Maxime Bayen is Operating Partner at Catalyst Fund, where he leads the firm’s efforts to source, support, and scale high-potential startups across Africa. Since joining in 2021, he has coordinated venture-building support for more than 20 startups across 8 markets and played a central role in expanding Catalyst Fund’s global network of nearly 200 VC partners. Over the past decade, he has invested in, advised, or accelerated over 50 startups on the continent, including through his angel investments.

Maxime is also the co-creator of Africa: The Big Deal, a leading platform that provides data and insights on the African startup ecosystem, widely used by media outlets, investors, and entrepreneurs. With deep market knowledge and a proven record of building ventures, he is recognized as a trusted partner to founders and a driving force in Africa’s startup landscape.