Ashley Lewis on DPI VC, African Tech & Limitless Ambition/ EP.38

Welcome back to IN THE VALLEY Season 3!

We're sitting down in this episode with a true powerhouse, Ashley Lewis, Managing Partner DPI Venture Capital. Ashley's journey is one of abundance and limitlessness, taking her from Goldman Sachs and Vanguard to the heart of African tech with a fascinating detour through the Peace Corps in Togo.

In this must-watch episode, Ashley shares how her competitive sports background with family members in the College Football Hall of Fame and playing professional football in the NFL and CFL fuelled her drive as she moved into finance and ultimately to Africa. You'll hear how her passion led her to co-found the successful Lagos Rebels flag football team and partner with Silverbacks Holdings to invest in the Cape Town Tigers basketball franchise, a true blend of sport and investment across the continent.

Ashley unpacks the bold move by Development Partners International (DPI) from private equity into the venture capital space, creating a rare seed to sale platform for Africa. Learn about the firm's significant activity, including their investment in leading companies like MNT-Halan, Kazyon, and Sylndr (via the Nclude Fund). Ashley reveals the hard numbers behind their strategy: DPI Venture Capital has deployed $25M in the last 12 months, and the Nclude Fund has deployed approximately $50M since its launch.

This conversation is a masterclass in global perspective, purpose-driven investing, and finding home in Africa. Don't miss Ashley's advice for anyone considering a move to the continent and her vision for a diverse, collaborative African tech ecosystem.

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Enjoy the episode!