About Us

We are early-stage investors in new and improved models of learning that deliver education at scale and prepare Africans for the future of work.

There is a global reinvention of education taking place that has the ability to dramatically improve learning outcomes and to better connect learning to jobs in the skills-based economy.

This revolution is more relevant in Africa than anywhere as the continent soon to have the largest youth population and workforce faces a generational opportunity to leapfrog often antiquated education systems where demand outstrips supply.

As the first dedicated EdTech investor in Africa, we aim to be the primary source of capital, coaching and community for founders shaping what will soon be the largest education market in the world.

Global Context

The Radical
Transformation of
Education to Learning.

Problem

Africa Needs an Education Revolution.

Learning
Crisis

87% of 10-year-olds in SSA are unable to read a simple story. 35% of teachers cannot pass the exams they give their students. Due to the pandemic, close to 300 million African children missed school with learning loss estimated at 4.5-4.9 years.

Lack of Seats & Capacity

In Nigeria, there is 1 university seat available for every 4 applicants. In some African countries, teachers are absent almost half of the time. 1 out of every 4 school-age children now receive education in low-cost private schools due to overcrowded public systems.

Skills Gap

96% of CEOs in Africa are concerned about the lack of skills among prospective employees. 65% of African CEOs say the skills shortage is preventing them from innovating effectively. Average time it takes a graduate in SSA to find a job: 5 years.

Unemployment

Two-thirds of African youth (15-35) are unemployed or vulnerably employed which leads to poor living conditions, fuels migration out of Africa, and contributes to conflict on the continent itself. Only 3 million jobs are created each year for the 10-12 million youth entering the workforce. 71% of youth cannot secure employment due to a lack of relevant work experience.

opportunity

The Most Demographically Dynamic Region in the World.

Africans will make up a quarter of the world’s population by 2050 and a workforce of 1 billion. 74% of population growth worldwide of 18-23-year-olds will be in 10 countries by 2035: Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Niger, Nigeria, (Pakistan), Tanzania and Uganda.

The digital transformation of education will drive exponential gains in the access, affordability, quality, and relevance of learning in Africa.

Skills-focused and competency-based learning — combined with the emergence of faster, cheaper, more relevant pathways to employment — affords unprecedented opportunity to connect learning to jobs.

As the global distributed workforce becomes a reality, new models of education and learning in Africa can develop a talent pipeline for the world.

This is a generational opportunity to leapfrog.

Our investments

Our investors

Team

Julia Moffett
Co-founder and Managing Partner, Future of Learning Fund
Senior Strategy, Innovation and Communications roles: Kenya, US, and UK | 10 years’ experience supporting tech founders in Africa, including >$20M raised | EdTech Angel Investor and Advisor | Director of Innovation, Equity Bank Group | EIR, Education Design Lab | Future of Work Africa 2021 | GSV Cup | WISE Accelerator
Abdul-Karim Mohamed
Partner
7+ years of direct investing in PreSeed to Series A in East and West Africa | Principal at $10M K-12 East Africa Education Fund | Investor Director experience overseeing $17M AUM | Steering Committee Member at the Education Finance Network | Board Director and Advisor
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji
Founding Partner (Non-operating)
Founder and General Partner, Future Africa | Highly Respected African Founder and Investor | Raised $400M | Forbes 30 Under 30 | Non-Executive Director Learn Africa | WEF Young Global Leader | Member Nigeria Competitiveness Council | Future of Learning Fund IC and Board Member
George Straschnov
Venture Partner
Silicon Valley EdTech operator investing in early-stage EdTech companies in the US, Europe, SE Asia and MENA | Led over 40 investments and has seen over 10 exits | Former Chief Strategy Officer for OPM Bisk Education leading business development to over $1B in revenue | Active Advisor, Mentor and Speaker at education technology accelerators and industry events including ASU+GSV, Learn Launch, EdTech Week, Holon IQ and EdTechX

testimonials

“As the founder of Nexford, the Future of Learning Fund has been an advisor, partner, sounding board and investor. I’ve found they bring a rare combination of strategic thinking, empathy and impressive global network – all of which have been truly instrumental to our growth story. Having worked with dozens of VCs I wish more of them would adopt their approach in supporting startups throughout their evolving needs and through the highs and lows of a startup’s journey.”

‍
Fadl Al Tarzi, Founder & CEO
“The Future of Learning Fund was a great sounding board as we developed our business plan for Akili Network’s vision of a children’s TV channel for Kenya (and beyond).  They were instrumental in mapping out the education media landscape as well as identifying organizations that shared our vision and that we are now working with.  Thank you!”

‍
Jeff Schon , CEO & Co-founder
Jesse Soleil, President & Co-founder
“The Future of Learning Fund brings incredible value as an investor in Craydel. They have provided valuable insights from the education sector in other markets, which has informed our strategy.  They have made introductions to thought leaders and operators around the world, which has helped to shape our thinking and pursue high value partnerships.  If you are an education company in Africa seeking funding, we would highly recommend working with the Future of Learning Fund.”

‍
Shayne Premji, Co-founder

Join us

Be part of a pioneering group of founders, experts, investors, and partners who are shaping the future of learning and work in Africa.
Get in touch
© Future of Learning Fund, All rights reserved.