3 days Ago By Isaac Asabor
Maasai Technologies has launched a new platform designed to help African startups plan and execute successful exits. The 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 arrives 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% in 2024 compared to the previous year, strategic acquisitions rose significantly, representing 50% of all deals in 2024 compared to just 6.7% 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.
“The conversation within the African tech ecosystem has focused almost exclusively on fundraising and growth, with exit planning treated as an afterthought,” said Segun Cole, co-founder of Maasai Technologies, 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. “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. 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.
Co-founder, Izin Akioya explained that Maasai’s intelligence and M&A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) features, “will enable portfolio managers combine access to M&A deal flow with centralized exits optimization tools, and just-in-time risk management.” “By consolidating the M&A opportunity across Africa, we are expanding the market and setting the stage for secondary trades on the continent,” she added. The platform arrives as Africa’s investment landscape faces significant shifts.
Active investors fell by 34.3% in 2024 to 346, down from 527 in 2023. Startup Graveyard reported that among African startups that shut down in 2024, 45% did so due to lack of funding.
“Exit planning shouldn’t start when you’re desperate to sell or in distress,” Cole noted. “You’ll be approaching your exit from a disadvantaged position. Our platform helps normalize exit planning as part of responsible business stewardship and makes the process accessible to founders across the continent.
” Maasai’s platform offers specialized 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. 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”..
