Hohm Energy
Seed Round in 2024
Hohm Energy is a company based in Gauteng, South Africa, founded in 2021. It operates an online marketplace that facilitates connections between customers and accredited solar providers, product suppliers, and financiers. The company offers a comprehensive solar purchasing experience by leveraging scalable technology to manage the entire solar transition journey for clients. This includes scoping solutions, installation, and ongoing operations and maintenance, aiming to accelerate the adoption of solar rooftops and contribute to a lower-carbon future.
Aya Data
Pre Seed Round in 2023
Aya Data is a developer of a data annotation platform that focuses on creating high-quality training data for machine learning models. The company offers a range of services, including data annotations, data collection, natural language processing, and transcription services. Through its platform, Aya Data provides various tools and resources for businesses to label data effectively, encompassing image, text, and audio labeling. This enables organizations to enhance the accuracy and performance of their machine-learning applications.
Kubik is an environmental technology company focused on constructing low-carbon, durable, and affordable buildings. By utilizing plastic waste as a primary material, Kubik transforms this waste into sustainable building solutions for residential, commercial, and public facilities. The company's innovative approach not only addresses the issue of plastic waste but also provides customers with environmentally friendly living spaces that prioritize sustainability and durability.
Afropolitan
Pre Seed Round in 2022
Afropolitan is developing a platform aimed at connecting and empowering the global African diaspora through technology, commerce, and community engagement. The company envisions creating a Digital Nation that enables Africans to build prosperous lives by organizing around shared values. It offers a virtual passport that allows users to access African culture, discover events, and engage with merchants worldwide. Additionally, Afropolitan facilitates ticket bookings and provides a merchant directory along with a hybrid crypto/fiat wallet for seamless transactions. By leveraging the power of the internet and cryptocurrency, Afropolitan aspires to establish a digital country that fosters a vibrant community and shared purpose among its members.
Oze is a technology company focused on bringing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa into the digital age. It offers an application that allows businesses to easily track sales, expenses, and customer information. By analyzing this data, Oze provides tailored recommendations and business education to help entrepreneurs improve their operations. The platform also connects users with Oze Coaches for additional support, enhancing their learning experience. With over 150,000 registered users, Oze claims to be the largest online community of SMEs in West Africa. The company leverages machine learning to assess credit risk, enabling it to offer affordable capital through banking partners. Notably, 97% of businesses that have utilized Oze for at least nine months report growth or profitability, indicating the effectiveness of its services in fostering business success.
Root enables companies to embed & sell insurance. Root’s proven low-code platform and strong insurance partnerships make it easy to design, build and integrate insurance at scale. Root is an enterprise-grade solution, with digital platforms, retailers, and insurers building, refining and selling insurance products powered by Root. Root processes more than $32m in active Gross-Written-Premium with 1.7m+ in-force policies on the platform, and a team of 50 people.
Knabu Distributed Systems
Seed Round in 2021
We are a DLT company based in London and have started our bank authorization process to solve the problem of denial of bank accounts to blockchain businesses. We are building a Utility Bank from scratch & engineering it to leverage DLT.
Ando Foods
Pre Seed Round in 2021
The ANDO platform offers an end-to-end technology stack that begins when an order is placed and ends when an order is delivered and guest feedback is collected. The company's technologically advanced commercial kitchens ensure that all food is produced while keeping very sensitive prep times and quality requirements in mind.
Guidewheel
Series A in 2021
Guidewheel is a developer of an AI-powered FactoryOps platform designed to enhance productivity and profitability for manufacturers across their operations. The platform is non-intrusive, resembling a smartwatch, and utilizes advanced technology to monitor machines by analyzing their electrical activity to determine operational speed, startup, and shutdown times, as well as identifying potential issues before they escalate. Guidewheel's solution incorporates additional sensors and features that contribute to both profit enhancement and sustainability efforts while maintaining a user-friendly, modular, and scalable interface. Founded at Stanford University, the company has successfully partnered with hundreds of manufacturers, achieving an average runtime improvement of 40%. Recognized by the World Economic Forum as a Tech Pioneer, Guidewheel aims to become the leading real-time intelligence platform for the world's factories, significantly impacting business operations and addressing climate change.
