Tag Resultaten

Published: 06-04-2018 16:44:00 | By: Nico Scherphuis | hits: 3906628 | Tags:

HAVAÍC leads a R12 million investment in South African startup RNR
Published: 19-04-2024 | 17:07:51 | By: Bob Koigi
South African-born RNR provides truck fleet managers and truck OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) with on-demand breakdown support.














South African logistics startup Tripplo raises $1.8m funding to scale its operations
Published: 16-10-2023 | 13:35:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Tripplo has closed its seed funding extension round with $1.8m equity investment.


South African payments startup Revio raises $5.2 seed round to grow coverage across Africa
Published: 28-09-2023 | 15:55:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Revio has announced a seed investment round of $5.2m.


Irish Tech Challenge 2023 for tech startups launches in South Africa
Published: 07-09-2023 | 14:48:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The Embassy of Ireland in South Africa has opened applications for the Irish Tech Challenge 2023.


[Column] Richard Shaw: AI-ready cloud - How hyperscalers empower businesses to thrive in the digital age
Published: 29-08-2023 | 11:46:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Cloud computing has undergone evolution.


On-demand logistics and delivery startup Picup opens driver training centres in South Africa
Published: 18-08-2023 | 13:20:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Picup has launched its Driver Training Centres in Cape Town.


[Column] Nchaupe Khaole: Unlocking South Africa's technology investment potential
Published: 25-07-2023 | 10:06:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Technology enabled businesses and the solutions they develop represent growth.


World Bank awards 10 Southern African fintech startups with $5k each
Published: 14-07-2023 | 15:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
10 Southern African fintech startups have each received $5,000 from the World Bank.


[Interview] Renate Swanepoel, COO, INC. Networking
Published: 07-06-2023 | 15:43:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Renate Swanepoel is an entrepreneur, global networker and inspirational speaker.


How payment technology is changing the rulebook on South African retail
Published: 31-05-2023 | 10:48:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The past few years have seen the proliferation of new methods of transacting.


Absa acquires minority stake in South African agritech startup Khula!
Published: 18-05-2023 | 14:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Absa Bank has acquired a minority stake in South African agritech startup, Khula! 


South African healthtech startup Quro Medical raises $1.3m funding from Mineworkers
Published: 12-05-2023 | 13:12:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Quro Medical, the South African e-health startup has received a $1.3 million investment from leading investment firm the Mineworkers Investment Company (MIC).


South African healthtech startup Guidepost unveils chatbot for diabetic patients
Published: 11-05-2023 | 14:20:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South African healthtech startup Guidepost has unveiled an AI-powered chatbot to help citizens living with diabetes better manage their condition.


Africa’s mezzanine debt fund manager Vantage Capital exits Dynamic Bedding
Published: 03-05-2023 | 09:12:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Vantage Capital, Africa’s mezzanine debt fund manager, announced it has fully exited its investment in Dynamic Bedding, a South African specialist bed manufacturer and retailer.


[Column] Marilyn Moodley: Conquering the biggest cloud adoption challenges with an effective strategy
Published: 06-03-2023 | 12:42:00 | By: Pie Kamau
As CIOs turn to the cloud to help streamline performance across key areas of operations, knowing exactly how to conquer the biggest cloud adoption challenges is more important than ever before.


South African healthtech startup Envisionit raises $1.65m to expand access to medical imaging
Published: 28-02-2023 | 12:20:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Envisionit Deep AI, a South African healthtech startup that uses AI to bridge the gap in diagnostic imaging, has raised $1.65 million to expand access to medical imaging.


[Column] Didi Onwu: Understanding youth entrepreneurship in Kenya - why fintech is an attractive sector
Published: 23-02-2023 | 14:59:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Boasting one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, Kenya is on the rise to become a powerhouse of innovation on the continent. This is largely in part due to the country’s thriving culture of entrepreneurship and its significant startup ecosystem.


South African car subscription startup Planet42 raises $100m to break car accessibility barriers
Published: 23-02-2023 | 13:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South African car subscription startup Planet42 has raised $100 million in combined equity and debt funding.


[Column] Anna Collard: ChatGPT: What cybersecurity dangers lurk behind this impressive new technology?
Published: 22-02-2023 | 13:38:00 | By: Pie Kamau
It is now possible to use a publicly available artificial chatbot to generate a complete infection chain, possibly beginning with a spear phishing email written in entirely convincing, human-like language.


IFC, DEG, Hollard, and Yellowwoods invest in South African insurtech startup Naked to boost insurance accessibility
Published: 17-02-2023 | 09:54:00 | By: Pie Kamau
IFC, the German Development Finance Institution (DEG), Hollard, and Yellowwoods, jointly announced an investment in South African insurtech company Naked to expand access to insurance products.


South African grocery delivery startup Yebo Fresh raises 4.5m pre-Series A funding to fuel expansion
Published: 06-02-2023 | 15:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Yebo Fresh, a South African grocery delivery startup has raised $4.5m in a pre-series A equity funding round.


South African digital lender Lulalend raises $35m Series B funding to accelerate growth
Published: 06-02-2023 | 14:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Lulalend, a South African digital lender offering funding options for businesses. has raised $35 million in Series B funding to accelerate the growth of its loan book and bring new solutions to the market.


Climate finance trading platform Senken raises $7.5m to streamline and expand carbon markets offerings
Published: 30-01-2023 | 10:52:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Senken, the climate finance trading platform of on-chain carbon credits, announced it has raised $7.5 million in new funding, the most significant capital raise in its industry, led by Obvious Ventures.


Fintech enabler Ukheshe secures Series A funding to accelerate international expansion
Published: 22-12-2022 | 10:10:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Ukheshe International, the UK-headquartered division of digital-first, Banking as a Service (BaaS) enabler Ukheshe, announced the conclusion of an investment agreement that will help accelerate its international expansion.


South African early-stage VC firm 4Di Capital announces close of $25m seed fund
Published: 09-12-2022 | 13:22:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South African early-stage technology venture capital fund manager 4Di Capital has announced the close of $25 million seed fund.


Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa lead fintech growth in Africa, Mastercard
Published: 04-11-2022 | 10:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


South African digital identity startup iiDENTIFii raises $15m growth capital to fuel expansion across Africa
Published: 27-10-2022 | 12:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Cape Town-based digital identity startup iiDENTIFii announced it has raised $15 million in growth capital to fuel its expansion across Africa.


South African Biometrics tech firm iiDENTIFii raises $15 million growth capital
Published: 07-10-2022 | 14:50:50 | By: Bob Koigi
iiDENTIFii’s face authentication technology securely authenticates users via their cellphones or PCs within seconds.


South Africa's home services startup SweepSouth closes $11m investment round led by Alitheia IDF
Published: 30-09-2022 | 09:40:00 | By: Pie Kamau
SweepSouth, an online home services platform with a presence across Africa has completed a $11 million investment round led byAlitheia IDF (AIF), Africa’s first and largest gender-lens private equity fund.


South African agritech disruptor AgriKool drives down food costs for consumers, increases profits for farmers
Published: 15-08-2022 | 12:31:00 | By: Pie Kamau
AgriKool, a South African e-trading platform, is connecting agricultural producers to buyers to facilitate the sale of products between retailers and farmers.


