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[Free Webinar] Accelerating FX Success: Expansion Strategies for Marketing Agencies in Eastern, Western Africa
This event is tailored for marketing executives and CFOs looking to gain actionable insights into international expansion, building a global clientele and establishing strong online presence.
Relocalize raises $2.5m seed round to decarbonize food & beverage manufacturing
Relocalize has raised $2.5m in the initial closing of $3.5m seed round.
Vistry unveils conversational AI platform LumoChat for food commerce
Vistry has announced the launch of its Conversational AI platform, LumoChat.
Plug and Play Alberta announces 73 startups for Fall cohort accelerator programs
Plug and Play Alberta has announced 73 startups for the Fall cohort.
Lumi secures seed funding to revolutionize disposable packaging industry with LumiCup
Lumi announced the closing of its seed funding round.
50 African women to benefit from fellowship on agri food policies
The two-year career development program aims to grow a pool of confident and capable mid-career African women to lead policy changes to improve African smallholders’ livelihoods, particularly women.
Nigerian mobility startup Mecho Autotech raises $2.4m, ventures into wholesale spare parts distribution
Nigerian mobility startup Mecho Autotech, has closed $2.4m pre-Series A investment.
Nigeria's Treepz among startups selected for 2023 VC4A Venture Showcase Africa
Treepz hes been selected to participate in VC4A Venture Showcase Africa.
Glasgow food tech startup ENOUGH raises €40m growth fund to scale mycoprotein production
Glasgow-based food tech startup ENOUGH has raised €40m in growth funding.
D'Amelio Brands announces $5m investment into the Food & Beverage space
D'Amelio Brands announced a $5m investment from Fifth Growth Fund (FGF).
UK foodtech startup Clean Food Group raises £2.3m funding to scale operations in advance of Series A
Clean Food Group has announced a further £2.3m funding.
UK foodtech startup Clean Food Group partners with LATAM food technology specialist, Alianza Team
Clean Food Group has announced a strategic collaboration with Alianza Team.
Nigerian mobility fintech Moove secures $76m funding for global expansion
Nigerian mobility fintech Moove, has secured $76 million in new funding.
Cultivated meat startup Meatable raises $35m to accelerate commercial launch of its pork products
Meatable has raised $35m in new funding.
Copenhagen startup Bactolife raises €30m Series A financing to accelerate growth
Bactolife announced it has successfully raised €>30 million.
Nigeria's Remedial Health raises $12m to deliver financial services for neighborhood pharmacies
Remedial Health has secured $12m in an equity and debt funding round.
Supply Change Capital closes debut $40m fund to invest in the future of food
Supply Change Capital announced the close of its inaugural $40 million fund.
Kenyan households bet on food MSEs for affordable meals
An estimated 60 per cent of rural and urban Kenyan households access their daily meals from micro/small enterprises (MSEs) at local markets.
Denver-based foodtech startup bitewell closes oversubscribed $4m seed round
bitewell announced an oversubscribed close of $4 million seed round.
Kenyan agritech startup Kyosk acquires KwikBasket, expands into fresh produce market
Kenyan agritech startup Kyosk, is expanding into the African fresh produce market.
Ayoba, Adanian Labs launch accelerator programme in Nigeria
Ayoba has partnered with Adanian Labs to launch an SME accelerator program in Nigeria.
Nigerian healthtech startup Helium Health raises $30m Series B funding
Helium Health announced it has raised $30 million in Series B funding.
NBA superstar Chris Paul joins plant-based startup Wicked Kitchen as investor
10-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul has joined the Wicked team as an investor.
Foodtech startup PartnerSlate raises $4m from to accelerate growth
PartnerSlate has raised $4 million round led by Supply Change Capital.
Cambridge-based biotech startup Uncommon raises $30m
Biotech startup Uncommon has raised $30m to pave way for scalable cultivated meat utilising RNA technologies.
Nigeria's regtech startup Youverify launches its full cycle compliance solutions in Kenya
Youverify has officially entered the Kenyan market.
Wicked Kitchen acquires Current Foods to lead the way in plant-based industry transformation
Wicked Kitchen announced the acquisition of Current Foods.
G.O.A.T. Fuel closes $5m seed round to accelerate growth trajectory
G.O.A.T. Fuel announced the successful closing on its initial Series Seed round of financing.
Absa acquires minority stake in South African agritech startup Khula!
Absa Bank has acquired a minority stake in South African agritech startup, Khula!
Singapore-based tech-enabled coffee chain Flash Coffee extends Series B round to $50m
Singapore-based tech-enabled coffee chain Flash Coffee has announced the successful completion of its Series B financing round led by White Star Capital, raising a total of $50 million following its latest closing.
Nigerian cold-chain startup Gricd rebrands as Figorr, secures $1.5m seed funding to support data-driven insurance for perishable goods in Africa
Gricd, a technology company that develops Internet of Things-powered solutions to support the last-mile delivery of perishable goods, has secured $1.5m seed funding.
Start-Up Nation Central collaborates with Microsoft to promote Israeli agri-food tech startups
Start-Up Nation Central has collaborated with Microsoft to promote Israeli agri-food tech startups in the international marketplace.
Nigerian fintech startup Grey expands into Kenya
Nigerian fintech startup Grey has picked Kenya as its East African Hub as it expands operations in the largest economy in the East African Community.
Dairy Runway program launches to provide education and support for early-stage dairy innovators
Cornell University's Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA) and the Northeast Dairy Foods Research Center have launched the Dairy Runway program, an entrepreneurship curriculum for dairy innovators.
Nigerian payments startup Nomba raises $30m pre-Series B funding round
Nigerian payment service provider Nomba has raised a $30 million pre-Series B funding round to support the delivery of bespoke payment solutions for African businesses.
GRASP fellowship invests in African women researchers
The Kenyan women, and others selected for the GRASP Fellowship, are set to participate in a series of interventions, including leadership and mentoring training, designed to enable them to become more effective policy practitioners
Nigerian fintech firm Zone adopts ThetaRay AI Solution to screen payments
Zone (formerly Appzone) and ThetaRay announced they will collaborate to implement ThetaRay’s cloud-based SONAR solution to monitor and screen Zone’s transactions in Nigeria for illicit activities and sanctions violations.
Nigerian fintech startup Moni unveils new community-powered digital loans for African SMEs
Nigerian fintech startup Moni has launched a new range of business loans targeting SMEs in Africa.
[Interview] Ayodeji Ayorinde, Co-founder, Artisankonect, Nigeria
Artisankonect is a Nigerian startup that helps outsource user requests to skilled persons. Startup Weekly chats with Ayodeji Ayorinde, one of the Founders.
Korean foodtech startup Nuvilab selected to join Google for Startups Accelerator: Circular Economy
Korean food-scanning startup Nuvilab was selected to be the only Korean startup among hundreds of candidates to join "Google for Startups Accelerator: Circular Economy".
Nigerian government launches $672 million fund to support tech startups
The government of Nigeria has set aside $672 million fund to support young investors in the tech and creative industries.
[Interview] Joel Daniel, Founder, Solutions Platforms, Nigeria
Joel Daniel is the founder of Solutions Platforms, a company that grooms young people to succeed and have global relevance by leveraging its various programs designed to foster international education.
[Column] Gur Geva: How biometrics can fuel inclusive growth in Nigeria’s ICT sector
Nigeria is at an inflection point where it needs to adopt enabling technologies at scale to support high growth in the telecommunications and digital sectors.
[Interview] Chris Okoro, CEO, Eunisell Interlinked, Nigeria
Chris Okoro is an entrepreneur and business strategist skilled in the Financial Services and Engineering sector. He's currently the Managing Director and CEO of Eunisell Interlinked, Nigeria.
African fintech Flutterwave secures two additional licenses in Rwanda
Flutterwave, Africa's payments technology company, has announced that it has received its Electronic Money Issuer and Remittance Licenses from the National Bank of Rwanda.
Food industry disruptor ISH launches plant-based seafood to U.S. foodservice companies with Dot Foods
The ISH Company (IHS), a startup disrupting the food industry, has entered a strategic, non-exclusive distribution agreement with Dot Foods, to expand its distribution across the U.S.
