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Kenyan green entrepreneurs mark Day of Zero Waste with festival
The Fest culminated a week-long digital campaign dubbed #BeatPlasticPollution aimed at addressing the plastic pollution menace in Mombasa.
[Kenya] Livestock sector players review investment opportunities, challenges in unique forum
With the demand for livestock products projected to grow by up to 50% by 2030, there’s a clear opportunity for strategic investments to drive growth and innovation in the sector.
Kenya startups raised the highest amount of funding in Africa in 2023, report
For some time now, Nigeria has always received the biggest share of startup investments, however, in 2023, Kenya overtook the West African country, gaining the highest amount of tech funds on the continent.
EIB Global announces $30 million investment in Seedstars Africa Ventures I, a VC fund for African entrepreneurs
Innovative businesses and start-ups across Africa will benefit from better access to risk capital thanks to a US$30 million equity investment by EIB Global in the Seedstars Africa Ventures I venture capital fund.
Kenyan climate tech startup Amini raises $4 million seed funding raises to accelerate growth into new sectors
Amini’s successful raise follows a $2 million pre-seed funding round that closed in March 2023. The pre-seed round was led by Pale Blue Dot, backed by Superorganism who also participated in this seed round alongside new investors such as Satgana.
[Kenya] Mombasa innovators showcase green innovations during the royal visit
Mombasa’s young innovators addressing marine plastic pollution caught the attention of King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their royal visit to Kenya.
[Column] Christopher Saul: Kenya’s AI revolution can happen with the IT you already have
AI is set to become the most prolific and impactful technology trend in the world.
STHL East Africa bets on demand for power tools to grow revenues
German power tools manufacturer, STIHL East Africa, has reported a significant increase in revenue in its first year of operation since upgrading its marketing office to a fully-fledged sales subsidiary.
Lipa Later announces close of Sh500 million privately placed debt issuance
According to the company, the journey to empower Kenyan consumers with convenient and accessible financing options has been met with enthusiasm from customers and the private capital markets.
Kenyan insurtech startup Turaco acquires Ghana’s MicroEnsure
Turaco, the Kenyan insurtech startup, has acquired MicroEnsure Ghana from MIC Global.
Five Kenyan cleantech startups selected for JICA’s Project NINJA accelerator
Five Kenyan cleantech startups have been selected for the 3rd cohort of JICA.
STIHL East Africa set to introduce battered powered products
STIHL East Africa has announced plans to introduce battery powered products in the East African Market as the firm celebrates its one year anniversary in the region.
The place of Kenyan startups in growing the medtech sector
Investment in the medical devices segment of Africa’s startup space has the potential to hit $259 billion by 2030. Currently, the sector has attracted $500 million in investments.
Kenyan healthtech startup Zuri Health secures additional investment from Marula Square
Zuri Health has secured additional investment from Marula Square.
Safaricom Shareholders approve two new subsidiaries to invest in Kenyan tech start-ups
These significant developments, approved at Safaricom’s 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM), represent a momentous step towards supporting tech entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and fortifying Safaricom's role as a key enabler of the Kenyan tech community.
Kenyan households bet on food MSEs for affordable meals
An estimated 60 per cent of rural and urban Kenyan households access their daily meals from micro/small enterprises (MSEs) at local markets.
Kenyan healthtech startup Zuri Health raises undisclosed funding from Five35 Ventures
Kenyan healthtech startup Zuri Health has raised an undisclosed amount of funding.
Kenyan agritech startup Kyosk acquires KwikBasket, expands into fresh produce market
Kenyan agritech startup Kyosk, is expanding into the African fresh produce market.
Kenyan e-Health startup MYDAWA raises $20m funding from Alta Semper Capital
MYDAWA has received $20m capital injection from private equity investor.
Kenyan fashion e-Commerce startup ShopZetu raises pre-seed funding to fuel growth of its marketplace
Kenyan fashion e-Commerce startup ShopZetu has raised $1m pre-seed funding.
Kenyan startup MESH grows to reach 150,000 young entrepreneurs
Kenyan startup MESH, announced it has reached 150,000 members.
Kenyan mobility startup Stima secures €100k investment
Stima Mobility has secured €100,000 investment from DEG Impulse.
[Column] Patrick Ndegwa: Journey to the centre of the cloud; why Kenya should store data locally
Kenyan businesses are migrating to the cloud en masse.
[Interview] Caroline Mutuku, General Manager, Glovo, Kenya
Caroline Mutuku is Kenya's General Manager of multi-category app Glovo.
Fintech firm LemFi expands diaspora remittance services to Kenya
LemFi announced it has formally launched its diaspora remittance services in Kenya.
[Kenya] Entrepreneurs tackling marine plastics problems feted
The awards, which showcased the most effective solutions to tackle Mombasa’s marine plastics problem, were the culmination of a six-month initiative funded by USAID and Global Affairs Canada.
[Column] Mukesh Bector: A simple place to start if you’re lagging on digital transformation
Digital transformation: we’ve all heard the phrase a thousand times.
Nigeria's regtech startup Youverify launches its full cycle compliance solutions in Kenya
Youverify has officially entered the Kenyan market.
[Column] Joanne Mwangi – Yelbert: Entice more women in tech to bridge skills gap and bolster growth
Incredible improvements in tech are rapidly reshaping our world.
STIHL EA to invest Sh100 million to boost local manufacturing
Power tools manufacturer STIHL East Africa has announced it will invest Sh100 million in local accessories manufacturing every year as it seeks to localise its product development in the region.
Kenya's B2B e-Commerce startup Wasoko expands to Zambia
Wasoko has revealed plans to invest over $1 million in Zambia. The B2B retail and e-Commerce made this announcement while announcing its official entry into the Southern African country.
Nigerian fintech startup Grey expands into Kenya
Nigerian fintech startup Grey has picked Kenya as its East African Hub as it expands operations in the largest economy in the East African Community.
Mobile app points Ugandan stakeholders to reliable fisheries data
Trained data collectors consult with fishers to update the easy-to-use app with data such as fish catch quantity, type of fishing nets and boats used, and how much money the fishers expect to earn.
The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council appoints Elgon Kenya MD for advisory role
The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, CWEIC, has selected agro input company Elgon Kenya as its strategic partner and appointed its Managing Director Dr. Bimal Kantaria to its global advisory council.
GRASP fellowship invests in African women researchers
The Kenyan women, and others selected for the GRASP Fellowship, are set to participate in a series of interventions, including leadership and mentoring training, designed to enable them to become more effective policy practitioners
Factor[e] Ventures launches a new venture studio to transform the African startup ecosystem
Delta40 focuses on technology-driven energy, agriculture, and mobility ventures led by diverse, experienced founders.
Insurtech startup Turaco and Airtel Money launch low-cost hospital cash insurance product in Uganda
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] Veerakumar Natarajan: How tech can help stimulate micro economies
Technological progression plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth. A lack of access to technology can hinder local economies, particularly in developing countries such as Kenya and other African nations.
[Column] Didi Onwu: Understanding youth entrepreneurship in Kenya - why fintech is an attractive sector
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.
Elgon Kenya partners with Ministry of Agriculture to reward young farmers
Agro input company Elgon Kenya has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Education to reward pupils and their teachers for participating in food production in a wider scheme that seeks to motivate school going children into farming.
[Interview] Mikhail Marchenko, Co-founder, JuicyScore, Kenya
Mikhail Marchenko is the Co-founder of JuicyScore, which recently launched its operations in Kenya. JuicyScore offers anti-fraud and risk management solutions to digital lenders, insurance companies, e-commerce and classifieds.
CcHUB launches $15m accelerator for edtech startups in Kenya and Nigeria
Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), touted as Africa’s largest innovation and incubation hub, announced it is launching a $15 million accelerator program for targeting edtech startups.