South Africa’s student housing startup DigsConnect secures investment to spearhead international growth
Published: 22-07-2022 | 09:39:00 | By: Pie Kamau
DigsConnect.com, South Africa’s digital student accommodation platform, announced the closure of its Pre-Series A seed extension round after securing undisclosed multi-million rand investment.


South Africa's Private equity fund PAPE acquires interest in fintech provider Entersekt
Published: 17-06-2022 | 13:58:34 | By: Pie Kamau
Entersekt, a global player in device identity and payment authentication, announced a new investment from PAPE Fund 3 (PAPE), a mid-market South African private equity fund.


[Interview] Michelle Matthews, Director, Viridian, South Africa
Published: 14-06-2022 | 17:14:50 | By: Bob Koigi
Following the rising levels of unemployment among young South Africans, the UK-South Africa Tech Hub Launch League initiative undertook a research project.


South African edtech startup FoondaMate secures $2m seed funding to accelerate growth
Published: 31-05-2022 | 11:46:00 | By: Pie Kamau
FoondaMate, a South African edtech startup, has secured $2 million in seed funding to increase usage of its Whatsapp and Facebook-based learning chatbot throughout the globe.


South African on-demand startup ParkUpp secures community basements for car collectors
Published: 30-05-2022 | 12:11:00 | By: Pie Kamau
ParkUpp, a South African marketplace startup that connects owners of parking spaces with companies and individuals who need parking has secured 'collector community basements' in convenient locations across the country.


South African gold startup Nebü Gold develops a gold bullion investment you can wear
Published: 10-05-2022 | 09:44:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South African gold startup Nebü Gold, is the first African jeweller to give bullion investors the option of wearing elegant 24-karat investment-grade jewellery.


South African fintech firm Hello Pay launches new mPOS device for SMEs
Published: 06-05-2022 | 08:48:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South African fintech firm Hello Pay has launched a new high-end Android Mobile point-of-sale solutions (mPOS) for local merchants and SMEs.


Bridgestone Mobility Solutions joins Startup Autobahn as ‘anchor partner’
Published: 05-04-2022 | 13:03:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, Bridgestone EMIA’s business unit focused on developing and launching data-driven fleet, tyre and mobility solutions, has become an “anchor partner” of Startup Autobahn, a mobility-focused innovation network.


South African tech startup SmartWage raises $2m to bridge gap between enterprises and frontline employees
Published: 05-04-2022 | 12:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
SmartWage, an innovative HR and communications technology startup, raised $2 million oversubscribed seed funding round to support its vision of transforming Africa’s workforce.


TR Tech, LocoNav unveil GPS, IoT and vehicle telematics solutions in South Africa
Published: 23-03-2022 | 12:38:18 | By: Bob Koigi
Integrated tech-services provider TR Tech and disruptive full-stack fleet-tech startup LocoNav have collaborated in South Africa to provide state-of-the-art GPS, IoT, and Vehicle Telematics solutions.


South African fintechs Payflex and Merchant Capital launch cash advance solution for small retailers
Published: 03-03-2022 | 11:44:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Two South African fintechs, alternative lender Merchant Capital and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) specialist Payflex, have launched a cash advance solution for small and mid-sized retail sector.


South African cryptocurrency exchange VALR raises $50m Series B funding to expand across the continent
Published: 02-03-2022 | 12:12:00 | By: Pie Kamau
VALR.com, a South Africa cryptocurrency exchange, announced it has raised $50 million, Africa’s largest ever crypto funding round, bringing the company`s valuation at $240 million.


South African fintech Troygold digitises R300b in Krugerrands allowing owners to use value for day-to-day transactions
Published: 21-02-2022 | 14:24:31 | By: Pie Kamau
South Africans have an estimated R300 billion in Krugerrands hidden in drawers and safes, unaware that they could be using the value of their gold to fund day-to-day financial transactions.


South African fintech startup Stitch raises $21m Series A funding to scale its operations
Published: 15-02-2022 | 09:48:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South African API fintech startup Stitch has raised a $21 million Series A funding round to scale its operations.


South African fintech Ukheshe achieves Level One B-BBEE rating
Published: 04-02-2022 | 09:27:47 | By: Pie Kamau
South African fintech, Ukheshe Technologies, has significantly improved its B-BBEE performance, becoming one of the only South African fintech enablers to achieve a Level One B-BBEE Contributor certification.


Docklands Ventures acquires South African proptech startup ParkUpp
Published: 04-02-2022 | 09:20:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Real estate investment company Docklands Ventures has acquired South African proptech startup ParkUpp for an undisclosed amount.


South African fintech startup CompariSure raises $980,000 pre-Series A funding to accelerate growth
Published: 31-01-2022 | 14:17:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South African fintech startup CompariSure, raised R15 million ($980,000) from Cape Town based HAVAÍC and 4Di in a pre-Series A funding round.


South African delivery startup Orderin raises $4.7m pre-Series B funding for expansion
Published: 27-01-2022 | 11:02:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South African B2B delivery-as-a-service (DaaS) startup Orderin has raised $4.7 million pre-Series B funding to scale its infrastructure and improve its last-mile delivery service.


[Kenya] Sankore announces pitch competition targeting blockchain startups
Published: 18-01-2022 | 09:39:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nairobi-headquartered blockchain community Sankore is launching the Sankore Pitch Competition Tour (PCT) in Nairobi.


Adanian Labs opens January 2022 cohort applications for its Venture Building Program
Published: 10-12-2021 | 10:22:45 | By: Bob Koigi
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.


South African fintech firm Ozow raises $48m Series B round to accelerate growth
Published: 23-11-2021 | 07:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South African fintech firm Ozow raised $48 million Series B funding round led by Chinese internet giant Tencent. Other investors Endeavor Catalyst and Endeavor Harvest Fund participating also participated in the round.


Crypto Valley Venture Capital initiates investment strategy to build blockchain accelerator for African startups
Published: 18-11-2021 | 10:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


South Africa's emergency marketplace startup AURA secures R62m Series A funding for global expansion
Published: 16-11-2021 | 11:18:18 | By: Pie Kamau
AURA, the African-based security and medical response marketplace secured R62 million in a Series A funding round, led by MultiChoice Group (MCG), KLT Holdings and Buffet Investments, positioning AURA favourably for its global expansion plans.


South African fleet-tech startup KeyTec and LocoNav enter Africa's video telematics market
Published: 11-11-2021 | 10:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South Africa fleet-tech startup KeyTec has partnered with LocoNav to capture the emerging and high-growth video telematics market throughout Africa.


South African fintech startupJumo raises $120 million to expand into new African markets
Published: 11-11-2021 | 08:41:46 | By: Bob Koigi
The latest funding round brings JUMO’s total funding raised to date to c$200 million. Prior investment rounds have included Leapfrog, Goldman Sachs, Finnfund, Proparco, Vostok Emerging Finance and Brook Asset Management.


South Africa based fintech startup SOLMate launches prepaid debit cards for consumers
Published: 04-11-2021 | 14:57:09 | By: Bob Koigi
In its ongoing effort to offer clients a fully-fledged financial ecosystem in their pockets, SOLMate has further enhanced its solutions with the launch of this new generation debit card.


