DFS Lab

DFS Lab, founded in 2016 and based in San Francisco, focuses on early-stage investments in technology startups across Africa. Their portfolio includes over 30 companies, with a strong emphasis on digital commerce and financial inclusion. Notable investments include startups like PayDay, CutStruct, and Terraa, which span various sectors such as fintech, logistics, and food processing. The firm invests early and provides comprehensive support to its portfolio companies, aiming to leverage technology to transform everyday commerce in Africa. Their investment strategy is research-driven, focusing on both the digital and physical hybrid nature of African markets. This approach allows them to tailor their support to the unique challenges and opportunities in these markets. DFS Lab is led by Jake Kendall and Stephen Deng, who bring extensive experience in finance, technology, and emerging markets. The team also includes experts like Juliet Maina and Joseph Benson-Aruna, who focus on policy research and entrepreneurial support respectively. The firm actively collaborates with co-investors like Ventures Platform, Seedstars, and Techstars, further strengthening their network and resource pool for portfolio companies​.