The 2025 Africa Early Stage Investor Awards (AESIS Awards) honoured outstanding achievements in Africa’s early-stage investment ecosystem, shining a spotlight on individuals, networks, and firms making a tangible impact across the continent. The awards recognise excellence, innovation, and leadership in advancing early-stage investing, reflecting the summit’s theme, Africa Built to Last: Capital, Strategy, and Ownership.
This year’s awards featured 8 categories, with winners determined through public nominations followed by a public vote, ensuring that the accolades reflected both peer and community recognition. The awards highlighted success stories across multiple facets of the ecosystem; angel investors and venture capital firms to influential networks and ecosystem enablers.
A special highlight of the night was Ido Sum, who received the Rising Star Award for his growing influence in Africa’s venture capital landscape and his outstanding contributions to supporting high-potential founders across the continent.
The full list of winners included:
People’s Choice Award – Maxime Bayen
Ecosystem Enabler of the Year – GIZ / DEG – develoPPP Ventures
Angel Investor of the Year – Yemi Keri
Angel Network of the Year – Viktoria Ventures (Kenya)
VC Firm of the Year – LoftyInc Capital
Female Investor of the Year – Biola Alabi
Legacy Honours – Founders of the Ecosystem – Launch Africa Ventures
The Rising Star Award – Ido Sum
Congratulations to all the winners, who represent a critical force in building a resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking African investment ecosystem. Keep inspiring the next generation of investors, founders, and ecosystem enablers to continue advancing Africa’s entrepreneurial growth.
