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Published: 06-04-2018 16:44:00 | By: Nico Scherphuis | hits: 3835573 | 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.


Relocalize raises $2.5m seed round to decarbonize food & beverage manufacturing
Published: 10-10-2023 | 11:41:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Relocalize has raised $2.5m in the initial closing of $3.5m seed round.


Vistry unveils conversational AI platform LumoChat for food commerce
Published: 09-10-2023 | 11:06:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Vistry has announced the launch of its Conversational AI platform, LumoChat.


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.


Glasgow food tech startup ENOUGH raises €40m growth fund to scale mycoprotein production
Published: 22-08-2023 | 12:35:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Glasgow-based food tech startup ENOUGH has raised €40m in growth funding.


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.


UK foodtech startup Clean Food Group raises £2.3m funding to scale operations in advance of Series A
Published: 16-08-2023 | 10:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Clean Food Group has announced a further £2.3m funding.


UK foodtech startup Clean Food Group partners with LATAM food technology specialist, Alianza Team
Published: 15-08-2023 | 10:24:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Clean Food Group has announced a strategic collaboration with Alianza Team.


Cultivated meat startup Meatable raises $35m to accelerate commercial launch of its pork products
Published: 08-08-2023 | 12:42:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Meatable has raised $35m in new funding.


Copenhagen startup Bactolife raises €30m Series A financing to accelerate growth
Published: 08-08-2023 | 11:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Bactolife announced it has successfully raised €>30 million.


Supply Change Capital closes debut $40m fund to invest in the future of food
Published: 27-07-2023 | 13:00:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Supply Change Capital announced the close of its inaugural $40 million fund.


Kenyan households bet on food MSEs for affordable meals
Published: 26-07-2023 | 11:30:00 | By: Bob Koigi
An estimated 60 per cent of rural and urban Kenyan households access their daily meals from micro/small enterprises (MSEs) at local markets.


[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.


Denver-based foodtech startup bitewell closes oversubscribed $4m seed round
Published: 10-07-2023 | 12:25:00 | By: Pie Kamau
bitewell announced an oversubscribed close of $4 million seed round.


NBA superstar Chris Paul joins plant-based startup Wicked Kitchen as investor
Published: 27-06-2023 | 18:20:00 | By: Pie Kamau
10-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul has joined the Wicked team as an investor.


Foodtech startup PartnerSlate raises $4m from to accelerate growth
Published: 14-06-2023 | 15:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
PartnerSlate has raised $4 million round led by Supply Change Capital.


Cambridge-based biotech startup Uncommon raises $30m
Published: 09-06-2023 | 12:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Biotech startup Uncommon has raised $30m to pave way for scalable cultivated meat utilising RNA technologies.


[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! 


Nigerian cold-chain startup Gricd rebrands as Figorr, secures $1.5m seed funding to support data-driven insurance for perishable goods in Africa
Published: 17-05-2023 | 11:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


Korean foodtech startup Nuvilab selected to join Google for Startups Accelerator: Circular Economy
Published: 24-03-2023 | 14:09:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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".


Plug and Play Alberta announces 58 startups for Spring cohort of accelerator programs
Published: 20-03-2023 | 14:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Plug and Play Alberta has announced 58 startups for the Spring cohort of its industry-specific Health, Sustainability, Food and Beverage, and Sector Agnostic startup accelerator programs.


[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.


