be the catalyst

Viridian is an impact agency that designs and delivers programmes for early-stage entrepreneurs, investors and entrepreneur support organisations across Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Our programmes act as a catalyst for these key economic actors, ultimately growing shared prosperity across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Viridian grows ecosystems.

Viridian is a dynamic and experienced team that designs and delivers early-stage entrepreneur and investor programmes, research and strategy. We care deeply about achieving impact and creating thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems with our partners. We want to see more high-impact entrepreneurs and angel investors across the continent building innovative solutions and growing shared prosperity.

Let’s do it together.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“Viridian has played a critical role in the formulation of the V&A Waterfront Business Strategy and Purpose Journey. They have provided key insights, research and consultancy services that have informed how we drive shared value and innovation cluster principles into our ecosystem. We value this relationship and continue sharing a mutually beneficial relationship with the team.”

Henry Mathys, Programme Manager: Social Inclusion and Placemaking, V&A Waterfront

“It has been a pleasure working with the Viridian team. Not only are they deeply insightful subject matter experts, but they always strive to deliver a quality product, on time. As a client my experience has been that they have always added value to enrich the intended outcome and impact for beneficiaries and clients alike.”

Olivia Dyers, Director: Digital Leadership, Department of Economic Development & Tourism, Western Cape Provincial Government

“At Orange Corners we take an ecosystem approach and we assess thoroughly where we can make the most impact. So, we couldn’t be more proud to have found such a competent and experienced team as Viridian to offer the African Angel Academy in DRC and Angola. They are motivated, flexible and professional. These are three essential ingredients for the implementation of any successful programme. I believe that with the African Angel Academy, the startup ecosystems of DRC and Angola will be tremendously boosted, offering great support to young entrepreneurs in both countries.”

Richard van Hoolwerff, Private Sector Development Advisor, Orange Corners

“The African Angel Academy is an integral part of our portfolio of programmes that stimulate and accelerate the Kenyan, South African and Nigerian start-up ecosystems – giving individuals the training and connections to start investing in early-stage start-ups. The AAA’s engaging learning experience creates an active community of new investors, and allows the International Tech Hub Network to create sustainable paths to economic prosperity in our regions of focus.”

Katherine Abbott, Director of UK-South Africa Tech Hub

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WHERE WE WORK

Based in Cape Town, Viridian trains finance- ready entrepreneurs, angel investors and ecosystem players from across the continent.

31 COUNTRIES
THROUGHOUT
AFRICA

SA | ZAMBIA | NAMIBIA | BOTSWANA| TANZANIA | KENYA | CAMEROON | COTE D'IVOIRE | NIGERIA | GHANA | THE GAMBIA | MAURITIUS | SENEGAL | ANGOLA | DRC | MOROCCO | RWANDA | BENIN | BURKINA FASO | GUINEA | MALI | MAURITANIA | NIGER | TOGO | ETHIOPIA | ZIMBABWE | SIERRA LEONE | UGANDA | SUDAN | MADAGASCAR | MOZAMBIQUE

What we offer

Programme design and implementation

Viridian designs innovative programmes aimed at finance-ready entrepreneurs, hubs, and investors, and then rolls them out with precision, delivering outstanding outcomes.

Ecosystem mapping and research

Viridian maps and researches entrepreneurial ecosystems, resources and trends across sub-Saharan Africa, enabling our clients to deep dive into exciting new opportunities.

Strategy and thought leadership

The experienced Viridian team and our continent-wide associates offer expert advice and insights into entrepreneurship, investment and ecosystem development in the African context.

OUR IMPACT BY 2023

Angel investors

Entrepreneurs

Tech Hubs

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Launch League hub training, resources and network

Client: UK-South Africa Tech Hub

Launch League is a training and support programme for South African entrepreneurship hubs, equipping them with the skills, confidence, network and ready-to-go open licence programme pack to support early-stage businesses.

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African Angel Academy investor training and network

Client: Southern African Innovation Support (SAIS) Programme, International Tech Hub Network, Orange Corners, Department of Foreign Affairs

The African Angel Academy has trained over 300 emerging angel investors from 9 countries, since the pilot in early 2020. The programme consists of an online course, live masterclasses and networking sessions, startup showcases, and opportunities for mentorship for new angel networks. AAA is run in partnership with Viridian’s Kenyan partner, ViKtoria Ventures, and the programme draws on the experience of top local investors from across the continent.

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Introduction to Early-Stage Investing online short course

Client: Western Cape Government Department for Economic Development and Tourism

This 10-module online short course is an introduction to early-stage investing for professionals and new investors, both locally in the Western Cape and across South Africa.

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Express Expert

Client: UK-South Africa Tech Hub

Express Expert was designed as a quick yet high impact intervention to support South African entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 lockdown, building financial and personal resilience through access to expert coaches and accountants.

Introduction to Strategic Foresight online short course

Client: Southern African Innovation Support (SAIS) Programme

This 6-module course trained municipalities from five African countries in a selection of strategic foresight tools and methods, to drive innovation in their ecosystems.

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Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation

Client: Royal Academy of Engineering

The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation is a 6-month programme for early-stage engineering entrepreneurs. With a strong focus on investment readiness, the programme allows entrepreneurs to design their own learning paths and access over 20 subject matter experts from across the continent for individual consultations. Viridian has delivered the Africa Prize programme in 2021 and 2022.

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