In the vibrant and culturally rich world of art in Africa, the name Tamzin Lovell is synonymous with innovation. As the CEO and Founder of Artfundi, Lovell is on a mission to transform the art industry, not just in Africa but globally, using technology as a key enabler. Her journey is one of
passion, problem-solving, and relentless pursuit of better solutions for the art world. Having started her art career as a gallery owner, Lovell intimately understands the daily challenges faced by galleries, artists, museums, and collectors. But instead of accepting those challenges, she set out to create something that could help streamline and digitize an industry traditionally steeped in manual processes.
“When I joined the art world, I quickly realized that it was difficult to manage all aspects of the
business – from cataloguing and curating, to protecting the art itself. The tools available were limited, and the processes were often outdated,” she reflects. “I was frustrated, and that
frustration led me to design a software solution that could solve these inefficiencies. Later, I
realized that this need for digitization wasn’t unique to me – it was something the entire industry could benefit from.”
This was the spark that ignited Artfundi, a platform designed to offer art businesses and professionals a way to better manage, secure, and showcase their collections. What began as a
personal quest for efficiency has grown into a broader mission: to contribute to Africa’s creative industry’s digital transformation and position it as a global leader in art and culture.
“Be bold, be relentless, and have patience—building something impactful takes time.”
Building Artfundi: Bridging the Gap Between Art and Tech
Artfundi’s core focus is to make the art world more accessible, efficient, and professional
through its tech solutions. The platform offers a range of tools, from collection management and
cataloging to art security and curating solutions. But Lovell is quick to point out that the vision
behind Artfundi goes beyond just technology.
“Innovation isn’t all about tech,” she explains. “It’s about the human story, understanding the jobs that need to be done, and finding ways to make them easier. For us, the real innovation is in simplifying the complex processes that professionals in the art world face daily.”
Lovell’s goal is to make Artfundi a tool that works for everyone, regardless of their technical expertise. “The tech should be so intuitive that an intern can use it as well as a seasoned director, and they should be able to generate reports or insights instantly, even while on the phone with a
client,” she says. “That’s how we know we’ve succeeded – when the technology doesn’t get in
the way, but rather enables people to excel at their work.”
This approach has made Artfundi a standout in the art-tech space, particularly within Africa, where the intersection of art and technology is still emerging. Lovell is committed to making sure Africa plays a leading role in this transformation.
“Artfundi’s mission is to empower Africa’s creative industry, making it easier and faster to succeed.”
Shaping the Future of Africa’s Creative Industry
Lovell’s vision for Artfundi is deeply intertwined with her vision for Africa’s role in the global art scene. “Africa is a continent brimming with creativity, but it often lacks the infrastructure to
support and showcase its talents on the world stage. Through technology, we can change that,” she shares.
For Lovell, Artfundi’s mission isn’t just about helping art businesses run more smoothly – it’s about contributing to a broader digital transformation in Africa’s creative industries. “We want to make sure that artists and art from Africa are protected, preserved, and showcased to the world.
Our platform helps galleries, museums and collectors do that, and in turn, helps Africa tell its
stories to a global audience,” Lovell explains.
She also sees technology playing a crucial role in preserving Africa’s rich cultural heritage. “Digital archiving and preservation are incredibly important. By digitizing collections and archives, we’re ensuring that future generations can access and learn from Africa’s artistic legacy,” she adds.
Innovating at the Intersection of Art and Technology
Artfundi has been at the forefront of several key innovations that are helping to reshape how art is managed and experienced. “Our art management software is designed to make life easier for art professionals, and we’re constantly refining it to ensure it meets the evolving needs of our users,” Lovell says.
Some of the platform’s recent innovations include advanced physical and data security features, designed to protect valuable art collections from both physical theft and cyber threats. “We’re particularly proud of our developments in these areas, as they address two of the biggest
concerns for art institutions today – how to keep their collections safe and how to ensure the integrity of their digital data,” she notes.
A Leadership Style Rooted in Values
As a leader, Lovell’s approach is guided by core values that she has embedded into Artfundi’s
culture: fearlessness, commitment, synergy, and growth. “We’re a company that takes calculated
risks, but we also focus on creating a positive, collaborative environment where everyone’s voice
is heard,” she explains.
One of the ways Lovell fosters this environment is through “Focus Fridays,” a day dedicated to uninterrupted thinking time and learning. “We don’t hold meetings on Fridays. Instead, the team can focus on personal growth, research, and coming up with new ideas. It’s amazing what happens when you give people the space to think,” she shares.
Her leadership style is also about empowering her team to take ownership of their work and encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration. “Good ideas can come from anywhere, and I want to create a space where people feel comfortable sharing them. That’s how innovation happens,” Lovell says.
Sustainability and Responsibility
Though Artfundi’s environmental footprint is small, sustainability remains a key focus for
Lovell. “We’re a fully remote company, and we’ve been that way from day one. This not only reduces our carbon footprint but also allows us to integrate eco-friendly practices into every part of our business,” she explains.
From going paperless to using energy-efficient cloud solutions, to ISO27001 compliant practices, Artfundi is proof that a tech company can be both innovative and responsible. “Sustainability is about making smart choices, and we’re committed to doing our part,” she adds. Putting Customers First For Lovell, customer experience is at the heart of Artfundi’s success. The company takes a multi-faceted approach to customer care, focusing on three key areas: UX design, customer success, and customer support. “We’re constantly refining our product based on user feedback.
We don’t just react to problems – we anticipate them and find ways to make our customers’ lives easier,” Lovell says.
One aspect of this proactive approach is Artfundi’s human-driven support system. “We come from a place of knowing our customers’ pain points because we’ve experienced them ourselves, and we stay in touch. That makes a big difference in how we approach customer service,” she reflects.
The Future of Artfundi
Looking ahead, Lovell is excited about several new projects on the horizon for Artfundi, including data visualisation and insights to support better business decision-making through
advanced analytics. The company is also focused on connecting and collaborating across Africa and globally, enabling seamless cross-border interaction. The upcoming Artfundi Academy will offer new ways to share learning and expertise, fostering industry growth.
Additionally, AI-enabled and voice-activated art guides will personalise art experiences based on visitor preferences, tastes, and language. “Imagine visiting a gallery or museum and taking your own tour of an exhibit translated into your language in real-time – that’s the future we’re building towards,” she says.
With her eyes set firmly on the future, Lovell remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the art-tech space. “The art world is constantly evolving, and we’re excited to be a part of that journey.”
When asked what advice she has for aspiring entrepreneurs in Africa, Lovell offers these words
of wisdom: “Be bold, be relentless, and have patience. Building something impactful takes time, but if you stay true to your vision and values, the rewards will follow.”
“Fearlessness, commitment, synergy, and growth are at the core of everything we do.”