South African e-Health startup RecoMed concludes $1.5m funding round to scale its online healthcare marketplace
Published: 28-10-2021 | 16:44:00 | By: Pie Kamau
RecoMed, the online healthcare marketplace and booking platform in sub-Saharan Africa concluded a highly successful funding round of $1.5 million with a strong and diversified group of leading local and international investors.


South African fintech firm Ukheshe partners with Chipper Cash startup to accelerate rollout out of digital payment offerings
Published: 30-09-2021 | 15:29:32 | By: Pie Kamau
South African fintech firm Ukheshe Technologies has partnered with Chipper Cash to enhance and accelerate the rollout out of Chipper’s digital payment offerings.


South African fintech startup SOL announces rebrand with new virtual card offering
Published: 01-09-2021 | 12:31:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South African fintech startup SOLmate, an online payment platform that offers clients a digital wallet facility, has unveiled a new product offering together with an extensive rebrand and renewed corporate vision.


South African fintech firm Ukheshe partners with dzcard to expand digital payment solutions in Asia Pacific
Published: 31-08-2021 | 12:35:47 | By: Pie Kamau
South Africa“s fintech startup Ukheshe which has been on a rapid expansion to different markets has announced a new partnership with global next-generation card solutions and digital security company, dzcard.


[Startup Interview] Dylan Pfeil, Co-Founder, Business Solutions Centre, South Africa
Published: 16-08-2021 | 13:15:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Business Solutions Centre is a South African-based telecommunication startup that has embraced a business model of providing a one-stop shop for all digital needs of clients.


Naspers Foundry leads $8.3m Series A investment in South African insurtech startup Naked
Published: 06-08-2021 | 14:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Naspers, through its early-stage tech investment vehicle Naspers Foundry, invested $8.3 million (R120 million) in Naked, the artificial intelligence (AI)-driven insurtech startup that offers full digital insurance to cars, homes, and valuables.


South African payments startup Yoco raises $83m Series C funding to accelerate growth
Published: 28-07-2021 | 14:29:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South African payments startup Yoco has raised a Series C funding round of $83 million (R1.23 billion) to accelerate product development and reach more merchants in South Africa and beyond.


[Startup Interview] Dimitri Kalamoudacos,Co-founder, Entrepreneur Suite, South Africa
Published: 27-07-2021 | 12:13:45 | By: Bob Koigi
Entrepreneur Suite is a South African startup targeting micro retailers with an application that records valuable sales information that is then served back to the business owner as demand forecasting suggestions which are designed to provide profiting opportunities.


South African startup Omnisient raises $1.4m for global expansion
Published: 14-07-2021 | 11:53:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Omnisient, a secure data collaboration platform, has achieved its second raise this year totalling $1.4 million. The investments will be used to expand the Omnisient team, accelerate product development and drive international expansion.


Seven South African legal startups to pitch for €10,000 grant
Published: 08-07-2021 | 11:08:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) kicked off its annual global Innovating Justice Challenge in search of the region’s best justice-related social entrepreneurs in March this year.


South African fintech startup Ukheshe Technologies announces boostXB joint venture with ForexPeople
Published: 01-07-2021 | 13:48:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South African fintech startup, Ukheshe Technologies has partnered with ForexPeople, one of the country’s names in forex with over 20 years of experience, to seamlessly facilitate cross-border payments from South Africa into Africa.


South African delivery startup Picup introduces premium driver network for businesses
Published: 29-06-2021 | 13:34:02 | By: Pie Kamau
South Africa's crowdsource delivery tech startup Picup has introduced a premium service aimed at businesses that require drivers to represent their brand.


Catalyst Fund announces Circle of Corporate Innovators to accelerate startup-corporate partnerships
Published: 29-06-2021 | 13:23:16 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


South African biotech startup LifeQ secures $47m in Series A funding
Published: 28-05-2021 | 13:59:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South Africa and US-based biotech startup LifeQ secured $47 million in Series A funding from One Bio Venture Studio, a Cape Town-based VC and several other investors.


AlphaCode announces four startups taking part in the second phase of its incubate programme in South Africa
Published: 20-05-2021 | 14:50:00 | By: Pie Kamau
AlphaCode has announced the four fintech startups that will be part of the second phase of the AlphaCode Incubate programme.


South African fintech startup Ukheshe expands into Asia-Pacific region
Published: 20-05-2021 | 14:41:16 | By: Pie Kamau
South African fintech startup Ukheshe Technologies announced it will be expanding its footprint into the Asia-Pacific region as it introduces innovative digital-first payment solutions.


DBSA launches second edition of the Youth Challenge in South Africa
Published: 05-05-2021 | 16:02:56 | By: Pie Kamau
The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), launched the second edition of the DBSA Youth Challenge, a competition aimed at harnessing innovative solutions from young people in South Africa to help address infrastructure challenges.


Grindstone accelerator programme opens applications for South African startups
Published: 20-04-2021 | 09:36:42 | By: Pie Kamau
Applications for this year’s Grindstone’s accelerator programme are now open. Grindstone is an equity-free structured entrepreneurship development programme that assists high-growth innovation-driven SMEs in South Africa.


South African digital health startup Quro Medical secures $1.1m seed funding to accelerate growth
Published: 15-04-2021 | 15:06:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Quro Medical, a South African digital health startup, emerged from stealth mode to announce the closure of its seed funding round to accelerate growth for Africa’s first technology-driven Hospital at Home offering.


Enygma Ventures targets Southern Africa women entrepreneurs with funding opportunities
Published: 02-03-2021 | 14:59:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Enygma Ventures, is looking for passionate women entrepreneurs to invest in. The venture capital fund was established by two successful women entrepreneurs who now invest in women entrepreneurs in Southern Africa.


HAVAÍC predicts bumper year for African tech startups
Published: 17-02-2021 | 14:48:07 | By: Bob Koigi
As one of South Africa’s most active Venture Capital investors, HAVAÍC says 2020 saw the commercial adoption of technology increase at unprecedented rates, as illustrated by the performance of HAVAÍC and its portfolio companies.


African startup StarNews Mobile launches incubator for South African youths interested in digital film
Published: 01-02-2021 | 14:23:41 | By: Pie Kamau
StarNews Mobile launched its grassroots Youth Initiative incubator in partnership with Solutions on Point to empower young individuals interested in the digital film industry in South Africa.


South African VC firm Knife Capital launches 2nd 12J Venture Capital Fund
Published: 01-02-2021 | 14:04:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South Africa’s VC firm Knife Capital announced the launch of its second Section 12J Venture Capital Fund to allow new investors to participate.


TransUnion partners with South Africa's fintech startup Fincheck to improve access to finance for consumers
Published: 20-01-2021 | 08:54:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Global information and insights company, TransUnion, has partnered with South Africa’s financial marketplace, Fincheck, to make credit application process easier and less frustrating for consumers.


The African youth powering a gaming revolution
Published: 19-01-2021 | 12:45:00 | By: Bob Koigi
As esports dominate modern entertainment industry as a fast growing sport, Kenya and South Africa youth continue to dominate the world of competitive video gaming.