Biotech startup Chromologics completes €7.1m funding round to accelerate natural red color production through precision fermentation
Published: 06-03-2023 | 10:05:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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
Published: 03-03-2023 | 12:01:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


Agritech startup IngredientWerks announces successful completion of seed round funding
Published: 21-02-2023 | 10:08:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


Berlin's EatFirst acquires London-based foodtech startup Feedr to accelerate growth
Published: 13-02-2023 | 10:41:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


Israeli foodtech startup Meala secures $1.9m pre-seed round to improve plant-based foods
Published: 10-02-2023 | 09:24:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


Ingredient biotech startup Michroma closes $6.4m seed round to bring novel food coloring to market
Published: 03-02-2023 | 12:38:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


Food Foundry accelerator announces fifth cohort of early-stage foodservice startups
Published: 23-01-2023 | 11:42:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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
Published: 18-01-2023 | 14:11:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


EG Capital announces anchor closing of its maiden fund to invest in startups across East Africa and Zambia
Published: 19-12-2022 | 09:04:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


Nigerian foodtech Orda raises $3.4m seed round to digitize African restaurants
Published: 01-12-2022 | 09:48:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigerian foodtech platform Orda announced has raised a $3.4 million seed round to further digitize food businesses across the continent.


Israeli foodtech startup ChickP raises dairy-free ice cream to new heights
Published: 29-11-2022 | 14:20:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


Ultra-convenient healthy meals startup Proper Good closes seed funding to bring absurdly delicious products
Published: 14-11-2022 | 15:42:27 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


Chef-led startup meez raises $11.5m to place recipes at the heart of hospitality
Published: 09-11-2022 | 12:08:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


Georgia-Pacific, gener8tor welcome third cohort of startups to 1915 Studios gBETA accelerator program
Published: 28-10-2022 | 14:28:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Georgia-Pacific, in partnership with global venture firm and startup accelerator gener8tor, has kicked off its third 1915 Studios gBETA accelerator program.


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.


BreadBot maker Wilkinson Baking Company raises $3m seed round to accelerate growth
Published: 25-10-2022 | 13:52:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


Biotech startup Hoxton Farms raises $22m Series A to cultivate animal fat in new pilot facility in London
Published: 21-10-2022 | 09:54:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


Paris-based cultivated meat startup Gourmey raises €48m Series A funding to accelerate growth
Published: 11-10-2022 | 14:04:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


FNHIC launches to invest $2.5b in startups improving hunger and health outcomes through food
Published: 28-09-2022 | 11:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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
Published: 26-09-2022 | 14:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


Japanese foodtech startup Yo-Kai Express partners with IPPUDO and TableMark to bring ramen and udon dishes to its autonomous restaurant platform
Published: 05-09-2022 | 14:01:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Yo-Kai Express announced new partnerships with TableMark and Chikaranomoto, to jointly develop and market varieties of new udon and ramen menu options.


Swiss foodtech startup Planted raises €70m Series B funding to accelerate international growth
Published: 01-09-2022 | 15:01:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


Venture capital firm JVP expands operations in New York, welcomes new partners and investors
Published: 05-08-2022 | 13:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Venture capital firm JVP announced it is expanding its activities in New York. Along with new investments in Fintech, Blockchain, Cyber, Climatech, Foodtech, and Digital Health, the fund has focused on growth.


Francisco-based foodtech startup Lypid partners with Louisa Coffee to bring plant based burger patties
Published: 02-08-2022 | 12:55:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


Israeli biotech food colorant startup Phytolon closes $14.5m funding to accelerate growth
Published: 08-07-2022 | 11:36:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


Foodtech venture firm Supply Change closes equity investment from Bank of America
Published: 21-06-2022 | 14:38:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


Canadian biotech startup Evolved Meats raises $2m seed round to accelerate growth
Published: 23-05-2022 | 13:08:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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
Published: 18-05-2022 | 12:15:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Kenya’s cost of living has hit unprecedented highs with prices of basic commodities being out of reach for many citizens.


Israeli agritech startup Seed-X partners with Advanta Seeds to improve seed lot quality
Published: 16-05-2022 | 14:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Seed-X, an innovative AI-driven Agritech company, and Advanta Seeds, a UPL group company, are joining forces to apply new technology in seed processing.


