The global VC firm Antler is bringing its distinctive “Day Zero” approach to Africa. Now the official venture partner of the 2026 Africa Blockchain Festival, the firm is backing Web3 startups across the continent. With over $1 billion in AUM, 1,800 portfolio companies, and a track record of investing at the earliest stages, Antler’s presence could reshape the funding landscape for African founders.
With just 41 days to go, the Africa Blockchain Festival (ABF) 2026 has secured global VC Antler and pan-African Launch Africa Ventures as official venture partners. The move injects much-needed capital and mentorship into a market where startup funding has hit a five-year low. This year’s Fellowship Programme promises a direct pipeline from pitch to investment, culminating in an exclusive Deal Room for qualified founders. ABF 2026 is set to be a pivotal moment for blockchain and AI innovation across the continent.
The Africa Blockchain Festival is heading to Nairobi with a broader ambition than another three-day conference. ABF 2026 is bringing builders, investors and policymakers together while testing whether its ecosystem can extend beyond the event itself.
Paradigm’s latest fund reflects a broader investment shift toward AI and blockchain convergence. From autonomous software agents to African fintech innovation, investors increasingly view intelligence and trust as two layers of the same infrastructure stack.