[Interview] Jesse Onomiwo, Co-founder, Autosparkle, Nigeria
Autosparkle is part of Riltouche and Sparkles, a company dedicated to building the largest chain of the most eco-friendly cleaning solutions out of Africa.
Biotech startup Chromologics completes €7.1m funding round to accelerate natural red color production through precision fermentation
Chromologics, the Danish biotech company, announced the successful closure of an extended seed round of an additional €7.1 million in equity.
Sustainable hemp food startup announces first expansion into the non-dairy dessert category
Planet Based Foods, the first and only company to produce nutritious plant-based meat with sustainable hemp as its number one ingredient, announced its expansion into the non-dairy frozen dessert category.
[Interview] Fedir Ted Martynov, CEO, CARMACHAIN, Nigeria
Ted Martynov leads CARMACHAIN, a fintech outfit operating in Nigeria that enables credit data for lenders in markets underserved by credit bureaus.
Renewable energy startup PAM Africa launches first ever net zero villages in Nigeria
PAM Africa, a Nigerian renewable energy startup has launched Net-Zero Villages (NZVs) consisting of a community that is designed with a whole system thinking approach to offset more greenhouse gases (GHG) than it produces.
Elgon Kenya partners with Ministry of Agriculture to reward young farmers
Agro input company Elgon Kenya has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Education to reward pupils and their teachers for participating in food production in a wider scheme that seeks to motivate school going children into farming.
[Interview] David Galadima, Founder, Graemoh Foods, Nigeria
Passionate about sustainable agriculture, aquaculture and food security in Africa, David Galadima is the Founder of fast growing agriculture and processing company, Graemoh Foods, operating out of the northern state of Kaduna, Nigeria.
CcHUB launches $15m accelerator for edtech startups in Kenya and Nigeria
Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), touted as Africa’s largest innovation and incubation hub, announced it is launching a $15 million accelerator program for targeting edtech startups.
Agritech startup IngredientWerks announces successful completion of seed round funding
IngredientWerks, an ag-tech ingredient company developing high value plant-based proteins for the alternative protein markets, announced it has secured its seed round of funding.
[Interview] Seyi J. Matanmi, Founder, Hosteet, Nigeria
Seyi J. Matanmi is a technology product developer and entrepreneur. Educated in software development, research and analytics, he currently leads the cloud services outfit, Hosteet, operating out of Lagos, Nigeria.
Berlin's EatFirst acquires London-based foodtech startup Feedr to accelerate growth
Berlin-based corporate food ordering platform EatFirst, has acquired Feedr, a London-based enterprise food technology platform that gives corporate customers software to support healthier daily eating in workplaces.
Nigerian fintech startup Trade Lenda raises $520K in pre-seed round to accelerate growth
Trade Lenda, a Nigerian fintech startup that helps micro, small, and informal retailers with access to financing for their business needs, has raised $520K in pre-seed funding to speed its growth.
Israeli foodtech startup Meala secures $1.9m pre-seed round to improve plant-based foods
Startup Meala FoodTech, the developer of a functional protein platform, announced the close of $1.9 million in pre-seed investment. The round was led by The Kitchen FoodTech Hub.
Nigerian fintech Flutterwave expands into North Africa with new Egypt payments licenses
Flutterwave, Africa's payments technology company, has announced that it has received its Payment Services Provider and Payments Facilitator licenses in Egypt.
Kenyan government drops fraud charges against Nigerian fintech Flutterwave
The Kenyan government has dropped charges of financial impropriety against Flutterwave, according to a new report by Bloomberg.
South African grocery delivery startup Yebo Fresh raises 4.5m pre-Series A funding to fuel expansion
Yebo Fresh, a South African grocery delivery startup has raised $4.5m in a pre-series A equity funding round.
Ingredient biotech startup Michroma closes $6.4m seed round to bring novel food coloring to market
Michroma, a precision fermentation food ingredient startup, announced it has closed $6.4 million in seed financing, to fast-track the company's commercialization of sustainable natural colorants.
12 African startups selected for Techstars Accelerator program in Lagos, Nigeria
ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator, a Lagos-based program to build early-stage African fintech and proptech startups has announced its inaugural class. The cohort is made up of ten Nigerian and two Kenyan startups, with 50% female CEOs.
Free From Market raises $2.1m seed round for its food is medicine platform to treat chronic health conditions
Free From Market (FFM), the patient-driven digital platform, announced it has closed a $2.1 million seed investment.
Food Foundry accelerator announces fifth cohort of early-stage foodservice startups
Food Foundry, an accelerator program built by Relish Works and Gordon Food Service for early-stage startups disrupting the food and foodservice industry, announced the five startups that will join the fifth cohort starting in January 2023.
Infant nutrition startup NAMUH partners with Ginkgo Bioworks to produce multiple infant nutrition products
Infant nutrition startup NAMUH and Ginkgo Bioworks, announced a collaboration to develop functional oligosaccharides that are structurally identical to those found in human breast milk.
Nigerian fintech firm TeamApt reaches annualized payments volume of $170 billion, rebrands to Moniepoint
TeamApt Incorporated, the business banking platform in Nigeria, has adopted the name of its flagship product - Moniepoint, a testament to its success as the all-in-one digital banking solution for businesses.
Nigerian agritech startup Releaf secures $3.3m pre-Series A funding, unveils new technologies to drive profitability for consumer goods manufacturers
Releaf, a Nigerian agritech startup, has raised $3.3 million in an oversubscribed pre-Series A funding round.
[Startup Interview] James Adebisi, Founder, Oruis Medical, Nigeria
Orius Medical is a Nigerian health startup that provides mental care and support through psychotherapy and mental health education.
EG Capital announces anchor closing of its maiden fund to invest in startups across East Africa and Zambia
EG Capital, a growth-oriented private equity impact firm has announced the anchor closing of its first EG-Economic Empowerment Fund LP (EG-EEF), which will invest in medium-sized businesses.
Nigerian online furniture store Taeillo raises $2.5m for expansion
Nigerian online store Taeillo, announced a $2.5 million funding round from Aruwa Capital, a growth equity and early-stage investor.
African tech startup SeamlessHR picks Nairobi as its East African Hub
Nigeria’s tech startup SeamlessHR has launched its offices in the Kenyan market, choosing Nairobi as its East African Hub.
First investment of Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund goes to Aruwa Capital Management
The first investment of the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund has gone to Aruwa Capital Management, a gender-lens $20 million fund dedicated to Nigeria's SMEs, managed by a first-time woman-led fund manager.
Nigerian foodtech Orda raises $3.4m seed round to digitize African restaurants
Nigerian foodtech platform Orda announced has raised a $3.4 million seed round to further digitize food businesses across the continent.
Nigerian fintech startup Pivo raises $2m seed round to accelerate growth
Nigerian fintech startup Pivo, announced the closing of $2 million seed round with participation from Precursor Ventures, Vested World, Y Combinator, FoundersX and existing investor, Mercy Corp Ventures.
Israeli foodtech startup ChickP raises dairy-free ice cream to new heights
ChickP Protein, a food-tech startup, has introduced chickpea protein isolate for plant-based ice cream. Protein from this ancient crop zeroes in on the non-dairy category to make a tasty plant-based frozen dessert.
Beverage startup Hangobi raises capital on StartEngine to accelerate growth
Beverage startup Hangobi announced it is raising capital on SearchEngine to expand its footprint beyond NYC, bringing its healthy drinks to the masses.
Kenyan agritech startup Stable Foods raises $600k funding to grow its climate smart smallholder platform
Stable Foods, a Kenyan agritech startup offering a host of solutions to small-scale farmers, has raised $600k funding round, to build out its climate smart smallholder food production platform.
Ultra-convenient healthy meals startup Proper Good closes seed funding to bring absurdly delicious products
PROPER GOOD, an ultra-convenient home-delivered food service company that offers nutritious prepared meals made with simple and high quality ingredients, announced the closing of $3.5 million in seed funding.
Nigerian money app Kuda launches in the UK
Nigerian money app Kuda, announced it is launching in the UK as part of a global expansion drive with a view to serving the cross-border transfer needs of UK-based Nigerians.
