01
Proven technology, unproven distribution.
Returns come from getting solutions that already work into the communities that markets skip.
About Luma Circle
The solutions exist. Build the circle around them.
A social impact investing platform connecting Silicon Valley with women building solutions across Africa and the Caribbean.
Our story
Under-financed. Under-connected. Not unsolved.
Luma Circle began with a simple observation that the problems that persist in Africa and the Caribbean are rarely unsolved. There are people, ideas and solutions on the ground. However, they are under-financed and under-connected, particularly in countries that have experienced violent conflicts or wars. Solar mini-grids, telehealth and digital credit already work. The communities that need them most have the discipline and the demand; what they lack is capital that trusts them and partners who stay.
Luma Circle is registered in the United States and the United Kingdom, with hubs across Africa, and is led by its pioneer Global President and CEO, Thelma Ekiyor-Solanke.
Our thesis
Five beliefs. One operating model.
02
Women are the highest-return channel.
Women run the savings groups, the clinic front lines and the market stalls. Capital routed through women reaches households faster and is repaid more reliably.
03
Blended capital is the only capital that fits.
Fragile and small-island markets need patient, layered money: catalytic first-loss, commercial capital and grants for what markets will never pay for, in one vehicle.
04
Two regions, one operating model.
Africa and the Caribbean share energy import dependence, health-worker shortages, informal women-led economies and a large diaspora. Solutions transfer, and the diaspora invests in both.
05
The corridor compounds.
Every founder, company and giving circle member is a node in a two-way corridor between Silicon Valley and the regions. The corridor is the asset.
Our commitment
100% women, by design.
Every Luma Circle intervention is designed for women, led by women and measured against that commitment. Every accelerator cohort is women founders. Every investment is women-led or women-owned, with women as primary customers. Half of our management carry is released only when that mandate is independently verified. At least a third of accelerator places and fund capital go to women building in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
Collaboration
The Silicon Valley Advantage collaboration
Silicon Valley Advantage (SVA) is a female-founded accelerator and innovation hub with more than ten years of results: over 80 startups graduated and more than $1.4 billion in equity value built. SVA brings founders, engineers, investors and corporate partners from the world's densest innovation community. Luma Circle brings trust and reach in underserved communities, and represents SVA across Africa and the Caribbean under a joint platform, Luma Circle.
10+
years of results
80+
startups graduated
$1.4 billion
equity value built
Leadership
Thelma Ekiyor-Solanke
Global President and CEO
Thirty years in global philanthropy and impact investing across Africa, the UK and the US. Recognised among the top ten women in the field, with awards for work in all three regions. Designs impact investment vehicles, raises capital for them and brokers the partnerships that make them work. Author of a 2026 book on women entrepreneurs in Africa's recovery, a chapter in the award-winning volume Peace vs. Justice in Africa, and women and peace training manuals. Doctoral researcher on women's collective entrepreneurship in Africa.
Chair and Advisers: Chris Folayan (Chair, founder of Luma AI); Stephanie Chen; Colletta (JP Morgan); Dr. Elise; Sid; and Gloria.
Meet the team →Join the circle.
Whether you invest, give, build or partner, there is a place for you.