500 Global, one of the world’s most active venture capital firms, proudly announced the promotion of Mareme Dieng, based in Nairobi, Kenya, to Partner for their Africa regional strategy.
"As a Senegalese woman who has studied, lived, and worked abroad, my mission is to reinvest in Africa by creating growth opportunities. I want the next generation of young African girls and boys to have access to quality education and economic opportunities without leaving their homes as early as I did," said Mareme Dieng, Partner, 500 Global, Africa. "My ambition is to leverage the resources and global platform 500 Global brings to harness the power of innovation and venture in Africa, truly unlocking the full potential of economic growth and opportunity."
Dieng, a leader in the firm's partnerships, programs, and investments has demonstrated exceptional leadership in championing the next generation of African innovation. Since joining 500 Global in 2021, she has spearheaded initiatives and has spoken extensively about the opportunity the firm sees in Africa.
“Mareme embodies the future of Africa—young, globally-minded, dynamic, entrepreneurial, and full of dynamism. She is well placed to identify the next generation of entrepreneurs in Africa and to partner with them to build the next game-changing ventures from the continent.” Fred Swaniker, Founder, African Leadership Group
500 Global has shown steadfast commitment to economic development and empowering innovators across Africa since their first investment in 2011. To-date, 500 has invested and supported in 100+ portfolio companies headquartered in Africa, 35% of which have been female-founded, as well as working alongside governmental entities, namely the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) and Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), to develop ecosystem education for investors and accelerator managers, 500 is excited to deepen its contribution to Africa.
“Africa is a thriving hub of opportunity and potential. With Mareme’s extensive experience and knowledge of local infrastructure, her dynamic insights will help propel 500 Global to the forefront of economic growth within the African ecosystem,” said Courtney Powell, COO & Managing Partner of 500 Global. “We’re excited to see how her leadership will unlock new possibilities and help address the most pressing issues, such as financial inclusion, scalable education, food security, and climate resilience – driving innovation and sustainable economic growth across Africa.”
Prior to joining 500 Global, Mareme was Head of International Partnerships and Relations at Draper University and an Investor Associate at Draper University Ventures, where she led investments and worked with founders from emerging markets. She has been recognized by Forbes magazine, where she was highlighted as a Forbes Afrique 30 Under 30, and was a member of the advisory board of the African Early Stage Investment Summit and sits on the VC Committee of African Venture Capital Association.
“Mareme is extraordinary. She is on a path to make an enormous impact on Africa. She was a standout among standouts at Draper, and she did exemplary work for us in the ecosystem.” Tim Draper, Founder & Managing Partner, Draper Associates
To learn more about 500 Global’s programs focused on economic growth and supporting founders locally, to scale globally: https://500.co/founders
Share
About 500 Global
500 Global is a multi-stage venture capital firm with $2.2B in assets under management that invests in founders building fast-growing technology companies. We focus on markets where technology, innovation, and capital can unlock long-term value and drive economic growth and development. We work closely with key stakeholders and advise governments on how best to support entrepreneurial ecosystems and economic development in emerging markets. 500 Global has backed over 5,000 founders representing more than 3,900 companies operating in 80+ countries. We have invested in more than 35+ companies valued at over $1 billion and 160+ companies valued at over $100 million (including private, public, and exited companies). Our 200+ team members are located in more than 30 countries and bring experience as entrepreneurs, investors, and operators from some of the world’s leading technology companies.
THE CONTENT IN THIS PRESS RELEASE IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATIONAL OR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. 500 GLOBAL MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS AS TO THE ACCURACY OR INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND WHILE 500 GLOBAL HAS TAKEN REASONABLE STEPS TO ENSURE THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS ACCURATE AND UP-TO-DATE, NO LIABILITY CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY ERROR OR OMISSIONS. UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE, ANY PREDICTIONS, FORECASTS, CONCLUSIONS, VIEWS OR OPINIONS EXPRESSED REPRESENT THE CURRENT VIEW AND THINKING OF 500 GLOBAL WITH REGARD TO THE SUBJECT MATTER THEREIN BASED ON INTERNAL DATA AGGREGATED ACROSS ALL 500 GLOBAL FUNDS AS OF OCTOBER 23, 2024 AND/OR ANALYSIS WHICH HAS NOT BEEN INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED, AND WHICH IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY OF THE CONTENT IN THIS PRESS RELEASE BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL, TAX OR INVESTMENT ADVICE FROM 500 GLOBAL OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES. 500 GLOBAL DOES NOT GUARANTEE ANY FUTURE RESULTS FOR ANY DECISIONS MADE BASED IN WHOLE OR IN PART ON THE CONTENT OR INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. ALL READERS OF THIS PRESS RELEASE SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL, ACCOUNTANT OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS BEFORE TAKING ANY ACTION IN CONNECTION WITH THIS PRESS RELEASE.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY INFORMATION OR CONTENT IN THIS PRESS RELEASE, BE CONSIDERED AS AN OFFER TO SELL OR SOLICITATION OF INTEREST TO PURCHASE ANY SECURITIES ADVISED BY 500 GLOBAL OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES. FURTHER, NO CONTENT OR INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE IS OR IS INTENDED AS AN OFFER TO PROVIDE ANY INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OR FINANCIAL ADVICE BY 500 GLOBAL. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANYTHING HEREIN BE CONSTRUED AS FUND MARKETING MATERIALS BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS CONSIDERING AN INVESTMENT INTO ANY 500 GLOBAL INVESTMENT FUND. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY CONTENT BE INTERPRETED AS TESTIMONIALS OR ENDORSEMENT OF THE INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE OF ANY 500 GLOBAL FUND BY A PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR CONSIDERING AN INVESTMENT INTO ANY 500 GLOBAL FUND.
Based on PitchBook’s 2023 Global League Tables. ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (AUM) CALCULATIONS ARE BASED ON INTERNAL ESTIMATES AS OF JUNE 30, 2024.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241028911117/en/
Contacts
Media Relations at 500 Global
press@500.co