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Published: 06-04-2018 16:44:00 | By: Nico Scherphuis | hits: 3853896 | 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.


































Insurtech startup QuoteWell comes out of stealth, raises $15m Series A funding round
Published: 25-10-2023 | 12:00:00 | By: Pie Kamau
QuoteWell has announced the launch of its brokerage operations.


Dublin-based Kota raises €5m to enable employers to cover employees’ benefits
Published: 25-10-2023 | 10:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kota, an all-in-one platform to automate insurance, has raised €5m seed round.


German insurtech Getsafe acquires French startup Luko to expand its European presence
Published: 17-10-2023 | 13:09:09 | By: Pie Kamau
Getsafe has entered into an agreement to acquire French insurtech Luko.


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.


French insurtech startup Orus raises €11m funding to expand its services in Europe
Published: 11-10-2023 | 11:43:00 | By: Pie Kamau
French insurtech startup Orus has raised €11 million in Series A funding.


Insurtech startup Allium secures $750k funding to revolutionize insurance data analytics
Published: 04-10-2023 | 13:39:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Allium Data announced the close of $750k pre-seed funding round.


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.


Kayna insurtech raises €1m to revolutionize small business insurance
Published: 21-09-2023 | 12:56:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kayna insurtech has closed a €1m pre-seed funding round.


Kenyan insurtech startup Turaco acquires Ghana’s MicroEnsure
Published: 20-09-2023 | 12:57:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Turaco, the Kenyan insurtech startup, has acquired MicroEnsure Ghana from MIC Global.


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.


[Introducing Vouch Horizon] A new approach to insurance for scale-stage startups
Published: 01-09-2023 | 10:47:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Vouch, a pioneer in business insurance for VC-backed startups, unveils Vouch Horizon.


[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.


Irys Insurtech closes $3.5m seed round to take on legacy competitors
Published: 25-08-2023 | 11:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Irys Insurtech has closed a seed funding round of $3.5 million.


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.


Medicare startup MyPlanAdvocate acquires Eversurance to grow the health insurance market
Published: 17-08-2023 | 13:02:00 | By: Pie Kamau
MyPlanAdvocate (MPA), has announced the acquisition of Eversurance.


Berlin-based insurtech startup SureIn closes €4m designed for Europe's SMBs
Published: 15-08-2023 | 11:00:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Berlin-based insurtech startup SureIn has closed a €4 million Seed round.


Functional Finance raises $8m to expand operational efficiency for the insurance industry
Published: 07-08-2023 | 14:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Insurtech startup Functional Finance secures $8m in seed capital.


[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.


Startupbootcamp AfriTech opens cohort 4 of its ASIP accelerator program
Published: 17-07-2023 | 10:24:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Startupbootcamp AfriTech has opened applications its ASIP accelerator program.


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.


1Fort raises $2m to automate and simplify cyber insurance for businesses
Published: 28-06-2023 | 10:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
1Fort has completed a successful $2 million pre-seed round financing.


Federato raises $25m Series B funding to continue catalyzing insurance's "AI moment"
Published: 27-06-2023 | 18:03:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Federato has raised $25 million in Series B funding led by Caffeinated Capital.


Chatbots with fraud detection software are revolutionizing underwriting, Plug and Play
Published: 14-06-2023 | 16:38:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Chatbots are dramatically reshaping the insurance industry.


[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.


Web3 and the rise of the digital asset investor, Plug and Play
Published: 07-06-2023 | 15:23:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Web3 is a more decentralized system for sharing data and managing digital assets.


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.


Travel insurtech startup Faye lands $10m Series A funding
Published: 26-05-2023 | 10:48:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Travel insurance startup Faye, announced it has raised $10 million in Series A funding.


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.


Five tech startups join Northwestern Mutual Black Founder Accelerator program
Published: 05-05-2023 | 16:51:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Northwestern Mutual, in partnership with gener8tor, announced the addition of five promising tech startups to its innovative Black Founder Accelerator program.


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.


Insurtech startup Turaco and Airtel Money launch low-cost hospital cash insurance product in Uganda
Published: 23-03-2023 | 12:06:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenyan and Ugandan insurtech startup Turaco, has partnered with Airtel Mobile and Prudential Assurance to launch a low-cost hospital cash insurance product with Funeral Benefit. 


[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.