[Startup Interview] Tony Botha, Managing Director, carbonTRACK Africa, South Africa
Published: 14-01-2021 | 08:12:00 | By: Bob Koigi
carbonTRACK Africa is a South Africa technology startup that seeks to create a world where energy is consumed sustainably, shared fairly and empowers all people. The ultimate goal is establishing an energy ecosystem that will close the gap between energy supply and demand.


[Startup Interview] Deon de Swardt, Co-Founder, Africa People Advisory Group, South Africa
Published: 05-01-2021 | 10:46:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Africa People Advisory Group is a South Africa Human Resource Advisory firm whose primary focus is to deliver consulting and product solutions to organizations operating in and across the African continent. The firm’s Co-founder Deon de Swardt explains the company’s business model and plans.


54gene, Kobo360, myFanPark, Sokowatch among 12 startups to win AppsAfrica Awards 2020
Published: 16-12-2020 | 15:29:00 | By: Pie Kamau
54gene, Kobo360, myFanPark and Sokowatch have been named among the 12 winners of AppsAfrica Awards 2020. The awards celebrates the best startups in mobile and tech from across Africa.


South Africa agritech startup Aerobotics raises funds for global expansion
Published: 16-12-2020 | 09:05:40 | By: Bob Koigi
FMO and Cathay AfricInvest Innovation have invested in Aerobotics, a South African AgriTech startup developing intelligent tools to the feed the world.


Industrial AI solutions startup MakinaRocks joins NVIDIA Inception
Published: 11-12-2020 | 12:42:40 | By: Pie Kamau
MakinaRocks, a startup based in Seoul and Silicon Valley, specializes in the emerging field of industrial AI software with a primary focus on anomaly detection and intelligent control technology.


South African tech startup LetMeIn.to raises R2.2m to scale its visitor and access management platform
Published: 07-12-2020 | 19:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South African tech startup LetMeIn.to raised R2.2 million in funding from an undisclosed impact investor to scale up and expand its visitor and access management platform.


South African startup myFanPark merges with Starsona to create a global celebrity engagement platform
Published: 04-12-2020 | 11:19:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South African startup myFanPark has announced its merger with Silicon Valley-based celebrity engagement platform Starsona.


[Column] Patrick Ndegwa: Celebrating startups and digital businesses that are uplifting African communities
Published: 30-11-2020 | 15:39:17 | By: Pie Kamau
The digital economy has opened up many opportunities for global businesses. Large enterprises and small businesses have seen increased profits and enhanced productivity due to digital innovation.


Biometrics startup Levels raises $12m seed round to mainstream Biowearables, improve metabolic health
Published: 30-11-2020 | 15:01:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Levels, the first biowearable system to provide real-time feedback on how your diet impacts your health announced a $12 million seed round led by a16z, one of Silicon Valley's top venture capital firms.


New manufacturing startup JTEC Energy announces the close of its initial seed round
Published: 30-11-2020 | 14:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
New manufacturing startup JTEC Energy announced it closed on an initial seed fundraising round, to hire additional scientists and engineers in order to accelerate the development of the the company.


CerraCap Ventures, Exfinity Venture Partners join forces for new growth
Published: 30-11-2020 | 13:48:00 | By: Pie Kamau
CerraCap Ventures and Exfinity Venture Partners announced their global strategic partnership integrating CerraCap's unique Sales & Scale model with Exfinity's stated vision helping develop global enterprise startups leveraging the Indo-US corridor.


25 African tech startups qualify for Seedstars regional competition
Published: 30-11-2020 | 13:27:39 | By: Pie Kamau
25 African tech startups have qualified for the Seedstars World Competition 2020. The startups are among the 94 from emerging markets that were selected to advance to the regional stage of the competition.


South Korean AI startup lululab secures Series B funding led by Netmarble
Published: 30-11-2020 | 13:18:39 | By: Pie Kamau
AI startup lululab, a member company of Born2Global Centre, has successfully attracted Series B funding from Netmarble, Korea's leading game developer, as well as from other companies.


South Korean startup Autonomous a2z raises $1.9m for autonomous driving solution
Published: 26-11-2020 | 11:12:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Autonomous a2z, a member company of Born2Global Centre and Sejong Technopark, received a seed investment of $1.9 million from angel investments by individuals and partner corporations.


Tech startup Nestlings raises $1.5m to help international students through college application process
Published: 26-11-2020 | 10:52:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nestlings, an online portal that guides international students through the process of applying to colleges in the US, Canada, and the UK, has raised $1.5 million in a Seed Round of funding from Candid Ventures.


SEED SPOT wins $300k EDA grant in partnership with Canyon Angels
Published: 26-11-2020 | 10:34:00 | By: Pie Kamau
SEED SPOT and Canyon Angels will train 180 angels to grow the robust investing community in Arizona and create more access to early-stage funding for entrepreneurs with a focus on EdTech, MedTech, and CleanTech.


Genomic medicines startup Metagenomi closes $65m led by Leaps by Bayer and Humboldt Fund
Published: 26-11-2020 | 10:17:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Metagenomi, a next generation gene editing company launched by UC Berkeley scientists in 2018, successfully completed a $65 million Series A financing round and emerged from stealth mode.


ITIDA, AUC Venture Lab kick off Startup Launchpad to enrich Egyptian entrepreneurship ecosystem
Published: 25-11-2020 | 16:02:00 | By: Pie Kamau
ITIDA (IT Industry Development Agency) and AUC Venture Lab announced their collaboration on Startup Launchpad, a capacity-building program that empowers entrepreneurs as they launch their technology startups.


Nigerian mobility startup Plentywaka expands car-hailing service in Delta State
Published: 25-11-2020 | 15:52:20 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigerian mobility startup Plentywaka, announced the launch of a new car-hailing service, Wakacab in Asaba and Warri Delta State, borne out of the need to expand and improve on the limited transport links in southern Nigeria.


Life science startup Correlia Biosystems closes $7m Series A to enable product launch
Published: 25-11-2020 | 15:23:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Correlia Biosystems, a Berkeley, CA based life science startup, announced it has closed a $7 million Series A financing round with select global investors.


Early-stage venture firm MGV Capital announces initial closing of its new Capital Fund
Published: 25-11-2020 | 15:09:42 | By: Pie Kamau
Early-stage venture capital firm, MGV Capital Group, announced it has held an initial closing of its new fund, MGV Capital Fund, to invest in early stage software technology companies.


Equinix invests $55m to build its third data center in Osaka, Japan
Published: 25-11-2020 | 14:48:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Equinix, the world's digital infrastructure company, announced an initial investment of $55 million to build its third International Business Exchange (IBX) data center in Osaka, Japan.


Contour Venture Partners closes oversubscribed $82m fourth seed fund
Published: 24-11-2020 | 13:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Contour Venture Partners, a New York City based seed stage venture capital firm, announced the closing of Contour Venture Partners IV with $82 million of capital commitments, exceeding its target of $75 million.


Food & beverage e-commerce startup Feast & Fettle raises $1.2m to expand into Massachusetts and Connecticut
Published: 24-11-2020 | 13:10:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Feast & Fettle, a premium, fully-prepared meal delivery service based out of Rhode Island, announced the closing of a $1.2 million Seed round led by Salem Capital Management.


