In a bold move to address a critical gap in Africa’s startup ecosystem, Maasai Technologies has unveiled a new platform designed to help African startups plan and execute successful exits.
Maasai is a platform that offers specialised tools for different stages of the exit journey, from initial valuation to final transaction. For sellers, the platform provides confidential listing capabilities and buyer verification.
Segun Cole, co-founder, Maasai Technologies, said, the conversation within the African tech ecosystem has focused almost exclusively on fundraising and growth, with exit planning treated as an afterthought.
According to him, the platform arrives at an important time in the evolution of Africa’s startup ecosystem.
He noted that a recent African Tech Startups Funding Report indicated that while the overall number of M&A deals fell by 20 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year, strategic acquisitions rose significantly, representing 50 percent of all deals in 2024 compared to just 6.7 percent in 2023. This trend signals a growing recognition of the importance of strategic exits and market consolidation fostered by the buying and selling of startups in Africa.
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Speaking about the future of exits in Africa at a product demo, Cole said that a lot of founders don’t know when or how to exit their business, adding that having a clear exit strategy is just good business practice, regardless of market conditions.
“Exit planning shouldn’t start when you’re desperate to sell or in distress. You will be approaching your exit from a disadvantaged position. Our platform helps normalise exit planning as part of responsible business stewardship and makes the process accessible to founders across the continent,” Cole said.
He further said that Maasai is an all-in-one platform that offers tools for buyers, sellers, and portfolio managers, including valuation assistance, due diligence support, and a verified marketplace to buy and sell startups.
“The company aims to address key challenges African founders face during acquisitions, including proper documentation, accurate valuation, and finding the right buyers who understand the unique potential of their businesses,” he said.
Izin Akioya, co-founder of the company, said that Maasai’s intelligence and M&A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) features will enable portfolio managers to combine access to M&A deal flow with centralised exits optimisation tools and just-in-time risk management.
She said that by consolidating the M&A opportunity across Africa, the company is expanding the market and setting the stage for secondary trades on the continent.
“The platform arrives as Africa’s investment landscape faces significant shifts. Active investors fell by 34.3 percent in 2024 to 346, down from 527 in 2023. Startup Graveyard reported that among African startups that shut down in 2024, 45 per cent did so due to a lack of funding”.
Buyers benefit from due diligence, support portfolio management tools and a marketplace to buy startup companies. By facilitating strategic exits and acquisitions, Maasai aims to contribute to a more mature ecosystem where value flows efficiently between companies at different stages, creating a self-sustaining environment that benefits all stakeholders.
