A New African Angel Network for the New Year: The Kilimanjaro Angel and Mentor Network (KMAN)
The Coprosperity Fund was recently invited to partner with a new African Angel Network, the Kilimanjaro Angel and Mentor Network (KMAN). So we decided to invite them to do a question and answer about themselves for our readers. Here is what transpired.
Can you please introduce yourself to our readers?
Kilimanjaro Angel and Mentor Network (KMAN) is an angel investment and mentorship network founded in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. We currently focus on supporting startups and early-stage businesses based in Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Tanga, while building a strong pipeline for expansion across the rest of Tanzania and the wider East African region.
KMAN connects promising founders with angel investors, experienced mentors, and strategic partners who provide early-stage capital, hands-on guidance, and market access. Our goal is to help entrepreneurs build scalable, investment-ready, and sustainable businesses that can grow beyond local markets and compete regionally.
By combining capital with mentorship and deep local ecosystem knowledge, KMAN is strengthening the startup landscape in Northern Tanzania and laying the foundation for a regionally connected innovation network.
What are the origins of the angel network? How did it get up and running?
KMAN was founded through a collaboration between East Africa Internet Group and Kanyi Foundation, two organizations with a shared commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive economic growth in Tanzania.
The idea for KMAN emerged from firsthand experience working with startups and SMEs in Northern Tanzania, where many promising businesses demonstrated strong potential but lacked access to early-stage capital, experienced mentorship, and structured investor networks. Recognizing this gap, East Africa Internet Group and Kanyi Foundation came together to create a platform that could connect local founders with angel investors and seasoned mentors in a more coordinated and sustainable way.
KMAN was launched by mobilizing a founding group of angels and mentors, establishing a structured startup screening and mentorship framework, and building partnerships within the Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Tanga startup ecosystems. From the outset, the network was designed to be locally grounded but regionally scalable, with a long-term vision to expand across Tanzania and East Africa.
What are the investment objectives and parameters of the angel network?
KMAN aims to support high-potential early-stage startups and SMEs by providing angel capital alongside structured mentorship to enable sustainable growth and regional scalability.
Investment Objectives
- Support early-stage and growth-oriented startups with scalable business models
- Combine patient capital with hands-on mentorship to improve success rates
- Strengthen the startup ecosystem in Northern Tanzania while building a pipeline for national and regional expansion
- Promote job creation, innovation, and inclusive economic growth
- De-risk early-stage investments through active post-investment support
Investment Parameters
- Stage: Pre-seed to early growth
- Ticket Size: Angel and syndicate investments (flexible depending on opportunity)
- Instruments: Equity and equity-linked instruments
- Sectors: Technology-enabled businesses, fintech, agribusiness, healthtech, e-commerce, supply and logistics tech, climate/green economy, AI, Tech Tourism, E-mobility, Ed-Tech and scalable services.
- Geographic Focus: Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Tanga, with expansion across Tanzania and East Africa
- Founder Profile: Committed founding teams with strong execution capability and ethical governance
- Value Creation: Active mentorship, governance support, strategic partnerships, and follow-on capital readiness
KMAN prioritizes businesses with clear growth potential, strong market demand, and founders who are open to mentorship and long-term partnership.
Who are the members of the angel network?
KMAN is composed of angel investors, experienced entrepreneurs, senior executives, and industry mentors drawn from Tanzania and the wider East African region. Our members include founders who have built and scaled businesses, professionals with deep sector expertise, and investors committed to supporting early-stage enterprises through both capital and mentorship. The network also engages strategic partners and ecosystem stakeholders who contribute knowledge, networks, and market access.
How is this angel network different from others?
KMAN is differentiated by its strong regional focus combined with a scalable national and East African vision. Founded in the Kilimanjaro region, the network prioritizes startups in Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Tanga, areas that are often underserved by traditional investment networks.
Unlike capital-only angel groups, KMAN follows a mentor-first approach, ensuring that every investment is paired with structured mentorship, governance support, and hands-on engagement. Our close collaboration with ecosystem builders and development partners allows us to de-risk early-stage investments while maximizing long-term impact.
How does the angel network fund and otherwise assist small businesses?
KMAN provides support through a combination of:
- Angel and syndicate investments using equity or equity-linked instruments
- Structured mentorship from experienced founders and professionals
- Investment readiness support, including pitch preparation and financial modeling
- Governance and operational guidance
- Market access and strategic partnerships
- Follow-on funding preparedness through partner networks
This integrated approach ensures that capital is effectively deployed and supported by the right expertise.
What is the process for a small business to obtain funding and assistance from the angel network?
The process typically involves:
- Application and initial screening of the business model and founding team
- Due diligence, including market validation, financial review, and founder assessment
- Pitch sessions to KMAN angels and mentors
- Investment decision and structuring
- Post-investment mentorship and monitoring, with agreed milestones and reporting
The process is designed to be transparent, supportive, and founder-friendly.
How can a small business apply for funding and assistance from the angel network?
Small businesses can apply by submitting an application through KMAN’s official application channels, including partner referrals, ecosystem events, and designated online application forms. Shortlisted startups are contacted for further evaluation and guided through the investment readiness and pitching process.