Practical Superpowers

AI that actually works in emerging markets. We accelerate startups building transformative technology for underserved communities across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

From the team behind

Why Practical Superpowers?

We've been building AI solutions for emerging markets since 2019. Now we're formalizing that expertise into a dedicated accelerator program.

Proven in Practice

Our portfolio companies have already raised $800M+ in follow-on funding. We know what works in constrained environments and what doesn't.

Emerging Market Focus

Purpose-built for Africa, Asia, and Latin America. We understand local constraints, regulations, and opportunities that Silicon Valley accelerators miss.

AI That Works

From our 2019 "Practical Superpowers" research to today's implementations. We focus on AI applications that create real impact, not just hype.

Ecosystem Acceleration

Over eight years, we've built and accelerated entire innovation ecosystems, supporting startups, investors, researchers, policymakers, and donors across multiple sectors.

Fintech Ecosystem

Advancing financial inclusion through innovative technology solutions that serve underbanked populations across emerging markets.

Climate Tech Ecosystem

Building climate adaptation and resilience solutions that help vulnerable communities adapt to environmental challenges.

Jobtech Ecosystem

Creating employment opportunities through digital platforms that connect people to meaningful work and economic opportunity.

Research & Policy

Generating insights and evidence that inform policy decisions and shape the future of technology for development.

Investor Network

Connecting impact-driven capital with innovative startups, facilitating over $800M in follow-on funding.

Donor Partnerships

Collaborating with philanthropic organizations to scale solutions that create lasting social and environmental impact.

Proven Impact Across Emerging Markets

Results from eight years of supporting technology for impact

61

Portfolio Companies

$800M+

Follow-on Funding

14M+

Lives Impacted

86%

Survival Rate

AI in Action

Our portfolio companies are already using AI to solve real problems. Here's how they're building practical superpowers.

MazaoHub

AgriTech • Kenya

Using AI for analyzing soil test data to help farmers optimize crop yields and make data-driven agricultural decisions.

PoweredbyPeople

E-commerce • Global

AI-powered platform that generates attractive product listings from artisans' photographs, helping creators showcase their work professionally.

Kabakoo

EdTech • Africa

AI chatbots helping entrepreneurs build their businesses through personalized guidance and educational support across Africa.

BFA Global's Financial Modeling Tool

FinTech • Global

AI-powered financial modeling tool helps startups develop comprehensive business plans with automated analysis and recommendations.

Our Practical Superpowers Methodology

Eight years of learning distilled into a proven framework for building AI that works where it matters most.

Ecosystem Development

Building the infrastructure, networks, and enabling environment for innovation to thrive in emerging markets.

Startup Launching & Incubation

From idea to market-ready solution - hands-on support to build sustainable, scalable technology ventures.

Bridge to VC Finance

Preparing companies for institutional investment with mentorship, networks, and investor readiness support.

Pre-seed VC Investment

Capital deployment to fuel growth and scale, with follow-on support through Series A and beyond.

Long-term Vision: Self-Sustaining AI Innovation Ecosystems

By 2030, emerging markets have thriving, locally-owned AI sectors that continuously generate solutions for development challenges, supported by robust governance frameworks and equitable access to the benefits of artificial intelligence.

Systems Thinking

Each startup creates ripple effects - generating talent, inspiring copycats, influencing policy, and building market infrastructure.

Knowledge Creation

Open-source tools, research frameworks, and implementation guides that become public goods for the entire development community.

Local Ownership

Building indigenous capacity so emerging markets become AI innovators, not just consumers of Western technology.

Responsible AI for Development

We don't just accelerate AI startups - we ensure they create lasting, ethical impact that serves underserved communities responsibly.

Ethics-First Framework

Every portfolio company commits to our responsible AI principles: fairness, transparency, accountability, and community benefit. We conduct regular ethics audits and bias assessments.

Local Co-Creation

Communities aren't just users - they're partners. Our startups practice participatory design, ensuring solutions are built with and for the people they serve, not imposed from outside.

Open Knowledge Sharing

We create public goods: open-source tools, datasets, research frameworks, and implementation guides that benefit the entire development AI ecosystem, not just our portfolio.

Impact Measurement

Beyond funding metrics, we track real development outcomes: income increases, climate resilience, educational access, health improvements. Quarterly impact reports ensure accountability.

Local Capacity Building

We develop indigenous AI talent through mentorship, training programs, and South-South knowledge exchange. Building lasting capacity, not just deploying solutions.

Policy Influence

Working with governments and regulators to shape AI governance frameworks that protect citizens while enabling innovation. Evidence-based policy recommendations from the field.

Our Global Team

Based across Nigeria, Kenya, Mexico, Colombia, India, Europe, and the US, our team brings deep local expertise and global perspective to AI acceleration.

J

Javier

Leadership Team

A

Aline

Leadership Team

N

Nick

Leadership Team

K

Ken

Leadership Team

J

Jorge

Leadership Team

A

Ambika

Leadership Team