Insurtech startup Lami joins forces with Unchorlight to provide insurance covers for Boda Boda riders in Kenya
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.
Kenyan fintech startup Power Financial raises $3m seed funding to accelerate growth
Power Financial Wellness, a Kenyan fintech startup that seeks to advance the financial well-being of its customers has secured a $3 million seed funding.
Mombasa Plastic Prize selects 60 Kenyan innovators to tackle plastic pollution along the coastline
Aged 18-25, the finalists are grouped into 15 teams and are now in a race to be one of the top three teams to win over KES 7 million of cash prizes. The first-place team will take home KES 3.5 million.
Africa’s mobility startup eWaka secures $540K loan from SECO to accelerate growth
Kenyan mobility solutions provider eWaka has secured a $540K loan from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of the Swiss Confederation.
Kenyan government drops fraud charges against Nigerian fintech Flutterwave
The Kenyan government has dropped charges of financial impropriety against Flutterwave, according to a new report by Bloomberg.
Kenyan rural Internet Service Provider Mawingu raises $9m to scale its operations across the country
Rural Internet Service Provider (ISP), Mawingu has raised $9 million in Series B funding to scale its operations across Kenya.
[Startup Interview] Don Okoth, General Manager, Sendy, Kenya
Don Okoth is General Manager for Kenyan Fulfillment and Logistics startup Sendy. In this interview, he talks about the current state of logistics in Kenya and beyond, including Sendy's role in shaping the industry.
Kenyan healthtech startup Zuri Health raises funding to expand across Africa
Kenyan healthtech startup Zuri Health announced it has raised an undisclosed amount of funding from Moroccan VC UM6P Ventures. The funds will be used to support Zuri’s growth and expansion across Africa.
Workstyle Africa and SNDBX launch entrepreneurship centers in East Africa
Serviced office space provider, Workstyle Africa, has partnered with SNDBX International, a business growth ecosystem, to open five one-stop-shop entrepreneurship centres and workspaces in East Africa.
Mobility startup BasiGo and AVA to assemble 1,000 electric buses in Kenya
BasiGo, the Kenyan-based electric manufacturer has partnered with the Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA), to assemble its buses in the country.
Kenyan fintech startup Kwara raises $3m seed extension
Kenyan fintech startup Kwara has raised a $3 million seed extension. The new investment was led by existing backers DOB Equity, Globivest and the founder of Kobalt Music.
Maven Mentorship programme to equip teenagers with skills for the future
Former Principal Executive Director at Britam PLC Stephen Wandera has launched a mentorship programme aimed at equipping teenagers with the necessary skills to be prepared for the future.
Kenya to host sixth edition of continental agriculture expo
Kenya will host the 6th edition of Africa Agri Expo in February 2023 , endorsed by Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development aimed at bringing the entire agricultural value chain under one roof.
The Kenya Trade Network Agency launches trade facilitation tool
The Trade Facilitation Platform facilitates trade in Kenya by reducing delays and lowering costs associated with clearance of goods at the Kenyan borders, while maintaining the requisite controls and collection of levies, fee and duties, where applicable, on imports and exports.
African tech startup SeamlessHR picks Nairobi as its East African Hub
Nigeria’s tech startup SeamlessHR has launched its offices in the Kenyan market, choosing Nairobi as its East African Hub.
Identity verification startup Verified.Africa launches in Kenya
Verified.Africa, the pioneer of ID verification, document verification and digital KYC compliance solutions, announced it has launched in Kenya.
Canadian B2B automotive trading startup TRADE X opens new trading facilities in Kenya
TRADE X, a B2B cross-border automotive trading platform based in Ontario, Canada, announced it has opened a new Kenyan trading corridor, which includes both a shared bonded warehouse in Mombasa and an office in Nairobi.
Kenyan fintech startup Hisa unveils realtime stocks trading
Fintech startup Hisa has launched an application that allows Kenyans to invest in the stock market directly from their phones using mobile money.
Kenyan supply chain and logistics startup Leta secures $3m pre-seed funding to accelerate growth
Leta, the supply chain and logistics startup driving distribution optimization, announced the close of $3 million Pre-Seed equity round.
Kenya to host international poultry expo next year
Demand for poultry products is on the rise in Kenya driven by an emerging middle-class created in existing and new urban settlements as a result of devolution.
Kenyan agritech startup Stable Foods raises $600k funding to grow its climate smart smallholder platform
Stable Foods, a Kenyan agritech startup offering a host of solutions to small-scale farmers, has raised $600k funding round, to build out its climate smart smallholder food production platform.
Mobility startup BasiGo secures $6.6m funding to accelerate electric bus uptake in Kenya
BasiGo, the first company to introduce electric buses into Kenya, has announced $6.6 million in new funding led by Mobility54.
ACRE Africa targets Kenyan farmers with climate smart insurance
Insurance can help cushion smallholder farmers from crop and financial losses that occur as a result of climate change, yet many are reluctant to invest in such schemes. But why?
Kenyan logistics startup Sendy raises funding from Japanese VC MOL PLUS to accelerate growth
Kenyan fulfillment and logistics startup Sendy, announced it has received funding from MOL PLUS the Corporate Venture Capital of Japanese transport firm Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL).
500 Global launches its Pan-African accelerator Manager Bootcamp in Kenya
Venture capital firm 500 Global, has partnered with Germany’s economic development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GIZ and its Make-IT in Africa initiative, which fosters the growth of Africa’s innovation ecosystems.
Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa lead fintech growth in Africa, Mastercard
A report by payment services company Mastercard has revealed that South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya are among the most vibrant fintech markets in the continent.
YEGO ride-sharing platform from Rwanda launches in Kenya
YEGO Global, a ride-sharing platform from Rwanda has entered the Kenyan market to take on Uber and Bolt through its subsidiary - YEGO Mobility Kenya.
Kenyan fintech startup Tanda announces agency banking entry in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania
Kenyan fintech startup Tanda announced plans for agency banking entry in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania to accelerate growth within the East African markets.
Kenyan home furniture startup MoKo raises $6m to accelerate growth
Kenyan home furniture startup MoKo announced it raised $6.5 million in a Series B funding round, which is a combination of debt and equity.
Kenyan start-up unveils diabetic friendly cookies
Gerassimos Fourlanos, Founder, Ofelos Limited says, the cookies are targeted to consumers with diabetes or pre-diabetes, along with other medical conditions where blood sugar levels need to be monitored.
Kenyan startup Kyosk Digital expands to Uganda
Kyosk Digital Services aims to address some of the challenges that vendors of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) go through in sourcing products and restocking their outlets.
APA insurance unveils new payment plan for comprehensive car insurance
The comprehensive car insurance payments are made over 12 months which allows clients to spread the cost over the course of a year.
Kenyan agricultural insurtech startup Pula appoints Michael Joseph as Board Chair
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
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.
[Startup Interview] Tesh Mbaabu, CEO, MarketForce, Kenya
Tesh Mbaabu is a serial entrepreneur who lives to blend commerce and technology. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Kenyan-based B2B platform for retail distribution of consumer goods and digital financial services in Africa today, MarketForce.
Waya digital banking startup for African immigrants goes official
Waya, a Kenyan and US-based fintech startup has announced the official launch of its full-service digital bank and money transfer app targeting the African Diaspora.
Kenyan fintech startup Pezesha raises $11m to expand across Africa
Pezesha, a Kenyan fintech that has built a platform where small and medium enterprises can access funding, has raised $11 million in a pre-series A equity and debt funding.
Kenyan B2B e-Commerce startup Wasoko opens innovation hub in Zanzibar
Wasoko (formerly Sokowatch), an African B2B e-Commerce startup that leverages technology to transform the informal retail supply chain, announced the official launch of the “Wasoko Innovation Hub” in partnership with the Zanzibar government.
