Community Data vs Dealflow.Africa

Community Data is a free, open database of more than 1 million people and companies, initially focused on the startup ecosystem. Its records are collaboratively maintained in an open-source repository as JSON documents that follow JSON Schema definitions. Schemas cover people, companies, locations, sectors, funding stages, and curated collections. A public GraphQL API lets developers query the data and build applications.

Anyone can contribute by creating or editing a JSON file. Commits are checked against the matching schema, and invalid documents cause a commit to be rejected. A proof-of-concept Next.js editor uses the GitHub API and requires contributors to authenticate with GitHub. Enhancer scripts can use public APIs or websites to structure information for the schemas and import it. Verified document owners are recorded by GitHub username, and their pull requests are automatically merged without review. Schema changes are proposed by pull request and reviewed by core contributors during monthly governance calls. The project uses the MIT License, copyright 2025.

Dealflow.Africa is a web platform for tracking African startup funding rounds, investors, acquisitions, and ecosystem signals. Its dashboard presents funding rounds, sector breakdowns, country market maps, and company comparisons. The About page describes more than 2,000 funding rounds, over 500 investor profiles, and coverage of more than 20 African countries. The maker says each data point is sourced, verified, and scored for confidence, while funding rounds, acquisitions, and ecosystem signals are captured as they happen. Startups can list a fundraise, connect with verified investors, and request warm introductions. Founders can browse accelerator and incubator programs, apply through the platform, and track applications. The innovation-hub directory includes coworking spaces, startup communities, studios, and government programs. Founder profiles can contain company details, a pitch deck, and fundraising information. The startup page claims more than 1,000 companies, over 50 programs, and investors across more than 30 African countries. Startup access costs nothing and is free forever with no credit card required.