IPO-Licious: Breaking Up (Nicely) With Your VCs On AIM - fireside chat at Africa Tech Summit London

Africa Tech Summit London 2025 celebrated its 9th edition on June 7th at The London Stock Exchange. Bringing together leading industry players the summit explored the latest trends and insights in technology and business across Africa and beyond.

IPO-Licious: Breaking Up (Nicely) With Your VCs On AIM - fireside chat at Africa Tech Summit London with:

Ariel White-Tsimikalis - Partner at Goodwin
Freda Isingoma - Senior Fund Manager at Octopus Investments
Neil Shah - Head of Tech, Primary Markets at London Stock Exchange

The discussion centers on the current state and future prospects of capital markets, particularly focusing on the UK’s AIM (Alternative Investment Market) as an attractive venue for growth companies, including African startups, to access public capital. Ariel and Freda share insights on navigating volatility, market readiness, and the appeal of AIM versus US exchanges. They emphasize the importance of preparation, corporate governance, and patient capital for companies planning IPOs or other liquidity events.

AIM is highlighted as Europe’s premier growth market, offering an accessible and flexible path to public markets for smaller companies, with a supportive investor base that values long-term growth over quick returns. The panel advocates for African companies to consider AIM early in their lifecycle, noting that the market is open to international firms and increasingly understands African tech narratives beyond traditional resource-based companies.

Overall, the session encourages founders, investors, and advisors to engage proactively with public markets, prepare well in advance, and leverage the growing opportunities within AIM and the UK capital ecosystem.

Highlights include

📈 AIM is Europe’s leading growth market, ideal for smaller companies seeking public capital.
🌍 African tech startups have increasing opportunities to list on AIM with international investor support.
🔍 Strong corporate governance and risk management are key to overcoming the “Africa discount.”
💼 Preparation for IPOs should start 18-24 months in advance, focusing on governance, board, and equity story.
💷 UK pension reforms could unlock £50 billion, revitalizing capital flows into UK public markets.
⚖️ UK markets offer patient capital, supporting companies through growth journeys unlike typical PE or US markets.
🌐 Structuring (UK topco vs Delaware) impacts investor comfort and tax benefits, requiring early legal advice.

From keynotes to dynamic panel discussions, the summit explored topics across the African tech landscape.

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