Strategic Investment to Scale LNKO Across Africa
Beltone Venture Capital (Beltone VC), the venture capital arm of Egypt-based Beltone Holding, has announced a strategic investment in Moroccan eyewear startup LNKO. While the investment amount remains undisclosed, the funding aims to accelerate LNKO’s expansion across Africa, reinforcing its mission of making high-quality, stylish, and affordable eyewear accessible to a broader audience.
Founded in 2020 by Maha Bennani, LNKO has rapidly established itself as a leader in the direct-to-consumer (D2C) eyewear sector, offering fashionable and budget-friendly sunglasses and optical frames. The company has already served over 100,000 customers and operates through 10 physical retail locations in Morocco while maintaining a strong online presence across 24 countries.
LNKO – Pioneering Affordable Fashion Eyewear
LNKO distinguishes itself from traditional eyewear brands by digitizing its entire value chain, allowing for cost-effective pricing without compromising quality. Unlike conventional eyewear retailers that rely on middlemen, LNKO controls design, production, and distribution. This ensures a seamless shopping experience for its customers.
Key Milestones and Investment History
LNKO’s rapid growth and unique business model have attracted investor interest over the years.
- In 2021, the startup raised $335,000 from CDG Invest, a leading Moroccan investment firm.
- In 2025, Beltone VC became an investor, marking a new phase of aggressive expansion across Africa.
With its latest funding, LNKO is well-positioned to scale operations. It will fuel its expantion into new African markets, and enhance its digital and physical presence.
Why Africa? LNKO’s Expansion Strategy
Africa’s retail and fashion industries are undergoing rapid transformation, driven by:
- A growing middle-class population with increasing disposable income
- Expanding e-commerce and digital payment solutions
- A shift towards affordable yet high-quality fashion products
LNKO aims to tap into this demand by expanding its retail footprint across multiple African countries while strengthening its e-commerce presence. Therefore, the company plans to launch additional physical stores. In addition, it also wants to enhance online accessibility, and introduce new product lines. In effect, it will help it cater to diverse consumer needs.
Investor Confidence and Industry Outlook
Beltone VC’s investment underscores growing confidence in Africa’s emerging D2C market.
Ali Mokhtar, CEO of Beltone VC, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating:
“Our investment in LNKO is a strategic move to back a company with immense growth potential. Their innovative approach to eyewear, combined with their commitment to affordability and accessibility, aligns perfectly with our vision of supporting transformative businesses across Africa.”
Maha Bennani, CEO and Founder of LNKO, shared her excitement about the partnership:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Beltone VC as a partner in our next phase of growth. Their experience in scaling D2C startups will help us accelerate our vision of making stylish, high-quality eyewear accessible to even more people across the continent.”
Impact on Africa’s Fashion & Retail Sector
The African retail industry is witnessing a surge in digitally-driven, customer-centric brands that cater to budget-conscious yet fashion-forward consumers. LNKO’s expansion is expected to:
- Disrupt the traditional eyewear market by offering high-quality, affordable alternatives
- Encourage competition and innovation in Africa’s fashion and retail sectors
- Drive job creation and economic growth within local markets
With strong investor backing, a scalable business model, and a growing consumer base, LNKO is on track to become Africa’s go-to affordable eyewear brand. The company’s vision extends beyond profits—it’s about empowering consumers with stylish, high-quality eyewear at a fraction of traditional retail costs.
Conclusion
LNKO’s partnership with Beltone VC marks a significant milestone in Africa’s D2C retail evolution. As the brand expands across the continent, it is set to redefine eyewear accessibility, proving that fashion and affordability can coexist without compromise.
With strong investor confidence and an ambitious growth strategy, LNKO is ready to reshape Africa’s eyewear industry, one stylish frame at a time.