Hong Kong insurtech startup Bowtie appoints James Lau as Independent Non-Executive Director
Published: 02-03-2023 | 09:58:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Bowtie, Hong Kong’s first virtual insurer, announced the appointment of James Lau to its Board of Directors as an Independent Non-Executive Director.


Hong Kong insurtech startup Bowtie revolutionalizes traditional insurance industry with technology
Published: 28-02-2023 | 12:44:00 | By: Pie Kamau
In today’s digital age, many industries have begun to introduce emerging technologies to develop innovative services. The transformation and upgrading of the insurance industry is also in full swing.


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.


Insurtech startup Lami joins forces with Unchorlight to provide insurance covers for Boda Boda riders in Kenya
Published: 17-02-2023 | 07:59:18 | By: Pie Kamau
Digital insurance provider Lami Technologies is partnering with Unchorlight Kenya (UNK), to provide boda boda riders in the country with access to suitable and reliable insurance covers. 


Insurtech startup OpenEyes emerges from stealth with $23m Series A funding
Published: 15-02-2023 | 14:14:00 | By: Pie Kamau
OpenEyes, an insurtech company serving commercial automotive fleets, today emerged from stealth with $18 million in Series A funding led by global software investor Insight Partners and Pitango First.


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.


RIMAC Seguros joins Plug and Play's health platform in Silicon Valley
Published: 25-01-2023 | 10:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
RIMAC Seguros, an insurance company in Peru with 3 million customers, has entered into a strategic partnership with Plug and Play Tech Center, the world's corporate innovation platform based in Silicon Valley.


Business-focused insurtech Coverdash announces launch after oversubscribed seed round
Published: 24-01-2023 | 12:37:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Coverdash, a fully-digital business insurance startup providing simplified insurance solutions to businesses of all shapes and sizes, announced the company's official launch and the closing of an oversubscribed seed funding round.


5 key insurance industry trends in EMEA region according to Plug and Play
Published: 23-01-2023 | 13:50:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Insurance industry trends over the past year have been significant, especially across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.


Insurance provider Vouch acquires lending startup Level to scale tech-driven underwriting systems
Published: 12-01-2023 | 08:42:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Vouch, an insurance provider re-thinking business insurance for the technology industry, announced it has acquired lending startup Level and its team of engineers.


Philly-based insurtech startup Propeller Bonds raises $6.4m seed funding to accelerate growth
Published: 11-01-2023 | 10:00:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Philly-based insurtech Propeller, announced it has raised $6.4 million in seed funding led by a consortium of industry partners.


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.


Insurtech startup Surround Insurance raises $2.5m seed round to help cconsumers navigate life’s transitions
Published: 25-11-2022 | 08:59:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Insurtech startup Surround Insurance announced that it has closed a $2.5 million seed round led by MassMutual through the MM Catalyst Fund.


Vouch partners with Capsule to support startups internationally
Published: 10-11-2022 | 14:11:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Capsule, a specialist insurance provider to high-growth companies in the UK, announced a partnership with Vouch, a San Francisco-based insurance platform that provides business insurance for high-growth technology startups in the US.


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.


Intelligent digital coworkers startup Roots Automation raises $10m Series A funding round to accelerate growth
Published: 04-11-2022 | 09:11:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Roots Automation, the creator of advanced, intelligent Digital Coworkers for the insurance industry, announced the closing of $10 million in a Series A round of funding.


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.


Insurtech Otonomi raises $3.4m to build a first-to-market blockchain-powered parametric cargo platform
Published: 19-10-2022 | 11:02:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Insurtech startup Otonomi announced it has closed a $3.4 million oversubscribed funding round, to build a first-to-market blockchain-powered parametric cargo platform.


Cyber insurance startup Elpha Secure startup raises $20 million funding to boost offerings
Published: 11-10-2022 | 14:14:16 | By: Bob Koigi
The funding round will help drive business growth across broker networks and evolve Elpha Secure’s product features to better equip small and midsize businesses to defend against cyberattacks and their consequences with end-to-end protection and response.


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.


Capacity trading startup Stere closes $5m seed to expand tech-driven solutions for the insurance sector
Published: 26-09-2022 | 15:42:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Stere, a capacity trading platform specializing in capacity sourcing and unique digital capabilities for embedded insurance partners and MGAs, announced it has closed a $5 million funding round.