Foodtech startup Haofood partners Lawson to accelerate presence in China
Published: 11-05-2022 | 12:30:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


Food tech startup Tomorrow Farms raises $8.5m seed round to fuel sustainable food revolution
Published: 09-05-2022 | 10:05:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


Plant-based meat startup Nowadays closes $7m seed round to accelerate health-focused chicken
Published: 22-04-2022 | 14:09:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


U.S.-based food tech startup Yo-Kai Express launches autonomous restaurant platform in Japan
Published: 08-04-2022 | 13:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


SeaX Ventures launches $60m Fund II to help international startups expand into Southeast Asia
Published: 05-04-2022 | 13:54:00 | By: Pie Kamau
SeaX Ventures (Southeast Asia Exponential Ventures), announced the close of its second fund to help accelerate the growth of global startups throughout Southeast Asia.


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.


French insect farming startup Ÿnsect acquires Nebraska-based Jord Producers to open first mealworm farm in the US
Published: 30-03-2022 | 11:43:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Jord Producers, based in Nebraska, has been incorporated into Ÿnsect’s production portfolio, signifying the global leader’s entry into North American mealworm production.


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.


Plant-based food startup Lypid enters B2B vegan-fat market with $4m seed round to commercialize rich, juicy PhytoFat
Published: 09-03-2022 | 10:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


Kenyan foodtech startup Kune starts commercial operations in Nairobi
Published: 24-02-2022 | 10:38:05 | By: Pie Kamau
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
Published: 23-02-2022 | 17:21:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


Grocery logistics startup EasyBins raises $2m late stage seed round for expansion
Published: 26-01-2022 | 12:21:00 | By: Pie Kamau
EasyBins, a company solving the grocery logistics problem for suburban markets in North America, announced $2 million late stage seed round funding to expand its geographic footprint and invest in technology and staff.


Israeli foodtech startup Plantish unveils whole-cut plant-based salmon fillets
Published: 18-01-2022 | 10:55:38 | By: Pie Kamau
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
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.


Irish digital food-ordering startup Flipdish raises €87m funding to transform digital consumer experience in hospitality
Published: 13-01-2022 | 12:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


Israeli foodtech startup Future Meat raises $347 million funding to bolster position in cultivated meat industry
Published: 04-01-2022 | 10:02:23 | By: Bob Koigi
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
Published: 24-12-2021 | 12:00:00 | By: Bob Koigi
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.


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.


REEF acquires foodtech Startup 2ndKitchen
Published: 08-12-2021 | 15:21:10 | By: Bob Koigi
REEF and 2ndKitchen’s existing businesses will be combined under the REEF brand, and will operate under REEF’s Hospitality division.


Estonian startup Gelatex raises €1.2m seed round for affordable and scalable manufactured cell-cultured meat
Published: 26-11-2021 | 10:06:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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
Published: 24-11-2021 | 07:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


Israeli foodtech startup Imagindairy closes $13m seed round to advance animal-free dairy
Published: 23-11-2021 | 08:08:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


US startup Impossible Foods expands into Australia and New Zealand
Published: 18-11-2021 | 19:29:09 | By: Bob Koigi
California-based Impossible Foods has arrived in Australia and New Zealand, marking the company’s third and fourth international market launches in 14 months.


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.


Fort Ross Ventures announces first closing of $200m late-stage fund
Published: 18-11-2021 | 09:31:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Fort Ross Ventures, an international venture-capital firm focused on startups in the U.S. and Israel, announced the $100 million first closing of its late-stage fund.


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.


Biotech startup Shiru closes $17m Series A to develop novel plant-based food ingredients
Published: 28-10-2021 | 09:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


Start-Up Nation Central signs MoU with TiE to boost technological innovation of Israeli and Indian startups
Published: 07-10-2021 | 11:40:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


Plant-based food startup immi raises $3.8m seed funding to modernize instant ramen
Published: 17-09-2021 | 12:47:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


Kenyan female entrepreneurs embrace digital platforms to power operations
Published: 09-09-2021 | 11:45:00 | By: Bob Koigi
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
Published: 08-09-2021 | 12:09:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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
Published: 07-09-2021 | 16:04:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


Jiddu acquires CerraCap Ventures portfolio company Nirveda Cognition
Published: 13-08-2021 | 13:44:58 | By: Pie Kamau
CerraCap Ventures, a Global Venture Capital fund, announced acquisition of its portfolio company Nirveda Cognition by Jiddu Inc for an all-stock deal. The transaction is one of a slew of recent exits from CerraCap's investment fund.