Kenyan startups raised $820m in VC funding in the first half of 2022, data
Kenya has secured an enviable position among the most competitive innovation and investment destinations in Africa. The country’s attractiveness has seen Big-Tech companies troop in to set shop in the capital, Nairobi.
[Startup Interview] Collins Kathuli, Co-founder and CEO, Kyanda, Kenya
Kyanda is a Kenyan fintech startup that offers Digital Financial Services to businesses, SMEs and citizens.
UK-based Medi-science International partners with Kenyan healthtech startup Afya Rekod to enhance healthcare delivery
UK-based Medi-science International and Kenyan healthtech startup Afya Rekod have announced a strategic collaboration to transform healthcare delivery through improved access to personal health data.
Kenyan e-Logistics startup Lori Systems raises funding from Google to facilitate expansion efforts
Kenyan e-logistics startup Lori Systems which operates across East Africa, announced it has raised an undisclosed amount of Round B funding from Google, to facilitate the company’s expansion efforts.
Kenyan agritech startup IProcure secures $10.2m Series B funding to accelerate growth
iProcure, Africa’s tech and data-driven agricultural inputs supply company, announced the close of a $10.2 million Series B funding round that raised debt and equity from a diverse group of international investors.
German manufacturer The Stihl Group enters Kenyan market
The subsidiary dubbed Stihl East Africa will be its Eastern Africa hub servicing countries that include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi among others.
Kenyan mobile commerce startup Copia unveils manufacturing unit for sugar and rice production
Copia Global, a Kenyan-based mobile commerce platform has unveiled a new manufacturing unit to enhance its output of affordable sugar and rice to the Kenyan market.
Kenyan insurtech startup Lami Technologies raises $3.7m to expand across Africa
Kenya-based insurtech startup Lami Technologies has raised a $ 3.7 million seed extension to expand its insurtech product across Africa.
Kenyan-based startup FaidiHR secures funding, eyes expansion
The startup, which offers digital human resource solutions to African companies, said they would use the investment to expand their business in East Africa, eyeing entry into Uganda, Tanzania and DRC.
Kenyan wealth-tech startup Ndovu partners with Tulix to empower Africa’s diaspora to invest back home
Africa’s wealth management platform Ndovu has announced a strategic partnership withTulix, an Antler & Catalyst Fund portfolio company.
Kenyan startup unveils multi -company single log-in cloud solution for HR -payroll consultants
The multi-company log-in module allows an individual consultant or company to manage centralized data, which facilitates payroll processing, pay slip, and report generating for different clients, under one account.
Kenyan healthtech startup AfyaRekod launches Universal Patient Portal for worldwide health data mobility management
Kenyan-based AfyaRekod launched the fully automated Universal Patient Portal – a block-chain driven technology that will transform the face of patient care across Africa and the World.
Nigerian fintech startup Mono launches in Kenya
Mono, a Nigerian fintech startup that builds open banking infrastructure to enable access to customer financial data and bank payments for digital businesses in Africa, announced it has expanded its services to Kenya.
Nigerian Lab testing startup HealthTracka raises $1.5m funding for expansion to Kenya and Ghana
Nigerian at-home lab testing startup HealthTracka has raised $1.5 million in funding to expand its operations into Kenya and Ghana. The pre-seed funding which was led by Ingressive Capital.
Kenyan startup unveils innovation that supervises spending for dependents
A Supervised Payment is a Digital Escrow Payment sent by a guardian to a dependent with the former setting the parameters of funds usage and the app supervising the actual use of the funds by the dependent.
Yearly funding for Kenyan start-ups to hit Sh100 billion by 2025
In the first three months of 2022, Kenyan Startups raised Sh48 billion venture funding more than the country did in all of 2021 where start-ups raised Sh41 billion.
Kenyan insurtech startup mTek secures $3m funding for expansion across the country
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.
AfricArena partners with FMO to accelerate tech startups in Ghana, Morocco and Tanzania
AfricArena, the African series of tech events, announced a partnership with FMO Ventures Program, the Rise Open Innovation Challenge, which focuses on accelerating the growth of startups looking to improve the state of Africa.
Kenyan fintech startup Power Financial Wellness partners with Penda Health to extend healthcare services to users
Kenyan fintech Power Financial Wellness has signed a partnership agreement with private healthcare solutions provider, Penda Health, to see both companies mutually benefit from their tech services.
Kenyan E-health startup Maisha Meds hits 1000 active facilities, expands to Nigeria
Kenyan digital pharmacy network Maisha Meds announced it has reached1,000 active facilities, making it one of the largest digital pharmacy networks in sub-Saharan Africa.
Nelson Maina: Betting on agriculture for economic transformation in Kenya
The gathering of experts drawn across the divide came amidst rising concerns over escalating costs in both production and consumer goods, an environment that doesn’t favour food security.
Kenyan fintech startup Hisa joins the NVIDIA Inception Programme
Hisa App, a Kenyan mobile investment platform that allows anyone in Kenya to invest in U.S. stocks and ETFs using mobile money, announced it was selected to join the NVIDIA Inception programme.
Pan-African fintech app Bamba raises $3.2m seed funding to scale growth
Kenyan fintech startup Bamba secured $3.2 million in seed funding to scale its app and build out its team. Venture capital firm 468 Capital led the round with participation from Presight Ventures.
Nelson Maina: Taming fertilizer prices to boost food security in Kenya
Kenya’s cost of living has hit unprecedented highs with prices of basic commodities being out of reach for many citizens.
realme addresses internet coverage gap with affordable smartphones
Phone manufacturer realme has captured the Kenyan market by making smartphones affordable hence closing a widening internet coverage gap, despite huge investments in high-speed internet across Africa.
Kenyan healthtech startup Zuri launches Whatsapp chatbot to democratize access to healthcare
Kenyan healthtech startup Zuri Health has launched a WhatsApp chatbot for its users across the country.
Glovo announces winners of its tech startup pitch competition in Kenya
On-demand delivery platform Glovo has announced the winners of its tech startup pitch competition in Kenya.
Kenyan farmer finds fortunes in herbs farming
The herbs and spices farming has captured international markets while creating a new age farming renaissance in an area that has traditionally been synonymous with farming of traditional low yielding crops.
Kenyan electric vehicle startup Opibus rebrands to ROAM
Kenya’s leading electric vehicle (EV) maker Opibus has changed its name to ROAM. The company was among the earliest entrants into the local electric vehicle manufacturing sector.
Kenyan mobile commerce startup Copia appoints former Amazon Executive to its Board
Copia Global, a Kenyan-based mobile commerce platform has announced the appointment of former Amazon executive Jason Murray to its Board.
Kenya-focused social e-Commerce startup Elloe raises over $1m in pre-seed round
Elloe, a US-based social e-Commerce startup focused on Kenya and emerging markets, announced the raise of an undisclosed amount in pre-Seed funding. Investors for the round were led by Philippines’ Mad Ventures, Inc.
AliExpress Co- Founder Tom Gong appointed CTO of Kenyan BNPL company Lipa Later
Tom Gong, Co-Founder AliExpress and former Technical Program Manager for Google Wallet, will be joining Lipa Later as the new Chief technology Officer effective March 2022.
Kenyan social commerce startup Tushop raises $3m pre-seed funding to accelerate growth
Tushop, a Kenyan social-commerce platform that enables group-buying of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs), announced it has raised $3 million in pre-seed funding, led by 4DX Ventures.
On-demand transport platform Bolt launches 2nd edition of its Women in Tech internship program in Kenya
On-demand transport platform Bolt announced it has rolled out the second edition of its Women in Tech internship program in Kenya.
Konza Technopolis and ASSEK sign MoU to support startups in Kenya
Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) and the Association of Startups and SME Enablers in Kenya (ASSEK) have signed an MoU to enhance innovation and support startups in Kenya.
