Axian Investment Accelerates Tech Investments with Agile Corporate Venture Capital

As African tech ecosystems mature, corporate venture capital (CVC) arms are emerging as significant players. Axian Investment, the investment arm of the Madagascar-headquartered conglomerate AXIAN Group, exemplifies this trend with a unique approach that combines speed, strategic alignment, and pan-African reach.

The CVC was launched in late 2021 by Benjamin Toulouze, who previously spent his career in banking at Société Générale. Today, his team of four operates across Dubai and Antananarivo, investing in startups from seed stage ($50,000) up to $1.5 million per company.

Strategic Focus Areas

Axian Investment’s portfolio includes notable companies like MaxAB (Egypt), LipaLater (East Africa), Djamo (Côte d’Ivoire), and Curacel (Angola). The CVC prioritizes sectors aligned with AXIAN Group’s broader interests, including:

• AI and Cybersecurity: Reflecting the growing importance of digital resilience
• Digital Assets: Capitalizing on emerging fintech opportunities
• Data Sovereignty: Supporting African companies that prioritize local data control

The firm typically takes minority stakes (1%-5%) to maintain flexibility and avoid conflicts with AXIAN Group’s operating businesses.

Why Dubai and Madagascar?

Toulouze explained that the team’s location strategy reflects a commitment to being accessible across the continent. “We want to be everywhere, in touch with the entire ecosystem—entrepreneurs, venture capitalists locally and internationally,” he said.

While major tech hubs like Lagos and Nairobi remain important investment destinations, Axian aims to extend its reach throughout Africa’s diverse digital landscape.

Speed as a Competitive Advantage

Toulouze addresses common concerns about CVC agility head-on. “We often move faster than traditional VCs,” he noted, pointing to streamlined decision-making processes and an entrepreneurial mindset within the organization.