Dutch fintech venture Yabx expands into Nigeria
Yabx, a fintech venture headquartered at Netherlands, announced its foray into Nigerian markets with a mission to democratize credit across the country with its digital lending offerings.
Chef-led startup meez raises $11.5m to place recipes at the heart of hospitality
meez, the first-of-its-kind digital professional recipe tool, announced it has closed a $11.5 million Series A funding round led by Craft Ventures with participation from Struck Capital.
CardinalStone Capital Advisers announces $6m investment in Nigerian healthtech startup AfyA Care
West African private equity fund manager, CardinalStone Capital Advisers (CCA), has announced a $6 million investment in Nigeria's healthtech startup AfyA Care.
Nigerian lending startup Payhippo acquires Maritime Microfinance Bank
Nigeria’s credit-led SME fintech Payhippo has acquired Maritime Microfinance Bank (MFB), a financial institution specializing in saving products, demand deposits, and investments as well as micro and SME loans
Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa lead fintech growth in Africa, Mastercard
A report by payment services company Mastercard has revealed that South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya are among the most vibrant fintech markets in the continent.
Vienna-based startup Orderlion raises $4m funding to scale the global B2B food supply chain
Vienna-based startup Orderlion announced the successful closing of $4 million in preSeries A funding, including a mix of equity and debt financing, bringing the total amount of investments raised to $7.5 million since the company’s inception.
Georgia-Pacific, gener8tor welcome third cohort of startups to 1915 Studios gBETA accelerator program
Georgia-Pacific, in partnership with global venture firm and startup accelerator gener8tor, has kicked off its third 1915 Studios gBETA accelerator program.
Nigerian social commerce startup Bumpa raises $4m seed funding to build the future of commerce for African sellers
Nigerian social commerce startup Bumpa announced it has raised $4 million seed round led by Base10 Partners, the largest black-led fund in the world, with participation from Plug & Play Ventures.
BreadBot maker Wilkinson Baking Company raises $3m seed round to accelerate growth
Wilkinson Baking Company (WBC), the creator of world's first fully-automated commercial bread baking robot, announced the close of its fully subscribed $3.0 million seed round.
President Buhari signs Nigeria Startup Bill into law
Nigeria has become the latest country to pass a Startup Bill, giving a more formal approach to how the startup ecosystem is governed.
Biotech startup Hoxton Farms raises $22m Series A to cultivate animal fat in new pilot facility in London
London-based Hoxton Farms has announced a $22 million Series A round to build a pilot facility for producing cultivated fat: the missing ingredient necessary to make meat alternatives delicious, realistic and versatile.
Nigerian mobility fintech Moove raises £15m financing facility to scale UK operations
Moove announced it has raised £15 million in financing from Emso Asset Management to scale up its UK operations following a successful launch in August.
Wine cellaring startup InVintory closes first $1.5m fundraise led by its community of wine collectors
InVintory, a wine cellaring platform, announced it has closed a $1.5 million seed round, with a third of the investment contributed by its own users.
Nigerian healthtech startup Lifestores raises $3m to expand its pharmaceutical marketplace
Nigerian healthtech startup Lifestores Healthcare has raised $3 million for expansion across the country in a pre-Series A funding round.
Kenyan start-up unveils diabetic friendly cookies
Gerassimos Fourlanos, Founder, Ofelos Limited says, the cookies are targeted to consumers with diabetes or pre-diabetes, along with other medical conditions where blood sugar levels need to be monitored.
Paris-based cultivated meat startup Gourmey raises €48m Series A funding to accelerate growth
French cultivated meat startup Gourmey, that was part of the Big Idea Ventures program’s first cohort, has raised an oversubscribed €48 million Series A.
Fresh Del Monte partners with tech start-Up Decapolis to provide blockchain traceability solutions
The investment is part of Fresh Del Monte’s technology-driven mission to offer best-in-class, innovative solutions for its products and services, and to provide sustainable solutions that other businesses and industries can benefit from.
FNHIC launches to invest $2.5b in startups improving hunger and health outcomes through food
S2G Ventures, Food Systems for the Future and other partners launched the Food, Nutrition and Health Investor Coalition (FNHIC), a call to action to drive $2.5 billion in private investment.
Vendease secures $30m to transform procurement and business operations for restaurants across Africa
Vendease, a Y Combinator-backed digital platform that allows restaurants in Africa to buy supplies, access financial services and power their business operations, has raised $30 million funding round.
Nigerian fintech startup Kippa launches business registration platform to support SMEs
Nigerian fintech startup Kippa has launched Kippa Start, a business registration platform to enable Nigerian MSMEs scale through their businesses.
Healthtech startup Remedial Health secures $4.4m to provide access to credit for pharmacies in Nigeria
Remedial Health, a healthtech startup that develops solutions to make Africa’s pharmaceutical value chain more efficient, has raised $4.4 million in seed funding to accelerate its expansion across Nigeria.
Nigerian blockchain payments startup Bitmama closes $2m pre-seed round to scale growth
Nigerian blockchain payments startup Bitmama announced a pre-seed extension of $1.65 million, adding to the $350,000 it received last October, thus closing the round at $2 million led by Unicorn Growth Capital and Launch Africa.
Ghanaian health tech startup mPharma acquires majority stake in Nigeria’s HealthPlus
Ghanaian health tech startup mPharma has acquired a majority stake in HealthPlus, a pioneer pharmacy chain in Nigeria.
India's fruits and vegetables platform Sahyadri Farms raises €40m growth capital to support smallholder farmers
India's integrated platform for fruits and vegetables Sahyadri Farms has raised €40 million growth capital from a group of impact-focused investors; Incofin, Korys, FMO and Proparco.
African fintech startup Flutterwave launches eNaira payments for businesses in Nigeria
Flutterwave, Africa's payments technology company announced its merchants can now process payments in eNaira, the Nigerian digital currency issued and distributed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Nigerian fintech startup Kippa raises $8.4m seed round to accelerate growth
Nigerian fintech startup Kippa has raised $8.4 million in an oversubscribed seed round led by Goodwater Capital, TEN13 VC, Rocketship VC, Saison Capital, Crestone VC, VentureSouq, Horizon Partners, and Vibe Capital.
Nigerian fintech startup NowNow raises $13m seed round to expand across Africa
Nigerian fintech startup NowNow Digital Systems has raised $13 million in its seed round for expansion across Africa.
Fintech startup Duplo raises $4.3m seed funding to transform business-to-business payments in Nigeria
Duplo, a business-to-business payment platform that makes it easier for African businesses of all sizes to pay each other, has raised $4.3 million in seed funding to launch new products and expand into new business verticals in Nigeria.
African fintech startup Flutterwave secures switching and processing license from Central Bank of Nigeria
Flutterwave, Africa's payments technology company has been granted a Switching and Processing License by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), widely regarded as CBN's most valuable payments processing license.
Swiss foodtech startup Planted raises €70m Series B funding to accelerate international growth
Swiss foodtech startup Planted, known for its natural biostructured meat made from alternative proteins, announced it has successfully closed its Series B financing round of €70 million.
Nigerian mobility fintech Moove joins forces with Uber UK to bring electric vehicles to London
Nigerian fintech moblity startup Moove has announced its launch in London as part of its global expansion through a new partnership with Uber.
Nigerian fintech startup Grey raises $2m to simplify cross-border payments across Africa
Nigerian fintech startup Grey has raised $2 million in seed funding to simplify cross-border payments across Africa. The seed funding round included participation from Y Combinator, Soma Capital, Heirloom Fund and other high-profile investors.
Nigerian B2B e-Commerce startup Omnibiz raises $15m for expansion
Nigerian B2B e-Commerce startup Omnibiz has raised $15 million pre-Series A round ($5 million equity and $10 million debt) led by Timon Capital, Ventures Platform, Lofty Inc, Chapel Hill Denham, Chandaria Capital and Musha Ventures.
Nigerian last-mile delivery startup Kwik launches in Ibadan
Nigerian last-mile delivery startup Kwik Delivery announced it has officially launched its innovative and just-in-time delivery solutions to merchants, entrepreneurs, businesses, government agencies and social vendors in Ibadan.
