Introducing Raise AI
February 17, 2025
At Raise, we’ve spent years supporting African startups with tools that simplify and optimize equity processes. But we’ve also listened to your feedback, your challenges, and your questions. One request stood out: Can equity management be smarter, faster, and more intuitive?
Today, we’re thrilled to introduce Raise AI, an updated feature integrated into the Raise platform. Designed to help founders, investors, and stakeholders across the African startup ecosystem, Raise AI bridges the gap between complex equity challenges and actionable solutions.
Why Raise AI?
Raise AI was born out of your feedback. Founders tell us about the frustration of navigating funding scenarios without a clear understanding of dilution or ownership impact. Investors share how hard it is to evaluate portfolio performance post-rounds. Advisors highlight the complexity of ensuring compliance across borders.
We knew generic tools weren’t cutting it. While tools like ChatGPT are helpful for broad questions and brainstorming, they don’t have the depth or context to solve equity-specific challenges. Raise AI fills that gap, a specialized tool designed to:
Simplify cap table management: Keep your cap table clean, up-to-date, and optimized for growth.
Model funding scenarios instantly: Understand the impact of various deal terms on ownership, dilution, and future potential.
Design effective ESOPs: Attract and retain top talent with equity plans that motivate teams and reassure investors.
Navigate compliance with ease: Stay aligned with local and international regulations as you scale.
Confident decision-making: Use actionable insights to negotiate terms, align stakeholders, and plan for growth.
Learn more about Raise AI
Raise AI vs. Other AI Agents
While general AI tools like ChatGPT can assist with broad advice, they fall short when it comes to the nuanced, high-stakes world of equity management. Here’s what sets Raise AI apart:
Equity-specific expertise: Raise AI is purpose-built to tackle cap tables, ESOPs, funding rounds, and compliance challenges.
Regional context: Raise AI understands the unique challenges of African startups, including limited funding pools, cross-border compliance, and local benchmarks.
Integrated solutions: As part of the Raise platform, Raise AI isn’t a standalone tool. It works seamlessly with your existing equity management processes, making insights directly actionable.
Other AI agents helps you brainstorm. Raise AI helps you win. That’s the difference.
Sample use cases
1. Preparing for a Series A Funding Round
Mariam, a fintech founder in Kenya, is preparing for her Series A funding round. She receives proposals from investors, including a $2M SAFE with a 20% discount and a $10M valuation cap. Unsure how these terms will impact her ownership and ESOP pool, Mariam turns to Raise AI.
Raise AI simulates the dilution impact of the SAFE and flags the low valuation cap as a risk.
It provides alternative terms, showing how a $15M cap could better preserve her ownership.
Armed with these insights, Mariam confidently negotiates a deal that aligns with her vision.
2. Structuring an ESOP Plan
Amina, the founder of a logistics startup in Uganda, wants to set up an ESOP to attract top talent. She doesn’t know where to start and is worried about dilution.
Raise AI suggests regional benchmarks, recommending a 12% ESOP pool.
It simulates how the ESOP will impact her cap table and projects future dilution.
It also proposes a 4-year vesting schedule with a 1-year cliff, balancing team motivation with company goals.
Amina presents the plan to her team and investors, securing buy-in from both.
3. Evaluating Portfolio Performance
Sibongile, an angel investor, wants to understand how a recent funding round affects her stake in one of her portfolio companies. She turns to Raise AI for clarity.
Raise AI calculates her updated equity percentage and simulates potential returns at a $50M exit.
It flags that a follow-on investment would better protect her stake.
With these insights, Sibongile strategically increases her position in the company.
What are the benefits of Raise AI?
Save time and effort: Automate complex calculations and focus on making decisions that matter.
Reduce risk: Avoid unfavorable terms by understanding their full impact before committing.
Increase confidence: Enter negotiations and stakeholder discussions equipped with data-driven insights.
Build transparency: Align your team, investors, and stakeholders with clear, actionable plans.
Stay ahead: Make smarter decisions faster with the power of Raise AI.
Whether you’re preparing for a funding round, structuring an ESOP, or navigating compliance, Raise AI is here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to experience the difference?
Start now. raise.africa