Cassava Technologies, Africa’s technology company providing a vertically integrated ecosystem of digital services and digital infrastructure, has announced today that it has secured a US$50 million investment from C5 Capital (C5), a specialist venture capital firm that invests in cybersecurity, space, and energy security. The investment is part of a broader funding round to accelerate Cassava’s growth.
The investment by C5 will contribute to the acceleration of the work that Cassava has undertaken to increase digital connectivity and inclusion on the continent. Cassava will be the go-to market partner in Africa for C5’s cutting edge portfolio companies to deliver best-in-class cyber security, satellite & space technology and clean energy.
According to Strive Masiyiwa, Founder & Executive Chairman of Cassava Technologies, “This investment from C5 is part of our plan to raise additional growth capital whilst diversifying our investor base. We are delighted that C5 has joined us to help realise our vision of a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind”.
Cassava Technologies has operations in more than 20 African countries and has been at the forefront of bringing innovative technology solutions to local businesses and individuals. Through its extensive offering that includes fibre networks, data centres, renewable energy, cloud and cyber security, fintech and digital platforms, the company provides digital solutions to over 1 million enterprises and access to the internet for over 500 million people in Africa.
C5 and Cassava already announced a joint venture through which Haven Cyber, a C5 portfolio company and Cassava Technologies will scale Microsoft’s suite of cybersecurity products across Africa to help combat the threat of cybercrime.
“We are delighted to partner with Cassava Technologies, to bring the most innovative cybersecurity, space and energy security products and services to African markets.”, said André Pienaar, Chief Executive & Founder of C5 Capital.
Through the partnership between Haven Cyber (a portfolio company of C5) and Liquid Cloud & Cybersecurity ,a business of Cassava, C5 and Cassava aim to bring expertise in cyber security to Africa by launching a network of state-of-the-art Security Operations Centres (CSOCs) across Africa. The CSOC network will enable the rapid delivery of cyber security services and operations on the continent. The first such CSOC is set for launch in South Africa later this year.
Pienaar continued “Following the launch of Cassava Technologies’ cutting- edge cybersecurity Security Operations Centre (SOC) planned for Johannesburg later this year, we see tremendous growth potential for Cassava Technologies’ cybersecurity business to help protect African enterprises and communities.”