South African agritech disruptor AgriKool drives down food costs for consumers, increases profits for farmers
AgriKool, a South African e-trading platform, is connecting agricultural producers to buyers to facilitate the sale of products between retailers and farmers.
Francisco-based foodtech startup Lypid partners with Louisa Coffee to bring plant based burger patties
Lypid, a global leader in alternative fat, announced its partnership with Louisa Coffee, the largest coffeehouse company in Taiwan, to serve juicy, meaty plant-based burger patties to over 500 shops nationwide.
Nigerian fintech infrastructure startup Bloc acquires payments company Orchestrate
Bloc, the Nigerian fintech infrastructure provider, has announced the acquisition of Orchestrate (previously Getwallets), a proprietary payments orchestration startup that gives businesses instant access to multiple payment providers with one integration.
Yamaha partners with Nigerian startup MAX for vehicle financing and maintenance
Moto Business Service Nigeria (MBSN), a subsidiary of Japan’s Yamaha Motor Corporation, announced a strategic partnership with Metro Africa Xpress (MAX), to finance and maintain over 50,000 vehicles over the next 2 years.
Healthtech startup Arise raises over $4m to build inclusive eating disorder treatment and mental health support
Arise, the digital healthcare company enabling comprehensive care for eating disorders, mental health, and long-term healing, has launched after raising over $4 million in a seed funding round.
Nigerian fintech startup CARMACHAIN hits over 80 million consumer profiles
Nigerian fintech startup CARMACHAIN announced it has hit over 80 million consumer profiles. This milestone is a major move for CARMACHAIN as it takes another step forward in realising its mission of decentralising data.
Israeli biotech food colorant startup Phytolon closes $14.5m funding to accelerate growth
Phytolon, the developer of fermentation-based natural food colors, announced it has secured $14.5 million Series A funding, led by DSM Venturing, to further progress its technology towards commercialization.
Nigerian fintech startup Mono launches in Kenya
Mono, a Nigerian fintech startup that builds open banking infrastructure to enable access to customer financial data and bank payments for digital businesses in Africa, announced it has expanded its services to Kenya.
BII invests $20m in African mobility fintech Moove to strengthen the informal transport industry
The British International Investment (BII), the UK government’s Development Finance Institution (DFI), announced a $20 million, 4-year structured credit investment in Moove, a mobility fintech democratising access to vehicle ownership in Africa.
Nigerian Lab testing startup HealthTracka raises $1.5m funding for expansion to Kenya and Ghana
Nigerian at-home lab testing startup HealthTracka has raised $1.5 million in funding to expand its operations into Kenya and Ghana. The pre-seed funding which was led by Ingressive Capital.
Foodtech venture firm Supply Change closes equity investment from Bank of America
Supply Change Capital, a women and Latina powered venture firm investing in early-stage food technology businesses, announced an equity investment from Bank of America.
Nigerian fintech firm VeendHQ secures $330k pre-seed investment to expand operations, scale growth
Nigerian fintech firm VeendHQ announced it has secured $330k pre-seed fund, backed by Magic Fund, The Oak Capital, Future Africa, Berrywood Capital and other angel investors, to expand its operations and scale growth.
Nigerian fintech startup Indicina raises $3m seed funding to expand into other African markets
Nigerian fintech startup Indicina announced it has raised $3 million in seed funding round to foster its commitment to the credit value chain.
Constant Ventures launches $100m venture capital fund to invest in tech startups across West Africa
Constant Ventures, a part of the Constant Group, is raising a $100 million venture capital fund to invest across a range of technology startups with a focus on financial inclusion, education and healthcare.
Oregon-based Dutch Bros raises $2.3m to help end ALS
Dutch Bros, a drive-through coffee chain headquartered in Grants Pass, Oregon, announced that together with its customers, raised a record breaking $2.3 million during its 16th annual Drink One for Dane day.
Nigerian edtech startup Afrilearn attracts UNICEF Innovation Fund
Nigerian edtech startup Afrilearn has emerged as the only Nigerian startup to join the latest cohort of the UNICEF Venture Fund.
Nigerian fintech startup Grey partners with Cellulant for East Africa expansion
Nigerian fintech startup Grey, announced the launch of its service to East Africa starting with Kenya in partnership with payments company, Cellulant.
Canadian biotech startup Evolved Meats raises $2m seed round to accelerate growth
Evolved Meats ("Evolved"; formerly known as CaroMeats), a Canadian biotechnology startup, has raised $2 million in its seed round to accelerate its product development and to support the initial scale up of its production processes.
Nelson Maina: Taming fertilizer prices to boost food security in Kenya
Kenya’s cost of living has hit unprecedented highs with prices of basic commodities being out of reach for many citizens.
Foodtech startup Haofood partners Lawson to accelerate presence in China
Haofood, a food science and technology startup announced a new partnership with Chinese convenience store Lawson where customers will gain greater access to its products.
Nigerian retail tech startup TradeDepot appoints Chidi Akubuiro as Managing Director for West Africa
TradeDepot, a B2B e-Commerce and embedded finance platform in Africa, has appointed former Coca Cola HBC and Hayat Kimya Nigeria Executive, Chidi Akubuiro as its Managing Director for West Africa.
Food tech startup Tomorrow Farms raises $8.5m seed round to fuel sustainable food revolution
Tomorrow Farms, a food technology company on a mission to fuel the sustainable food revolution with irresistible food and beverage brands, announced a $8.5 million seed round led by Lowercarbon Capital and additional key investors.
Nigerian trade tech firm Norebase raises $1m pre-seed round to scale African growth
Norebase, a Nigeria-based trade technology firm announced it has secured $1 million pre-seed funding round, co-led by Samurai Incubate and Consonance Investment.
CcHUB, Google unveil 9 startups selected for the Fintech Incubation Programme
Nigeria’s technology innovation centre Co-creation Hub (CcHUB) in collaboration with Google, Ministry of ICT and Innovation Rwanda, and Mojaloop Foundation, announced the nine startups selected for the Fintech Incubation Programme
Insurtech startup ETAP secures $1.5m pre-seed funding to drive car insurance penetration in Africa
ETAP, an insurtech startup that makes it easier to buy and claim insurance, has secured $1.5 million in pre-seed funding to grow its team and drive the adoption of much-needed car insurance across Africa.
UPSIDE Foods raises a $400m Series C round to commercialize cultivated meat at scale
UPSIDE Foods (formerly Memphis Meats), the company in the cultivated meat, poultry, and seafood industry, announced the close of a $400 million Series C funding round, the largest round in the industry to date.
Plant-based meat startup Nowadays closes $7m seed round to accelerate health-focused chicken
Health-focused plant-based meat company Nowadays closed its oversubscribed Seed round, raising just shy of $10 million to-date to support commercialization of new plant-based chicken innovation.
Nigerian fintech startup ImaliPay closes $3m seed funding to bring financial services to gig workers
Nigerian fintech startup ImaliPay has closed $3 million seed funding round to bring financial services to gig workers.
U.S.-based food tech startup Yo-Kai Express launches autonomous restaurant platform in Japan
Yo-Kai Express, a Silicon Valley-based food tech startup announced the official debut of the Yo-Kai Express autonomous restaurant platform in J.R. East Tokyo.
What Africa requires to attain sustainable and effective food systems
A variety of factors constrain those who are reliant on farming for their livelihoods – particularly smallholders, including women and youth – from stepping up or stepping in to agriculture.
Fintech startup Credrails partners with Access Bank to foster the future of finance in Africa
Access Bank has partnered with financial infrastructure startup Credrails to develop open finance rails that will dramatically improve the experience of banking customers across the continent.
French insect farming startup Ÿnsect acquires Nebraska-based Jord Producers to open first mealworm farm in the US
Jord Producers, based in Nebraska, has been incorporated into Ÿnsect’s production portfolio, signifying the global leader’s entry into North American mealworm production.
