Investera, a business intelligence and investment organisation located in the United Arab Emirates, said on Monday that it has reached an agreement with the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEF) to mobilise funding for Kenyan youth-owned enterprises.

Mohamed Shaban, general manager of Investera Plus Africa, stated that the firm will assist Kenyan youth-run businesses in mobilising funds or the required financial muscles to develop their businesses.

The Dubai-based company claims to have already raised $1 billion (Sh110 billion) in seed money for start-ups and financial support for corporations aiming to grow, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa area.

“We are pleased to be involved with the Youth Enterprise Development Fund since Investera Plus Africa supports the fund's objective. We want to witness the growth of businesses, particularly startups, by offering business development support services to enterprises who want to expand or acquire access to capital. This is our business since we already have a sufficient number of investors eager to fund strong company concepts,” Mr Shaban said in a statement.

“Raising start-up financing and gaining market access are two of the most difficult problems for startups and Kenyan entrepreneurs since most financial institutions need collateral, which most do not have. This difficulty will soon be a thing of the past because we have been able to give simple access to markets as well as financial assistance,” Mr Shaban added.

Acting CEO of the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Benson Muthendi, praised the fund's collaboration with Investera Plus Africa. “InvesteraPlus Africa has come to the right place at the right moment to help Kenyan youth. What they're doing and how their platform will add to the ecosystem is something I like,” he stated.

Investera began operations in Kenya in July of this year, guiding foreign investors looking to invest locally and connecting local businesses to international prospects.

Investera Plus Africa, their local counterparts, helped them gain access through a collaboration agreement. Investors, enterprises, and entrepreneurs will benefit from market research, due diligence, investment counselling, and financial intelligence services provided by the organisation.