Singapore-based Plano wins world's most innovative healthtech startup
Published: 24-11-2020 | 12:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Up against 64 global healthtech startups, Plano has emerged as the winner of Galen Growth's World's Most Innovative Healthtech Startup 2020 Award.


Biotech startup Mekonos raises $4.6m for its gene engineering platform
Published: 24-11-2020 | 12:09:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Mekonos, a biotech company launching the first-of-its kind system-on-a-chip (SoC) for targeted ex vivo gene engineering, announced it has completed a $4.6 million financing round.


Israeli consumer intelligence startup Konnecto closes $3.5m seed round, launches 'Reveal & Disrupt'
Published: 23-11-2020 | 16:19:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Konnecto, the consumer intelligence platform enabling brands to gain visibility into the earliest stages of the consumer journey, announced the completion of a $3.5 million seed round, led by TPY Capital.


Fintech startup Credit Key closes $33m Series A financing, expands footprint in B2B payments
Published: 23-11-2020 | 16:00:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Credit Key, the B2B e-commerce payments solution, closed $33.85 million in total series A financing to support growth with participation from Greycroft, Bonfire Ventures, Loeb.nyc and other investors.


African fintech startup Chipper Cash raises $30m backed by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos
Published: 23-11-2020 | 15:02:00 | By: Pie Kamau
African fintech startup Chipper Cash has secured a $30 million Series B funding round led by Ribbit Capital with participation of Bezos Expeditions, the personal venture capital fund of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.


South African fintech startup Ukheshe to acquire Oltio, strengthens partnership with Mastercard
Published: 23-11-2020 | 07:53:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South African fintech startup Ukheshe announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Oltio, a mobile technology company that developed Mastercard’s QR payment service Masterpass in South Africa.


Kwik Delivery startup partners with Total on e-commerce fulfilment and delivery service in Nigeria
Published: 23-11-2020 | 07:44:26 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigerian e-commerce startup Kwik Delivery has partnered with Total Nigeria, to develop an e-commerce fulfilment and delivery service in Nigeria.


Venture Noire announces second fundraising cycle to support minority owned businesses
Published: 20-11-2020 | 13:18:50 | By: Pie Kamau
Venture Noire, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Black and minority entrepreneurs, announced the completion of its initial program funded by a grant from the Walton Family Foundation.


South Korea's StradVision joins NVIDIA Inception program as premier partner
Published: 20-11-2020 | 12:59:59 | By: Pie Kamau
StradVision has joined NVIDIA Inception, a virtual accelerator program designed to nurture companies that are revolutionizing industries with advancements in AI and data sciences.


GR0 launches SEO studio for direct-to-consumer startups
Published: 20-11-2020 | 12:47:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Digital marketing agency GR0 has officially launched a startup studio located in the Playa Vista area with a main focus in organic growth for direct-to-consumer startups.


Bamboo Capital, Government of Madagascar, World Bank launch $40m energy access fund for Madagascar
Published: 20-11-2020 | 12:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Bamboo Capital Partners has been appointed by the Government of Madagascar and the World Bank as the international fund manager for the Off-Grid Market Development Fund, a $40 million renewable energy access fund.


African tech startups secure funding from Orange Ventures MEA Seed Challenge
Published: 19-11-2020 | 11:19:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Six African tech startups and one Jordanian startup have secured funding from Orange Ventures Africa & Middle East.


Dakota Johnson joins sexual wellness startup maude as Co-creative Director & Investor
Published: 18-11-2020 | 15:20:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Sexual wellness startup maude announced that Dakota Johnson will be joining the category-defining sexual wellness brand as co-creative director and investor.


Porsche Ventures invests in AI startup Drivably's breakthrough inventory technology
Published: 18-11-2020 | 14:28:47 | By: Pie Kamau
Drivably, an advanced AI company that helps dealers acquire private party inventory from the right markets at the right price, has received an investment from Porsche Ventures to help Drivably further develop its technology and expand its footprint.


South Africa's MetroFibre Networx completes new capital raise from AIIM and STOA
Published: 18-11-2020 | 11:25:26 | By: Pie Kamau
African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), Africa’s infrastructure-focused private equity fund managers, has acquired a minority equity stake in MetroFibre Networx, a South African open access fibre network operator.


Ibnsina Pharma acquires 75% stake in Egyptian health and beauty products startup 3elagi
Published: 18-11-2020 | 10:25:12 | By: Pie Kamau
Ibnsina Pharma signed an agreement to acquire 75% stake in Egyptian health and beauty products startup 3elagi Tech, a platform that links pharmacies with patients to order medicines and cosmetics online.


Readout Health startup partners with Apollo Health for management of neurodegenerative disease
Published: 17-11-2020 | 14:10:20 | By: Pie Kamau
Readout Health, a digital biomarker startup, announced partnership with Apollo Health, a health technology leader in neurodegenerative medicine.


Berlin startup DigiWhat launches international B2B case studies standard
Published: 17-11-2020 | 13:37:27 | By: Pie Kamau
Berlin startup DigiWhat launched international B2B case studies standard to simplifiy marketing, matchmaking and lead generation efforts for tech companies, venture builders and events.


UAE fintech startup Sarwa unveils next gen Sarwa X, announces partnership with Saxo Bank
Published: 17-11-2020 | 13:09:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Sarwa, online investment advisory platform for young professionals has unveiled its next-generation Sarwa X, a new product powered by a strategic partnership with Saxo Bank, a Fintech and Regtech specialist focused on multi-asset trading and investment.


Burges Karkaria joins AI startup Censia as CTO
Published: 17-11-2020 | 12:23:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Burges Karkaria, former Chief Technology Officer of Enterprise at Intel Corporation, has joined Bay Area startup Censia, a provider of talent intelligence, recruiting and workforce management technology, as CTO.


[Startup Interview] Jon Cooper, CEO, Life.io, USA
Published: 17-11-2020 | 12:14:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Life.io is a US-based startup that helps companies accelerate the development of their end-to-end digital client experience with the Life.io Solution Suite: Grow, Engage and Empower. Jon Cooper the startup’s co-founder and CEO elaborates.


Swiftarc Ventures invests in biosafety startup R-Zero to fast-track its UV-C disinfecting device
Published: 16-11-2020 | 13:43:11 | By: Pie Kamau
Swiftarc Ventures, an early and growth stage Venture Capital firm focused on the next generation of Consumer and Consumer Health disruptors, has made its first portfolio investment in biosafety startup R-Zero.


Chinese autonomous truck startup Inceptio Technology raises $120m to accelerate volume production
Published: 16-11-2020 | 13:24:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Inceptio Technology, an autonomous truck company, announced a $120 million funding led by Contemporary Amperex Technology, developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries.


Bridge for Billions launches Global Investors Network to connect entrepreneurs with investment opportunities
Published: 16-11-2020 | 13:06:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Bridge for Billions has launched its Global Investors Network, which aims to help make the investment ecosystem accessible to all promising purpose-driven ventures.


Africa-focused VC fund Outlierz Ventures invests in three Nigeria startups
Published: 16-11-2020 | 12:56:28 | By: Pie Kamau
Africa-focused Morocco-based B2B VC fund Outlierz Ventures has announced new investments into three Nigerian startups - Bamboo, Youverify and Healthlane.


