<ul><li>Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) played a transformative role in startup history by backing ideas in the messy middle phase when capital infrastructure was lacking.</li><li>Many startups in Africa face challenges due to a lack of financial support tailored for early-stage innovators.</li><li>SVB embedded itself in the venture ecosystem, understanding cap tables, nurturing relationships, and offering founder-friendly credit terms.</li><li>To support African innovation, local financial institutions need to align with regulators, offer innovative financial products, and believe in local startups.</li></ul>

Africa’s Missing Middle: What Silicon Valley Bank Taught Us About Building Innovation Ecosystems

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