Nigerian B2B startup Kwik closes $2m Series A round to digitize informal African trade
French-Nigerian B2B startup Kwik, a fast-growing provider of SaaS logistics services to social vendors and e-commerce platforms in Africa, has announced that it successfully closed its $2 million Series A round.
Nigerian Big Cabal Media raises $2.3m to fuel audience growth and build new verticals
Big Cabal Media [BCM], a pan-African media company headquartered in Nigeria, has announced the close of its Seed Series fundraising round at $2.3million, led by MaC Venture Capital.
Smart addressing startup OkHi secures $1.5m seed funding to drive smart address verification in Africa
Smart addressing startup, OkHi, has secured a $1.5 million seed extension, bringing the total of its seed funding to $3 million. This raise is supported by notable firms and individuals who, beyond funding, bring a wealth of expertise to OkHi.
Salary on-demand startup Cadana partners with Flutterwave to expand into Nigeria
Cadana, the salary on-demand startup has expanded operations into Nigeria following a strategic partnership with Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company.
Plant-based food startup Lypid enters B2B vegan-fat market with $4m seed round to commercialize rich, juicy PhytoFat
Lypid, creator of vegan fats reported to taste and behave like animal fats, announced it has raised a $4 million seed round led by Green Generation Fund with additional support from Big Idea Ventures.
Food startup Next Gen Foods debuts TiNDLE in the U.S., announces $100m Series A funding round
Food startup Next Gen Foods announced its first product TiNDLE, now available in a range of iconic restaurants across the East and West Coasts in some of the country's leading "foodie" cities.
Kenyan foodtech startup Kune starts commercial operations in Nairobi
Kenyan foodtech startup Kune has officially launched commercial operations with four meal hubs located in strategic locations in Nairobi.
CA-based foodtech startup Yali Bio raises $3.9m seed round to advance plant based cultured fat production
Yali Bio, a CA-based foodtech startup focused on designer fats for plant-based meat and dairy products announced today it has raised a $3.9 million seed round, bringing their total funding to $5 million.
African fintech Flutterwave rebrands, introduces new products and services
African fintech startup Flutterwave has unveiled a significant re-brand and identity during the Flutterwave 3.0, virtual event held on Friday, 18th February 2022.
Nigerian fintech startup Earnipay raises $4m to provide on-demand salary to workers
Nigerian fintech startup Earnipay which provides flexible and on-demand salary access to income-earners has closed a seed round of $4 million.
Remedial Health joins Y Combinator, raises $1m pre-seed funding to digitize Africa's neighbourhood pharmacies
Remedial Health, a healthtech startup that develops solutions to make Africa’s pharmaceutical sector more efficient, has raised $1 million in pre-seed funding to roll out its digital procurement.
Achieving inclusive cocoa and palm oil commercialization in West Africa
Abugre also noted that questions remain with regards to the future of cocoa production given global price trends, climate change, farmers stepping into the sector, and income distribution effects at the local level.
Nigerian healthtech startup Reliance Health raises $40m Series B funding to accelerate growth
Reliance Health, an emerging markets-focused digital healthcare provider, announced the completion of a $40 million Series B funding round led by General Atlantic, a global growth equity investor, with participation from Partech.
Casava secures $4m pre-seed funding to provide micro insurance for millions of Nigerians
Casava, Nigeria's digital insurance company has secured $4 million in pre-seed funding to provide affordable and accessible insurance products for millions of Nigerians.
Nigerian proptech startup Seso Global launches regional offices in US and the UK
To better engage with communities in the diaspora, Nigerian proptech startup Seso Global has launched regional offices in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK).
Nigerian fintech startup P2vest records 100,000 users on its platform
Nigerian fintech startup P2vest Technology announced that its peer-to-peer lending application, P2Vest has hit 100,000 users with access to quick loans.
Israeli foodtech startup Plantish unveils whole-cut plant-based salmon fillets
Israeli foodtech startup Plantish is giving consumers a first look at its flagship product, a 100% plant-based whole-cut salmon fillet, which mimics cooked salmon in texture, taste, appearance and structure.
[Kenya] Sankore announces pitch competition targeting blockchain startups
Nairobi-headquartered blockchain community Sankore is launching the Sankore Pitch Competition Tour (PCT) in Nairobi.
Canadian fintech startup Periculum launches in Nigeria to build credit assessment infrastructure for Africa
Canadian fintech startup and credit assessment company Periculum, has launched in Nigeria to tackle the challenge of domestic credit to the underserved markets.
Kenyan BNPL startup Lipa Later secures $12m funding to expand across Africa
Lipa Later, one of it’s kind buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) company operating in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Nigeria, has raised $12 million from a consortium of investors.
Irish digital food-ordering startup Flipdish raises €87m funding to transform digital consumer experience in hospitality
Irish digital food-ordering platform Flipdish has become the State’s fifth official home-grown tech unicorn following a new €87 million investment led by global technology company Tencent and Tiger Global.
Nigerian last-mile delivery startup Kwik reaches 100,000 customers, announces over 400% GMV and revenue growth for 2021
Nigeria's last-mile delivery startup Kwik Delivery, trading name of Africa Delivery Technologies SAS, announced its GMV and revenue for 2021 grew by over 400% year on year.
Israeli foodtech startup Future Meat raises $347 million funding to bolster position in cultivated meat industry
Future Meat Technologies, an Israeli startup developing innovative technology to produce cultivated meat, has announced that it has raised $347 million in Series B round of financing.
African scientists make a case for home grown research on continent’s food systems
A storytelling event organized by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), saw four accomplished African researchers working on agriculture and food security share their personal journeys in agricultural research, and discuss how they are working to transform farming on the continent.
Nigeria tech startups raised $1.7billion in 2021, report
Since the beginning of 2021, Africa-based tech startups have raised more than $2.9 billion with Nigerian startups which are creating new products, services, and platforms raising $1.7 billion of this total or about 60% of it, a new report has found.
Nigeria's Ventures Platform closes first $40m pan-African fund
Nigeria-based Ventures Platform has announced the first close of its $40 million pan-African fund to invest in market-creating innovations across Africa.
Africa-focused edtech startup Edukoya raises $3.5m pre-seed round to accelerate growth
Edukoya, an Africa-focused online learning platform, has raised $3.5 million in a pre-seed round led by Target Global with strategic participation from angel investors including European and African founders.
Nigeria’s auto financing startup Autochek begins loan services for new cars
In what it says is to further deepen mobility, Autochek Africa, the leading auto tech platform, has launched a dedicated brand new cars section on the Autochek website and mobile app.
Adanian Labs opens January 2022 cohort applications for its Venture Building Program
Adanian Labs has launched the Adanian Labs Venture Building Program call for startups for 2022. The program invites applications from tech entrepreneurs for the 2022 cohort of exceptional startups to join Adanian Labs in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Nigeria and South Africa.
REEF acquires foodtech Startup 2ndKitchen
REEF and 2ndKitchen’s existing businesses will be combined under the REEF brand, and will operate under REEF’s Hospitality division.
Nigerian B2B e-Commerce startup TradeDepot raises $110m to extend ‘Buy-Now-Pay-Later’ services to African retailers
TradeDepot, the B2B e-Commerce and embedded finance platform in Africa, has raised $110 million in an equity and debt funding round to support the delivery of Buy-Now-Pay-Later services to SME retailers.
Nigerian autotech startup Fixit45 acquires Parkit, unveils subscription-based VIP programme
Nigeria’s autotech platform, Fixit45 announced the acquisition of Parkit, a network of tech-enabled autocare and car wash centres.
Estonian startup Gelatex raises €1.2m seed round for affordable and scalable manufactured cell-cultured meat
Estonian startup Gelatex announced it raised €1.2m seed round for affordable and scalable manufactured cell-cultured meat, making it cheaper than ever.
Kigali-based agriculture startup AflaSight, partners launch innovative projects to improve maize quality in Rwanda
The World Food Programme, IFC, Kigali-based agriculture startup AflaSight, and research firm Vanguard Economics launched innovative projects to help farmers and grain traders reduce the prevalence of aflatoxins in crops and grains in Rwanda.
