Firm launches platform to connect SMEs with investors

AfriStakes has launched a new capital platform in Nigeria aimed at linking African small- and medium-scale enterprises with a broad range of investors in a move to address persistent funding gaps across the continent.

In a statement, the firm said the platform would improve capital allocation by bridging the disconnect between available funds, investment-ready businesses, and viable opportunities.

The launch comes as many African businesses continue to face funding constraints despite the availability of capital within the financial system.

AfriStakes said structural barriers have limited access to funding, even as capital remains concentrated in traditional instruments such as fixed deposits, equities, and managed funds.

The platform enables businesses and investors to connect directly by creating profiles, listing funding needs, and identifying suitable investment partners.

According to the company, businesses can upload key documents and showcase their funding requirements, while investors can outline their interests and financial capacity.

Founder of AfriStakes, Henry Adebisi, said the initiative was designed to tackle inefficiencies on both sides of the investment market.

“In Africa, businesses suffer from low access to capital while investors suffer from low access to investable opportunities. With AfriStakes, we ensure businesses are properly prepared and positioned for investment, while investors gain the clarity and confidence needed to deploy capital effectively,” Adebisi said.

The company noted that a major challenge for many SMEs is not a lack of value but poor investment readiness, which affects their ability to attract funding.

AfriStakes said it addresses this gap by providing a structured framework that helps businesses present financial information, develop investment narratives, and prepare realistic projections.

The platform also offers support services such as due diligence, deal structuring, and preparation of investor-facing materials.

It added that the platform would facilitate capital inflow from local and international investors, including individuals, angel investors, diaspora investors, entrepreneurs, and institutional players.

Adebisi said the platform would promote efficient capital flow into businesses driving economic growth across Africa.

“Our vision is to build a system where capital flows more efficiently into real businesses that drive economic change. By positioning both businesses and investors for success, we enable stronger investment decisions and more impactful economic outcomes,” he said.

AfriStakes said it supports multiple funding pathways, including debt financing, equity investment, partnerships, and acquisitions.

The company added that the platform would promote transparency, inclusivity, and structured investment processes across the African business landscape, adding that the initiative positions AfriStakes as a key player in addressing the continent’s financing challenges by creating a bridge between capital and opportunity.