Funding the Future of Africa: Why We Started Hero Fund

Africa stands on the edge of extraordinary transformation. With the youngest population in the world, rising digital adoption, and a surge of entrepreneurial ambition, the continent is poised to redefine global innovation. At Hero Fund, we see this moment not just as an opportunity — but as a calling.

Our Vision: Empowering the Next Generation of African Innovators

At Hero Fund, we believe the future of Africa will be built by visionary founders who tackle the continent’s greatest challenges with bold, scalable solutions. Our mission is simple yet profound: to fund and support the next wave of African entrepreneurs who will drive innovation, create jobs, and unlock sustainable growth across key sectors like fintech, healthtech, agritech, and cleantech.

We don't just invest in companies — we invest in heroes: the underdogs, the overlooked, and the visionaries. Because at Hero Fund, we believe that not all heroes wear capes — some wear hoodies, pitch decks, and endless ambition.

Why Hero Fund Was Born

Hero Fund didn’t appear from thin air — it’s the evolution of a journey that began with the Merge App, a groundbreaking platform we built to connect entrepreneurs and investors across Africa. Merge quickly grew into a vibrant ecosystem:

• 4,000+ startups onboarded,

• 1,000+ angel investors connected,

• Over $47 million in capital raised by the platforms startups.

  
  

This incredible traction showed us something powerful: the market was hungry for access, connection, and support — but more importantly, it revealed a critical gap. Startups weren't just seeking capital; they needed committed partners who understood their challenges and believed in their visions. Hero Fund was born from this realisation — to move beyond just matchmaking, and actively invest in, support, and scale Africa’s most promising founders. Merge provided the infrastructure; Hero Fund is the next evolution: a fund built on data, community, and a deep belief in the continent’s potential.

How We’re Different

Hero Fund is Africa’s first tech-enabled, data-driven venture capital fund built specifically for this new era. We combine cutting-edge technology with human insight to source, select, and support startups more efficiently and inclusively. Through our proprietary platform, network effects, and diverse team, we create a smarter, faster, and more equitable path to funding.

We don’t believe in waiting for deals to come to us. We build ecosystems, forge partnerships, and go to the source to find the most promising entrepreneurs across the continent.

Our Goals

Over the next 5 years, Hero Fund is committed to:

• Investing in 50+ high-potential startups at Pre-Seed and Seed stage.

• Driving impact across critical sectors like financial inclusion, health, energy, agriculture, and education.

• Achieving a minimum 20% IRR for our investors while making a lasting difference.

• Building a community of founders, mentors, and investors who share our vision for Africa's future.

  
  

Because Africa's success will be built by those brave enough to believe in it — and invest in it.

Meet the Heroes Behind Hero Fund

Hero Fund is led by a dynamic team with deep expertise across private equity, venture capital, technology, investment banking, and marketing — uniquely positioning us to drive the next wave of innovation across Africa.

Justin Chetty (Managing Partner) - brings over 15 years of finance and venture capital experience, with a proven track record of originating and executing complex transactions exceeding R10 billion. His financial acumen, leadership skills, and passion for technology drive the fund’s strategic vision and investment discipline.

Brandon Bate - Is a seasoned entrepreneur and venture builder, with a strong background in securing funding and scaling startups. His expertise in strategic business development and investor relations strengthens Hero Fund’s ability to identify, nurture, and grow high-potential startups.

Zander Matthee - Is an innovative founder who co-created Merge — a platform that connected 4,000+ startups with investors and helped raise over $47 million. His unique combination of creativity, brand strategy, and business development acumen sharpens Hero Fund’s deal sourcing and support capabilities.

Lesedi Pooe - Adds a blend of entrepreneurial grit and institutional finance experience. Having run his own business and worked in private equity and banking, Lesedi brings operational excellence, strategic insight, and a passion for inclusive growth to the Hero team.

🚀 Join the Journey

Hero Fund is live — and we're just getting started.Whether you're a startup founder, a potential LP, or simply someone who believes in the power of Africa’s next generation, we invite you to join us.

👉 [Explore our mission]

👉 [Meet the team]

👉 [Apply for funding]

👉 [Partner with us]

Because when heroes rise, nations rise.