Story perspectives

Nigeria, South Africa Gain Unicorns Amid Startup Funding Decline

2/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In 2024, Nigeria and South Africa welcomed two new unicorns despite a $2.01 billion decline in early-stage startup funding.
Early-stage investments plummeted from 31% in 2021 to 9% in 2024, indicating a trend towards later-stage funding.
The UK experienced a significant drop in startup insolvencies, falling below 50% for the first time in ten years.
American University initiated a $150,000 student-managed fund to support pre-seed and seed startups, promoting venture capital education.

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Story summary

In 2024, Nigeria and South Africa welcomed two new unicorns despite a $2.01 billion decline in early-stage startup funding.
Early-stage investments plummeted from 31% in 2021 to 9% in 2024, indicating a trend towards later-stage funding.
The UK experienced a significant drop in startup insolvencies, falling below 50% for the first time in ten years.
American University initiated a $150,000 student-managed fund to support pre-seed and seed startups, promoting venture capital education.