October 28, 2024, Nairobi, Kenya – 500 Global, one of the world’s most active venture capital firms, proudly announced the promotion of Mareme Dieng, based in Nairobi, Kenya, to Partner for their Africa regional strategy.
"As a Senegalese woman who has studied, lived, and worked abroad, my mission is to reinvest in Africa by creating growth opportunities. I want the next generation of young African girls and boys to have access to quality education and economic opportunities without leaving their homes as early as I did," said Mareme Dieng, Partner, 500 Global, Africa. "My ambition is to leverage the resources and global platform 500 Global brings to harness the power of innovation and venture in Africa, truly unlocking the full potential of economic growth and opportunity."
Dieng, a leader in the firm's partnerships, programs, and investments, has demonstrated exceptional leadership in championing the next generation of African innovation. Since joining 500 Global in 2021, she has spearheaded initiatives and has spoken extensively about the opportunity the firm sees in Africa.
"Mareme embodies the future of Africa—young, globally-minded, dynamic, entrepreneurial, and full of dynamism. She is well placed to identify the next generation of entrepreneurs in Africa and to partner with them to build the next game-changing ventures from the continent," said Fred Swaniker, Founder, African Leadership Group.
500 Global has shown steadfast commitment to economic development and empowering innovators across Africa since their first investment in 2011. To date, 500 has invested in and supported 100+ portfolio companies headquartered in Africa, 35% of which have been female-founded, and has worked alongside governmental entities, namely the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) and Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), to develop ecosystem education for investors and accelerator managers. 500 is excited to deepen its contribution to Africa.
"Africa is a thriving hub of opportunity and potential. With Mareme’s extensive experience and knowledge of local infrastructure, her dynamic insights will help propel 500 Global to the forefront of economic growth within the African ecosystem," said Courtney Powell, COO & Managing Partner of 500 Global. "We’re excited to see how her leadership will unlock new possibilities and help address the most pressing issues, such as financial inclusion, scalable education, food security, and climate resilience, driving innovation and sustainable economic growth across Africa."
Prior to joining 500 Global, Mareme was Head of International Partnerships and Relations at Draper University and an Investor Associate at Draper University Ventures, where she led investments and worked with founders from emerging markets. She has been recognized by Forbes magazine, being highlighted as a Forbes Afrique 30 Under 30, and was a member of the advisory board of the African Early Stage Investment Summit. Additionally, she sits on the VC Committee of the African Venture Capital Association.
“Mareme is extraordinary. She is on a path to make an enormous impact on Africa. She was a standout among standouts at Draper, and she did exemplary work for us in the ecosystem,” said Tim Draper, Founder & Managing Partner of Draper Associates.