Lipa Later selects Hotpoint as new retail partner
Lipa Later, a payment option that allows customers to purchase commodities through affordable monthly instalments has on-boarded Hotpoint as a new retail partner. Hotpoint appliances is Kenya’s premier supplier of Home Appliances and Electronics.
Kenyan fintech 4G Capital raises $18.5m Series C funding to scale lending to MSMEs
Kenyan fintech credit provider 4G Capital has raised $18.5 million in Series C funding from global private equity firm Lightrock.
Kenyan e-Commerce startup Sokowatch raises $125m, rebrands to Wasoko
Kenyan based B2B e-Commerce startup Sokowatch has raised a $125 million Series B equity round, the largest venture financing round ever raised for a non-fintech startup in Africa.
EV startup BasiGo flags off first electric buses in Kenya
Nairobi headquartered e-mobility startup BasiGo flagged off the first electric buses in the country for passenger use.
[Kenya] Applications for 5th cohort of Standard Chartered Bank's Women in Tech program open
The Standard Chartered Bank has opened applications for the 5th cohort of its Women in Tech incubator program.
On-demand delivery platform Glovo launches pitch competition for early-stage tech startups in Kenya
On-demand delivery platform Glovo has launched a pitch competition targeting early-stage tech startups in Kenya that are delivering value to SMEs.
GE Healthcare partners with Kenyan healthtech startup Afya Rekod to simplify access to medical records in Africa
GE Healthcare and Kenya-based startup Afya Rekod have announced a collaboration that seeks to transform care delivery through improved access to personal health data in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Kenyan foodtech startup Kune starts commercial operations in Nairobi
Kenyan foodtech startup Kune has officially launched commercial operations with four meal hubs located in strategic locations in Nairobi.
Kenyan retail tech startup MarketForce raises $40m Series A to scale up super app for Africa’s informal merchants
MarketForce, the Nairobi-headquartered B2B platform for retail distribution of consumer goods and digital financial services in Africa, announced the closing of a $40 million Series A round.
Wealthtech startup Ndovu launches in Kenya
Wealthtech startup Ndovu officially launched in Kenya. Founded by Radhika Bhachu, Ro Nyangeri, and Gianpaolo De Biase, Ndovu is an investment platform that provides easy access to financial markets.
Kenyan insurtech startup Lami acquires Bluewave Insurance Agency
Kenyan insurtech startup Lami Technologies has acquired Bluewave Insurance Agency, another Kenyan-based insurtech startup, for an undisclosed amount.
Kenyan healthtech startup Afya Rekod raises $2 million in seed funding to scale across Africa
Afya Rekod has seen interest from various health parties in Africa, Europe, Asia and the United States increase significantly since its launch in April 2020.
Kenyan logistics startup Amitruck raises $4m seed funding to accelerate digital solutions across Africa
Kenya-based digital trucking logistics startup Amitruck has announced it has secured $4 milllion in a seed funding round that had the participation of investors from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S.
JICA’s NINJA Accelerator completes 2nd Demo Day in Kenya, sends delegation to Silicon Valley
Shamba Pride, Saada Tech, Kijenzi, M-Paya Energy, and MyMovies.Africa are the five startups that shined during the 2nd Demo Day of the NINJA Accelerator in Kenya.
Call for startups to Pitch Live at 2022 Africa Startup Summit in Nairobi, Kenya
Africa Tech Summit has opened applications to the 2022 edition of Pitch Live at the fourth Africa Startup Summit.
Online platforms lift the fortunes of Kenyan artists
Kenyan artists have not been left behind and are embracing digital platforms with impressive results.
Swedish-Kenyan electric vehicle tech startup Opibus launches first electric bus designed and developed in Africa
Swedish-Kenyan electric vehicle technology startup Opibus has introduced the first all-electric bus in Kenya as well as the first African designed electric bus ever.
Kenyan mobile commerce startup Copia raises $50m to ramp up African expansion
Kenyan-based mobile commerce platform Copia Global raised $50 million in a Series C equity round led by Goodwell Investments.
Kenyan fintech startup Zanifu closes $1m seed financing round to accelerate growth
Kenyan fintech startup Zanifu announced it has successfully closed a $ 1 million seed financing round to scale its business and improve on its platform.
Kenya's Poa Internet announces first close of $28m financing round by Africa50
Poa Internet and Africa50 announced the completion of Africa50’s equity investment into Poa. This funding is part of the $28 million financing round led by Africa50.
[Kenya] Sankore announces pitch competition targeting blockchain startups
Nairobi-headquartered blockchain community Sankore is launching the Sankore Pitch Competition Tour (PCT) in Nairobi.
Kenyan BNPL startup Lipa Later secures $12m funding to expand across Africa
Lipa Later, one of it’s kind buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) company operating in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Nigeria, has raised $12 million from a consortium of investors.
Kenyan ride-hailing startup MARAMOJA opens its API to fintechs and insurtechs
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.
African scientists make a case for home grown research on continent’s food systems
A storytelling event organized by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), saw four accomplished African researchers working on agriculture and food security share their personal journeys in agricultural research, and discuss how they are working to transform farming on the continent.
Kenyan fintech startup Paylend raises $2m seed investment to accelerate growth
Paylend, a Kenyan fintech startup focused on providing access to finance and digitizing MSMEs in Kenya announced it has raised $2 million seed investment from Next Chymia Consulting HK Limited.
Kenyan fintech startup Tanda inks deal with Twiga Foods to enable vendors vend its digital financial services
Kenya’s fintech startup Tanda announced a new partnership with Twiga Foods that will see Twiga vendors become a one-stop-shop for a variety of digital and financial services offered by Tanda.
The University of Nairobi and Elgon Kenya to develop agriculture technology and innovation centre
The agriculture sector in Kenya has received a major boost following a partnership between two leading institutions to set up a technology and innovation centre, the first of its kind in East Africa.
Kenyan tech startup Wowzi raises $3.2m seed funding to expand across Africa
Kenyan tech startup Wowzi has raised $2 million in seed funding to expand its digital marketplace across Africa.
African mobility fintech Moove enters Kenyan market, broadens vehicle financing to bikes and trucks
Moove, an African mobility fintech, has launched operations in Nairobi, its first city in East Africa and sixth on the continent.
Kenyan smallholder farmers insulated from weather vagaries by picture-based insurance
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
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.
Kenyan e-health startup Zuri Health launches in Senegal
Kenyan health tech startup Zuri Health has launched its operations in Senegal. The startup has partnered with Expresso Senegal to launch its operations in the country.
AUDA-NEPAD, JICA, Afreximbank & BCG partner to support 5 East African healthcare startups
The 5 healthcare startups were feted for their completion of the Home Grown Solutions (HGS) Accelerator for Pandemic Resilience.
Kenyan-based Penda Health partners with femtech e-Commerce startup Kasha to ease contraceptive access for consumers
Healthcare solution provider Penda Health announced a partnership with Rwandan femtech e-Commerce startup Kasha, to enable increase access to contraceptive products via the Kasha digital platform.
Kenyan e-pharmacy platform MYDAWA receives $1.2 million funding in fight against HIV & AIDS
This grant is aimed at increasing access to PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) services through MYDAWA’s award winning e-pharmacy model, supporting the fight against HIV& AIDS in Kenya.
Kenyan fintech startup Asilimia raises $2 million funding to expand into new markets
The startup raised $1 million in pre-seed funding from a wide range of investors, including two-time unicorn founder, Fredrik Jung Abbou (co-founder of Kry and Lendo), Norrsken Impact Accelerator and other prominent founders from across Europe.
Kenyan gaming startup Usiku Games develops Africa’s first mobile football game
Kenyan gaming startup Usiku Games unveiled an amateur football mobile game to promote outdoor physical activities and encourage sportsmanship among youths in East Africa.
