How to apply to DOB Equity as an African founder

TL;DR

DOB Equity invests in Agritech, Climate, and E-commerce companies at Seed and Series B+, writes cheques of ~$500K -- $2M+, and takes applications through a form on their website.

Who DOB Equity is

DOB Equity is a East Africa investor headquartered in Nairobi & Veessen, Netherlands. Its stated focus is Agritech, Climate, and E-commerce. The thesis, in the fund's own words: Taking direct stakes in innovative, scalable, and impactful companies solving problems for the poorest people in East Africa.

On the ground, DOB Equity operates as a Seed and Series B+ investor with an Africa focus described as "Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi". The fund's investment director is Saskia van der Mast, alongside Brigit van Dijk -- van de Reijt (Team Lead).

What they invest in

Stages: Seed and Series B+
Sectors: Agritech, Climate, and E-commerce
Cheque size: ~$500K -- $2M+
Geography focus: East Africa / Yes -- Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi

How to apply

DOB Equity takes applications through a form on https://www.dobequity.nl/. The apply field in their Trampoline entry describes it as "Via the website or direct outreach to the Nairobi team". Go to the site, find the apply or contact path, and submit through that channel rather than emailing partners cold, since a fund that has built a form generally routes everything through it first.

Portfolio pattern

DOB Equity's portfolio, as listed in their Trampoline fund page, includes:

Twiga Foods (Kenya): B2B food distribution platform
Mr. Green Africa (Kenya): Plastics recycling and circular economy
SPOUTS International (Uganda): Clean water filter manufacturing
PowerGen (Kenya): Renewable energy mini-grids
Cropnuts (Kenya): Agricultural soil diagnostics

That spread gives you a sense of what a real check from DOB Equity has funded, not just what the thesis claims it funds.

Before you apply

Have these ready before you reach out:

Deck: Check your readiness first so you know where the gaps are
Metrics dashboard: Set up your metrics dashboard so you can show real traction, not slides
Cap table
A one-line description of what your company does

FAQ

Does DOB Equity invest in Agritech?

Yes. Agritech is listed among DOB Equity's stated sector focus areas.

What stage does DOB Equity typically write cheques at?

DOB Equity invests at Seed and Series B+, with cheque sizes of ~$500K -- $2M+.

Do you need a warm intro to apply to DOB Equity?

No. DOB Equity takes applications through a form on their website, so a warm intro is not required to apply, though it can still help your submission stand out.

Does DOB Equity invest outside East Africa?

DOB Equity's Africa focus is described as "Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi". Check the full fund profile for the exact geographic boundaries before you apply.

Is DOB Equity a remote or in-person fund?

DOB Equity's format is listed as Hybrid.