Paymob is a digital payments enabler based in Cairo, Egypt, founded in 2015. The company focuses on building payment infrastructure technologies that enhance financial inclusion in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. By providing integrated payment services, Paymob helps businesses of all sizes transition from cash to electronic payments, thereby unlocking new opportunities and efficiencies. Its software aims to minimize the risks associated with fraud and theft while speeding up money circulation. By empowering underserved communities with access to a variety of electronic payment and money transfer options, Paymob plays a crucial role in bridging the financial inclusion gap in the region.
Tamara is a prominent shopping and payments platform based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and serves the GCC region. Founded by Abdulmajeed Alsukhan and his partners, the company aims to transform the shopping, payment, and banking experience for consumers. With a workforce of over 350 employees, Tamara has established a significant presence, operating offices in the UAE, Egypt, Germany, and Vietnam. Since its inception in September 2020, Tamara has raised approximately $366 million in both equity and debt from notable investors, including Sanabil Investments and Goldman Sachs. The platform boasts around 6 million customers and partners with more than 15,000 merchants, featuring a mix of global and regional brands as well as local small and medium enterprises. Tamara empowers merchants by providing flexible payment options through its application programming interfaces, allowing clients to increase sales by offering installment payment plans.
Noon Academy
Series B in 2023
Noon Academy operates an online learning platform that focuses on enhancing educational experiences for students in the Middle East. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with offices in Cairo, Egypt, and Bengaluru, India, the platform has successfully taught 12 million students. It offers a blend of free educational content and tutoring services, allowing students to study collaboratively in groups, compete with peers, and request on-demand tutoring. The platform is designed to prepare students for various examinations, including general aptitude and achievement tests. Additionally, Noon Academy supports teachers by enabling them to build followings and earn income based on their performance and student feedback. By integrating elements of peer-to-peer learning and advanced technology, Noon Academy aims to provide equitable access to high-quality education for every student.
Grinta is a pharmaceutical supply chain company focused on modernizing the distribution of medical products across Africa. It operates a managed marketplace that integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning to empower independent pharmacies and enhance their operational efficiency. By collaborating with various stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers, Grinta aims to create a data-driven and reliable supply chain. This platform provides pharmacies with a user-friendly experience, allowing them to access a comprehensive range of traceable and trackable pharmaceutical and medical products from multiple vendors. Through its innovative approach, Grinta seeks to improve the overall effectiveness of the pharmaceutical value chain.
54gene
Convertible Note in 2022
54gene is a healthcare company founded in 2019 by Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong, focused on advancing genomic research in Africa. Headquartered in San Francisco with an office in Lagos, Nigeria, the company aims to address the underrepresentation of African genetic data in pharmaceutical research, where only 2% of genetic material used is from African populations. By developing a pan-African biobank, 54gene seeks to identify new drug targets and create diagnostics and treatments for various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, the company offers genetic testing and molecular diagnostics services to enhance understanding of the human genome and improve access to essential healthcare solutions.
Talk360
Seed Round in 2022
Talk360 is a telecommunications company based in Leusden, the Netherlands, that offers affordable international calling services through its user-friendly mobile application. The app enables both businesses and individuals to make low-cost calls to any mobile and landline number globally, even without an internet connection. Recognizing the need for reliable communication in emerging markets, particularly in Africa, Talk360 aims to enhance accessibility by launching a single checkout platform tailored for the continent. This platform will integrate various local payment methods and currencies, along with over 1.25 million cash points of sale, allowing approximately 500 million Africans to access digital services previously unavailable to them. By bridging communication gaps, Talk360 strives to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, can engage in affordable and effective communication.
Tamara is a prominent shopping and payments platform based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and serves the GCC region. Founded by Abdulmajeed Alsukhan and his partners, the company aims to transform the shopping, payment, and banking experience for consumers. With a workforce of over 350 employees, Tamara has established a significant presence, operating offices in the UAE, Egypt, Germany, and Vietnam. Since its inception in September 2020, Tamara has raised approximately $366 million in both equity and debt from notable investors, including Sanabil Investments and Goldman Sachs. The platform boasts around 6 million customers and partners with more than 15,000 merchants, featuring a mix of global and regional brands as well as local small and medium enterprises. Tamara empowers merchants by providing flexible payment options through its application programming interfaces, allowing clients to increase sales by offering installment payment plans.
Instabug, Inc. is a mobile observability platform that assists developers in enhancing the quality and performance of their applications. Founded in 2012 and initially known as AStarApps, the company is headquartered in Giza, Egypt, and has expanded its operations to California, United States. Instabug provides advanced tools for crash and bug reporting, application performance monitoring, and user feedback collection, enabling developers to identify and resolve issues effectively. The platform supports over 4 billion devices globally, offering real-time insights throughout the application lifecycle to help mobile teams deliver seamless user experiences and drive sustained growth. Through its AI-powered capabilities, Instabug aims to empower developers and enterprises to optimize their applications and enhance overall user satisfaction.
Apollo Agriculture
Series B in 2022
Apollo Agriculture, established in 2015, is a Kenyan agtech company based in Nairobi. It specializes in providing smallholder farmers with access to critical farming inputs, financing, and advisory services. Apollo's innovative platform employs agronomic machine learning, remote sensing, and mobile technology to assess credit risk and tailor financial and technical assistance to each farmer's unique needs and location. This approach enables farmers to enhance their yields and profits, with a focus on emerging markets, starting in Kenya.
