Where purpose meets performance
Alvin V. Cheeks
Global entrepreneur. Systems thinker. Venture catalyst.
The 2030 goal
Diaspora seed funding for 1,000 African startups by 2030
TheMindbehind the missions
I’m Alvin V. Cheeks — a multi-sector business leader and investor focused on ventures that move markets and meaning. From life sciences and data strategy to diaspora capital and African economic transformation, I build and back businesses where purpose meets performance.
In addition to my business ventures, I also serve as a spiritual leader and global teacher, guiding others to align purpose, leadership and impact. I maintain a separate platform for my ministry and faith-based leadership work, which you can explore at BishopAlCheeks.com.
Firms I’ve founded or led
Venture architect
These are firms I founded or led. Each reflects a deliberate strategy — built for impact, scale and long-term value.
- ADDIIResearch and advocacy on diaspora investment in Sub-Saharan Africaaddii.africa
- UbunfaEducation for the diaspora on relocating and building businesses in Africaubunfa.com
- TeyfaStrategy, governance and market intelligence for companies across Sub-Saharan Africa
- DatalympiadStaffing for data and artificial intelligence rolesdatalympiad.com
- AximodalData strategy and systems integration for health care and financial services
- ClinDev GlobalUnified clinical trial data that helps sponsors cut timelines and riskclindev.com
- XerbasClinical trial monitoring and oversight of artificial intelligence toolsxerbas.com
- ClinEquity StrategiesClinical trial diversity strategy and implementation consultingclinequity.com
- TrialMicroMicro-courses for clinical research professionals
- BlackRxPrescription savings and refill app designed for Black Americans
- Ithafa PublishingBooks for the global Black community, by people who’ve lived them
Investment strategy
Capital for the continent
I back early-stage ventures in Sub-Saharan Africa and across the global diaspora with patient capital — committed for the years it takes to build a lasting company, not a quick exit.
My approach is hands-on. I work alongside founders on strategy, governance and market access — the groundwork that positions each portfolio company to raise its next round from a position of strength.
I invest in
- Fintech, HealthTech and AgriTech
- AI and data infrastructure
- Diaspora-founded enterprises
- Strategic ecosystem builders in emerging markets
What I bring
- Systems-level insight
- Founder mentorship
- Seed capital for African ventures
- Introductions between diaspora business leaders and Sub-Saharan African founders
- Global market access across Africa, the U.S. and the Gulf
Speaking
Invite me to speak
Conferences, investor forums and founder programs on diaspora capital and African venture building.
The Diaspora Capital Brief
Get the briefing
Occasional insights on diaspora capital, African venture building and my latest work.