Investing in Africa's Digital Future, Lexi Novitske, GP @ Norrsken22

Africa's VC ecosystem has created a pipeline of well-funded regional feeder funds

Lexi Novitske discusses how Norrsken22 benefits from a growing ecosystem of well-capitalized early-stage funds across Africa. She explains how these regional funds, backed by development finance institutions and foundations, focus on specific markets like Nigeria, West Africa, South Africa, and East Africa, creating effective feeder relationships.

Why African startups don't deserve Silicon Valley valuations

Lexi Novitske explains the biggest challenge in African venture capital: educating co-investors about appropriate valuations. She argues that while African companies show incredible revenue growth, they shouldn't command the same 10-15x revenue multiples that US companies receive.

10 to 15 x revenue multiples that they would put on US sort of companies. So I think that's the biggest challenge is is really, educating them, especially if, you know, they're co investing with us...

VC reveals how their investing philosophy completely shifted after years of deals

A discussion about African startups exploring Saudi Arabia as both a growth market and attractive listing destination, moving beyond traditional US exits. The conversation transitions into how venture capitalists evolve their investment approach over time through accumulated deal experience.

Why market maturity matters more than your product roadmap

Lexi Novitske discusses how successful investing requires understanding market maturity and context, not just the product or numbers. She emphasizes that investors need to respect where a market is in its development cycle and adapt their approach accordingly, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all investment thesis.

Why cross-border fintech companies are aggressively acquiring in African markets

Lexi Novitske explains how cross-border payment companies like Wave and Tap Tap Send are opening up African markets through aggressive acquisition strategies. She highlights how both local champions and international players like Stripe are actively consolidating the space through M&A.

For you, how much does the macro play into the decision making? You know? Who's in power? What conflicts are happening? That must have a huge bearing on your risk profiling of companies no matter how...