Tech startup wowzi to create one million jobs for African youth
Kenyan tech startup Wowzi has announced plans to create one million gig jobs for African youth in 2022 through its online marketplace, after successfully delivering over 150,000 paid jobs in 2021.
Kenyan fintech startup Kwara launches regional offices to reach SACCOs across the country
Kenyan fintech startup Kwara opened regional offices in the Western, Central, Rift Valley and Coastal regions of Kenya as part of its expansion in the country.
Kenyan entrepreneurs reap returns from rearing insects for feeds
Aware of this fact, the Insect Feed for Poultry, Fish and Pig Production (INSFEED) project has been exploring the use of insects, such as black soldier flies (BSF) and crickets, within animal feeds.
Kenyan Mental health startup Shamiri Institute raises $1m, expands to the rest of Africa
Shamiri Institute, a Kenyan mental health startup has raised $1 million in funding from the Templeton World Charity Foundation to tackle the scourge of mental health in Kenya and the rest of the African continent.
Kenyan fintech startup Kwara and Lami Technologies partner to provide insurance products for SACCO members
The partnership will allow SACCO members to conveniently access innovative insurance products ranging from health, general, life, business, and property coverage through the Kwara platform.
Kenya-based electric mobility startup Opibus secures $7.5 million funding
Opibus says it will use this new funding to scale its operations in electric motorcycle and bus manufacturing.
Kenyan fintech startup Kwara partners with Lami Technologies to give SACCO members access to insurance products
Kenyan digital banking fintech startup Kwara has partnered with insurance technology company, Lami Technologies, to provide SACCO members with affordable and transformational insurance products.
Kenyan-based payroll startup Workpay expands to Nigeria
Workpay, a Nairobi-based YC graduate, is expanding its operations to Nigeria. The cloud-based workforce management startup will now offer Core HR, Payroll, and employee record services to organizations in the country.
JICA kicks off 2nd Cohort of its NINJA Accelerator in Kenya
The NINJA Accelerator in Kenya, powered by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in partnership with Double Feather Partners, Deloitte Tohmatsu and Kenyan implementation partner GrowthAfrica, is kicking off its 2nd cohort with five tech-enabled Kenyan startups.
Google selects nine Kenyan startups to receive equity-free funding via its Africa Investment Fund
During its very first “Google for Africa” event held early this month, Google announced it will be investing up to $50 million in African early- and growth-stage startups via its Africa Investment Fund.
[Kenya] Mavazi Elevate program targets fashion industry creatives with business skills
A training initiative is empowering creatives in the fashion industry and small local businesses across the 47 counties in Kenya.
[Column] Patrick Ndegwa: Growing a successful tech startup in Kenya, 4 key elements
The tech scene in Kenya is thriving. Even amid a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and election fever, our dynamic African country has found a way to cut through the clutter and establish itself as the world’s ‘Silicon Savannah’.
Absa partners with Melanin Kapital to launch unsecured lending for startups in Kenya
Absa Bank Kenya has partnered with Pan African impact investment platform Melanin Kapital, to launch an investor readiness program that places startups driving social impact on the path to accessing up to KES3 million in unsecured lending.
Pangea Trust opens applications for its Startup Connect Programme
Pangea Trust has opened applications for its Startup Connect Programme, to increase the deployment of diaspora remittances and networks to provide investment capital to MSMEs and startups in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia.
Kenyan female entrepreneurs embrace digital platforms to power operations
A group of trailblazing Kenyan women are carving their own paths to success. From doctors to content creators, they are using the power of online platforms to amplify their voices and help others flourish.
Kenyan retail tech startup MarketForce raises $100,000 funding from Harambeans Prosperity Fund
The Harambeans Prosperity Fund, a donor advised investment vehicle formed through the Harambe Entrepreneur Alliance’s network of prominent families and corporations co-invested $100,000 in Y Combinator Harambean venture MarketForce.
Kenyan fintech startup Kwara selected for Mastercard Start Path program
Kenyan fintech startup Kwara is among the 11 startups that have been selected to join the Mastercard Start Path program.
Tech startup Sport Source launches two-way marketplace to discover and book physical activity spaces
Sport Source, the tech startup that connects people with available facilities in their area to participate in the activities they love; basketball, tennis, swimming and more, announced its launch in the App Store.
Next-gen CX startup Dixa raises $105m Series C to transform customer service worldwide
Founded as a customer service solution that evolved into a customer engagement platform, European company Dixa announced a Series C funding round totaling $105 million.
Tech startup OneStream TV launches free streaming aggregator to battle streaming fatigue
Tech startup OneStream TV has launched a super streaming aggregator to allow consumers who are tired of paying for too many streaming services to use a single platform to discover thousands of free movies and tv shows.
PowerPublish recognized as top tech startup
PowerPublish, a virtual marketplace connecting brand marketers with journalists and writers, was recognized in annual list of top 10 tech startups.
Legaltech startup Hello Divorce raises $2m seed round to disrupt the broken divorce process
Hello Divorce, the legaltech platform for affordable, less-stressful divorces, announced a seed investment of $2 million led by disruptive tech investor CEAS.
Expert DOJO commits $5m to invest in female-founded African startups
Expert DOJO is committing $5 million fund to invest in early-stage African startups over the next 6-months. Expert DOJO will host the Africa-only cohort this September, marking the beginning of a long-term commitment.
Ampere to acquire technology startup OnSpecta to accelerate AI inference on cloud-native applications
Ampere Computing announced it has agreed to acquire AI technology startup OnSpecta, strengthening Ampere Altra performance with AI inference applications.
Payments startup Lithic raises $60m Series C as demand for card issuing platform surges
Lithic, the card issuing platform for developers, raised $60 million in Series C funding, bringing the company's total fundraising to $110 million.
HYPE GVA 2.0 NFTs startup MyLads seals €7.6m investment round
HYPE Sports Innovation, GVA 2.0 NFTs startup, MyLads, a player in Augmented Reality (AR) Sports Fan Engagement, has closed a €7.6 million Seed Investment Round led by Riva Technology and Entertainment (RTE).
Paxos adds Bank of America, Coinbase Ventures, Founders Fund & FTX to Series D funding round
Paxos, the first regulated blockchain infrastructure platform, announced it has added strategic investors including Bank of America, Coinbase Ventures, Founders Fund and FTX to its Series D round of funding.
Nigerian healthtech startup Field Intelligence expands into eleven new cities across East and West Africa
Nigerian healthtech startup Field Intelligence announced its expansion into Rivers, Edo, Kaduna, Kano, Enugu, Delta and Kwara States in Nigeria, and Eldoret, Mombasa, Kisumu and Naivasha in Kenya.
Connie Health startup secures additional $13m to scale its tech-enabled Medicare navigation platform
Connie Health, a tech-enabled consumer Medicare navigation platform helping Americans make more informed health and financial choices, announced a $13 million Series A round and begins operations in its second state, Texas.
Lithium-ion battery recycling and manufacturing startup Battery Resourcers appoints Kelly Kay to its Board of Directors
Battery Resourcers, a vertically integrated lithium-ion battery recycling and manufacturing startup announced the appointment of Kelly Kay to its Board of Directors.
Nobell Foods startup raises $75m Series B to introduce cheese made from plants
Nobell Foods startup announced it has raised $75 million to introduce delicious cheeses made from plant-derived dairy proteins, supporting its larger mission of creating a radically more humane and sustainable food system.
Healthtech VC firm Nina Capital announces five more investments, launches second fund set to reach €40m
Nina Capital, a specialized venture capital (VC) firm focused on health technology, announced its last five investments of its first fund and the launch of its second fund, Nina Capital Fund II FCRE.
South African payments startup Yoco raises $83m Series C funding to accelerate growth
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.
Virtual cycling startup Velocity secures $3.4m in seed round funding
Vision Quest Velocity LLC, an early-stage virtual cycling startup, announced it has raised $3.4 million in seed round funding, led by strategic financial partners.
