African venture capital is a must if you plan to start a business on the continent. Africa venture capitalists, like their American counterparts, want a big return on their investment with a quick turnaround time. With abundant potential for business growth in the region, securing the right venture capital funds in Africa is paramount for your business.

Constructing a concise business plan that outlines your goals, planning for allocation of monies received from venture capitalist firms in Africa and projecting profit and time frame is vital. To ensure that your business plan is thorough enough to secure Africa venture capital, partner with a company that specializes in matching small businesses with potential venture capitalists. They'll create a concise business plan to present to the potential Africa venture capitalist firms who best match your unique business needs. When searching for venture capital services in Africa, you should:

1. Search for venture capital directories for Africa venture capital investors who meet your unique business needs.

2. Partner with Africa venture capitalists who have a solid reputation in the region to help ensure a successful business deal.

3. Create a concise business plan reflecting your goals and plans to allocate venture funds in Africa.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find African venture capital funds through online venture capital directories

The Internet offers up-to-date information on Africa venture capital firms. Contact information and specific requirements are often listed in African venture capital funds directories.

I recommend: Search VCLocator.com for listings of Africa venture capital firms. Tailor your search based on geographical region, industry and the amount of capital you need for your business. Use vcaonline.com as an affordable way to search for Africa venture capital funds. The database offers up-to-date information that includes contact information for Africa venture capitalists and minimum investment criteria.

Choose venture capital Africa firms based on reputation, experience and success

Compare venture capital investors in South Africa with other venture capital firms in other African countries to find the funds that match your unique business needs.

I recommend: Partner with African Capital Alliance, an Africa venture capital firm that uses creative deal making coupled with financial resources to ensure success for your business. Use Databank Financial Services to supply your business with venture capital in Africa. They offer your business financial stability and a successful record in venture capital investments.

Write a solid business plan to secure African venture capital funds

A solid business plan is the key to securing the funds you need to start a business or enhance your company. Include key elements such as business goals, money allocation, projected earnings and time schedule to create a concise, informative business plan to attract the appropriate Africa venture capital firms to your business.

I recommend: Hire the professionals at MasterPlans to create an in-depth business plan suited for venture capital Africa firms. They offer a market analysis and work with you to create a detailed, concise business plan. Use Cayenne Consulting to formulate a business plan to secure African venture capital funds. They can create a successful business plan for your business or help you tailor your existing business plan for Africa venture capital investors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Become familiar with the African Venture Capital Association to learn about current trends in venture funds in Africa.