Casablanca, Morocco   B- 500 Global , one of the world’s most active venture capital firms1, announced that it has been selected to support the Ministry-led Startup VB initiative, a flagship program within Morocco’s Digital Strategy 20302. This announcement marks a milestone in 500 Global ’s ongoing expansion across the African continent and its work in collaboration with governments to strengthen national innovation ecosystems.

The Ministry of Digital Transformation and Administrative Reform (the Ministry) launched the Startup VB initiative, implemented by TAMWILCOM , a flagship program within Morocco’s Digital Strategy 2030. The Startup VB initiative aims to foster innovation and digital competitiveness in Morocco by accelerating the growth of high-potential founders and providing the necessary training and funding pathways for launch and global expansion. The Ministry’s objectives include enabling the development of innovative and impactful technological solutions, mobilizing founder-led funding, and advancing the country’s digital transformation. As a selected implementing partner, 500 Global is committed to helping realize these ambitions by supporting founders, providing network access, and developing early-stage capabilities, while strengthening Morocco’s national innovation ecosystem.

Demola Adegbite , a partner at 500 Global who leads the firm’s venture capital investments across Africa, emphasized that this approach builds on more than a decade of work 500 Global has undertaken on the continent. Adegbite , who has over 20 years of experience in private equity, investment banking, and venture capital, noted that bridging Africa’s growth gap requires strengthening early-stage entrepreneurial ecosystems while ensuring founders have access to the right capital and capabilities as they scale their businesses. “Our work in emerging markets has shown that entrepreneurial ecosystems accelerate faster when public sector leadership and private sector expertise are combined,” he said. “By supporting Morocco’s Digital Strategy 2030, we look forward to connecting Moroccan founders to our global growth networks in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, as we believe Morocco is uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge for global expansion.”

As Africa approaches 2030, we see its demographic trajectory underscoring both the necessity and the opportunity to invest in market-shaping innovation. With rapid urbanization and the world’s fastest-growing workforce, we believe the continent requires private capital that builds more than just companies—it must also strengthen the talent base, infrastructure, and policies that enable scalable, technology-driven growth. By expanding its operations across Africa, building local teams, and supporting government initiatives such as Morocco’s Digital 2030 initiative, 500 Global aims to unlock strategic resources that transform emerging ecosystems into investable innovation hubs and support the continent’s long-term development ambitions.

About 500 Global

500 Global is a multi-stage venture capital firm managing $2.2 billion in assets, investing in founders building high-growth technology companies. We work closely with key stakeholders and advise governments on how best to support entrepreneurial ecosystems and economic development in emerging markets. 500 Global has supported more than 5,000 founders representing over 3,000 companies operating in more than 80 countries. We have invested in more than 35 companies valued at over $1 billion and in more than 160 companies valued at over $100 million (including private, public, and exited companies).

500 Global made its first investment in Africa in 2011. Since then, 500 has invested in and supported over 100 companies in its African portfolio, raising nearly $1 billion in capital. Notable examples include supporting Chipper Cash , Smile Identity , Stitch , Money Fellows , and Breadfast . Beyond direct investment, 500 Global has been an ecosystem partner, working closely with government entities to provide the necessary support to accelerate founder growth. Since 2022, we have partnered with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency ( ITIDA ) to support over 150 Egyptian founders through our Seed Bootcamp and Scale-Up programs. In 2025, 500 Global further expanded its continental reach by launching founder programs in Nairobi as part of its Sustainable Innovation program, which aims to activate startup accelerators in three hubs across the continent by the end of 2026.

The content of this press release is for general informational or educational purposes only. 500 GLOBAL makes no representations regarding the accuracy of the information contained herein, and while 500 GLOBAL has taken reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information, no liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions. Unless otherwise stated in this press release, any expectations, predictions, conclusions, opinions, or views expressed represent the current views and thinking of 500 GLOBAL regarding the subject matter.

Under no circumstances should any content in this press release be construed as legal, tax, or investment advice from 500 Global or any of its affiliates. 500 Global makes no guarantees regarding the future outcomes of any decisions made based, in whole or in part, on the content or information contained herein. All readers of this press release should consult their own legal, accounting, or other professional advisors before taking any action in connection with this release.

Under no circumstances should any information or content in this press release be considered an offer to sell or solicitation to purchase any securities recommended by 500 Global or any of its affiliates or representatives. Furthermore, no content or information in this press release is intended to, and should not be construed as, an offer to provide any investment advisory service or financial advice by 500 Global . Under no circumstances should prospective investors considering investing in any 500 Global fund interpret anything contained herein as marketing material for the fund. Under no circumstances should any content be interpreted as an endorsement or recommendation of the performance of any 500 Global fund by a prospective investor considering investing in any 500 Global fund.

1 Based on World League Tables for 2024 issued by PitchBook .
2. The operation of the program is still subject to negotiation and the conclusion of final contractual agreements with the parties concerned.
3. The accounts for assets under management ( AUM ) are based on internal estimates as of June 30, 2025.
4. Based on internal estimates as of June 30, 2025, which have not been independently verified.

Contacts

Media contacts
Media Relations at 500 Global
press@500.co

-I finish-

#Company Data

Disclaimer regarding the content of press releases
The content of this press release is provided by a third-party provider. We do not assume any responsibility for, nor do we have any control over, such content. This content is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis and is not edited in any way. Neither we, nor our affiliates, will be liable for the accuracy, endorsement, or completeness of any opinions, views, information, or materials contained in this content.
This press release is provided for informational purposes only; the content does not constitute legal, investment, or tax advice, nor does it offer any opinion on the suitability, value, or profitability of any particular portfolio or investment strategy. Neither we nor our affiliates will be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions you take based on that content. You expressly agree and acknowledge full responsibility for your use of the information contained in this press release.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, Refinitiv, its parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates, relevant shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers, and licensors (collectively, the 'Refinitiv Parties') shall not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive, or exemplary damages; This includes, but is not limited to, losses of profits, savings, or revenues, whether due to negligence, tort, contract, or other theories of liability, even if the parties to Refinitiv were advised of the possibility of any such damages or losses occurring or actually anticipated them.