RxAll, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing an artificial intelligence-driven platform for the authentication and distribution of pharmaceuticals, primarily in Africa. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut, the company utilizes a deep learning hyperspectral Internet of Things (IoT) platform that incorporates a molecular sensor device and a cloud database of spectral signatures. This innovative approach allows for non-destructive authentication of medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, before they are dispensed. RxAll aims to combat the issue of counterfeit drugs by providing real-time information to pharmaceutical manufacturers about the authenticity of their products. Additionally, the platform facilitates access to authenticated medicines for patients and pharmacies, while also offering tele-pharmacy primary care services.
eBanqo is a customer engagement software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider that enables organizations to automate their customer-facing services and enhance issue resolution. The platform allows businesses to extend their services across various digital channels, including web chat, in-app chat, social media, USSD, and SMS, facilitating seamless connectivity and prompt resolution of customer inquiries. Leveraging advanced artificial intelligence technology, eBanqo ensures that businesses can deliver consistent and personalized interactions across all platforms, fostering customer loyalty and brand affinity. By offering automated customer support, self-service options, and multi-channel live chat capabilities, eBanqo significantly reduces operational costs while improving customer satisfaction and retention. Its comprehensive approach allows businesses to consolidate their engagement channels into a unified omnichannel platform, enhancing accessibility and responsiveness to customer needs.
Moringa School
Seed Round in 2021
Moringa School is an educational institution focused on developing technical skills in software development and data science. It offers intensive training programs in areas such as software engineering, computer programming, machine learning, and product design. The school aims to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in the global digital economy, providing both full-time and part-time education options. Moringa School emphasizes practical learning and professional development, enabling its graduates to compete effectively in various tech-related fields. Through its comprehensive curriculum, the institution prepares individuals for careers in software architecture, UI/UX design, and other critical areas of technology.
Orbit Health
Seed Round in 2019
Orbit Health operates a digital health platform aimed at transforming healthcare access and delivery in sub-Saharan Africa, where healthcare resources are often limited. The company addresses critical issues such as delayed access to healthcare and inefficient care delivery by providing innovative technology solutions. Its platform includes essential features that assist healthcare professionals in managing patient care, scheduling appointments, and processing laboratory services. By enabling patients to select their care providers and facilitating both physical and virtual consultations, Orbit Health seeks to create a healthier society by improving overall healthcare infrastructure and making essential services more accessible.
FlexClub
Seed Round in 2019
FlexClub is a mobility platform that offers customers the flexibility to create personalized car subscription plans. Users can subscribe to a vehicle for a minimum duration of one month, with the option to cancel or modify their plan at any time without incurring penalties. The company operates an online marketplace that simplifies the buying, renting, and selling of movable assets, including cars for ride-hailing purposes. This platform caters to both commercial and private members, allowing them to effortlessly browse and order vehicles according to their specific needs.
Supermart Nigeria
Seed Round in 2017
Supermart is a grocery delivery service that allows shop from all favourite supermarkets all under one roof.
Aerobotics
Seed Round in 2017
Aerobotics is a data analytics company specializing in providing insights for tree and fruit management through the use of drone imagery and artificial intelligence. The company's technology combines satellite and drone imagery with machine learning algorithms to offer actionable data to farmers. This includes tools for orchard management, identifying problem trees, managing pests and diseases, and optimizing yield. By enabling farmers to scan their farms and analyze captured information, Aerobotics helps reduce costs and increase agricultural productivity.
Smile ID (formerly Smile Identity)
Pre Seed Round in 2017
Smile Identity Inc. is a technology company based in San Francisco, California, that focuses on identity verification solutions. Founded in 2016, the company has developed an application called SmartSelfie, which allows users to create a universal biometric for authentication on Android devices. The team comprises engineers and financial services professionals from both the United States and Africa, bringing expertise in global markets with a focus on highly regulated environments. Smile Identity has developed advanced encryption, authentication, and security solutions, as well as image processing technology. The company has experience working with telecoms, lenders, banks, and startups, enabling them to understand the unique challenges faced by consumers and enterprises in Africa. With support from prominent investors in Silicon Valley and Africa, Smile Identity has established a pan-African presence, operating in countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda.
Lidya is a financial services platform based in Lagos, Nigeria, founded in 2016, that aims to enhance access to credit and finance for small and medium enterprises. The company offers a mobile-first platform that allows businesses to open accounts, manage funds, and build credit profiles efficiently, often within 15 minutes. Utilizing proprietary credit scoring algorithms, Lidya enables business owners to access essential credit and working capital, including invoice financing, to support their growth and financial planning. Additionally, the platform includes tools and dashboards designed to help businesses manage their receivables and cash flow, thereby improving their credit scores and unlocking higher credit limits at more affordable rates.