Kenyan agricultural insurtech startup Pula appoints Michael Joseph as Board Chair
Published: 22-09-2022 | 10:28:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Former Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph has been appointed as Board Chair of a Kenyan agricultural insurtech startup Pula.


Kenyan insurtech startup Turaco secures $10m funding to drive insurance adoption
Published: 16-09-2022 | 09:58:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Turaco, the insurtech driving mass market insurance adoption, has announced the close of a $10 million Series A equity round led by AfricInvest, via the Cathay Africinvest Innovation Fund.


Missouri-based insurtech startup iCover raises $5m pre-Series A funding to accelerate growth
Published: 06-09-2022 | 12:18:00 | By: Pie Kamau
iCover, a Missouri-based insurtech startup that provides an algorithmic underwriting and QUI based eApp Service for life insurance companies, raised $5 million in pre-Series A funding. 


FMO partners with SBC AfriTech to support next generation of early-stage African tech startups
Published: 30-08-2022 | 13:28:00 | By: Pie Kamau
FMO has partnered with a pan-African tech accelerator, Startupbootcamp (SBC) AfriTech, for the third installment of the Africa Startup Initiative Accelerator Program which is designed to scout skill and scale early-stage tech startups in Africa.


Insurtech startup Ledgebrook raises $4.2m to provide best-in-class quoting experience to wholesale brokers
Published: 17-08-2022 | 15:28:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Ledgebrook, a Boston-based insurtech startup, announced it raised $4.2 million in seed funding to build out its operations with the goal of writing its first policies in Q4 2022.


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.


Kenyan insurtech startup Lami Technologies raises $3.7m to expand across Africa
Published: 05-08-2022 | 11:40:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenya-based insurtech startup Lami Technologies has raised a $ 3.7 million seed extension to expand its insurtech product across Africa.


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.


French insurtech startup Orus raises €5m to reinvent professional insurance for SMEs
Published: 20-07-2022 | 10:29:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Orus, the insurtech company for small businesses, announced it has raised €5 million from Frst, Partech, Portage Ventures and around twenty business angels.


Insurtech startup Spot raises $33m funding to ramp up partnerships, offer affordable coverage for customers
Published: 30-06-2022 | 14:50:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Spot, the tech startup offering on-demand injury insurance, announced it has raised $33 million in funding, including $25 million in equity and $8 million in debt.


Kenyan insurtech startup mTek secures $3m funding for expansion across the country
Published: 21-06-2022 | 14:06:00 | By: Pie Kamau
On the heels of a recent $1.50 million (KSh 170 million) investment, Kenyan insurtech startup mTek has secured an additional $3 million (KSh 340 million) investment, through both debt and equity from African-focused fintech platform, Finclusion Group.


Insurtech startup INSTANDA raises $45m to fund its next phase of growth
Published: 20-06-2022 | 12:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
INSTANDA, the no-code core insurance platform provider has announced the closing of its $45 million fundraising led by Toscafund, one of Europe’s leading Growth Equity investment firms for financial services companies.


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.


Insurtech startup ETAP secures $1.5m pre-seed funding to drive car insurance penetration in Africa
Published: 26-04-2022 | 11:55:00 | By: Pie Kamau
ETAP, an insurtech startup that makes it easier to buy and claim insurance, has secured $1.5 million in pre-seed funding to grow its team and drive the adoption of much-needed car insurance across Africa.


U.S. insurtech startup Honeycomb gains approval to write policies in Wisconsin
Published: 14-04-2022 | 11:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance has given insurtech startup Honeycomb approval to write policies statewide.


Latinx insurtech startup Sigo Seguros raises $5.4m seed funding to accelerate growth
Published: 08-04-2022 | 14:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Sigo Seguros, the insurtech startup determined to close the insurance gap within Latinx and immigrant communities, announced it has raised $5.4 million in its seed funding round, co-led by Listen Ventures and Chingona Ventures.


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.


NSI Insurance Group acquires majority stake in insurtech startup HoneyQuote
Published: 23-03-2022 | 16:03:51 | By: Bob Koigi
HoneyQuote’s machine learning algorithm matches users with property insurance carriers in real-time. Its proprietary search engine allows consumers to shop and purchase homeowners' insurance online.


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.


Insurance startup Asteya launches new product offering on its technology-first platform
Published: 16-03-2022 | 11:28:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Asteya, an income insurance technology company whose mission is to provide financial health and wellbeing by transforming the income insurance space, announced the launch of its additional product offering, Accidental Death.