Africa-based cryptocurrency exchange Busha raises $4.2m seed round to deepen its market positioning
Africa-based cryptocurrency exchange Busha, raised $4.2 million seed round led by Jump Capital. Cadenza Ventures, Blockwall Capital, CMT Digital, Greenhouse Capital, Raba Capital, and other investors also participated in the financing round.
Israeli foodtech startup Imagindairy closes $13m seed round to advance animal-free dairy
Imagindairy, a foodtech company creating milk proteins identical to those from cows, announced completion of a $13 milion seed round, led by MoreVC, a leading seed stage investor in Israel managing $275 million across three funds.
US startup Impossible Foods expands into Australia and New Zealand
California-based Impossible Foods has arrived in Australia and New Zealand, marking the company’s third and fourth international market launches in 14 months.
Healthy dog food delivery startup, Dog Standards, launches in Canada
The company will be one of the first of its kind in Canada to offer human-grade, vet-developed and preservative-free dog food direct-to-consumers across the country.
Crypto Valley Venture Capital initiates investment strategy to build blockchain accelerator for African startups
African blockchain disruptors and early-stage startups have joined CV Labs Global Incubation Program Batch 03. The African contingent of incubatees is reflective of Crypto Valley Venture Capital’s (CV VC) global investment strategy.
Nigerian healthtech startup Helium acquires doctor booking platform Meddy
Helium Health (Helium), the healthcare technology provider in Africa, announced it has completed the acquisition of Meddy, the GCC-based doctor booking platform, which has operations in Qatar and the U.A.E.
Tony Elumelu Foundation targets 5,000 African SMEs with entrepreneurship training and funding
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), the philanthropy empowering African entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries, has selected 4,949 entrepreneurs from across Africa for its 2021 Entrepreneurship Programme.
Israeli femtech startup illumigyn partners with Peramare Pharmaceuticals to bring innovative gynecological imaging platform to Nigeria
illumigyn, world's first remote gynecological imaging platform, announced its new distribution agreement with Peramare Pharmaceuticals Nigeria, to deploy 5,000 Gynescopes in Nigeria by 2026.
Nigeria lending startup Payhippo raises $3 million in seed funding
To date, Payhippo has disbursed 5000 loans to small businesses across Nigeria
Kenyan-based payroll startup Workpay expands to Nigeria
Workpay, a Nairobi-based YC graduate, is expanding its operations to Nigeria. The cloud-based workforce management startup will now offer Core HR, Payroll, and employee record services to organizations in the country.
P&G Ventures invites entries for its next Innovation Challenge
P&G Ventures, the early-stage startup studio within Procter & Gamble, announced the call for entries for its next Innovation Challenge.
Nigerian Auto financing startup Autochek secures $13.1m seed funding to deepen West African footprint
Autochek, the Nigerian automotive startup which recently expanded to Kenya, has secured $13.1 million in seed funding.
Biotech startup Shiru closes $17m Series A to develop novel plant-based food ingredients
Shiru, a biotech startup that identifies and creates novel plant-based ingredients for the global food industry, closed a $17 million Series A round led by S2G Ventures and joined by returning investors Lux Capital, CPT Capital, Y Combinator, and Emles Venture Partners.
Female-founded winery startup BOXT raises $9.35m to expand luxury brand of fine wine offerings
BOXT, the female-founded, direct-to-consumer winery, announced it has raised $9.35 million in equity and debt funding to drive the continued expansion of its luxury brand of fine wine offerings.
MFS Africa signs agreement to acquire Nigerian fintech startup Baxi
Pan-African digital payments hub MFS Africa signed an agreement to acquire Baxi, one of Nigeria's super-agent networks. The deal, which is subject to approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria, will be the second highest fintech acquisition in Nigeria to date.
Nigerian fintech startup Brass secures $1.7m financing round
Brass, a Nigerian digital bank delivering easy access to affordable premium banking services for SMEs, secured $1.7 million in funding to address the heavily underserved banking needs of local entrepreneurs, traders, and fast-growing businesses.
[Startup Interview] Adedokun Muhammed-Ali Adedeji, Founder, Brightcloud Automobile, Nigeria
Adedokun Muhammed-Ali Adedeji is a Nigerian innovator, entrepreneur and logistics manager. A green mobility advocate, Adedokun is the founder of Brightcloud Automotive.
Nigerian e-Commerce startup Sendbox raises $1.8m to digitize deliveries for African SMEs
Nigerian e-Commerce fulfillment startup Sendbox announced the completion of $1.8 million seed round from investors including 4DX Ventures, Enza Capital, FJLabs and Golden Palm Investments.
Pan-African fintech startup Carbon partners with Network International to boost digital payment offering
Pan-African fintech startup and digital bank Carbon Bank has partnered with Network International, an enabler of digital commerce across Africa and the Middle East, as part of its plan to boost its digital payment offering.
African fintech startup Payday raises $1m pre-seed to build Africa’s PayPal
Payday, a Pan-African financial technology company has raised one million dollars to build out what they believe will be the “PayPal” for Africa.
[Startup Interview] Femi Apesin, OnePipe Growth & Marketing Lead, Nigeria
Femi Apesin is the Head of Growth and Marketing at OnePipe, a Nigerian startup that has raised almost US$1 million in a pre-seed round with a plan to make API integration seamless for banks and fintech companies.
Start-Up Nation Central signs MoU with TiE to boost technological innovation of Israeli and Indian startups
Israeli not-for-profit Start-Up Nation Central signed a Memorandum of Understanding with TiE to achieve full implementation of sustainable Israeli and Indian technologies in the foodtech sector.
Industrial automation startup Agtonomy launches out of stealth to address farm labor crisis with $4m seed round
Agtonomy, a hybrid autonomy and tele-assist service platform, launched out of stealth and announced a $4 million seed round from Grit Ventures, GV (formerly Google Ventures), and Village Global.
Nigerian fintech startup Infibranches secures $2m funding from All On to drive growth in the renewable energy sector
Shell-funded impact investment company All On announced a $2 million investment in fintech company, Infibranches Technologies, to help bridge the energy distribution gap in underserved rural and peri-urban areas of Nigeria.
Plant-based food startup immi raises $3.8m seed funding to modernize instant ramen
immi, the better-for-you Asian American food brand that launched the world's first low-carb, high-protein, 100% plant-based instant ramen during the pandemic, announced a $3.8 million seed round fundraise led by Siddhi Capital.
Pangea Trust opens applications for its Startup Connect Programme
Pangea Trust has opened applications for its Startup Connect Programme, to increase the deployment of diaspora remittances and networks to provide investment capital to MSMEs and startups in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia.
Nigerian agritech startup Releaf secures $4.2m funding to drive industrialisation of food processing in Africa
Nigeria's agritech startup Releaf, which develops proprietary hardware and software solutions to industrialize food processing, raised $2.7 million in seed funding and grants.
Organic food startup Teatis closes seed funding round to advance production and marketing in the U.S.
Teatis, makers of superfood powders for diabetic consumers, announces the close of its seed funding round. The science-backed brand that specializes in sugar-blocking teas accrued $700,000 from various high-power angel investors.
Kenyan female entrepreneurs embrace digital platforms to power operations
A group of trailblazing Kenyan women are carving their own paths to success. From doctors to content creators, they are using the power of online platforms to amplify their voices and help others flourish.
Canadian plant-based food innovation startup TMRW Foods raises $2.6m in seed round funding
TMRW Foods, the growing Canadian plant-based food innovation company, announced a seed round investment of $2.6 million.
Foodtech startup GrubMarket acquires Bartolotta, further expands in Eastern US and Canada
Food technology startup GrubMarket announced it has completed the acquisition of Bartolotta, a full-service provider of fresh fruits and vegetables to customers in New England, the Mid-Atlantic and Eastern Canada.
Agricorp raises $17.5 million to become the largest spices export startup in Africa
Agricorp International, Nigerian based spices producing, processing, and exporting company has raised $17.5 million in Series A funding to increase its processing capacity up to 7000 metric tonnes.
Egyptian B2B e-commerce startup MaxAB acquires distribution platform WaystoCap
MaxAB, Egyptian B2B e-commerce platform that serves food and grocery retailers, has acquired WaystoCap, the Morocco-based B2B e-commerce and distribution platform that connects retailers with suppliers across Africa.
