Investment Criteria

At Meritum, we are committed to identifying and partnering with businesses that align with our mission to overcome Nigeria’s infrastructural challenges, drive entrepreneurship, and foster national development. To achieve this, we invest in companies that meet four key criteria: resilience to infrastructural challenges, solutions to infrastructural gaps, transformative potential, and sound financial and management practices.

1

Resilience to Infrastructural Challenges

We look for businesses that demonstrate exceptional resilience by thriving in spite of Nigeria’s infrastructural challenges. These companies have the capacity to adapt to and overcome barriers such as inadequate road networks, unreliable power supply, and limited government support. Their ability to maintain profitability while absorbing these additional costs is a testament to their operational efficiency and market adaptability.

Equally important are the values of the founders and leadership teams. We seek founders who exhibit integrity, innovation, and a relentless drive for excellence. These qualities are critical for navigating Nigeria’s unique business environment and maintaining long-term success. Businesses must also have a clear strategy for sustaining and scaling operations, demonstrating a deep commitment to ethical practices and value creation for their communities.

2

Solutions to Infrastructural Gaps

In addition to supporting businesses that overcome challenges, we invest in those that actively provide solutions to Nigeria’s infrastructural deficits. These companies tackle critical needs, such as transportation, power generation, storage, or other essential services, and play a direct role in closing infrastructure gaps.

We prioritize companies with a clear path to profitability, ensuring they can sustain their operations and scale effectively. Founders in this category must also demonstrate a passion for national development, aligning with Meritum’s vision of creating a stronger, more self-reliant Nigeria. Excellence in execution and innovative problem-solving are essential, as these businesses often address complex, large-scale challenges that require visionary leadership and efficient resource management.

3

Transformative Potential

At Meritum, we believe in the power of capital to unlock untapped opportunities. We invest in businesses where our funding can make a significant difference—helping them achieve new levels of profitability, expand their operations, or attract further investment.

These companies must demonstrate a clear trajectory toward growth, either by scaling organically or by reaching milestones that make them attractive for subsequent funding rounds. Founders should share Meritum’s commitment to leveraging investment for transformative change, displaying a proactive and collaborative mindset that aligns with our goal of building sustainable businesses.

We also value alignment with our core principles: integrity, excellence, and a shared passion for Nigeria’s growth. Businesses we invest in must not only be capable of creating financial returns but also contribute positively to the country’s development.

4

Financial and Management Criteria

As long-term partners, we look for businesses with sound financial and management structures that support sustainable growth. Each fund we raise outlines specific financial metrics, including the size of companies we aim to invest in, the percentage ownership we target, and our typical check sizes.

We often take significant equity positions in the businesses we invest in to ensure alignment of interests and to provide the necessary capital for growth. In some cases, our investment may also involve taking board seats. This decision is typically triggered by the size of our investment, the percentage of ownership we hold, and our ability to add strategic value to the company.

Strong management teams are a critical factor in our decision-making. We invest in businesses led by individuals who exhibit integrity, competence, and a deep understanding of their industries. Founders must demonstrate the ability to manage resources effectively, execute strategies successfully, and lead their teams toward achieving set goals.

By adhering to these criteria, Meritum ensures that every investment aligns with our mission of fostering resilient, impactful businesses that contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and infrastructure development. Together with our portfolio companies, we strive to build a future where challenges become opportunities, and entrepreneurship drives national progress.

Join Us on Our Mission

Ready to grow your business? Meritum invests in resilient Nigerian enterprises overcoming infrastructural challenges and driving development. Let’s work together to unlock new growth and build a thriving future.