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.


German investor CommerzVentures closes €300m third fund to support European fintech and insurtech startups
Published: 01-03-2022 | 12:52:00 | By: Pie Kamau
CommerzVentures, the specialist fintech investor, announced its third €300m fund, to go towards supporting early and growth-stage companies in the fintech and insurtech sectors.


Insurtech startup ennabl raises $4m to transform insurance brokerage
Published: 21-02-2022 | 14:48:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Insurtech trailblazer ennabl has secured a $4 million seed round investment. Led by Vine Ventures with additional private participants, this investment will be used to expand the company's platform.


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.


Casava secures $4m pre-seed funding to provide micro insurance for millions of Nigerians
Published: 04-02-2022 | 09:41:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Casava, Nigeria's digital insurance company has secured $4 million in pre-seed funding to provide affordable and accessible insurance products for millions of Nigerians.


Kenyan insurtech startup Lami acquires Bluewave Insurance Agency
Published: 04-02-2022 | 09:33:06 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenyan insurtech startup Lami Technologies has acquired Bluewave Insurance Agency, another Kenyan-based insurtech startup, for an undisclosed amount.


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.


F-Prime Capital launches F-Prime Fintech Index to track the performance of disruptive fintech startups
Published: 01-02-2022 | 13:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
F-Prime Capital announced the launch of The F-Prime Fintech Index, designed to track the performance of disruptive fintech companies enabling the delivery of core financial services across payments.


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.


Horizon Technology Finance leads $50m venture loan facility to fintech and insurtech startup, Autonomy
Published: 25-01-2022 | 15:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Horizon Technology Finance Corporation announced it led a $50 million venture loan facility to Autonomy, a completely digital mobility offering that provides consumers with an affordable way to get access to a vehicle without long-term debt.


U.S. and Israel-based insurtech startup Honeycomb raises $15.4m Series A round
Published: 24-01-2022 | 15:39:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Insurtech startup Honeycomb announced it has raised $15.4 million in a Series A funding round led by Ibex Investors.


[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.


Kenyan ride-hailing startup MARAMOJA opens its API to fintechs and insurtechs
Published: 13-01-2022 | 11:14:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenya's ride-hailing platform MARAMOJA Transport has opened its API to local fintechs and Insurtechs. Through a new partnership with Switchlink Africa, service providers will be able to connect with MARAMOJA's drivers and customers.


Nashville-based worker’s compensation startup InsurePay secures Series B investment, buys Split Limit Studios
Published: 12-01-2022 | 11:48:00 | By: Pie Kamau
InsurePay, an Insuretech Property and Casualty (P&C) billing and payments platform, including workers' compensation insurance premium billing and payments has secured a Series B investment.


Kenyan smallholder farmers insulated from weather vagaries by picture-based insurance
Published: 14-12-2021 | 12:00:00 | By: Bob Koigi
A climate-smart crop insurance scheme introduced in Kenya has come to their rescue by combining satellite data and smartphone imagery to provide farmers with much needed protection.


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.


Heritage enters strategic partnership with insurtech startup Slide to accelerate growth
Published: 30-11-2021 | 13:40:22 | By: Pie Kamau
Heritage Insurance, a super-regional property and casualty insurance holding company, announced it has entered into a strategic partnership with Slide, a startup InsurTech P&C carrier led by Bruce Lucas, Heritage's former Chairman and CEO.


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.


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.


Israeli startup EasySend raises $55.5m to help enterprises build, maintain digital customer journeys with its no-code platform
Published: 17-11-2021 | 11:41:00 | By: Pie Kamau
EasySend, a no-code digital customer journey platform announced a $50.5 million Series B funding round led by Oak HC/FT. Existing investors Vertex IL, Intel Capital, and Hanaco Venture also participated in the round.


BrokerTech Ventures accelerator opens for 2022 cohort applications
Published: 16-11-2021 | 12:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
BrokerTech Ventures (BTV), the industry's first broker-led convening platform and accelerator program focused on delivering innovation to the insurance broker industry, has opened the application window for its 2022 BrokerTech Ventures Accelerator program.


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.


London-based insurtech startup Collective Benefits announces $10m investment from Prosus
Published: 03-11-2021 | 12:31:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Collective Benefits, an insurance and benefits marketplace for independent workers, announced a $10 million investment from Prosus Ventures, the venture investing arm of Prosus, one of technology investors in the world.