Unicaf
Venture Round in 2016
Unicaf, founded in 2012, is an online higher education platform that collaborates with reputable universities in the UK, US, Europe, and Africa to provide affordable and quality degree programs primarily to young professionals in Africa. The company offers locally accredited degrees through a blended learning approach, combining online instruction with physical instructional centers and virtual coaching. This model allows students to pursue their studies while continuing to work, making higher education more accessible. Unicaf has experienced significant growth, enrolling over 8,000 students and aiming to reach more than 60,000 by the end of 2020. The company’s mission is to help African students obtain degrees that enhance their career prospects in a simplified and cost-effective manner.
Podozi
Convertible Note in 2016
Podozi is a beauty tech startup focused on enhancing the shopping experience for people of color, particularly African women. The company operates an e-commerce platform that simplifies the discovery and purchase of beauty and personal care products. Podozi offers a diverse range of items, including makeup, skincare, hair and nail products, and fragrances. Utilizing an advanced algorithm, the platform provides personalized product recommendations, ensuring that customers can find the right fit for their unique beauty needs. By connecting consumers with authentic brands from around the world, Podozi aims to transform how women discover and shop for beauty products.
Sendy Ltd. is a logistics company based in Nairobi, Kenya, founded in 2014. It operates a comprehensive logistics platform designed to simplify and optimize delivery processes for businesses. The platform facilitates door-to-door delivery for e-commerce and assists manufacturers and distributors in managing their logistics more efficiently. Sendy connects businesses with multiple transporters, allowing them to schedule, track, and pay for deliveries seamlessly. With a focus on transparency and security, Sendy empowers thousands of companies to manage their logistics through an integrated system that also provides access to reporting tools and cashless payment options.
Wasoko
Pre Seed Round in 2015
Wasoko is an e-commerce platform that connects small retail shops in Africa to the digital economy, enhancing their access to essential goods and services. By facilitating seamless transactions, the platform allows informal retailers to conveniently order products via SMS or a mobile app, ensuring they receive free same-day delivery to their stores. This approach not only simplifies the sourcing process for shopkeepers but also helps manufacturers maintain consistent product availability for consumers. Through this model, Wasoko aims to boost sales and market coverage for companies operating in emerging markets, thereby fostering trade and economic growth across the continent.
Golix, established in December 2014, initially functioned as a Bitcoin trading platform aimed at providing financial autonomy to individuals in Africa through cryptocurrency. Originally known as BitFinance, the company facilitated buying and selling of bitcoins through mobile money and online banking transactions, alongside a cloud-based platform for managing user Bitcoin accounts. Golix expanded its offerings to include other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Litecoin, and provided wallet services for secure storage. Despite its innovative role in the African cryptocurrency landscape, Golix encountered substantial regulatory challenges, notably receiving a directive from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to suspend trading operations, though it successfully challenged this decision in court. Ultimately, the company ceased operations and divested its assets in October 2019. Golix re-emerged in January 2021 as a cryptocurrency price tracking platform, maintaining its commitment to the African market while adapting to evolving industry conditions.
Djuaji is an accounting platform that specializes in survey-based research for businesses, primarily targeting the African market. The company facilitates an online mobile survey community where respondents can share their opinions on various products, services, and public policies. Participants are incentivized for their contributions through mobile money payments, making it easier for businesses to gather valuable insights while simultaneously offering users a rewarding experience for their participation.
Forex.co.ke enables foreign exchange consumers to compare quotes from currency dealers, transact online, and settle payments electronically.
Africa Courier Express
Seed Round in 2015
Africa Courier Express (ACE) is an African logistics company that provides delivery solutions for both businesses and consumers. The company operates a technology-driven logistics platform that aims to connect clients with efficient delivery services. ACE's platform features a user-friendly portal that allows customers to schedule deliveries with multiple rescheduling options, accommodating their specific needs. This enables ACE to offer reliable same-day and next-day delivery services across various regions in Africa, enhancing accessibility and convenience for its users.