AI Media Group launches Africa’s first AI-focused free investment matchmaking service for African startups
Published: 16-11-2020 | 12:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The AI Media Group has launched The Deal Room, Africa’s first artificial intelligence (AI) focused, free investment matchmaking service which aims to connect African AI focused startups to interested investors and venture capitalists (VCs).


Bentley Systems commits $100m venture funding to accelerate infrastructure digital twins
Published: 13-11-2020 | 14:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Bentley Systems, the infrastructure engineering software company, announced the establishment of Bentley iTwin Ventures to invest in promising technology companies addressing the emerging opportunity for infrastructure digital twin solutions.


Dairy snack startups compete for $200,000 in Real California Milk Snackcelerator
Published: 13-11-2020 | 12:06:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Ice cream infused with vegetables, to-go premium cheese snacks, decadent chocolate mousse and flavored paneer make up the finalists announced in the Real California Milk Snackcelerator product innovation competition.


Blackbaud Social Good Startup Program supports emerging companies to drive innovation
Published: 13-11-2020 | 11:39:07 | By: Pie Kamau
Blackbaud, cloud software company powering social good, is accepting applications for the Blackbaud Social Good Startup Program, a unique, yearlong program designed to drive innovation.


Digital investment platform Clim8 smashes target for latest funding campaign by 600%
Published: 13-11-2020 | 11:14:00 | By: Pie Kamau
As interest in sustainable investing continues to grow apace, Clim8 Invest (Clim8), a digital investment platform that help consumers invest exclusively in companies focused on tackling the climate crisis, has raised a further £2.4 million in funding.


British fintech startup ilumoni raises $450,000 to transform borrowing behaviours, help people repay debt
Published: 12-11-2020 | 13:34:00 | By: Pie Kamau
ilumoni, the fintech startup helping people to borrow better, save on unnecessary interest and time in paying off debts has raised $450,000 pre-seed investment backed by Move Ventures.


Tech startup Roots Automation secures $3.2m to expand AI capabilities, accelerate customer acquisition
Published: 12-11-2020 | 13:17:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Roots Automation, the NYC-based Digital Coworkers as a Service company, has raised a $3.2 million seed round led by Vestigo Ventures.


October Startup Sentiment Index shows three-month trend in advancing startup timelines
Published: 12-11-2020 | 12:57:50 | By: Pie Kamau
The number of respondents agreeing that now is a good time to start a business reached a three-month high at 60.6% in October.


Medtech startup Immertec partners with Orthopaedic Foundation to demonstrate effectiveness of VR surgical training
Published: 12-11-2020 | 12:42:56 | By: Pie Kamau
Orthopaedic Foundation has partnered with medtech startup Immertec, to conduct research to evaluate the effectiveness of VR for remote surgical training.


Peer-to-peer solar leasing startup Sun Exchange announces African expansion in Zimbabwe
Published: 11-11-2020 | 15:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South African peer-to-peer solar leasing startup Sun Exchange marked its official expansion into sub-Saharan Africa with the first of three crowdsales for a multiphase, 1.9 megawatt (MW) solar-plus-storage project for Nhimbe Fresh.


Remote selling startup Demoflow secures $1.6 m seed round to build additional key product features
Published: 11-11-2020 | 14:31:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Collaborative remote selling platform Demoflow announced its Seed Capital raise of $1.6 million led by FirstMile Ventures with other major participants including Slack Fund, RTP Seed, Next Frontier Capital and Heroic Ventures.


Nearly 60% of startup founders say operating costs are their top spending priority in the first quarter
Published: 11-11-2020 | 14:03:00 | By: Pie Kamau
While the long-term economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic is still unknown, the remote work period has forced startups to adjust their spending priorities, according to a new survey from Clutch, a B2B ratings and reviews platform.


Social podcasting startup Bitcast partners with Podcast Notes for joint launch of new iOS clipping app
Published: 11-11-2020 | 13:52:49 | By: Pie Kamau
Los Angeles based social podcasting platform Bitcast has partnered with Podcast Notes, a publisher in the podcast space, for the launch of a new iOS app that lets listeners 'Magically Clip, Collect and Share the best moments in Podcasts'.


Chicago startup qReveal launches affordable QR code menu and price list solution
Published: 10-11-2020 | 12:31:56 | By: Pie Kamau
Responding to the challenging scene of a myriad of health and safety protocols facing restaurants and other businesses, Chicago startup qReveal has launched a platform that builds easy to use QR code menus and price lists.


Former Bitcoin.com CEO launches Sonic Capital, Asia's first tokenized venture investment fund
Published: 10-11-2020 | 12:19:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Former Bitcoin.com CEO Stefan Rust announced the launch of Sonic Capital, Asia's first venture capital and impact investment fund to be tokenized on the blockchain.


[Startup Interview] Almasi Ndangili, Founder, Imarisha East Africa Productions, Kenya
Published: 10-11-2020 | 11:57:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Almasi Ndangili is the founder of Imarisha East Africa Productions Ltd, a Kenya-based talent academy promoting education through edutainment. The startup has invested in TV Shows, event organization, book launches, talent development, TV Script writing, Africanized animations, digital publishing and branding.


Tech startup Cellwize secures $32m Series B financing to expand its global footprint
Published: 10-11-2020 | 11:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Cellwize, a global leader in mobile network automation and orchestration, announced a $32 million Series B funding round in its parent company, Cellwize Wireless Technologies, led by Intel Capital and Qualcomm Ventures.


Israeli cybersecurity startup ReSec Technologies raises $4m Series A funding for expansion
Published: 10-11-2020 | 09:51:00 | By: Pie Kamau
ReSec Technologies, a cyber security company that protects organizations from file-based malware threats, announced the completion of its $4 million Series A round of financing.


Mastercard co-innovates with 10 new fintechs to reshape the future of commerce
Published: 10-11-2020 | 07:30:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Mastercard has welcomed 10 fintechs from around the world to participate in its startup engagement program, Start Path, to scale the future of commerce.


Kenyan fintech startup Kwara launches Customer Success Traineeship Program for university graduates
Published: 09-11-2020 | 15:24:05 | By: Pie Kamau
Kwara, a digital banking platform in Kenya announced the launch of a Customer Success Traineeship Program. The program is part of the company’s broader agenda to build capacity for rising young Kenyan professionals.


Swedish fintech startup Payer launches beta test program to revolutionize customer registration in B2B e-commerce
Published: 09-11-2020 | 14:51:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Financial Services startup Payer has developed a new registration product that revolutionizes how customer relationships are made between companies online.


Nigerian HR startup SeamlessHR raises seven-figure funding to expand across Africa
Published: 09-11-2020 | 09:30:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigeria’s HR startup SeamlessHR has closed a seven-figure deal as it seeks to expand across other African markets.


African startups more investible now than ever
Published: 09-11-2020 | 09:20:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Africa’s startups have never been more investible than now. There is a growing number of professional ‘super angels’ involved in record-breaking deals, and private equity investments have doubled since last year.


