TLcom Capital partner Ido Sum steps down after 14 years

Ido Sum is leaving Africa-focused venture capital firm TLcom Capital after a 14-year run that saw him help close major funds and back key startups across the continent.

TLcom Capital, an Africa-focused venture capital firm founded in 1999, has announced the departure of partner Ido Sum following a 14-year tenure with the organization.

The firm, which operates offices in Nairobi and Lagos with a team of 15 investment professionals, has spent over two decades backing technology entrepreneurs across the African continent and has established itself as one of the region's most experienced early-stage investors.

Throughout his time at TLcom, Sum played a pivotal role in securing both TIDE Fund I and TIDE Fund II—the latter ranking among Africa's largest early-stage venture funds. His portfolio work included supporting companies such as uLesson (an edtech platform), Littlefish (a proptech startup), and Zone (a blockchain payments infrastructure company).

"I am proud of what we have built at TLcom over the last 14 years. It has been a privilege to work alongside such a talented team and to have supported and worked side-by-side with some of Africa's most audacious entrepreneurs. I am confident that the firm will continue to lead the investment pack, and I look forward to my next chapter," Sum stated.

Maurizio Caio, managing partner at TLcom Capital, expressed gratitude for Sum's contributions over the years.

"It has been a pleasure working with him, and we wish him the very best for his next endeavors," Caio said.