Mployer Advisor secures $1.6 million funding to transform insurance broker marketplace
Published: 02-11-2021 | 15:26:20 | By: Bob Koigi
This new round of funding will enable Mployer Advisor to deploy new features on its platform, hire additional leadership roles and expand its insurance broker and carrier network.


Kenyan fintech startup Kwara partners with Lami Technologies to give SACCO members access to insurance products
Published: 02-11-2021 | 12:18:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenyan digital banking fintech startup Kwara has partnered with insurance technology company, Lami Technologies, to provide SACCO members with affordable and transformational insurance products.


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.


Insurance startup Branch partners with SimpliSafe to offer proactive protection, affordable home ssecurity to its members
Published: 15-10-2021 | 11:43:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Branch, the startup that pioneered instantly-bundled home and auto insurance, announced a partnership with SimpliSafe, maker of security systems, to offer its members significant discounts on their home insurance.


Insurtech startup VOOM raises $15m to provide usage-based insurance to underserved mobility segments
Published: 05-10-2021 | 16:17:00 | By: Pie Kamau
VOOM, creators of innovative insurance products for underserved mobility segments, announced $15 million in funding to expand its usage-based insurance model to additional mobility verticals.


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.


Insurtech startup NEXT Insurance renews commitment to small businesses with integrated strategic rebrand
Published: 16-09-2021 | 12:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
NEXT Insurance, the digital insurtech company transforming small business insurance, announced its strategic rebrand which will integrate small business owners from across the country into every part of the company's business, culture and ethos.


Israeli insurtech startup Vesttoo joins NVIDIA Inception to further develop AI-based technologies
Published: 07-09-2021 | 15:38:30 | By: Pie Kamau
Israeli insurtech startup Vesttoo announced it has joined NVIDIA Inception, a program designed to nurture companies revolutionizing industries with advancements in AI and data sciences.


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.


Insurtech startup Slope Software raises $2m to grow its actuarial modeling platform
Published: 31-08-2021 | 13:23:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Slope Software, the Atlanta insurtech startup that is modernizing actuarial modeling for insurers, announced a $2.0 million investment led by Tech Square Ventures, an early-stage investment firm.


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.


Autonomous vehicle insurtech startup Koop Technologies raises $2.5m seed round
Published: 24-08-2021 | 15:22:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Koop Technologies, an insurance technology startup specializing in autonomous vehicle and robotics risks announced its $2.5 million seed funding.


[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.


Insurtech startup NEXT Insurance participates in Amazon Insurance Accelerator to provide access to affordable General Liability coverage
Published: 10-08-2021 | 11:47:00 | By: Pie Kamau
NEXT Insurance, the digital insurtech company transforming small business insurance, announced it is participating in Amazon Insurance Accelerator, providing Amazon sellers looking to buy insurance with instant quotes at competitive rates.


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.


Hong Kong-based insurtech startup YAS MicroInsurance features in TOP 10 of Plug and Play Insurtech Batch 5 startups
Published: 22-07-2021 | 11:55:14 | By: Pie Kamau
Hong Kong-based next-generation Insurtech startup YAS MicroInsurance, has been featured as one of the TOP 10 of the Insurtech Batch 5 in Plug and Play APAC, a well-known global startups accelerator and innovation platform.


BimaLab accelerator programme launches to support Insurtech startups in Kenya
Published: 22-07-2021 | 11:41:25 | By: Pie Kamau
FSD Africa, the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) and Tellistic Technology Services have launched BimaLab, a KES 5.3 million accelerator programme designed to support insurance startups in Kenya.


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.


Kenyan insurtech startups benefit from IRA, Prudential innovation hub
Published: 22-06-2021 | 12:29:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Three Kenyan insurtech startups each received Ksh 1.25 million in cash awards from an innovation hub steered by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) in collaboration with Prudential Life Assurance and other partners, to promote insurance inclusivity.


Plug and Play Japan selects 91 Startups for its Summer/Fall 2021 Batch
Published: 01-06-2021 | 11:28:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Global Innovation Platform, Plug and Play Japan has selected 91 Japanese and international startups into its Summer/Fall 2021 Batch, which will be carried out from June to September 2021.


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.


