Firm launches exit platform to address gaps in startup ecosystem
Maasai Technologies has launched a new platform to help African startups plan and execute successful exits.
The merger and acquisition (M&A) platform addresses a critical gap in Africa’s startup ecosystem, where founders often lack viable exit pathways when growth plateaus or funding becomes scarce.
The platform comes at an important time in the evolution of Africa’s startup ecosystem.
According to the African Tech Startups Funding Report, while the overall number of M&A deals fell by 20 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year, strategic acquisitions rose significantly, representing 50 per cent of all deals in 2024 compared to just 6.7 per cent in 2023.
The trend signals a growing recognition of the importance of strategic exits and market consolidation fostered by the buying and selling of startups in Africa.
The Co-founder, Maasai Technologies, Segun Cole, said, “The conversation within the African tech ecosystem has focused almost exclusively on fundraising and growth, with exit planning treated as an afterthought, at a product demo where he talked about the future of exits in Africa.
“A lot of founders don’t know when or how to exit their business. The mantra is ‘If it happens, it happens.’ But 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’ll 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.”
He said Maasai’s all-in-one platform offers tools for buyers, sellers and portfolio managers, including valuation assistance, due diligence support and a verified marketplace to buy and sell startups.
Co-founder, Izin Akioya, explained that Maasai’s intelligence and M&A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) features will enable portfolio managers to combine access to M&A deal flow with centralised exits optimisation tools, and just-in-time risk management.
