In this episode of the Beta Mode podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Lydia Idem, the Chief Operating Officer of LoftyInc Capital Management, about the exciting world of African venture capital. Lydia’s journey began as a developer during the dot-com bubble and evolved through various roles, including teaching and financial advising, ultimately leading her to a prominent position in the venture capital space. Her diverse experiences have fueled her mission to support tech-enabled businesses that can drive economic growth and innovation across Africa.
Lydia shared insights into her role at LoftyInc, where she focuses on identifying and investing in Afropreneurs—African founders and those in the diaspora—who are creating scalable, impactful solutions for the continent’s unique challenges. She emphasized the critical importance of persistence and a supportive network, both of which are essential for success in Africa’s dynamic startup ecosystem. Through her work, Lydia is dedicated to fostering an environment where African entrepreneurs can thrive and contribute to the continent’s development.
The conversation also explored LoftyInc’s mission and investment philosophy. Lydia discussed how the firm is committed to investing in tech or tech-enabled companies that have the potential for pan-African expansion and significant socio-economic impact. She highlighted the importance of finding companies at an inflection point of growth, with strong founding teams and innovative solutions. LoftyInc aims to nurture these startups, providing not just capital but also strategic support and access to a vast network.
Finally, Lydia reflected on the future of venture capital in Africa. She envisions LoftyInc growing into a multi-stage investment firm that evolves with the ecosystem’s needs, providing essential growth-stage capital to help African companies scale globally. Lydia’s vision is to see African-founded companies reach new heights, competing on the global stage while remaining deeply rooted in their cultural heritage. Through her work at LoftyInc, she is committed to empowering African entrepreneurs to create lasting, positive change across the continent.