Pan-African venture capital firm 4DX Ventures, known for backing early-stage tech giants like Flutterwave, Andela, and Yoco, has appointed two heavyweight advisors to its leadership circle: Mimi Alemayehou and Kurankye Sekyi-Otu.
In a press release shared with BitKE, the move signals 4DX’s intent to deepen its global network just as African startups increasingly look beyond the continent for capital, talent, and growth.
With over $200 million in assets under management and a track record of supporting high-growth companies in fintech, e-commerce, embedded finance, and more, 4DX has emerged as a key player in Africa’s digital transformation. The firm recently welcomed the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as a limited partner, underscoring its appeal to global institutional investors.
[WATCH] What Do VCs Actually Do? – A Chat with BTV, an Early Investor into Chipper Cash https://t.co/QCpksO2nZW @btv_vc @chippercashapp
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) February 25, 2022
Why this matters for Africa’s tech (and crypto) scene
As African tech companies – particularly those in crypto and financial infrastructure – begin to scale across borders, attracting experienced operators and strategists is critical. Alemayehou, who has held senior roles at MasterCard, Blackstone, and OPIC, brings a rare blend of development finance and corporate firepower. Sekyi-Otu, with deep roots in alternative investments and asset management, is poised to help African startups navigate capital markets and scale sustainably.
Their appointments come at a time when African founders are looking to tap into new global rails — from blockchain infrastructure to tokenized assets and cross-border liquidity. Strategic advisors who understand both frontier markets and global capital flows can be game-changers.
“As more African technology companies scale globally, we’re excited to bring on world-class advisors with truly global perspectives,” said Walter Baddoo, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at 4DX.
“Mimi and Kurankye are hands-on leaders who will help us support founders, deepen institutional relationships, and sharpen our long-term strategy.”
REPORT | ~90% of Investors Judge #African Startups By the Quality of Their Reporting, Says Latest 2024 PR Report
Over 70% of investors surveyed would not consider follow-on investments if portfolio companies consistently failed to update them.https://t.co/7t2I4zsXcu @Wimbart pic.twitter.com/Os0ik6yWnW
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) October 19, 2024
Africa’s future is cross-border, capital-intensive, and increasingly crypto-aware
From embedded finance in Nairobi to decentralized payment rails in Lagos, African tech is entering a new phase – one that requires nuanced expertise in regulation, infrastructure, and capital formation. Firms like 4DX, with strong on-the-ground presence in Accra, Nairobi, Cairo, and active engagement in Francophone and Southern Africa, are positioning themselves as the connective tissue between African founders and global capital markets.
In the African crypto investment space, 4DX Ventures was part of investors that saw NestCoin, a Nigerian Web3 startup, raise $1.9 million to scale Onboard, a self-custody wallet for the African market following a lack of success in its previous products, Breach, a Web3 media platform, and Brunch, a crypto-based group messaging tool, as well as the lose of millions in cash and stablecoins following the collapse of FTX, a major investor in Nestcoin in early 2022.
FUNDING | #WEB3 IN AFRICA
Nigerian Web3 Startup, NestCoin, Raises $1.9 Million to Scale Onboard, a Self-Custody Wallet, Across Africa
“Onboard was part of 15 global brands that took part in the launch of Base [Ethereum L2 by Coinbase], including Coca-Cola, Atari, Open Sea… pic.twitter.com/SAOFXbvpXt
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) September 8, 2023
4DX’s value creation platform, 4DX Labs, has already supported landmark transactions – including the MaxAB–Wasoko merger, the largest in African tech history. The firm’s new senior advisors are expected to further elevate its impact.
“This role is an exciting new chapter in my dedication to championing growth and innovation across Africa,” said Alemayehou.
“4DX has been catalytic in Africa’s tech ecosystem — I look forward to helping deepen partnerships and scale innovation across sectors.”
“I’m committed to activating a global network of partners to support 4DX’s continued growth,” added Sekyi-Otu, pointing to the growing need for operational depth and strategic guidance in today’s rapidly evolving African markets.
TL;DR: What This Means
Global muscle for African scale: New advisors bring policy, capital markets, and strategy experience to African tech.
More cross-border opportunity: Expect tighter global ties for African startups – including in fintech, crypto, and creator economies.
Stronger institutional confidence: With backing from the IFC and elite LPs, 4DX is doubling down on Africa’s digital transformation.
As African startups move beyond borders and into Web3, AI, and alternative finance, 4DX Ventures is making sure its bench is just as bold as the entrepreneurs it backs.
OPINION | Why Company Building is More Important Than Product Building for VC backable Ventures in Africa
Company building is the process of establishing a scalable and sustainable business and goes far beyond just creating and selling a product.https://t.co/NHmB7JMmuB pic.twitter.com/mxSmIfrPoi
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) May 28, 2025
Follow us on X for the latest posts and updates
Join and interact with our Telegram community
___________________________________________
