Building the Future of Finance
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
Your customers need capital to grow. You have the data to give it to them.
The Renew Venture Lab: EmFi Series is a program for tech founders building in Africa who are ready to integrate financial services—from embedded finance to alternative lending—directly into their platforms.
Apply by April 30 for early consideration.
.png)
THE PROBLEM
The bank of the future is the phone in everyone's pocket.
Your startup is trusted by hundreds if not thousands of small business customers today. It holds valuable data that can be used in new ways to unlock growth. But how?
The evidence is clear: traditional banks have failed to serve small businesses in Africa.
Your business sit at an inflection point: you have the data to prove they your customers are worthy of credit. What do you do next?
The next generation of growth companies in Africa will be those that will integrate financial services into the apps they have built and their customers love.
THE PROGRAM
Build the product. Integrate the finance. Scale the impact.
Renew Venture Lab: EmFi Series is a selective program designed by Renew Capital and our partners, for technology startup founders exploring or scaling the integration of financial services into their products.
Through live sessions with practitioners and self-paced modules, we will help you refine your embedded finance strategy and alternative lending offering. This is a structured path to investment readiness, ending with potential investment from Renew Capital and our co-investors.
WHY THIS PROGRAM IS DIFFERENT
We are investors, not just advisors.
Renew Capital has an active ground game across the continent, making investment decisions every day. We don't just teach you how to pitch; we show you exactly how we evaluate companies and what it takes to secure a deal.
The sessions are led by practitioners.
You will learn from experts who have built embedded finance products and managed lending books. These are operators who understand the technical and regulatory realities of African fintech.
We provide a clear path to capital.
This isn't just about networking. The program is built to prepare you for a formal investment consideration. Top-performing companies are shortlisted to pitch to our investment team for potential funding on a deal-by-deal basis.
We are a global network with local roots.
We provide access to experienced operators, subject matter experts and a network of founders across the continent and the diaspora. You gain the "ground game" insights needed to navigate complex operating environments.
WHAT YOU'LL WALK AWAY WITH
Move beyond B2B software—become the financial infrastructure.
The EmFi Series is designed to move the needle on your product strategy and fundraising.
- You will leave with a robust financial model, refined pitch materials and a professional data room.
- You will gain a clear understanding of investment criteria and the ability to engage effectively with global investors.
- Most importantly, you gain the opportunity for direct investment from Renew Capital to fuel your expansion.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
You don’t need to be a fintech to build the future of finance.
- You are a founder of a B2B SaaS, fintech or data-driven platform serving SMEs in Africa.
- You have early traction and a clear path to scale.
- You don't necessarily need to be a "fintech" company, but you must be building a product that can integrate financial services to solve customer pain points.
Apply
Submit your application and access pre-program materials on how the investment process works and what investors expect.
Screening and Selection
Applications are reviewed through a structured screening process. Selected companies are invited to join the Venture Lab.
Venture Lab
Participants complete self-paced modules and attend live expert sessions. Progress is assessed through required deliverables and execution.
Shortlisting and Pitch
Top companies are selected to present to Renew Capital’s investment team.
Investment Consideration
Final companies are considered for investment following evaluation and due diligence.
We are looking for the next generation of financial infrastructure. Selected companies gain access to capital, expert insights and a global network.
Apply by April 30 for early consideration.