Nigerian investors and sponsors raising from Nigerian LPs
Investing in US startups from Nigeria
Join a US Delaware SPV from Nigeria, including where dollar access is the binding constraint.
The problem
Nigerian investors get the sharpest version of this problem. Dollar liquidity is constrained, correspondent banking is slow and expensive, and a subscription that has to begin life as a US dollar bank wire can stall for reasons that have nothing to do with whether the investor is good for the money. Credible investors end up excluded by plumbing rather than by eligibility.
How Rocketbook handles it
Rocketbook accepts naira directly, so the dollar hunt is somebody else's problem. Stablecoin deposits in USDC, USDT and EURC are available too, which is often faster still, and dollar and euro wires work as normal. KYC, AML and sanctions screening run with Nigerian coverage, and because Nigeria has no US income tax treaty the withholding position is stated plainly rather than left to surface at distribution.
Workflow
- 1
Pick your funding route
Fund in naira and see the conversion before you commit. Stablecoin deposits settle fastest and avoid correspondent banking altogether, and dollar or euro wires work if either suits you better.
- 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 Nigeria
Identity, AML and sanctions screening run through providers with Nigerian coverage. Entity investors supply beneficial ownership details for the individuals behind the entity. Sanctions screening is the check most likely to stop a transfer, so it runs early.
- 4
File your W-8BEN
Certify foreign status on a W-8BEN, or a W-8BEN-E for an entity. With no US-Nigeria treaty in force there is no reduced rate to claim, so the form establishes your status rather than lowering your withholding.
What you get
- Naira funding, with the FX rate quoted before you commit
- Stablecoin deposits in USDC, USDT or EURC, which avoid the correspondent banking chain
- KYC, AML and sanctions screening with Nigerian coverage
- No US-Nigeria income tax treaty, so the statutory rate applies to treaty-eligible income
Frequently asked questions
Can I fund an SPV with stablecoins from Nigeria?
Yes. USDC, USDT and EURC deposits are accepted alongside the bank rails, and this is often the fastest route where dollar liquidity or correspondent banking is the constraint. You complete the same KYC, accreditation and subscription steps as any other investor, and the deposit has to reach the correct wallet address.
Can I fund in naira?
Yes. Naira is a supported funding currency, and you will see the conversion into the SPV's USD base before you commit. Dollar and euro wires and stablecoin deposits are also available if either is easier on the day.
Does Nigeria have a US tax treaty?
No. There is no US-Nigeria income tax treaty in force, so Nigerian 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 own position with a Nigerian adviser.
How long does funding take?
It depends on the rail. A stablecoin transfer 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
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