A nonprofit venture firm affiliated with 54 Collective, aimed at funding startups in Africa, now facing legal issues.
“Mastercard Foundation’s agreement was not terminated due to a breach,” Bongani Sithole, 54 Collective’s CEO
54 Collective, an early-stage venture studio, shut down in February 2025, laying off over 40 employees. Mastercard Foundation withdrew funding due to concerns over 54 Collective's rebranding and potential conflicts of interest.
