Grace Ashiru
Global venture capital fund Endeavor Catalyst has closed a US$320 million investment fund, increasing its capacity to support high-growth technology companies across emerging markets, including Nigeria.
The oversubscribed Fund V brings Endeavor Catalyst’s total assets under management to more than US$850 million and strengthens its investment activities across multiple regions.
The firm now has a portfolio of 437 companies operating across 44 markets, including 83 businesses valued at US$1 billion or more.
In Nigeria, Endeavor Catalyst has backed seven companies operating in financial technology, payments, logistics and mobility.
They include Flutterwave, Moniepoint, TradeDepot, LemFi, Zone, MAX and Moove.
According to the firm, Moove is among the Nigerian companies receiving investment through the newly closed Fund V.
Endeavor Catalyst has invested more than US$500 million since its establishment, with 469 investments recorded when follow-on funding is included.
Its portfolio has also produced 39 exits, including several recent liquidity events.
The firm’s presence in Africa has expanded significantly over the past decade.
It now supports 29 companies across five African markets, with six of those businesses valued at more than US$1 billion.
African investments account for approximately seven percent of the fund’s global portfolio and invested capital.
Endeavor Catalyst’s investment strategy focuses on entrepreneurs building businesses capable of growing beyond their original markets.
The new fund has already invested more than US$55 million across 30 companies.
A further US$25 million to US$30 million is expected to be deployed before the end of 2026.
Ireayo Oladunjoye, managing director and chief executive officer of Endeavor Nigeria, said the investment fund could strengthen access to international capital for Nigerian entrepreneurs seeking to expand their businesses.
The fund also reflects growing participation by successful entrepreneurs in financing new startups.
Approximately 30 percent of Fund V’s limited partners by number are entrepreneurs from the Endeavor network.
Outside Africa, Endeavor Catalyst maintains investments across Latin America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America.
The new financing could create further opportunities for Nigerian companies seeking investment partners, specialised guidance and access to international markets.
However, startups will continue competing for capital within Endeavor Catalyst’s broader global investment portfolio.
