Uganda

The Catalyst Fund is a pre-seed VC fund and accelerator that invests $200K in early-stage startups and follows on at Seed and Series A rounds. As a thesis-driven investor, they focus exclusively on backing founders building climate adaptation and resilience solutions across Africa. The fund operates as both an investor and venture builder, with ex-founders and operators providing hands-on support spending 400+ hours with each startup to accelerate growth. Since 2015, they have accelerated 81 companies across 19 markets, connecting startups to their global network of 250+ investors and ecosystem partners. Their comprehensive approach includes tailored venture building support across key business areas including data, tech, sales, talent, product, fundraising, and growth.

The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) is an autonomous intergovernmental financial institution established within the United Nations framework. Established in 1989 with its first project approved in 1991, the CFC provides impact finance to small and medium enterprises, cooperatives, and governments in the commodity sector across developing countries. The organization focuses on creating economic opportunities and unlocking potential in commodity value chains, with particular attention to least developed countries and vulnerable markets. With 101 Member States and 9 Institutional Members, the CFC operates through various mechanisms including direct project financing, technical assistance, and specialized funds like the ACT Fund for climate-resilient agricultural systems.

era92 Fund is a Uganda-based impact investment and microfinance platform focused on expanding economic opportunity across Africa. The organization provides capital and financial services to startups, SMEs, and micro-entrepreneurs building businesses that improve livelihoods and strengthen local economies. Operating through two core divisions, era92 Finance and era92 Ventures, the fund combines inclusive lending with patient impact capital to support entrepreneurs solving critical social and economic challenges. Its mission centers on reversing poverty and creating long-term prosperity through financial inclusion and social enterprise development.

Kiva is an international nonprofit organization that expands financial access to help underserved communities thrive through crowdfunded microloans. Founded in 2005, Kiva connects lenders with borrowers worldwide, allowing people to lend as little as $25 to entrepreneurs and individuals who lack access to traditional banking services. The platform has facilitated over $2.4 billion in life-changing loans to 6 million people across the globe. Kiva prioritizes supporting populations with the greatest need, including women entrepreneurs, refugees, climate-threatened communities, and marginalized U.S. entrepreneurs. With over 1 billion unbanked people worldwide, Kiva tackles financial inequality by putting the power of financial inclusion in everyone's hands. The organization ensures 100% of loan contributions go directly to supporting borrowers, creating lasting change one loan at a time.