Ghanaian investors and sponsors raising from West African LPs
Investing in US startups from Ghana
Join a US Delaware SPV from Ghana, funding in cedi rather than hunting for dollars.
The problem
Ghanaian investors backing US startups normally have to source dollars before they can do anything else, which means an opaque FX cost and a correspondent chain that can take a week. Most US SPV platforms cannot accept a subscription that does not arrive as a dollar wire, so the deal closes without them. Nobody explains the US tax position either, and Ghana has no US income tax treaty.
How Rocketbook handles it
Rocketbook accepts cedi directly, with the conversion into the SPV's USD base quoted before you commit. Stablecoin deposits are available where digital dollars move more easily than bank dollars, and KYC, AML and sanctions screening run with Ghanaian coverage.
Workflow
- 1
Pick your funding route
Fund in cedi and see the rate before you commit, or deposit USDC, USDT or EURC if you already hold digital dollars. Dollar and euro wires work as normal.
- 2
Confirm you qualify
Accredited investor status is assessed against the SEC's criteria rather than your residence, so the thresholds are the same for you as for a US investor.
- 3
Complete KYC from Ghana
Identity, AML and sanctions screening run through providers with Ghanaian coverage. Entity investors supply beneficial ownership details for the individuals behind the entity.
- 4
File your W-8BEN
Certify foreign status on a W-8BEN, or a W-8BEN-E for an entity. With no US-Ghana treaty in force there is no reduced rate to claim, so the form establishes your status rather than lowering your withholding.
What you get
- Cedi funding, with the FX rate quoted before you commit
- Stablecoin deposits in USDC, USDT or EURC
- KYC, AML and sanctions screening with Ghanaian coverage
- No US-Ghana income tax treaty, so the statutory rate applies to treaty-eligible income
Frequently asked questions
Can I fund in Ghanaian cedi?
Yes. Cedi is a supported funding currency and the conversion into the SPV's USD base is quoted before you commit. Stablecoin deposits and dollar or euro wires are also available.
Does Ghana have a US tax treaty?
No. There is no US-Ghana income tax treaty in force, so Ghanaian investors cannot claim a reduced treaty rate and the statutory rate applies to treaty-eligible income. This is general information rather than tax advice, so check your position with a Ghanaian adviser.
How long does funding take?
Cedi funding settles on the local rail, and a stablecoin deposit can settle in minutes. An international SWIFT wire typically takes one to five business days, and the charge type should be set to OUR so correspondent fees are not deducted from the amount that arrives.
Related glossary terms
Ready to talk through your SPV?
Book a demo and we'll walk you through how Rocketbook fits your deal flow.