At just 27, Mareme Dieng has become the youngest Partner at 500 Global, one of the world’s largest venture capital firms. Based in Nairobi, Dieng is not only investing in startups but also betting on Africa’s potential to tackle its toughest challenges through innovation.
From Senegal to Silicon Valley and Back
Mareme Dieng’s journey began in Senegal, where she grew up before moving to the U.S. to study. At 17, she landed her first internship at Schoolab, a venture studio targeting student innovations. This early exposure sparked her deep interest in tech and startups. By 18, she was managing Draper University, a boot camp for budding founders, under the mentorship of Silicon Valley legend Tim Draper, known for his early investments in Tesla, SpaceX, and Bitcoin.
“Mareme is extraordinary. She’s on a path to make an enormous impact on Africa. She was a standout among standouts at Draper,” said Tim Draper.
Through Draper University, she immersed herself in the world of startups and venture capital, gaining hands-on experience building and scaling companies. But Mareme always had her heart set on bringing that expertise back to Africa.
Leading 500 Global’s Africa Strategy
In 2021, Mareme joined 500 Global, a firm known for supporting innovation globally. With over 100 portfolio companies based in Africa, 500 Global has played a key role in the continent’s startup ecosystem. Her promotion to Partner in 2023 marks a significant step in the firm’s deepening engagement in Africa.
“As a Senegalese woman who has studied, lived, and worked abroad, my mission is to reinvest in Africa by creating growth opportunities,” said Dieng.
Mareme moved to Nairobi to focus on identifying and nurturing the next generation of African entrepreneurs. Her goal is to help African startups grow into engines of economic development and address the continent’s critical challenges, such as financial inclusion, education, food security, and climate resilience.
“Africa is a thriving hub of opportunity and potential,” said Courtney Powell, COO & Managing Partner at 500 Global. “With Mareme’s extensive experience and knowledge of local infrastructure, her insights will help propel 500 Global to the forefront of economic growth within the African ecosystem.”
Empowering African Entrepreneurs
Since joining 500 Global, Mareme has worked closely with female founders. Thirty-five per cent of 500 Global’s African portfolio companies are led by women, underscoring the firm’s commitment to gender diversity.
Mareme is particularly passionate about creating opportunities for young Africans.
“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,” she said.
Her leadership is driving significant impact, helping local founders develop innovative solutions to address Africa’s biggest challenges.
A New Chapter for African Venture Capital
500 Global has been investing in Africa since 2011. In addition to its financial investments, the firm has partnered with organisations like the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) and Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to foster education for investors and accelerators. Mareme’s promotion signals a renewed focus on expanding these efforts.
Fred Swaniker, founder of the African Leadership Group, captures what Mareme brings to Africa’s entrepreneurial scene:
“Mareme embodies the future of Africa—young, globally-minded, dynamic, and entrepreneurial. She is well placed to identify the next generation of African entrepreneurs and partner with them to build the next game-changing ventures.”
The Road Ahead
Mareme Dieng’s leadership at 500 Global is set to unlock the full potential of African startups. Her journey, from Senegal to Silicon Valley and back, inspires young Africans, proving that innovation can happen right at home. With her drive and expertise, Africa is well on its way to becoming a global leader in tech innovation and sustainable development.
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