The Africa Bridge Fund wants to change how tech ecosystems are built. Its founders, Kevin Dillon and Frank McCosker, are not seeking to replicate Silicon Valley in Africa, but to adapt lessons from decades of global experience to create something more resilient and inclusive.
With over 40 years of experience, from Price Waterhouse to Microsoft and later co-founding Atlantic Bridge, Dillon has seen what it takes to create technology hubs that endure. He is now turning that focus to Africa, where connectivity, capital and talent are converging in ways reminiscent of the early days of Silicon Valley.
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“What made ecosystems like Silicon Valley successful wasn’t just money or innovation,” says Dillon. “It was the integration of risk-tolerant capital, strong academic networks, and collaborative policy.”
Creating conditions for success
Africa Bridge Fund, co-founded with Frank McCosker, invests in healthtech, climate and enablement technologies across Africa. The fund’s four-pillar strategy — capital, connectivity, co-investors, and talent — mirrors the foundational elements that supported Europe’s tech rise in the 2000s.
Despite increased venture capital activity in 2024, many early-stage African startups still struggle to secure funding. The fund also emphasises collaboration with local institutions and co-investors, ensuring startups gain access to both financial and strategic support.
“Startups don’t grow in isolation,” says McCosker. “They grow when surrounded by mentorship, access to markets, and policy environments that encourage innovation.”
Different models, same ambition
Dillon sees African ventures falling into three categories: regional solutions (local problem-solvers), adaptations (existing models for African markets), and global champions (African-born innovations with global potential).
While support needs vary, all models benefit from a strong Africa tech ecosystem that supports scale and sustainability.
A continent with momentum
With a youthful population and lower development costs, African startups are well-positioned to build impactful businesses at lower capital outlay. The rise of AI and the increased domestic participation in venture capital, from 19% to 31% in ten years, has created momentum.
“The continent is uniquely placed to create profitable, socially impactful businesses,” Dillon says.
Measuring success differently
Africa Bridge Fund isn’t only focused on exits. Impact, from improved healthcare access to broader digital inclusion, is central to its mission.
“The future of tech in Africa is not just bright,” says Dillon. “It is transformative. And it’s being built one ecosystem at a time.”
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