The Creative Economy Practice at CcHUB held the first session of the African Creative Economy Investor Masterclass Series on the 27th of July, 2022. The series is for existing funders or investors seeking to begin or scale up funding and/or investment in the Creative Economy in Africa. Each series has three sessions comprising two virtual sessions and one face-to-face session. 

The speakers for the first session were Laura Callanan (Founding Partner Upstart Co-Lab, USA) and George Gachara (Managing Partner HEVA Fund LLP, Kenya). The session was moderated by Ojoma Ochai (The Managing Partner of the Creative Economy Practice at CcHUB).

This first session provided an overview of the Creative Economy, Value Chains and Ecosystems. The session also outlined where value is created in the Creative Economy ecosystem and provided Case Studies of Creative Economy investment approaches. 

Ojoma Ochai, The Managing Partner of the Creative Practice at CcHUB, outlined the Creative Economy ecosystem and highlighted the fact that historically, only a narrow segment of the ecosystem receives funding and other support. She stressed the need for a broader ecosystem approach to ensure that all the ecosystem players are sufficiently resourced and supported to maximize value capture for and from the sector.

Laura Callanan, the Founding Partner of Upstart Co-Lab USA, outlined their robust approach to sector definition and investment in the Creative Economy, using Case Studies to outline Upstart Co-Lab’s approach to Impact Investing in the sector. 

George Gachara, the Managing Partner for HEVA Fund LLP Kenya, spoke about the typology of Creative Economy businesses as well as HEVA’s evidence-based approach to designing responsive funding instruments. 

The next two sessions in the series will be held in September and November, respectively. 

To be kept informed about the series and investment opportunities in the Creative Economy, please email us at info@cchubcreativeeconomy.africa.