Mohammed VI Polytechnic University partners with Plug and Play to launch accelerator programme in Morocco
Published: 09-11-2020 | 09:13:33 | By: Pie Kamau
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), an academic and research institution, has partnered with global innovation platform, Plug and Play, to launch an Open Innovation Hub in Morocco, with the support of OCP Group.


Swiss biotech startup Memo Therapeutics raises €13.9m to support clinical development of potent antibodies
Published: 06-11-2020 | 14:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Swiss biotech startup Memo Therapeutics AG, an innovator in the field of antibody discovery and immune repertoire analysis, announced it has raised €13.9 million in Series B financing.


Kenyan agritech startup Farmers Pride raises $220k funding from Gray Matters Capital’s coLABS
Published: 06-11-2020 | 13:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
US-based impact investor Gray Matters Capital announced its funding in Kenya's agritech startup Farmers Pride, a one stop e-commerce platform that connects village level farmers to quality inputs, services and information.


Dublin-based travel tech startup TripAdmit secures €500,000 funding for international expansion
Published: 05-11-2020 | 15:51:00 | By: Pie Kamau
TripAdmit, Dublin based travel tech startup that provides sales and distribution solutions for tours and activities, has secured €500,000 funding from investors, including the backing of Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start Up unit.


Dutch biotech startup Salvia BioElectronics receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for innovative neurostimulation solution
Published: 05-11-2020 | 15:30:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Salvia BioElectronics, a neurostimulation platform targeting chronic migraine, announced that the U.S. FDA has granted Breakthrough Device Designation for its implantable neurostimulation system to address chronic migraine.


Armenian AI startup Podcastle raises $1.75m seed round to create next-gen podcast platform
Published: 05-11-2020 | 14:37:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Podcastle, a company developing podcast creation tools for amateur and professional podcasters and a streaming platform for listeners, announced a $1.75 million seed funding led by Sierra Ventures.


Paxful partners with African fintech startup Uhuru Wallet to ease money transfers
Published: 04-11-2020 | 11:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Crypto marketplace Paxful announced it is adding Uhuru Wallet as a payment method to its platform, to help provide easy access to the crypto economy for users in Southern Africa.


Human API startup raises over $20m funding to scale consumer-controlled health data ecosystem
Published: 04-11-2020 | 11:20:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Human API, company empowering consumers to connect and share electronic health data with companies they trust, announced it has raised over $20 million in Series C funding, to scale consumer-controlled health data ecosystem.


Travel booking startup Tripbnb.com uses AI to link travelers and accommodation quickly
Published: 04-11-2020 | 10:53:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Taiwanese travel booking startup Tripbnb.com is helping domestic accommodation providers draw up new business strategies and the country's travel industry had to enhance their technical standards with AI-based systems.


AI startup ATLAN Space raises $1m Series A funding from Maroc Numeric Fund II for expansion
Published: 04-11-2020 | 09:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Aerial vehicle Artificial Intelligence startup ATLAN Space has raised $1m Series A funding from Maroc Numeric Fund II with participation from Hilmi Law Firm and Cadex Group, for business expansion.


Nigerian CcHUB acquires Kenyan edTech startup eLimu
Published: 04-11-2020 | 08:46:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenya’s technology Incubation and Accelerator space iHub owned by Co-creation Hub (CcHUB) has announced the acquisition of edtech startup and digital educational content provider eLimu.


Imperial partners with Kenyan logistic startup Lori Systems to expand e-logistics technology solutions across Africa
Published: 04-11-2020 | 08:37:29 | By: Pie Kamau
Imperial, an African and European-focused provider of integrated market access and logistics solutions, announced an investment in and partnership with Lori Systems to expand its cutting-edge e-logistics technology solutions across Africa.


Nigerian rental financing startup Kwaba secures funding from Ingressive Capital for expansion
Published: 03-11-2020 | 15:42:27 | By: Pie Kamau
Ingressive Capital, a $10 million VC fund targeting early-stage startups across Sub-Saharan Africa, announced its investment in Nigerian rental financing startup Kwaba.


German startup 4tiitoo launches NUIA Full Focus, smart software for natural eye contact in video calls
Published: 03-11-2020 | 12:47:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Munich-based startup 4tiitoo (forty two), which specializes in gaze control of computers, launched NUIA Full Focus, a software that creates natural eye contact with conversation partners in video calls intelligently and without artificial image adjustments.


Procter & Gamble Ventures brings Innovation Challenge online for CES 2021
Published: 03-11-2020 | 12:22:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Following the success of its first-ever Virtual Innovation Challenge in June, P&G Ventures, the early-stage startup studio within P&G, is now accepting submissions for its next virtual pitch competition.


Cleantech startup Skeleton Technologies joins European Clean Hydrogen Alliance
Published: 03-11-2020 | 11:57:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Estonian cleantech startup Skeleton Technologies has joined the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance, an initiative of European stakeholders who want to engage and contribute to the deployment of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen.


Estonian cleantech startup Skeleton Technologies raises €41.3m from European entrepreneurs
Published: 03-11-2020 | 11:24:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Skeleton Technologies, global cleantech 100 company and largest European manufacturer of ultracapacitor-based energy storage, has completed a €41.3 million financing round.


[Startup Interview] Joris van Lierop, founder, The Content Exchange, Netherlands
Published: 03-11-2020 | 06:37:00 | By: Bob Koigi
The Content Exchange is a Dutch startup that targets editors, publishers and freelancers by offering them a content market place where they can do business with each other directly. The startup’s founder Joris van Lierop explains.


Next-generation consumer products startup The Naked Market closes $6m seed funding round
Published: 02-11-2020 | 15:51:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The Naked Market, San Francisco-based CPG brand, has closed $6 million seed funding round, with participation from several investors.


Fintech startup ORSNN launches whole-loan trading platform to beta
Published: 02-11-2020 | 15:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
ORSNN, a fintech startup that builds end-to-end solutions for managing and trading loan portfolios, launched a private beta platform that provides financial institutions with a low-cost, transparent, and automated loan-trading system.


Nestlé USA acquires food delivery startup Freshly
Published: 02-11-2020 | 15:11:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nestlé announced it has acquired food delivery startup Freshly, fresh-prepared meal delivery services in the U.S. The deal values Freshly at $950 million, with potential earnouts up to $550 million contingent to the successful growth of the business.


MENA healthtech startup Vezeeta expands into Kenya
Published: 02-11-2020 | 14:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Middle East and North Africa (MENA) healthtech startup Vezeeta has expanded its footprint into Kenya by launching a platform that will enable Kenyans access doctors from their smart phones.


kathy ireland Worldwide expands health advocacy through partnership with tech startup mymedicalimages.com
Published: 28-10-2020 | 13:38:53 | By: Pie Kamau
Medical imaging technology startup mymedicalimages.com has partnered with kathy ireland Worldwide (kiWW) for a new, cutting-edge patient-centric medical image sharing platform.


Sabio Group acquires Anana to extend customer experience capability
Published: 12-10-2020 | 13:08:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Sabio Group has acquired customer experience solutions specialist Anana. The acquisition supports Sabio’s goal to become the leading player across the European customer experience market.