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.


Oregon-based startup Marwall launches LunchPod to change how Americans go out to eat
Published: 03-08-2021 | 11:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


UN announces 50 best small business winners providing “Good Food for All”
Published: 27-07-2021 | 11:31:35 | By: Bob Koigi
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.


BIND 4.0 opens sixth call for innovative tech startups around the world
Published: 21-07-2021 | 13:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The Open Innovation & Acceleration Program, BIND 4.0, has just launched its sixth edition open call to search for the most innovative technology startups around the world.


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.


Food and beverage tech startup Botrista closes $10m Series A to make craft beverages accessible via robotic automation
Published: 29-06-2021 | 14:12:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Botrista Technology, a company revolutionizing the beverage industry with the Botrista DrinkBot, announced it has raised $10 million in a Series A funding.


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.


Israeli foodtech startup Better Juice raises $8m in seed funding
Published: 23-06-2021 | 13:50:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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
Published: 16-06-2021 | 11:10:48 | By: Pie Kamau
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
Published: 11-06-2021 | 14:44:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


The UN Food Systems Best Small Business competition: Startups time to shine
Published: 28-05-2021 | 12:44:00 | By: Bob Koigi
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.


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.


UN launches hunt for startups and enterprises changing the face of food systems
Published: 10-05-2021 | 11:03:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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
Published: 07-05-2021 | 17:00:00 | By: Bob Koigi
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
Published: 06-05-2021 | 11:12:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The Batchery announced its 12th Demo Day featuring eleven early-stage startups from the Berkeley-based incubator's intensive Deep Dive program.


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.


Foodtech startup GrubMarket acquires Vaccaro & Sons to expand to St. Louis, Missouri
Published: 05-05-2021 | 13:24:00 | By: Pie Kamau
San Francisco-based food technology startup GrubMarket announced it has completed the acquisition of Vaccaro & Sons in St. Louis, Missouri.


U.S.-based food tech startup Yo-Kai Express expands partnerships with Japan
Published: 26-04-2021 | 13:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


SWARM Engineering startup raises $2.7m in seed funding led by S2G Ventures and Serra Ventures
Published: 16-04-2021 | 08:50:00 | By: Pie Kamau
SWARM Engineering, the next generation of cognitive software for the food supply chain, announced it closed funding for a $2.7 million seed round.


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.


Telecel Group launches applications for Africa startups accelerator programme
Published: 14-04-2021 | 15:47:19 | By: Bob Koigi
The Program helps startups achieve 18-24 months of growth in just three months. Now, the next generation of early-stage African tech startups disrupting a wide range of industry sectors are being sought.


Grow-NY startup business competition kicks off year 3
Published: 14-04-2021 | 10:20:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


Food Tech Studio - Bites! unveils 85 startups from across the world to participate in its innovation program
Published: 04-02-2021 | 15:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


Canadian tech startup Vegano disrupts meal-kit delivery services market
Published: 29-01-2021 | 14:47:42 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


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.


Food-tech startup CookUnity secures $15.5m in Series A funding for expansion
Published: 14-01-2021 | 10:48:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


[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.


Delivery Hero launches venture capital fund to drive innovation in food delivery
Published: 13-01-2021 | 14:25:01 | By: Bob Koigi
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
Published: 13-01-2021 | 12:40:00 | By: Pie Kamau
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.


[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.