UK-based legaltech startup Clara opens in Dubai following investment from DIFC FinTech Fund
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, announced it has invested in UK-based legaltech startup, Clara.
Investment firm NightDragon closes $750m growth fund as part of next-gen cybersecurity, safety, security and privacy platform
NightDragon announced the close of NightDragon Growth I, a new $750 million venture capital fund to invest in and advise late-stage and growth companies in the cybersecurity and privacy industry.
Pet startup Embark Veterinary raises $75m Series B funding to accelerate growth
Embark Veterinary, a global leader in dog genetics, announced $75 million in Series B funding, the biggest Series B for a pet startup to date.
Middle East startup Workfam joins disruptive tech portfolio of GELLIFY and Azimut
UAE based startup, Workfam, the employee engagement SaaS platform that supports organizations with their mission to create a happy, healthy, and highly engaged workforce, has joined the portfolio of GELLIFY.
Workflow startup Symbolic Frameworks launches from stealth to debut Protagonist, a visual and collaborative decision-making app
Symbolic Frameworks (Symbolic), a provider of workflow applications that help make idea generation, decision making, and prioritization more collaborative, faster and higher quality, is launching from stealth.
Hospitality tech startup Bbot raises $15m Series A to expand platform capabilities, improve support for restaurants
Bbot, a hospitality tech startup dedicated to simplifying and improving the ordering and payments process for restaurants, announced $15 million in Series A funding led by CRV.
MIT Undergrad startup Karleki launches after raising $450K venture capital
Karleki, an MIT undergrad startup has launched after raising $450K of venture capital from billionaire Eric Yuan, Cronos Ventures.
San Diego Angel Conference activates $1.7m in funding of innovative startups
San Diego Angel Conference (SDAC), has reached a significant milestone by collectively helping to raise $1.7 million for U.S. companies in the first six months of 2021.
Oxford Foundry partners with FMDQ Private Markets to accelerate Nigeria’s startup ecosystem
Oxford Foundry and FMDQ Private Markets have launched a global partnership to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.
Canadian tech startup Edgehog secures $1.25m seed round to accelerate growth
Edgehog Advanced Technologies, developer of the world's best nanotextured, omni-directional, anti-reflective glass, announced the first closing of $1.25 million of its $2.5 million seed capital raise.
RAIsonance Inc. joins Microsoft for Startups program
RAIsonance Inc., a family of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML)-based technology companies headquartered in the Denver Tech Center, announced it has been named the newest member of Microsoft for Startups.
South Florida-based Ocean Azul Partners closes Fund II at over $40m
South Florida-based Ocean Azul Partners announced it has completed fundraising for its second fund with total commitments exceeding $40 million.
DLA Piper advises 4G Clinical in $230m growth equity investment from Goldman Sachs Asset Management
DLA Piper represented 4G Clinical, a cutting-edge randomization and trial supply management (RTSM) company serving the life sciences industry, in a growth equity investment of over $230 million from Goldman Sachs Asset Management.
Hong Kong-based insurtech startup YAS MicroInsurance features in TOP 10 of Plug and Play Insurtech Batch 5 startups
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
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.
Agritech startup Adaviv raises $2.3m seed round to scale its AI-driven plant intelligence platform for indoor farming
Adaviv, a cultivation technology company surfacing actionable insights for Controlled Environment Agriculture, announced the raise of $2.3 million in an oversubscribed Series Seed financing led by Delta Emerald Ventures.
TDK Ventures backs metal additive manufacturing startup, Fabric8Labs
TDK Corporation announced that subsidiary TDK Ventures Inc. will back Fabric8Labs, marking its second investment in the additive manufacturing space and first in metal printing.
BIND 4.0 opens sixth call for innovative tech startups around the world
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.
Music marketplace Breakr raises $4.2m seed round to meet the growing demand for creator monetization tools
Breakr, a fast growing music marketing platform announced it has raised $4.2 million in seed funding to meet the rapidly growing demand for creator monetization tools and digital music promotion solutions.
Tech startup Properly raises $35m Series B financing to transform real estate experience In Canada
Properly, the Canadian tech-enabled real estate brokerage, announced $35 million in Series B financing to fuel a national expansion across Canada's $400 billion real estate market.
South Korean AI startup Lunit secures investment from Guardant Health
Lunit, an AI startup in AI-powered cancer solutions, announced a strategic investment of $26 million from a precision oncology company, Guardant Health.
Zing Health startup joins ConnectureDRX platform to simplify path to Medicare enrollment
Zing Health has partnered with ConnectureDRX, a healthcare software company, to give insurance brokers and consumers a superior experience for choosing the Medicare Advantage plans that best fit each beneficiary's needs.
Venture-backed platform eMerge Americas closes investment round led by Florida Funders
eMerge Americas, a venture-backed platform focused on transforming Miami into the tech hub of the Americas, announced the closing of an investment round led by Florida Funders.
Renaissance Venture Capital closes $77.5 m fourth fund
Renaissance Venture Capital has closed its fourth fund with $77.5 million of new capital. Since it opened in 2008, Renaissance has raised over $280 million, making it the largest "fund of funds" of its kind in the United States.
Egyptian social e-Commerce startup Taager raises $6.4m seed round
Taager, an Egyptian social e-Commerce startup raised a $6.4 million seed funding round to help it scale its platform and expand across the Middle East.
OneScreen.ai startup closes $1m pre-seed round to fix the broken out-of-home (OOH) advertising industry
OneScreen.ai, a startup that is solving in out-of-home (OOH) advertising problem, closed $1 million in pre-seed funding.
Dragonboat closes $3m seed round to bring product portfolio management to outcome focused teams
Dragonboat, the Product Portfolio Management platform, announced a $3 million seed round by Act One Ventures, Roble Ventures and GingerBread Capital.
Israeli Start-Up Nation Central appoints Avi Hasson as new CEO
Start-Up Nation Central, the independent not-for-profit organization connecting global corporations, investors, and governments to the Israeli tech innovation ecosystem, announced the appointment of Avi Hasson as its next Chief Executive Officer.
LearnWorlds secures $32m in growth funding to help educators create and sell online courses
LearnWorlds, an all-in-one platform for creating and selling online courses, has secured a $32 million minority investment by global venture capital and private equity firm Insight Partners.
Wearable robotics startup Verve Motion raises $15m Series A funding
Wearable robotics startup Verve Motion has raised $15 million in Series A funding, led by Construct Capital as well as follow-on investments from existing investors, Founder Collective, Pillar VC, Safar Partners, OUP, and a number of angel investors.
Danish fintech startup HelloFlow raises $1.6m for its no-code KYC and client onboarding solution
HelloFlow, a Danish fintech startup, has closed a $1.6m Seed round led by a Danish VC PreSeed Ventures, and UK-based, Seedcamp.
Fintech startup Marco closes $82m seed round to supercharge growth
Marco, the first tech-enabled financing platform built for small and medium-sized exporters in the United States and Latin America, announced it has raised $82 million in seed funding.
unybrands startup raises $300m in growth capital to acquire and scale e-Commerce businesses
unybrands, an integrated platform for e-Commerce businesses looking to scale their operations on and off Amazon, announced the closing of up to $300 million in growth capital with Crayhill Capital Management.
Subscription social media startup Fanbase unveils 25 member Creator Advisory Board
Fanbase, the subscription-based social platform, unveiled its Creator Advisory Board members.
Nigerian fintech startup Lidya raises $8.3m pre-Series B funding round
Nigerian fintech and lending startup Lidya announced the completion of its $8.3 million pre-Series B funding round. Alitheia Capital led the investment through its uMunthu Fund with the participation of Bamboo Capital Partners.