Nigerian mobility startup Plentywaka raises $1.2m seed funding, acquires Ghana’s Stabus
Nigerian mobility startup Plentywaka raised $1.2 million seed round, after successfully ending the Techstars Toronto Accelerator Program in July 2021. The startup also announced it has fully acquired Ghana’s mobility startup Stabus.
Oregon-based startup Marwall launches LunchPod to change how Americans go out to eat
Oregon-based startup Marwall LLC is releasing the LunchPod, a stainless steel insulated lunch box with custom utensils and a removable, collapsible silicone to-go container with the goal of changing how Americans go out to eat.
Nigerian healthtech startup Field Intelligence expands into eleven new cities across East and West Africa
Nigerian healthtech startup Field Intelligence announced its expansion into Rivers, Edo, Kaduna, Kano, Enugu, Delta and Kwara States in Nigeria, and Eldoret, Mombasa, Kisumu and Naivasha in Kenya.
Nobell Foods startup raises $75m Series B to introduce cheese made from plants
Nobell Foods startup announced it has raised $75 million to introduce delicious cheeses made from plant-derived dairy proteins, supporting its larger mission of creating a radically more humane and sustainable food system.
UN announces 50 best small business winners providing “Good Food for All”
Fifty small- and medium-sized enterprises around the world have been announced as the Best Small Businesses of the “Good Food for All” competition, held in conjunction with the UN Food Systems Summit.
Oxford Foundry partners with FMDQ Private Markets to accelerate Nigeria’s startup ecosystem
Oxford Foundry and FMDQ Private Markets have launched a global partnership to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.
Nigerian fintech startup Lidya raises $8.3m pre-Series B funding round
Nigerian fintech and lending startup Lidya announced the completion of its $8.3 million pre-Series B funding round. Alitheia Capital led the investment through its uMunthu Fund with the participation of Bamboo Capital Partners.
Kenyan startup Marketforce appoints Ore Omolaja as Country Manager, Head of Business for Nigeria
Marketforce, the Kenyan-based B2B platform for retail distribution of consumer goods and digital financial services in Africa, announced the appointment of Ore Omolaja as the Nigeria Country Manager and Head of Business, effective 15th July 2021.
IFC’s TechEmerge partners with logistics startup Kobo360 to pilot sustainable cooling innovations in Nigeria
Eleven global innovators have been selected to partner with 15 leading Nigerian companies to pilot cost-effective, climate-smart technologies to strengthen the country's temperature-controlled logistics supply chain.
Nigerian fintech startup TeamApt secures Series B funding
Nigerian fintech startup TeamApt has closed its Series B fundraising round, as it looks to expand its financial services beyond Nigeria.
MDaaS Global raises $2.3 million to launch digital health solution and expand across Nigeria
With this funding, the company is launching ‘SentinelX’, a digital health membership that champions preventive, personalized, and continuous care using proprietary technology.
AI startup LLENA (AI) partners with Southern University to support (USDA/NIFA) Agriculture and Food Research Initiative
LLENA (AI) Health Solutions, announced a partnership with Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to support their "Center of Excellence for Nutrition, Health, Wellness, and Quality of Life" initiative to address diet-related health disparities.
Food and beverage tech startup Botrista closes $10m Series A to make craft beverages accessible via robotic automation
Botrista Technology, a company revolutionizing the beverage industry with the Botrista DrinkBot, announced it has raised $10 million in a Series A funding.
Catalyst Fund announces Circle of Corporate Innovators to accelerate startup-corporate partnerships
Global inclusive tech accelerator Catalyst Fund, managed by BFA Global, today formally announced its Circle of Corporate Innovators, with its first members, Fidelity Bank, Ecobank, Sterling Bank, Access Bank and the VFD Group.
Israeli foodtech startup Better Juice raises $8m in seed funding
Israeli foodtech startup Better Juice, the first company to reduce all sugars from natural juices, announced it has raised $8 million in seed-round investment.
Sustainability-focused pet care startup Petaluma launches plant-based diet for dogs
Petaluma, Inc., a pet care startup focused on sustainability, launched the world's first baked and plant-based formula for adult dogs of all breeds. The company's mission is to offer environmentally responsible diets that meet 100% of a dog's nutritional requirements.
Food startup OZO expands plant-based proteins to international retail starting in Canada
Planterra Foods, an innovative plant-based protein startup based in Colorado, announced a supply agreement with UNFI Canada, a subsidiary of UNFI, the largest publicly traded grocery distributor in North America.
Cirona Labs startup raises $1.5m in oversubscribed seed round for expansion
Cirona Labs, a premier innovator in cannabinoids and other functional botanical ingredient manufacturing, announced that it closed an oversubscribed $1.5 million seed round led by LiDestri Food & Drink, BevSource, and Sweetener Supply.
Nigeria agritech startup Thrive Agric targets 50,000 farmers with new project
A natural partner for the Trade Hub, Thrive Agric has already helped over 140,000 farmers in Nigeria increase their capacities to meet supply, quality, and food safety standards required by domestic and export markets.
The UN Food Systems Best Small Business competition: Startups time to shine
Small businesses around the world that help provide healthy food that is good for the environment, good for their communities and create jobs for people locally are being invited to share ideas and suggestions for how their countries and economies can maximize their positive impact.
On-demand delivery management startup Cartwheel raises $1m seed round to accelerate growth
Cartwheel, an on-demand delivery management platform for restaurants and retailers, announced it has raised a $1 million seed round led by TenOneTen Ventures with participation from Act One Ventures and Portillo's Hot Dogs,
Legatum Center launches inaugural Legatum Foundry Fellowship for entrepreneurs in Africa
At an inflection point in their entrepreneurial journeys, Fellows will learn from MIT faculty, connect with investors, and expand their network of peer innovators.
UN launches hunt for startups and enterprises changing the face of food systems
The UN Food Systems Summit has announced a competition to identify the best small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the world who are transforming food systems for a better tomorrow.
Rice sector players set for conference on boosting research and inclusivity
Rice sector players in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia are set to lead discussions on accelerating progress in rice research & development, inclusive markets & value chains.
The Batchery introduces next wave of innovative startups in Berkeley, California
The Batchery announced its 12th Demo Day featuring eleven early-stage startups from the Berkeley-based incubator's intensive Deep Dive program.
Foodtech startup GrubMarket acquires Vaccaro & Sons to expand to St. Louis, Missouri
San Francisco-based food technology startup GrubMarket announced it has completed the acquisition of Vaccaro & Sons in St. Louis, Missouri.
West Africa's Uhuru Investment Partners closes growth fund at $113m with capital support from CDC
Uhuru Investment Partners (Uhuru), a middle-market private equity firm based out of Lagos and Abidjan, announced the first close of Uhuru Growth Fund I (UGF) at $113 million, with capital support from CDC Group.
UN targets startups transforming food systems in new competition
The UN Food Systems Summit has announced a competition to identify the best small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the world who are transforming food systems for a better tomorrow.
Accenture invests in Nigerian fintech startup Okra
Accenture announced an investment, through Accenture Ventures, in Nigeria-based fintech company Okra, an open finance data infrastructure startup serving the rapidly expanding African financial services market.
U.S.-based food tech startup Yo-Kai Express expands partnerships with Japan
While restaurants and small businesses everywhere have struggled to survive the pandemic, U.S.-based foodtech startup Yo-Kai Express (YKE) has leveraged its technology and ideas to evolve and transform its business models to broader platforms.
Nigerian last-mile delivery startup Kwik Delivery releases Prestashop plugin
After the release of its plugins for Shopify and Magento, Kwik Delivery has released its plugin for Prestashop.
SWARM Engineering startup raises $2.7m in seed funding led by S2G Ventures and Serra Ventures
SWARM Engineering, the next generation of cognitive software for the food supply chain, announced it closed funding for a $2.7 million seed round.
Silicon Valley startup Chef Avenue crosses 1000% of its funding goal in 8 days
Chef Avenue, an inspiring startup at the forefront of the design of modernized, high-performance cookware, is currently riding the wave of a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign for its first product, Omnipan.
