcast (https://x.com/histofafrica) is a fantastic way to deep dive into the history with this in-depth podcast. From Casablanca to Cape Town, tune in to this podcast to learn about the magnificent and often-forgotten history of Africa.

Links in 1st comment - reference emojis👇

#Startups #Tech #Investment #Africa

Related Questions

How did Simon McCann develop his expertise in startup ecosystem building and investment across EMEA?
What inspired Simon McCann to found Ventures 54 and focus on the Africa tech ecosystem?
In what ways has Simon McCann influenced the UK-Africa tech, startup, and investment corridor through the London Africa Network?
How did Simon McCann's role as Investor in Residence at Google for Startups shape his career trajectory?
What notable achievements has Simon McCann accomplished during his time at Ventures 54?
How does Simon McCann utilize his platforms, such as LinkedIn and his newsletter, to further the African tech ecosystem?
What experiences from Simon McCann's education at Aston University have impacted his professional journey?
How has Simon McCann contributed to mobilising capital between Southeast Asia and Europe in his previous roles?
Anthony William Catt
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Location

London, England, United Kingdom