German tech startup CloudRadar launches new data center in Johannesburg, South Africa
Published: 08-10-2020 | 09:28:00 | By: Pie Kamau
German tech startup CloudRadar is launching its cloud-based IT-monitoring service in South Africa, ahead of further global expansion, to help ensure IT stability for regional businesses in the face of rapid, pandemic-fuelled digitisation.


Mastercard announces Fintech Express to empower Middle East and Africa fintechs to launch and expand rapidly
Published: 24-09-2020 | 16:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Mastercard has launched Fintech Express in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), a program designed to facilitate emerging fintechs’ launch and expansion.


[Startup Interview] Marthinus Coetzee, CEO, iPTT Africa, South Africa
Published: 22-09-2020 | 11:02:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Iptt africa (pty) Limited, a South African telecommunications startup, solves the communication problems faced by many businesses and organizations in Africa through its italkptt platform that allows businesses to communicate from anywhere in Africa to anywhere in the world. The CEO Marthinus Coetzee elaborates.


Early investors in 4IR startups set to reap rewards
Published: 08-09-2020 | 15:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Early investors in startups with exposure to the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) are benefiting from significant revenue growth despite the physical constraints introduced by governments’ responses to the Covid-19 pandemic.


Futuregrowth invests in South African online services disruptor startup SweepSouth
Published: 21-07-2020 | 15:51:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Futuregrowth has invested in SweepSouth, a disruptive online platform for booking, managing and paying for home cleaning, and now a variety of other services.


South African animation and gaming startup Sea Monster secures $1m funding
Published: 17-07-2020 | 15:22:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Animation, gaming and AR/VR company Sea Monster announced the conclusion of a $1m investment from FirstRand’s Vumela Fund.


[Startup Interview] Anton Herbst, CEO, Vincula Holdings, South Africa
Published: 14-07-2020 | 17:00:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Vincula Holdings, domiciled in Johannesburg South Africa, is a startup connecting employers, project sponsors, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers through a platform that also seeks to provide participants with worldwide and focused exposure to grow their market share.


Catalyst Fund announces seventh cohort of inclusive fintech startups
Published: 09-07-2020 | 15:35:37 | By: Bob Koigi
Catalyst Fund, the global inclusive fintech accelerator, has announced that six new fintech startups, from Nigeria, South Africa, Mexico and India are joining its existing portfolio of 31 companies.


[Startup Interview] Riaan Rautenbach, CEO, Live Fr8, South Africa
Published: 30-06-2020 | 14:07:15 | By: Bob Koigi
LIVE FR8™ is a South African startup that offers cargo suppliers and transporters improved and cheaper logistics services through cloud technology. Cargo suppliers and transporters connect directly.


[Startup Interview] Anton Janovsky, Founder, Giga Technology, South Africa
Published: 30-06-2020 | 13:11:36 | By: Bob Koigi
Giga Technology is a South African telecommunications startup involved in the manufacture and export of a host of communication technologies across Africa and Europe.


[Startup Interview] Katlego Malatji, CEO, ProjectOne Engineering, South Africa
Published: 30-06-2020 | 12:52:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Katlego Malatji is the CEO of ProjectOne, a South African based innovative engineering consultancy company that focuses on 4IR projects in manufacturing.


[Startup Interview] Seth Wessels, Co-Founder, Tungston Trading, South Africa
Published: 26-06-2020 | 15:05:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Tungston Trading based in South Africa is a business involved in the supply of cast iron range of products to the retail merchants for home improvements and plumbing.


Naspers Foundry invests R100 million in South African agri-tech startup, Aerobotics
Published: 11-06-2020 | 14:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Naspers announced a R100 million investment in agritech business Aerobotics, through its early-stage business funding initiative Naspers Foundry. Aerobotics is a subscription-based artificial intelligence (AI) company that provides intelligent tools for the agricultural industry to manage its crops.


Solar leasing startup Sun Exchange secures $3 million investment from ARCH for African market expansion
Published: 09-06-2020 | 13:34:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South African solar leasing startup Sun Exchange has secured a $3 million investment from ARCH Emerging Markets Partners’ Africa Renewable Power Fund (ARPF), marking the close of $4 million Series-A funding round.


Dutch firm CNBB invests in South African employee engagement solution startup, Wyzetalk
Published: 29-05-2020 | 11:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Dutch investment company CNBB Venture Partners has made a multi-million euro investment in Wyzetalk, a fast-growing digital employee engagement company.


[South Africa] Food delivery startup Zulzi raises $1.6 million to expand operations
Published: 18-05-2020 | 15:02:39 | By: Bob Koigi
Zulzi, a South Africa based on-demand delivery platform has bagged R30 million ($1.6 million) funding from an unnamed JSE-listed company, aimed to expand its operations.


[Startup Interview] Candace Knox, CEO, Fat Finger Technologies, South Africa
Published: 15-05-2020 | 16:16:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Fat Finger Technologies in South Africa offers an array of Information Technology services and solutions ranging from simple office networks to full cloud-hosted solutions to public facing networks with internet fail-over.


[Startup Interview] Razia Adam, CEO, Lwandle RNS Holdings, South Africa
Published: 15-05-2020 | 11:03:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Razia Adam is the founder and CEO of Lwandle RNS Holdings, a South African mining startup that has since 2015 been providing industry players digitization processes and systems in order to enable high production rates.


[Startup Interview] Daniel Greaves, CEO, Fuel to Fly, South Africa
Published: 08-05-2020 | 18:15:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Daniel Greaves is the founder and CEO of South Africa-based startup Fuel to Fly that offer boutique sales outreach services that are powered by advanced data analytics.


[Startup Interview] Elton Greeve, CEO, EMG Agri Solutions, South Africa
Published: 27-04-2020 | 09:13:00 | By: Bob Koigi
EMG Agri Solutions, a South African startup offers business planning, management consulting, strategic management, and specialized project management for agri-businesses. The focus is on providing farmers and agri-businesses with specialist advisory solutions.


[Startup Interview] Josephine Pretorius, Founder, Consolidated Marketing Services, South Africa
Published: 24-04-2020 | 10:27:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Josephine Pretorius is the founder and CEO of Consolidated Marketing Services, CMS, a South African startup offering marketing and PR services to clients predominantly in the energy and power infrastructure sector.


[Startup Interview] Mhlengi Ngcobo, CEO, CoffeMM, South Africa
Published: 04-03-2020 | 12:25:00 | By: Bas Vlugt
CoffeeMM, a South African startup in the coffee business has been working with smallholder farmers in South Africa, Mozambique, Burundi and Zimbabwe to process their raw coffee for the retail market. Besides connecting them to international


[Startup Interview] Rich Cheary, CEO, PT SportSuite, South Africa
Published: 26-02-2020 | 12:52:00 | By: Bob Koigi
PT SportSuite is a South African company whose mission is to digitally disrupt the sporting industry’s media landscape by allowing sporting organisations to operate like commercially-minded modern media houses, while building


[Startup Interview] Lwazi Nongauza, Executive Director, BTN Mobile, South Africa
Published: 02-08-2019 | 12:42:00 | By: Bas Vlugt
BTN Mobile is a South African digital telecommunications network that seeks to revolutionize the telecommunications landscape in the country and beyond while bridging the digital divide by making ICT services available to the underserved at a reasonable rate