Grow-NY startup business competition kicks off year 3
The application window for the 2021 Grow-NY million-dollar top prize business competition is now open for submissions. Grow-NY, a unique initiative which connects innovators and investors in the food, beverage and agriculture.
Pan-African fintech platform Appzone secures $10m Series A funding
Appzone, the Pan-African fintech software provider building proprietary solutions for the continent’s banking and payments industries, announced the close of its $10 million Series A round.
Nigerian tech start-up Newwaves Ecosystems launches Africa’s first virtual meeting solution
Known as Konn3ct, the new App was developed by a young company, called Newwaves Ecosystems, led by former Chams Nigeria executive, Femi Williams.
Insurtech startup Curacel secures $450K pre-seed funding to drive insurance inclusion in Africa
Curacel, an AI-powered platform for claims processing and fraud management in Africa, raised a $450,000 pre-seed funding in a round led by Atlantica Ventures and Consonance.
iFoodDS closes $15m in growth funding led by scaleup investor Insight Partners
iFoodDS, provider of food safety, traceability, and quality management solutions for the fresh food supply chain, announced the close of a $15 million Series A funding round led by Insight Partners.
[Nigeria] Kwik Delivery closes $1.7 million financing round to fund expansion
Nigerian last-mile delivery startup Kwik Delivery has announced that it has closed its pre-Series A financing round. The company successfully raised $ 1.7 million in equity from institutional and high net worth investors.
Nigerian fintech startup Team Apt launches internship program to support women in tech
Nigerian fintech startup Team Apt has launched an internship program to support women in Technology. The program will run for six months providing a platform for young women to grow their skills.
Kenyan startup Ajua, MTN Nigeria launch Customer Management mobile app for SMEs
Kenyan based startup Ajua has partnered with MTN Nigeria to launch EnGauge, a digital e-Commerce customer engagement management mobile app to support SMEs.
Nigerian startup Kwik Delivery officially launches its just-in-time delivery service in Abuja
Nigerian startup Kwik Delivery announced it officially made available its breakthrough, just-in time delivery service to businesses, government agencies and merchants in Abuja.
VERSO Capital successfully closes series seed in NITRO Beverage
VERSO Capital, the Luxembourg-based boutique merchant banking and financial services firm, announced the successful closing of a series seed in Nitro Beverage Inc.
Nigerian fintech startup Flutterwave raises $170 million to develop complementary innovative products
Founded by entrepreneur Olugbenga Agboola in 2016, the company’s valuation is considered to be valued at more than $1 billion.
Dog food startup KetoNatural Pet Foods raises $2m in seed financing transaction
KetoNatural Pet Foods, a pet food startup founded by companion animal nutrition author and activist Daniel Schulof, announced the closing of a $2 million seed financing transaction led by Chicago-based fund Corazon Capital.
Plug and Play announces 98 startups for its Spring 2021 Batches
Plug and Play has accepted 98 startups into its Spring 2021 Batches. Startups have been selected for one of the following programs that run through May: Brand & Retail, Food & Beverage, Media & Advertising, New Materials & Packaging, Supply Chain, or Sustainability.
Nigerian startup Kwik Delivery expands its delivery service to 4-wheels vehicles
Kwik Delivery has announced today that it is expanding its app-based breakthrough delivery service to 4-wheels delivery vehicles.
Union Bank of Nigeria to support startups through UnionX Innovation Challenge
Union Bank, one of Nigeria’s foremost financial institutions, has unveiled the 2021 UnionX Innovation Challenge, as part of efforts to support young startups and boost innovation in the startup ecosystem.
Lux Research names top food and agriculture startups of 2020
In recent years, the majority of growth in the food and beverage industry has gone to companies outside the top 20 players, with smaller and more agile brands capitalizing on the demand for personalized products.
Adjuvant Capital announces $300m venture fund to improve global public health
Adjuvant Capital announced an oversubscribed $300 million fund focused on accelerating the development of medical innovations for historically overlooked public health challenges.
Tech startup DineSafe offers new tools for restaurants and consumers alike
A new platform DineSafe, is helping individual restaurants show potential customers the many ways they're keeping customers and employees safe.
Plant-based meat startup New Age Meats announces $2m in seed extension prior to Series A
New Age Meats (NAM), a cultivated and plant-based meat startup in Berkeley, CA with an initial focus on pork, announced an additional $2 million in Seed extension, adding to funds raised post-Seed announced late last year.
Kenyan fintech startup Popote Payments raises funding from GreenHouse Capital
Kenyan fintech startup Popote Payments has raised an undisclosed amount of funding from Lagos-based fintech investment company GreenHouse Capital.
Food Tech Studio - Bites! unveils 85 startups from across the world to participate in its innovation program
Scrum Ventures announced the list of startups chosen to participate in its Food Tech Studio - Bites!, a global program aimed to solve the key challenges plaguing our food supply chain today, including (but not limited to) safety, waste reduction, and health.
Canadian tech startup Vegano disrupts meal-kit delivery services market
Vegano, Canada's first plant-based meal-kit delivery service, is helping Canadians take plant-based living beyond Veganuary. Following its official launch on January 4, 2021, Vegano has delivered over 800 meals.
Agritech startup Bear Flag Robotics raises $7.9m seed extension round
Bear Flag Robotics announced a $7.9 million seed extension funding round led by True Ventures. The Silicon Valley-based agritech company is developing autonomous technology for farm tractors, which enables growers to increase productivity.
Echelon Capital to invest $1 million in early-stage tech startups in Nigeria
Echelon Capital has announced plans to inject $1 million in funding in Nigerian tech startups beginning February 2021.
Food and beverage analyst Bryan Hunt joins Relevance Ventures as Senior Investment Manager
Relevance Ventures, the Native American privately owned and operated venture capital firm, announced that Bryan Hunt, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), is joining the firm as a Senior Investment Manager.
Indian food and grocery e-commerce startup Jumbotail secures $14.2m Series B3 funding from VII Ventures
India's food and grocery e-commerce and new retail platform Jumbotail secured a $14.2 million Series B3 funding from VII Ventures (Seven Ventures).
Food-tech startup CookUnity secures $15.5m in Series A funding for expansion
CookUnity, the Brooklyn-based food-tech company that introduced the first direct Chef-to-Consumer meal subscription platform, announced the closing of a $15.5 million Series A investment round.
Delivery Hero launches venture capital fund to drive innovation in food delivery
Delivery Hero, the world’s delivery platform, has announced the launch of DX Ventures, an independently managed early-stage venture capital fund with a focus on investing in disruptive founder-led companies.
Gut-health nutrition startup Muniq raises $8.2m Series A investment round
Muniq, the innovative consumer health and food-tech brand created by Marc Washington, founder and CEO of Uplifting Results Labs, announced the closing of a $8.2 million Series A investment round.
Interviews.
[Interview] Caroline Mutuku, General Manager, Glovo, Kenya
Caroline Mutuku is Kenya's General Manager of multi-category app Glovo. Caroline joined Glovo in December 2022 from Swvl Kenya where she also served as the General Manager from December 2021. In this interview...read more here
[Interview] Renate Swanepoel, COO, INC. Networking
Renate Swanepoel is an entrepreneur, global networker and inspirational speaker that has helped thousands of people around the world to find their purpose. She has gained significant networking and communication...read more here
[Interview] Anne-Marie Chidzero, Chief Investment Officer, FSD Africa
Anne-Marie Chidzero is the Chief Investment Officer at the Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSD Africa) Investments. In this interview, she talks about the risks and opportunities in backing Africa’s early-stage startups...read more here
[Interview] James Kilpatrick, Chair, Gravitilab, UK
Gravitilab is a "Space as a Service" business providing research, testing and qualification facilities to space agencies, government, academia and commercial enterprises. The company’s Chair and Chief Finance Officer...read more here
[Interview] Ramanjeet Singh, CEO, Woosper, USA
Woosper is a US-based digital advertising and marketing agency focused on creating experiences that help clients discover their place in the digital world. The CEO Ramanjeet Singh...read more here