Frisco-based startup Apty raises $7.5m Series A funding to grow its DAP software
Digital Adoption Platform (DAP) Apty secured $7.5 million in Series A funding. Apty develops DAP software catering to Enterprises with complex business processes, enabling them to maximize the adoption of software and processes.
Agritech startup GrowFlux selected to join Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator program
The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator, a technology incubator and platform funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation, has selected GrowFlux and four other startups to participate in the program's ninth cohort.
IFC invests €15m in private equity fund Avallon MBO to support mid-cap businesses in Poland
Mid-cap enterprises in Poland will have increased access to growth equity, with an IFC investment aiming to help them tackle the impact of COVID-19 while creating jobs and accelerating growth.
Banque Misr partners with Microsoft to support fintech startups in Egypt
Banque Misr signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with Microsoft Egypt to launch the first open innovation program in the Egyptian market, enabling a spurt in fintech startup growth.
Kenyan startup Marketforce appoints Ore Omolaja as Country Manager, Head of Business for Nigeria
Marketforce, the Kenyan-based B2B platform for retail distribution of consumer goods and digital financial services in Africa, announced the appointment of Ore Omolaja as the Nigeria Country Manager and Head of Business, effective 15th July 2021.
Kenyan startup MarketForce raises $2m pre-Series A to scale B2B retail marketplace, RejaReja
MarketForce, the Kenyan-based B2B platform for retail distribution of consumer goods and digital financial services in Africa, announced a $2 million pre-Series A round, bringing total funding to-date to $2.5 million.
South African startup Omnisient raises $1.4m for global expansion
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.
Forum advocates for collaboration to strengthen African food systems
Speaking during the Alliance for a Green Revoluton in Africa (AGRA) organized Africa Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) Summit, speakers reiterated that food security cannot be achieved without a gvernment facilitated enabling environemnt for agribusiness to thrive.
Miami-based startup GathR Virtual Studios raises $2.7m to evolutionize hybrid working
Miami-based startup, GathR Virtual Studios completed a pre-seed round to fund its innovative take on the widely used two-dimensional home-office meeting "apps" made popular during the COVID-19 shutdown.
FDJ announces partnership with Plug and Play Brand & Retail France
FDJ announced the beginning of a partnership with Plug and Play, world's open innovation platform.
Absci acquires CerraCap Ventures portfolio company Totient
CerraCap Ventures, an early-stage Venture Fund, announced acquisition of its portfolio company Totient by Absci for an undisclosed amount. The transaction is the second exit from CerraCap's investment fund, CerraCap II LP.
Hypersonic tech startup Velontra names Retired Major General Craig Whelden as its Inaugural President
Retired Major General Craig Whelden has been named the Inaugural President of Velontra, a startup with the mind power to accelerate America's development of hypersonic technology.
IFC invests in Vantage Capital’s mezzanine fund to support fast-growing companies in Africa
IFC announced an investment in a new mezzanine fund managed by Vantage Capital, a mezzanine funding provider on the continent, which will provide capital to fast-growing companies in Africa.
Outsource Accelerator secures $1.5m fund for expansion through strategic asset acquisition
Outsource Accelerator announced a $1.5 million special purpose fund for the acquisition of online web assets. The web assets will add significant online traffic to the portfolio and enhance the outsourcing marketplace's growing influence.
TampaBay.Ventures leads investment into Y Combinator graduate Procoto
TampaBay.Ventures has led an investment into St. Petersburg, Florida-based Procoto, a procurement and spend analysis platform for businesses.
Customer experience startup Officium Labs launches WorkForward brand
Officium Labs, a unique customer experience startup, has launched a new suite of enhanced workforce management (WFM) tools under the brand "WorkForward."
Seven South African legal startups to pitch for €10,000 grant
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.
IFC’s TechEmerge partners with logistics startup Kobo360 to pilot sustainable cooling innovations in Nigeria
Eleven global innovators have been selected to partner with 15 leading Nigerian companies to pilot cost-effective, climate-smart technologies to strengthen the country's temperature-controlled logistics supply chain.
Alchemy Home Products startup launches The AutoSpout prevent basement flooding after heavy rains
Alchemy Home Products, a Salt Lake City startup, has created a new product that will help prevent basement flooding after heavy rains, The AutoSpout.
Photo and video editing app Prequel launches venture studio program to nurture early stage tech startups
Prequel, the creative photo and video editing app, announced the launch of Prequel Venture Studio (PVS), a program that will nurture early stage tech startups in the fields of AI, computer vision, and AR-based visual art.
Yes Lender acquires fintech startup Edge Funder to create AI-powered funding portal for small businesses
Yes Lender announced it acquired Edge Funder, a fintech startup that is transforming entrepreneur's access to working capital through its direct-to-merchant funding portal.
South African fintech startup Ukheshe Technologies comes second in KPMG Global Tech Innovator competition
The KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator Africa competition came to a close this week and saw South African fintech startup Ukheshe, take second place among 75 other worthy entrants across Africa.
Nigerian fintech startup TeamApt secures Series B funding
Nigerian fintech startup TeamApt has closed its Series B fundraising round, as it looks to expand its financial services beyond Nigeria.
AI-powered recruiting startup TopFunnel acquires Teamable to offer end-to-end sourcing platform
TopFunnel, the AI-powered recruiting startup that high-growth companies use to scale, announced the acquisition of Teamable to supercharge referral-based recruiting.
Codat startup raises $40m, expands its API infrastructure for SME data
Codat, the technology company that enables small businesses to seamlessly share business and financial data with financial and other service providers, secures $40 million from investors, following 3x annual growth and doubling of headcount.
Kameo startup launches vaccine passport for the entertainment production industry
Kameo, the provider of flexible mobile COVID-19 testing services for the entertainment production industry, announced the launch of its vaccine passport, an additional feature on its digital platform.
[Startup Interview] Dennis van der Veen, CEO, Hamster Connect, Netherlands
Hamster is a global niche social media platform for start-ups, investors, and accelerators and offers smart tools to help users reach their goals.
Ghanaian fintech startup Zeepay raises $7.9m Series A funding to support its operations
Ghanaian Fintech startup Zeepay announced the completion of a $7.9 million Series A.0 funding. The funding is a hybrid of both equity and balance sheet funds to support its operations.
South African fintech startup Ukheshe Technologies announces boostXB joint venture with ForexPeople
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.
Catalyst Fund announces Circle of Corporate Innovators to accelerate startup-corporate partnerships
Global inclusive tech accelerator Catalyst Fund, managed by BFA Global, today formally announced its Circle of Corporate Innovators, with its first members, Fidelity Bank, Ecobank, Sterling Bank, Access Bank and the VFD Group.
Kenyan insurtech startups benefit from IRA, Prudential innovation hub
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.
MarketForce acquires Digiduka startup to consolidate distribution of consumer goods with digital financial services in Africa
MarketForce, the end-to-end retail distribution platform for consumer brands in Africa, announced the strategic acquisition of Digiduka, a startup on a mission to bring informal retailers in Africa into the digital economy.
Kenya's Industrialization Ministry launches Startup Savanna, a business acceleration programme for early-stage startups
The Kenyan Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development (MoITED), launched Startup Savanna, an international business acceleration programme that will link Kenyan startups to global angel investors.
BMZ launches startup support programme for Kenyan entrepreneurs
The Federal Development Ministry (BMZ), has expanded its developPPP Ventures programme in Kenya to support local startups.
Venture builder Satgana launches first portfolio startup in Kenya, Mazi Mobility
After its launch in September last year, venture builder Satgana has announced its first portfolio startup from Nairobi, Kenya, Mazi Mobility, to address the issues faced by the public transport industry in the Global South by electrifying the motorcycle industry.
Pangea announces $3m scale-up program for locally funded Kenyan startups
Norwegian-based accelerator Pangea has unveiled a scale-up program offering private funding of up to $3 million and business support to enable locally funded Kenyan startups accelerate their enterprises to the next level.
