Ondernemers voor Ondernemers

What they do

Founded in 2000, Ondernemers voor Ondernemers (Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs) bridges the gap between the Belgian business community and NGOs. Over the last decade, OVO shifted its focus to directly financing and scaling African start-ups and SMEs. Through their "SusTech4Africa" program, they identify promising local businesses, provide intensive bootcamps, and issue affordable social loans. OVO partners with institutional players like BIO and Rikolto to create a pipeline of bankable, sustainable African enterprises.

What they look for

OVO believes that local entrepreneurship is the primary engine for poverty reduction and economic self-reliance in low- and middle-income countries. Their thesis centers on funding sustainable, socially responsible businesses that create local jobs, empower vulnerable groups, and improve local infrastructure. They target small, sustainable African businesses with a minimum funding requirement of around €50,000, demonstrating potential for economic profitability within three years, and aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Stage

Pre-seed, Seed, Series A

Sectors

Food and agriculture, Edtech, Climate

Based

Heverlee, BE