Biotech startup TurtleTree Labs raises $6.2m in Pre-A funding round
Published: 17-12-2020 | 15:26:00 | By: Pie Kamau
TurtleTree Labs, a biotech company pioneering the method to produce milk using cell-based technology, announced the close of an oversubscribed $6.2 million Pre-A funding round from new and existing global investors.


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.


Plug and Play launches new office in Chicago, Illinois
Published: 11-12-2020 | 13:53:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Global innovation platform, Plug and Play, announced its newest location in Chicago, Illinois, to focus on connecting startups, corporations, and investors working on innovating the food and beverage industry.


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.


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.


Mondelēz International invests in Israel foodtech startup Torr
Published: 19-11-2020 | 13:38:33 | By: Bob Koigi
SnackFutures, Mondelēz International’s innovation and venture hub dedicated to unlocking emerging snacking opportunities around the world, has made a seed investment in Torr, an early stage Israeli Foodtech Company.


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.


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).


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.


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.


Dutch foodtech startup The Protein Brewery raises €22 million for expansion
Published: 07-11-2020 | 13:15:00 | By: Bob Koigi
The Protein Brewery, a Netherlands innovative developer of protein-rich food ingredients has announced that it has raised a €22 million Series A investment, bringing its total funding to date to € 26 million.


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.


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.


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.


Nufarm, German agritech startup CROP.ZONE partner for alternative weed control across European markets
Published: 22-10-2020 | 11:42:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Australian crop protection and specialty seed company Nufarm and the German agritech startup CROP.ZONE have partnered to launch Nufarm's and CROP.ZONE's hybrid herbicide solutions across major European markets.


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.


Rabobank unveils 45 food & agriculture startups selected for FoodBytes! Pitch 2020
Published: 07-10-2020 | 12:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Rabobank unveiled the 45 startups selected to participate in FoodBytes! Pitch 2020, its global food and ag startup discovery program that helps entrepreneurs scale their impact through mentorship and connections to corporate leaders and investors.


S2G Ventures, CDPQ announce funding for startups in sustainable food business
Published: 30-09-2020 | 15:55:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) and S2G Ventures (S2G) have announced creation of a co-investment partnership that will target ventures that aim to make the food and agriculture industry more sustainable.


Scrum Ventures launches Food Tech Studio - Bites!
Published: 30-09-2020 | 15:08:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Scrum Ventures announced the launch of Food Tech Studio - Bites!, a global community of stage-agnostic startups who share a common vision of solving key challenges plaguing food supply chain.


Dutch food tech startup Mosa Meat receives $55 million to expand operations
Published: 29-09-2020 | 16:03:52 | By: Bob Koigi
Mosa Meat, a Dutch food technology startup which introduced the world’s first cultured beef hamburger in 2013, announced the first closing of $55 million as part of a larger Series B funding round.


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.


German urban farming startup Infarm raises $170m to grow urban vertical farming network in the world
Published: 18-09-2020 | 13:22:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Infarm, German urban farming network announced $170 million investment raised in the first close of a Series C funding round expected to reach $200 million.


Delivery Hero buys Glovo’s Latin America operations at $272 million
Published: 18-09-2020 | 12:39:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Delivery Hero, the world’s local delivery platform, has entered into an agreement with Glovo, an on-demand delivery start-up, to acquire its operations in Latin America for up to €230 million.


Cellular agriculture startup Wildtype launches salmon in sushi restaurants
Published: 17-09-2020 | 12:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Cellular agriculture startup Wildtype has unveiled its latest cell-based salmon. This version is "sushi-grade" and crafted with the sushi industry's favorite raw salmon applications in mind.


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.


Chromologics raises €1.9m seed round to accelerate development of fermentation-derived next generation food colorants
Published: 01-09-2020 | 17:19:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Chromologics, which is developing innovative natural food colorants, announced it has raised €1.9 million in seed financing led by Novo Seeds and supported by Nordic FoodTech VC and Vækstfonden.


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