Angani Limited is a Kenyan company based in Nairobi that specializes in public cloud computing services for the East African region. Founded in 2013, Angani leases IT infrastructure in the form of virtual machines and offers a range of turnkey solutions, including IT management, hardware procurement, power and cooling systems, and scheduled maintenance. The company focuses on providing managed cloud services that facilitate remote computing needs, enabling clients to efficiently build and deploy applications while ensuring seamless connectivity to its servers through local internet service providers. By alleviating IT burdens, Angani allows businesses to concentrate on their core operations, ultimately saving them time and resources.
StudySearch
Seed Round in 2015
StudySearch is a platform that specializes in connecting African students with international universities. It serves as a marketplace for on-demand education advice, facilitating the search for and application to universities abroad. The company provides a comprehensive database of higher education institutions, offering detailed information about various academic programs. This enables students to make informed decisions and simplifies the application process, allowing them to apply directly to their chosen programs. By focusing on the unique needs of African students, StudySearch aims to enhance access to global educational opportunities.
CardPlanet Solutions
Seed Round in 2014
CardPlanet Solutions Limited, established in 2011 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, specializes in developing and marketing proprietary cloud-based personal information solutions. The company offers a range of products including InstAid, a platform enabling organizations to create, manage, and distribute medical and nutritional e-vouchers via mobile phones; PesaCard, an electronic wallet linked to mobile money for financial empowerment of children and youth; CampoCard, an official identification and access card for university students, faculty, and staff; and Fuel and Loyalty Programs, a rewards system allowing users to earn points and discounts for daily activities. These solutions aim to increase efficiency, convenience, security, and cost savings across health, identity, payments, and loyalty sectors.
BabyGroup
Series A in 2014
BabyGroup is an e-commerce company based in Cape Town, South Africa, that specializes in providing a comprehensive online shopping platform for parents and parents-to-be. Founded in 2012, the company offers a wide range of products, including baby clothing, carriers, toys, and essential baby-care items. By focusing on the needs of families, BabyGroup aims to create a convenient shopping experience where users can find all baby-related products in one place. In addition to its retail offerings, the company integrates elements of social networking to enhance customer engagement and support.
Wyzetalk is a developer of a digital employee engagement platform that focuses on enhancing communication between large organizations and their dispersed frontline workforce. Recognizing that 85% of frontline workers are disengaged, Wyzetalk leverages mobile technology to bridge this gap, offering a multi-channel platform that includes mobile, app, and USSD options. This platform empowers organizations to connect with hundreds of thousands of deskless workers, providing them with access to vital information and digitized processes. By facilitating effective communication and engagement, Wyzetalk aims to improve morale, enhance productivity, and positively impact overall business performance.
StorkBrands
Seed Round in 2014
StorkBrands is a distributor specializing in the import and delivery of baby and childcare products across the Southern African region. The company is dedicated to supplying a diverse range of products to homes, leveraging an extensive network of retailers to facilitate market access for both local and international mom and baby brands. StorkBrands is committed to providing exceptional customer service and employs advanced supply chain management techniques to enhance the distribution process. By focusing on expanding the reach of various brands, StorkBrands plays a crucial role in the childcare and juvenile product market.
Zevan Limited
Angel Round in 2014
Zevan Limited is a mobile-based trading platform based in Nairobi, Kenya, established in 2012. The company facilitates the procurement of raw materials for hotels and food processors by connecting them with small-scale farmers. Its platform serves as a vital link between agricultural producers and various stakeholders, including input providers, end markets, and logistical services such as warehousing and transportation. By streamlining the supply chain, Zevan Limited enhances the accessibility of agricultural products, fostering stronger connections between producers and consumers.
UniSmart
Seed Round in 2014
UniSmart is a technology company that develops a web and mobile discount discovery platform focused on connecting verified African students, particularly in Nigeria, with a range of discounted offers. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Nigeria, UniSmart facilitates interactions between students and retailers, allowing students to redeem perks at the point of sale both online and in physical stores. The platform not only serves local merchants but also enables global brands to engage with the student demographic, enhancing access to various products and services through attractive discounts.
Ahonya is a leading online shopping platform in Ghana, dedicated to providing consumers with access to a wide range of high-quality electronics and other products. The company's marketplace facilitates the purchase of items such as laptops, mobile phones, cameras, tablets, and PC accessories, along with clothing and accessories. With a commitment to offering genuine products at competitive prices, Ahonya enables customers to shop conveniently from home, benefiting from doorstep delivery services. The platform aims to streamline the online shopping experience, making it easier for consumers to find and buy the products they need in a timely manner.
