From Bootstrapped to Borderless, Lakshay Jain Talks Mascan’s Next Chapter in Africa

For most people, turning 21 means graduating college or applying for an entry-level job. For Lakshay Jain, it means expanding his digital media empire into one of the most culturally rich and rapidly evolving regions on Earth: Africa.

In an exclusive interview, Jain opens up about why his company, Mascan, is expanding into Africa, what makes the continent uniquely positioned for the next media revolution, and how being bootstrapped shaped the company’s deeply intentional growth model.

“Africa isn’t a target market. It’s a partner.”

Jain doesn’t speak in buzzwords. His words are measured, and packed with conviction. “Africa doesn’t need saving. It needs spotlighting. It needs collaboration, amplification, and access to global platforms without erasing local voices,” he says.

Mascan, the U.S. based digital media holding company Jain founded at 19, is known for its series of media acquisitions across North America and Asia. But despite its global success, the company remains fully bootstrapped.

“Being bootstrapped taught us how to listen before acting, to observe culture before creating for it,” he says. “We’re not coming into Africa with a playbook. We’re coming in with curiosity.”

Why Africa, Why Now?

Jain highlights a wave of creative energy that’s been steadily rising across the continent. From Lagos to Nairobi to Cape Town, he believes Africa is birthing the next generation of filmmakers, designers, musicians, and digital storytellers.

“Some of the best talent in the world is coming from Africa — not someday, but right now. And yet, the global media spotlight hasn’t fully arrived here. That gap is where Mascan wants to build.”

Jain is careful not to frame this expansion as a traditional market entry. For him, it’s about forming long-term relationships with African creatives, brands, and media outlets. It’s about enabling hyperlocal stories to reach a global audience without losing their soul.

Bootstrapped Lessons, Borderless Vision

Mascan’s growth has never followed conventional rules. It grew from freelance roots, scaled across 30+ countries, and remains lean by design. Jain says this gives them an edge in entering new markets like Africa, where understanding nuance matters more than pushing numbers.

“We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all content. What works in Boston won’t work in Johannesburg. And it shouldn’t,” he notes. “That’s the beauty of it. Our role isn’t to shape the culture — it’s to support it, invest in it, and make sure it’s seen.

What Comes Next?

While Jain remains tight-lipped about specifics, he hints at upcoming collaborations and acquisitions with African creators, content studios, and possibly even localized Mascan sub-brands. For now, the focus is on listening, learning, and laying the groundwork.

“We’re not here to fast-track anything. We’re here to build something that lasts.”

The message is clear: this isn’t just another international expansion. It’s a deliberate pivot toward creating a media ecosystem that’s both inclusive and truly global.