B2B insurtech startup Boost raises $20m Series B to enhance insurance market accessibility
Published: 21-05-2021 | 13:09:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Boost Insurance, the B2B digital insurance platform, announced the completion of a $20 million Series B financing round to fuel growth of its platform, new product development and partner marketing.


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.


HONK supports insurance startup Branch with digitally-driven roadside assistance solutions
Published: 12-05-2021 | 12:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
HONK Technologies, the digital platform connecting drivers and towing professionals, announced it is supporting Branch, the startup that pioneered bundling home and auto insurance online.


Kenyan insurtech startup Lami Technologies raises $1.8m in seed funding
Published: 06-05-2021 | 10:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Lami Technologies, a Kenyan insurance technology (insurtech) company that aims to democratize insurance products and services for low-income Kenyans, has raised $1.8 million in seed funding.


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.


Insurtech startup Branch Insurance expands home and auto coverage to Colorado and Oklahoma States
Published: 29-04-2021 | 10:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Branch Insurance, the startup that pioneered bundling home and auto insurance online, announced its expansion to Colorado and Oklahoma States.


Detroit-based fintech startup Signal Advisors raises $16m to build end-to-end platform for independent financial advisors
Published: 27-04-2021 | 11:06:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Signal Advisors, a tech-enabled distributor of annuities and life insurance, announced a $10 million Series A led by General Catalyst, which closed in December 2020.


Plug and Play Korea launches in Seoul
Published: 27-04-2021 | 10:20:47 | By: Pie Kamau
Global innovation platform, Plug and Play, announced the launch of its new office in Seoul, Korea, to primarily focus on corporate innovation in the areas of Financial Services and Smart Cities and expects to expand to other industries in the future.


Insurtech startup Brella raises $15m Series A for national expansion of supplemental health insurance solution
Published: 26-04-2021 | 14:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Brella Insurance announced it has raised a $15 million Series A funding round led by Brewer Lane Ventures to bring Brella's modern supplemental health solution to employers nationwide.


Insurtech startup OKO raises $1.2m to bring innovative insurance to smallholder farmers across Africa
Published: 23-04-2021 | 09:21:00 | By: Pie Kamau
OKO, an insurtech startup that provides inclusive agricultural insurance to secure farmers’ income across Africa, closed a seed investment round of $1.2 million, led by Newfund and ResiliAnce.


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.


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.


Plug and Play selects 154 startups for the Summer 2021 Batches
Published: 02-04-2021 | 10:31:34 | By: Bob Koigi
During the three months of the program, the selected startups will participate virtually in networking events, mentor sessions, focus weeks, and private dealflow sessions.


Insurtech startup Curacel secures $450K pre-seed funding to drive insurance inclusion in Africa
Published: 30-03-2021 | 12:53:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Curacel, an AI-powered platform for claims processing and fraud management in Africa, raised a $450,000 pre-seed funding in a round led by Atlantica Ventures and Consonance.


Plug and Play adds NJM Insurance to its growing network of insurtech corporate partners
Published: 19-03-2021 | 12:38:05 | By: Pie Kamau
Plug and Play, the global innovation platform for corporations and startups, is adding NJM Insurance Group (NJM), a property and casualty insurer in the Mid-Atlantic region, to its growing network of insurtech corporate partners.


Venture Noire launches new cohort program following $1.3m grant from Walton Family Foundation
Published: 17-03-2021 | 14:40:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Venture Noire, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Black and minority entrepreneurs, announced the recipient of a multi-year grant from the Walton Family Foundation for a second consecutive year, totaling $1.3 million.


BrokerTech Ventures adds Zurich North America to its premiere agency and insurance company portfolio
Published: 16-03-2021 | 14:15:54 | By: Pie Kamau
BrokerTech Ventures (BTV), the industry's first broker-led convening platform and accelerator program, announced the addition of its newest carrier, Zurich North America, to the platform.


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.


Insurtech startup Zelros raises $11m Series A funding to bring AI-powered responsible insurance distribution to North America
Published: 25-02-2021 | 08:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Zelros, the industry's first AI-driven platform dedicated to advancing insurance distribution, announced the successful close of an $11 mllion Series A financing round, bringing the company's total funding to date to $16.5 million.


Insurtech startup InsurePay secures $5m Series A investment round to accelerate growth
Published: 18-02-2021 | 09:30:00 | By: Pie Kamau
InsurePay, a workers' compensation administration and insurance premium billing platform for insurance providers, announced it has completed a $5 million Series A round of financing.


