We invest in visionary founders who are passionate about harnessing frontier technologies to address the world's most pressing challenges. Whether it's revolutionizing financial services through blockchain or advancing groundbreaking carbon capture solutions, we partner with entrepreneurs who believe that the future's greatest opportunities will be created here in the Global South.

What We Offer

We have high expectations, but we believe in giving back just as much. As sector specialists with a presence in Nairobi, Lagos, California, and New York, we bring value both locally and globally. From building your team to securing clients, navigating regulations, and raising capital, we stand by your side every step of the way.

Our Origin

The beginning of Lateral Frontiers goes back to the early days of the venture capital ecosystem in Africa when there wasn't so much capital to go around, only a spoonful of ambition from in-the-wild builders of solutions to their own problems.
Our co-founders Rob, Steven and Sam started and made their careers in investing and decided to explore frontier and developing markets in search of something…more.
Lateral Frontiers emerged into an ecosystem of an infant frontier investor market to seed the growth of transformative tech companies in the fintech and cleantech spaces. With over half a decade of shared investing experience, they had a vision to build an engine that will fuel the next century of tech innovation and economic growth in frontier markets.
Since then, Lateral has grown and is supported by experienced operators across emerging markets who all work closely to support its founders in driving forward their visions. We believe that the most frontier icons will be built by founders that dare to imagine better realities, new ways of existing and immense prosperity.
To date we have backed some of the most iconic technology companies in Africa and we are committed to continue to find and seed even more audacious founders and ideas at the frontiers of emerging economies.

Our Vision

From Local Impact to Global Reach
At Lateral Frontiers, we support founders who solve local challenges and create scalable solutions. We build bridges between emerging and established markets, shaping a world where innovation and impact transcend borders.
Steve Grin
Co-founder, Partner
Rob Elof
Co-founder, Partner
Samakab Hashi
Partner
Hellen Mwaniki
Operations Manager
Shreyas Mishra
Senior Associate
Ebby Mwihaki
Intern Analyst
Marianna Ondeng
Intern Analyst

Our Ethos

Relentless Curiosity
We invest in future innovators in challenging regions, embracing ambiguity, questioning the status quo, and testing our assumptions to pursue groundbreaking ideas and unexplored domains.
Resourcefulness
It’s not resources but resourcefulness that counts. We aim to be the most trusted partner, offering investments, networks, and strategic advice across industries.
Founder First
We invest in exceptional people, partnering with those committed to integrity and mutual respect, knowing they are key to our shared prosperity and lasting transformation.
Long Term
As entrepreneurs, we focus on building lasting businesses and relationships. This mindset guides us as investors, partnering with founders who tackle the most difficult challenges.