Hong Kong’s startup incubator Nest VC has launched its first African office in Nairobi Kenya, in a move to invest in the region’s growing entrepreneurial scene through funding, mentorship and networking.
Nest Nairobi will be based at Nairobi Garage, the home of 88mph headed up by managing partner Aaron Fu who will see the growth and expansion of Nest across Africa through partnerships with innovation hubs in Africa.
Nest Nairobi will be open for startups from across the continent will be encouraged to apply for funding and support. Fu’s primary focus will be to connect the region’s most promising entrepreneurs with Nest’s proven startup eco-system through the pillars of marketing, strategy, funding and network.
In a statement, Simon Squibb, CEO of Nest, said, “ Our unique support system can make the difference between success and failure as we give entrepreneurs access to the right tools and resources to enable them to turn their dreams into a reality.”
Squibb added that Nest Nairobi will provide mentorship, advice, space to develop ideas as well as access to shared legal and accounting experts apart from funding.
“While we are based in Kenya we will be working across Africa to find the best ideas and talent, in particular Lagos, and Accra and Cape Town where the startup scene is already flourishing,” he said.
Nest Nairobi will also connect Nairobi to Asia (Hong Kong) where Nest was founded in 2010. More recently Nest invested in HealthTech, FinTech and Smart Cities sector startups.