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.


WNS partners with insurtech startup By Miles for the world’s first connected car insurance
Published: 17-02-2021 | 14:42:27 | By: Bob Koigi
WNS Assistance has announced a new partnership with By Miles, an insurtech startup and motor Managing General Agent (MGA), to manage claims for a first-of-its-kind connected car insurance policy using the real-time data of the vehicle.


Insurtech startup TrustLayer raises $6.6m to expand its insurance verification and compliance platform
Published: 15-02-2021 | 16:08:00 | By: Pie Kamau
TrustLayer, the collaborative risk management platform, announced it has completed a $6.6 million seed round of financing.


Nationwide doubles down on venture capital efforts, expands investment fund to $350m
Published: 12-02-2021 | 10:58:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nationwide announced the expansion of its venture capital investment fund to $350 million, to be directed into high-growth potential insurance and financial services startups that directly advance Nationwide's strategy.


Insurtech startup Marble secures $2.5m seed round, launches first digital wallet and rewards for insurance
Published: 11-02-2021 | 10:17:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Marble, the first digital wallet and loyalty platform for insurance, announced $2.5 million in seed round funding.


Gentem Health startup closes $10m Series A financing to streamline and accelerate insurance reimbursements
Published: 10-02-2021 | 12:36:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Gentem Health, a Silicon Valley-startup focused on helping private practices thrive financially, raised a $10 million Series A financing round, bringing total investment to $13.7 million.


Plug and Play invests in Israeli insurtech startup Vesttoo
Published: 10-02-2021 | 12:17:10 | By: Pie Kamau
Plug and Play, the global innovation platform that has funded companies such as Dropbox, PayPal and N26, has joined Vesttoo as a shareholder through an equity investment.


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.


Insurtech startup Joshu raises $3.7m seed round to digitize and modernize commercial insurance
Published: 27-01-2021 | 09:08:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Joshu, an insurtech company that helps insurance carriers launch online distribution channels, announced it closed $3.7 million in seed funding led by Blumberg Capital.


Arbol closes Series A raise, adds Mubadala Capital Ventures to its investment group
Published: 20-01-2021 | 10:46:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Insurtech platform Arbol Inc. announced it has closed its Series A fundraising round with commitments totaling nearly $7 million. Arbol's Series A round was oversubscribed and completed at a significant increase in valuation from its initial seed round.


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.


InsurTech NY announces global Early-Stage InsurTech Competition 2021
Published: 07-01-2021 | 11:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
InsurTech NY has opened the application window for its annual 2021 InsurTech Early-Stage Competition, to award $200,000 in prizes to three winning teams. Startups will compete for the title of the company with the most commercial potential.


[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.


Healthcare startup Centivo raises $34m to help employers deliver affordable, high-quality healthcare to their employees
Published: 08-12-2020 | 13:36:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Centivo, a new type of digital health plan that is built to save 15% or more compared with traditional insurance carriers and is easy to use for employers and employees, announced it has raised $34 million in Series B funding.


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.


Cinch Home Services partners with insurance technology startup GloveBox to simplify home management
Published: 04-12-2020 | 13:37:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Cinch Home Services (Cinch), provider of home service solutions, has partnered with GloveBox, an insurance technology that allows policyholders to manage all of their insurance in a single, centralized digital 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.


Plug and Play Japan selects 103 startups for its Winter/Spring 2021 Batch accelerator program
Published: 03-12-2020 | 14:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Plug and Play Japan has selected 103 startups in IoT, Fintech, Insurtech, Mobility, Brand & Retail, Hardtech & Health, and newly launched vertical, Smart Cities, for the Winter/Spring 2021 Batch accelerator program.


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.


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.


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.


BrokerTech Ventures accelerator opens for 2021 cohort applications
Published: 29-10-2020 | 12:29:55 | By: Pie Kamau
BrokerTech Ventures, first broker-led convening platform and accelerator focused on delivering innovation to the insurance broker industry, has opened the application window for its 2021 BrokerTech Ventures Accelerator program.


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.


Insurtech startup Next Insurance and Intuit QuickBooks integrate to provide seamless coverage for small businesses
Published: 26-10-2020 | 16:35:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Next Insurance, digital insurtech company transforming small business insurance and Intuit have teamed up to simplify the insurance purchasing process for millions of small businesses.


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