Yoff Ventures

Early-stage backing for impact founders in emerging markets

What we do

Yoff Ventures is a managed angel syndicate that backs emerging-market impact founders when they need it most.

Source:
We identify exceptional early-stage founders in emerging markets building high-impact businesses for an inclusive, sustainable future.
Fund:
We provide their first significant external capital, when they are most isolated: too ambitious for microfinance, too early for impact funds.
Build:
We establish and join their first board and actively support growth through coaching, methodology, structure and network.
Graduate:
We bring the best ventures to the point where institutional capital takes over; high returns on winners offset portfolio risks.

What we look for

Our investment focus is on inclusive business models using climate-friendly innovations for underserved groups.

Transformational:
A clear, measurable social or environmental benefit is built into the product or model.
Viable:
A real business with scalable, profitable unit economics.
Authentic:
Founders who pair genuine mission with commercial discipline, and have already shown their commitment and resilience.

Example investment themes:

  • Low-carbon and affordable building materials, construction and housing e.g. compressed earth blocks
  • Low-carbon mobility and logistics e.g. electric vehicle leasing, solar cold chains
  • Employment-generating value addition e.g. agro-processing, local manufacturing
  • Services to informal sector and households e.g. financial and insurance innovations