Gaming investment fund Tekkorp Capital believes Africa offers some of the industry’s most exciting growth opportunities and is seeking out locally led businesses to turn them into regional leaders, it said.
It also aims to shine a spotlight on the market to encourage more businesses to move into the African gaming space.
In targeting Africa, Tekkorp said it aims to support its investors across operational, technical and strategic matters and provide access to capital. This includes product solutions, media partnerships, payments and legal expertise.
Tekkorp founder and chairman Matt Davey expects to see strong growth at a significant pace in the market. “This will encourage more operators to enter the space and that’s why we believe the time is right to get ahead of the coalescing trends and create a balanced portfolio of premium African assets, underpinned by our local expertise, to best capitalise on this profitable opportunity,” he added.
“Our goal is to turn these promising companies into regional leaders, building a diversified portfolio of high-performing, compliant brands with strong governance, unblocking the barriers to major operators investing with confidence.”
Africa partner appointed to lead investment efforts in the region
Conor O’Donovan (pictured), associate partner at Tekkorp since March 2023, has been appointed the firm’s Africa partner to lead its expansion into the region.
His responsibilities will include identifying new opportunities in Africa and assembling an advisory and management team to help steer investment and operational oversight.
O’Donovan has worked within the African gaming sector for several years, while he is also the founder of Tribe54, an investment company that focuses on Africa’s payments, fintech, gaming and gambling sectors.
Aside from this, he spent five years with NewPlay Group, another investment business. He also had a spell at Betyetu Group, a sports betting and gaming business with a footprint in east and west Africa.
“Tekkorp, alongside our strategic partners, is well-equipped to navigate these complexities and bring out the potential in strong, locally led businesses,” O’Donovan said.
“Our goal is to turn these promising companies into regional leaders, building a diversified portfolio of high-performing, compliant brands with strong governance, unblocking the barriers to major operators investing with confidence.”
About Conor O’ Donovan
Conor O’Donovan is a high-energy C-level executive, consultant, investor, and entrepreneur with a diverse array of business interests and an exceptional network throughout Africa.
With extensive experience in building and scaling multi-territory brands, Conor has a proven track record in sectors such as sports betting, lotteries, and casino/gaming. His unique position at the intersection of product development, regulation, go-to-market strategy, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and business planning sets him apart, with no direct competition in these areas.
Conor is passionate about driving ambitious brands—regardless of size—into Africa’s dynamic markets. He offers a range of services, including:
- Strategic Advisory: Guiding organizations through the complexities of entering or expanding in the African market.
- Investment Opportunities: Identifying and facilitating investment prospects that align with regional opportunities.
- Operational Leadership: Providing hands-on support to ensure successful execution of strategies.
If you’re considering opportunities in Africa—whether through organic growth or M&A—and are unsure how to proceed, Conor is eager to connect. He welcomes exploratory discussions to help you navigate this rapidly evolving and exciting territory.