XSML Capital

XSML Capital are partners in growth for entrepreneurs in frontier markets in Africa. We provide expertise, network, and bespoke financing, geared to nurture local talent and bring durable prosperity in underserved markets. Our vision is to create a pan-African investment firm that is the capital provider of choice for growing small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). Filling the credit gap SMEs are the lifeblood of economies across the world. African economies are no different. But African entrepreneurs struggle to get affordable growth capital. This withholds them from scaling their business and unleashing the full potential of their education, skills, and creativity. This impedes the continent’s economic development. Local teams in Angola, DRC, Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia For more than a decade, XSML (eXtra, Small, Medium, Large) has been investing in SMEs in challenging markets. Our teams in Kampala, Kinshasa, Luanda, Lusaka and Nairobi help to scale small businesses towards medium and large enterprises by providing tailored financing and expertise. Unique market position We provide debt, equity and mezzanine finance allowing us to customize our financing. In our markets, we are often the only investor who focuses on companies across sectors needing investments ranging from USD 300k to 10m. We keep strict ESG standards, give investees support to improve ESG implementation and focus on gender equality. 14-year track record Since 2010, we have invested in more than 75 enterprises. With our feet firmly on the ground, we build extensive market knowledge, scout the best opportunities and stay close to our investments. This generates attractive financial returns for our investors, who are leading development banks and dedicated impact investors. In March 2024, we launched our 4th fund, ARF IV, with a 1st close of US$ 98.7m. The new funding allows us to double our investments and impact over the coming years and follow investees into new markets.