DPI Venture Capital Launches with Nclude Fund Advisory Takeover
Deal News | Apr 15, 2025 | DPI (Development Partners International)

Development Partners International (DPI) has announced the launch of DPI Venture Capital, a new arm focusing on early-stage, growth-oriented technology businesses across Africa. As part of this launch, DPI has taken over advisory responsibilities for the Nclude Fund, a major fintech-focused venture capital fund in Egypt with $105 million under management. This strategic move coincides with DPI's broader ambition to support technology-driven companies, enhancing access to various services amidst Africa's burgeoning middle class and digitization trend. DPI, now serving as the Nclude Fund advisor, intends to leverage its expertise to foster financial inclusion and bolster the fintech ecosystem in Egypt. The Nclude Fund, operational since March 2022, is backed by significant institutions including Egypt's largest national banks and global entities like Mastercard. With DPI's new venture capital initiative, the firm seeks to extend its successful track record of impactful investments across nearly forty-three African countries, under the leadership of Managing Partner Ashley Lewis and a skilled team of industry professionals positioned in Cairo.
Sectors
- Private Equity & Venture Capital
- Financial Technology (Fintech)
- Technology
Geography
- Egypt – The Nclude Fund is based in Egypt, and the article highlights Egypt as a priority market for DPI.
- Africa – DPI targets investments across Africa, and the venture capital initiative is aimed at early-stage technology businesses on the continent.
- Middle East – The Nclude Fund has the ability to invest in the Middle East, expanding its geographical reach in collaboration with DPI.
Industry
- Private Equity & Venture Capital – The article focuses on DPI, a private equity firm, launching a new venture capital arm and taking over advisory duties for a fintech fund.
- Financial Technology (Fintech) – DPI's new role as advisor to the Nclude Fund, a fintech-focused fund, highlights the industry's significance in the article.
- Technology – The focus on early-stage, growth-oriented technology businesses across Africa is central to DPI's new venture capital strategy.
Financials
- $105 million – Assets under management by the Nclude Fund which DPI has now taken advisory control over.
- $28 million – Investment by the Nclude Fund across nine transactions since its establishment in March 2022.
Participants
Name | Role | Type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Development Partners International (DPI) | Private Equity Firm and new Venture Capital arm | Company | An investment firm focusing on private equity and venture capital investments across Africa. |
Nclude Fund | Target Company | Company | A leading fintech-focused venture capital fund in Egypt with $105 million in assets under management. |
Ashley Lewis | Managing Partner and Head of DPI Venture Capital | Person | Leads the newly launched DPI Venture Capital. |
Mohamed Aladdin | General Partner at DPI Venture Capital | Person | Part of the leadership team in Egypt managing DPI Venture Capital and Nclude Fund. |
Runa Alam | Co-Founder and CEO of DPI | Person | Co-founder and CEO of DPI, overseeing its strategic initiatives and investment strategies. |
Banque Misr, National Bank of Egypt, Banque du Caire | Limited Partners in Nclude | Company | Major banks in Egypt that are backing the Nclude Fund. |
Mastercard | Limited Partner in Nclude | Company | Global payments technology company supporting the Nclude Fund. |