Paykind
Seed Round in 2013
They started in early 2013 as a platform that allowed parents to send money to their children in boarding schools in Kenya. Using the M-Pesa mobile money platform layered on top of NFC powered student IDs, They were able to help parents send money allocated specifically for educational supplies and food electronically to their children. Realizing the potential of electronic money transfers tied specifically to allocated expenses, They pivoted in September 2013 from student payment cards to electronic educational, medical and nutritional vouchers. Today Their main product is Paykind, an online e-voucher platform that enables individuals and organizations to send highly specified remittance packages using mobile phone technology.
Zished is an online gifting platform based in Accra, Ghana, that specializes in providing a wide range of products for various special occasions. Founded in 2013 by Kojo Ayirebi and Christiane Koenig, the company enables consumers to order cakes, flowers, gift vouchers, hampers, and balloons, which are delivered directly to recipients' doorsteps. Zished's curated selection caters to events such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and holidays like Christmas and Valentine's Day, making it easy for individuals, including those living far away, to surprise their loved ones with thoughtful gifts.
Zatiti is a mobile e-commerce website builder based in Nairobi, Kenya, established in 2013. The company enables users to create and manage online shops easily, offering a content management system that facilitates product uploads and page creation. Zatiti specializes in designing custom templates, allowing merchants to develop unique online shops that effectively promote their brands. By providing a platform for hassle-free trading, Zatiti helps organizations establish their online presence and streamline the process of selling products.
Kola Studios
Seed Round in 2013
Kola Studios is a mobile game developer based in Uganda, known for popularizing a local card game. In addition to game development, the company creates mobile applications aimed at data integration and business enhancements. Kola Studios focuses on providing custom applications that meet specific client needs, ensuring quality analysis to facilitate product launches and brand identity creation. Through its innovative approach, Kola Studios contributes to the local gaming industry while also addressing broader application development demands.
Eneza Education
Seed Round in 2013
Eneza Education Limited, established in 2011 and based in Nairobi, Kenya, provides mobile-based educational services designed to enhance learning accessibility across the country. The company offers a virtual tutor and teacher's assistant that facilitates access to courses and assessments for students and teachers through various platforms, including USSD/SMS, online web applications, an offline desktop application, and an Android app. Eneza Education’s offerings include locally-aligned tutorials, tips, and assessments, complemented by features such as a leaderboard, Wikipedia text, and live teacher chat. The company's content, developed by Kenyan teachers, targets students from primary to secondary levels, promoting comprehensive, on-demand educational support to improve academic performance. Eneza Education operates as a subsidiary of M-Prep Inc.
Inforex Africa
Seed Round in 2013
Inforex Africa is a Kampala-based online platform that serves as a network for foreign exchange service providers across Africa. Founded in 2012, the company focuses on digitizing the foreign exchange industry by allowing forex bureaus to transparently view and access one another's rates. Its software system facilitates seamless currency transactions among these institutions, offering real-time updates on forex rates. Inforex Africa also provides tools for institutions to receive important notifications from central banks regarding market changes and cash inflow submissions. The platform enhances communication with a messaging feature and allows each forex bureau to maintain an updated profile showcasing their location and contact information.
Copia Global
Seed Round in 2013
Copia Global Inc. is an e-commerce company based in Nairobi, Kenya, founded in 2013. It provides an innovative application that allows users to browse and order products from local shopkeepers, facilitating access to a wide range of quality goods for consumers in the developing world. The platform is designed to empower middle to low-income Africans by enabling them to make purchases without needing direct internet access. Copia Global leverages mobile technologies and a network of local agents to serve as distribution points, ensuring efficient delivery of products at consumers' convenience. The application also incorporates a mobile payment system, allowing shopkeepers to fulfill customer orders seamlessly.
SafariDesk
Seed Round in 2012
SafariDesk is a travel technology start-up based in East Africa that operates an online marketplace and collaborative travel platform. The company focuses on helping travelers discover attractive deals and optimize their travel experiences across the African continent. By connecting users with various travel providers, SafariDesk facilitates access to a range of offers, travel rewards, and discounts, making it easier for individuals to plan and book their trips.
Smashing the mobile data cost barrier with #datafree services enabled by reverse billing (toll free data).