Institutional Presentation – Business Angels Association of Cape Verde (ABAC)

1. Institutional Framework and Identity

The Cape Verde Business Angels Association (ABAC) is a private, non-profit association, created on March 15, 2010 and registered on July 23 of the same year (Official Gazette No. 29), with the objective of promoting and managing a network of Business Angels (Angel Investors) in Cape Verde.

ABAC acts as a platform for connecting private investors, entrepreneurs, and public and private institutions, promoting access to seed capital, management knowledge, mentoring, and strategic networking. The association’s fundamental principle is the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation as drivers of sustainable economic development, with particular attention to projects that impact the community, youth, and the creation of skilled jobs.

ABAC’s vision is to be a leading association, both nationally and internationally, in accelerating ideas and businesses in Cape Verde, basing its actions on transparency, ethics, collaboration, and commitment to the country’s development. Its governance is based on elected governing bodies and an operational model primarily reliant on volunteer work, reinforcing the importance of the active commitment of its members.

2. ABAC’s Role in the Ecosystem

Throughout its history, ABAC has established itself as a relevant player in the Cape Verdean entrepreneurial ecosystem, acting as a bridge between private investors, entrepreneurs, incubators, business associations, universities, public entities, and international investment networks.

The association contributes to:
✓ Boosting early-stage private investment;
✓ Improving the quality of entrepreneurial projects through mentoring and support;
✓ Promoting a culture of responsible and informed investment; and
✓ Bringing Cape Verde closer to its diaspora as a strategic source of capital, knowledge, and global networks.

ABAC integrates international Business Angels networks, such as ABAN (African Business Angels Network), allowing access to best practices, cooperation opportunities, and greater international visibility for Cape Verdean projects.

Currently, ABAC has 31 members, of which 16 are active. Among the active members, there are 3 women and 2 members residing in the diaspora, contributing to the diversity of profiles, experiences, and international connections within the network.

3. Activities, Instruments and Model of Action

A atuação da ABAC organiza-se em torno de um conjunto de linhas estratégicas
complementares:

• Promotion and advocacy of the Business Angel movement;
• Identification, evaluation, and monitoring of entrepreneurial projects;
• Organization of pitch sessions and structured meetings between entrepreneurs and investors;
• Promotion of joint investments among Business Angels;
• Strengthening financial and investment literacy;
• Development of national and international partnerships.

ABAC has institutional instruments that ensure its credibility and transparency, including bylaws, code of ethics, investment sheets, annual activity plans, and activity and financial reports regularly approved at the General Assembly.

4. Results and Evolution (2021–2025)

Between 2021 and 2025, ABAC ensured regular and consistent institutional activity, guaranteeing the association’s continuity and the fulfillment of its statutory responsibilities. Key achievements during this period include:

✓ Regular holding of General Assemblies and annual production of activity and accounts reports;
✓ Organization and participation in pitch events, investor meetings and initiatives to promote entrepreneurship;
✓ Consolidation of institutional, national and international partnerships;
✓ Active presence in networks and forums relevant to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

No plano do investimento, a ABAC e os seus membros demonstraram capacidade concreta
de mobilização de capital, destacando-se:

• Cabo Verde Investor Club (CVIC) – a structuring investment made by ABAC members, totaling 3,600 contos, with the objective of creating an organized platform for private investment and strengthening the capital ecosystem in Cabo Verde;
• PrintDreams – an initial phase investment of 200 contos, resulting from a consortium of ABAC Business Angels, supporting the growth of a creative and innovative company;
• Sint’Agro – an investment in an agri-food sector project, worth 400 contos, focusing on local production, sustainability, and economic impact.

5. Institutional contacts

Cape Verde Business Angels Association (ABAC)

Email: info@abac.cv / Website: www.abac.cv