Five women-led tech startups awarded $10k funding by Standard Chartered Women in Tech Incubator in Kenya
The Standard Chartered Bank has awarded 5 women-led businesses with KES 1,000,000 each. The businesses were picked from the 4th cohort of the Standard Chartered Bank Women in Tech incubation program.
Legatum Center launches inaugural Legatum Foundry Fellowship for entrepreneurs in Africa
At an inflection point in their entrepreneurial journeys, Fellows will learn from MIT faculty, connect with investors, and expand their network of peer innovators.
Rice sector players set for conference on boosting research and inclusivity
Rice sector players in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia are set to lead discussions on accelerating progress in rice research & development, inclusive markets & value chains.
Kenyan fintech startup Kwara selected for Japan-led Ninja Accelerator programme
Digital banking platform and fintech company Kwara has been selected for the first cohort of the Ninja Accelerator programme in Kenya.
Kenyan insurtech startup Lami Technologies raises $1.8m in seed funding
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.
CBK partners with E4Impact Foundation to support Kenyan fintech startups
The MoU will leverage on programs run by the two organizations. These include the E4Impact Accelerator Program, the Afro-Asia Fintech Festival and the Annual Hackathon hosted by CBK and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Kenyan e-mobility startup Ecobodaa secures funding from Persistent Energy Capital
Persistent Energy Capital announced a strategic venture building investment and partnership with Ecobodaa, a pioneer e-mobility startup, leading the revolution of the electric motorbike taxi (bodaboda) in Kenya.
Kenya paint manufacturer Crown Paints announces COVID-19 safety net initiative
A recent study on how Covid-19 had caused an economic toll in nine countries, including Kenya, shows that 45 percent of people were forced to miss or reduce meals.
Ericsson launches Graduate Programme in Kenya
The programme aims to grow the technical skills of the graduates, training them on the Ericsson technology, solutions and, delivery and providing them with an understanding of Ericsson’s processes, methods and tools.
Kenyan logistics startup Amitruck and Sky.Garden announce last mile goods pick-up and deliveries partnership
Logistics platform Amitruck and e-Commerce platform Sky.Garden have partnered to form an end-to-end digital chain for goods pick-up and deliveries to the last mile.
Chicago-based medtech startup Neopenda announces new round of convertible note financing
Neopenda, a Chicago-based public benefit corporation, announced a new round of funding supported by Assiduity Capital and Sorenson Impact Foundation, and the CE Mark approval of its neoGuard device.
Verdant Capital raises $9.9 million financing for East African tech enabled MSME lender Tugende
Pan African specialist investment financial institution Verdant Capital has raised $9.9 million Series A equity capital for Tugende, a technology enabled MSME lender in East Africa.
Kenyan agency banking startup Tanda secures funding for regional expansion
Kenyan agency banking startup Tanda announced its expanding its regional operations after closing a funding round from HAVAÍC, Zedcrest Capital, DFS Lab, Victor Asemota and 3 more investors.
Kenyan startup Ajua, MTN Nigeria launch Customer Management mobile app for SMEs
Kenyan based startup Ajua has partnered with MTN Nigeria to launch EnGauge, a digital e-Commerce customer engagement management mobile app to support SMEs.
Three Kenyan startups among recipients of $2m African Jua fund
Three startups from Kenya are among the recipients of the inaugural $2 million Jua Fund, the largest African venture capital fund by a private individual.
Western Kenya farmers cash in on traditional vegetables
Western Kenya have found new fortunes by investing in the cultivation, consumption, preservation and sale of traditional vegetables and seeds.
From grass to cash: Harnessing the power of climate smart forage grasses in Western Kenya
Kenyan researchers have been working with farmers in Western Kenya to test new varieties of fodder grasses known to have higher protein, low fiber and are fast maturing.
DFC invests $1m in femtech e-commerce startup Kasha Global to support women’s health in East Africa
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), disbursed a $1 million equity investment in Kasha Global, an e-commerce company that provides women’s health and personal care products to customers in Rwanda and Kenya.
Kenyan logistics startup Amitruck secures pre-seed funding for expansion across East Africa
Kenyan trucking logistics marketplace startup Amitruck secured an undisclosed investment led by US-based Dynamo Ventures with participation from Plug and Play Ventures and a collection of strategic angel investors.
Kenyan fintech startup Popote Payments raises funding from GreenHouse Capital
Kenyan fintech startup Popote Payments has raised an undisclosed amount of funding from Lagos-based fintech investment company GreenHouse Capital.
Kenyan young agripreneurs reel under impacts of COVID-19
Kenyan agribusiness enterprises run by young people experienced a 48 per cent failure rate last year at the height of the novel corona virus a new study has shown.
Kenyan organics recycling startup Sanergy receives funding to scale operations regionally
With AXA IM Alts’s support, Sanergy would be well-positioned to scale its operations in Kenya and across the region.
VC-backed free money transfer service Taptap Send launches in Kenya
Taptap Send, a venture-backed startup that lets immigrants send money back home to emerging markets instantly has launched in Kenya.
The African youth powering a gaming revolution
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.
Kenya-based Boutique PR Agency African Elite Group feted at MEA Business Awards
Boutique PR agency, African Elite Group Ltd, headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya has been awarded an international award, at the 4th annual MEA (Middle East & Africa Markets) Business Awards 2020.
realme promises more products in 2021 as it cements Kenyan market share
Phone manufacturer realme is promising to grow its Kenyan foothold in 2021 through release of new products, riding on a successful 2020.
Kenyan AI startup Gro Intelligence raises $85m in Series B funding
Kenyan AI-powered insights startup Gro Intelligence announced the raise of $85 million in Series B funding, co-led by Intel Capital, Africa Internet Ventures and the family offices of Ronald Lauder and Eric Zinterhofer.
[Startup Interview] Ted Martynov, Founder and CEO, CARMA, Nigeria
CARMA is an African-based startup offering proprietary decentralized technology allowing lenders to get more value by accessing data on a real-time basis. While non-lending organizations can also monetize their data which will increase their number of lenders.
[Startup Interview] Daniel Gatura, CEO, Ace Mobility, Kenya
Daniel Gatura is the CEO and founder of Ace Mobility, a Kenya-based startup that is focused on improving the public transport by addressing mobility challenges of the vulnerable with a focus on the differently abled, women and elderly. Daniel elaborates.
realme reaches a record 50 million global shipments
As phone maker realme continues to break record by being among the few brands to have unveiled six new smartphones and AIot products in the Kenyan markets within four months, Kenyans consumers have responded with an appetite for the novel products.
Interviews.
[Interview] Caroline Mutuku, General Manager, Glovo, Kenya
Caroline Mutuku is Kenya's General Manager of multi-category app Glovo. Caroline joined Glovo in December 2022 from Swvl Kenya where she also served as the General Manager from December 2021. In this interview...read more here
[Interview] Renate Swanepoel, COO, INC. Networking
Renate Swanepoel is an entrepreneur, global networker and inspirational speaker that has helped thousands of people around the world to find their purpose. She has gained significant networking and communication...read more here
[Interview] Anne-Marie Chidzero, Chief Investment Officer, FSD Africa
Anne-Marie Chidzero is the Chief Investment Officer at the Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSD Africa) Investments. In this interview, she talks about the risks and opportunities in backing Africa’s early-stage startups...read more here
[Interview] James Kilpatrick, Chair, Gravitilab, UK
Gravitilab is a "Space as a Service" business providing research, testing and qualification facilities to space agencies, government, academia and commercial enterprises. The company’s Chair and Chief Finance Officer...read more here
[Interview] Ramanjeet Singh, CEO, Woosper, USA
Woosper is a US-based digital advertising and marketing agency focused on creating experiences that help clients discover their place in the digital world. The CEO Ramanjeet Singh...read more here