Clickatell
Series C in 2022
Clickatell Inc. is a technology company that specializes in mobile messaging and transaction services, facilitating customer interactions through mobile devices. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, with additional offices in Cape Town, South Africa, and Lagos, Nigeria, Clickatell provides a range of solutions including SMS messaging for alerts, marketing campaigns, two-factor authentication, and customer relationship management. Its Mobile eXchange platform allows users to send and receive messages globally, while its Chat Commerce Platform enables businesses to engage customers via chat, streamlining transactions and enhancing customer relationships. Clickatell also offers self-service banking products for financial institutions, a multi-factor authentication suite for account security, and a digital contact center solution that aids real-time customer support. The company serves a diverse clientele, including enterprises, government entities, and small to medium-sized businesses, empowering them to efficiently manage customer communications and transactions without the need for traditional interfaces.
Brimore operates a social commerce platform that connects emerging brand owners with a network of resellers. These resellers market and sell the products of these brands using social media, providing nationwide coverage for the brands. The platform uses data analytics to facilitate this connection between emerging brands and individual distributors across Egypt's 27 governorates, enabling small local manufacturers to directly reach consumers through freelance sales agents.
Brimore operates a social commerce platform that connects emerging brand owners with a network of resellers. These resellers market and sell the products of these brands using social media, providing nationwide coverage for the brands. The platform uses data analytics to facilitate this connection between emerging brands and individual distributors across Egypt's 27 governorates, enabling small local manufacturers to directly reach consumers through freelance sales agents.
TradeDepot
Series B in 2021
TradeDepot Inc. is a technology-driven distribution platform based in Lagos, Nigeria, founded in 2016. The company aims to revolutionize the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector in Africa by connecting top consumer goods companies directly with retailers. TradeDepot's SaaS platform offers features such as predictive trade intelligence, real-time stock level access, and the ability to place bulk orders online. It also enables the auto-generation of sales promotions, helping to enhance sales and streamline operations. By focusing on improving the distribution of food, beverages, and personal care products, TradeDepot seeks to build the largest retail distribution network in Africa and improve the livelihoods of retail store owners. The company also has an office in Wilmington, Delaware, reflecting its commitment to expanding its reach and impact.
Yassir is a leading super app based in Algiers, Algeria, that offers a range of on-demand services, including ride-hailing, food delivery, and financial services. Founded in 2016, Yassir has developed a mobile application that allows users to book drivers at any time and place, along with options for ordering food and groceries. The company operates in 45 cities across multiple countries and aims to enhance daily services through its technology-driven platform. Recently, Yassir has expanded its offerings to include digital payment solutions, enabling users to pay, save, and borrow online, thereby contributing to the digital economy in the region. With significant backing from notable investors, Yassir is focused on creating a marketplace that meets various consumer needs while embedding social values in its operations.
Twiga Foods
Series C in 2021
Twiga Foods Ltd. is a mobile-based supply platform that caters to retail outlets, kiosks, and market stalls across Africa. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the company facilitates a cashless, business-to-business supply chain that connects small and medium-sized vendors with essential agricultural products. Twiga Foods enables vendors to order a variety of supplies, including bananas, pineapples, and tomatoes, through its innovative platform, streamlining the distribution process in urban markets. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also supports local businesses by improving access to quality produce.
54gene is a healthcare company founded in 2019 by Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong, focused on advancing genomic research in Africa. Headquartered in San Francisco with an office in Lagos, Nigeria, the company aims to address the underrepresentation of African genetic data in pharmaceutical research, where only 2% of genetic material used is from African populations. By developing a pan-African biobank, 54gene seeks to identify new drug targets and create diagnostics and treatments for various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, the company offers genetic testing and molecular diagnostics services to enhance understanding of the human genome and improve access to essential healthcare solutions.
Halan
Venture Round in 2021
Halan is a ride-hailing application based in Cairo, Egypt, that specializes in providing two and three-wheeler vehicle rides and on-demand logistics services. Founded in November 2017, the platform allows users to request motorbike or tuk-tuk rides and order food or goods for delivery via motorbikes and cargo tricycles. In addition to catering to individual customers, Halan offers smart-tech last-mile delivery solutions to support both large organizations and small businesses in their distribution and supply chain needs. The application enhances convenience and safety for users while providing drivers with opportunities for incremental business. Halan has established partnerships with notable fast-food chains such as McDonald’s, KFC, and Pizza Hut, further solidifying its presence in the logistics and ride-hailing market.
MaxAB is a B2B e-commerce platform based in Cairo, Egypt, founded in 2018, that connects food and grocery retailers with suppliers in underserved areas. The company focuses on re-engineering the informal grocery and food market by utilizing innovative technologies and supply chain solutions tailored to the specific needs of retailers. MaxAB's mobile platform facilitates an e-marketplace and provides logistics services for efficient distribution of goods. By streamlining procurement and grocery delivery processes, MaxAB aims to empower retailers with access to a diverse range of products, premium service, and operational support, ultimately enhancing their ability to manage their businesses effectively.
Moniepoint
Series B in 2021
Moniepoint is a financial technology company that offers a comprehensive digital banking and payment ecosystem tailored for small and medium-sized businesses. The platform provides a range of services, including payment processing, credit access, and business management tools. Moniepoint enables businesses to create accounts and accept payments through various offline and online channels, facilitating efficient financial management. By integrating banking solutions with essential business tools, Moniepoint supports organizations in managing their finances and accessing the resources necessary for growth.
Swvl
Venture Round in 2020
Swvl is a technology-driven mobility company that offers an app for booking fixed-route bus trips, providing users with a cost-effective alternative to traditional public transportation and ride-sharing services. Founded in 2017, Swvl operates in Egypt, Kenya, Pakistan, and has its headquarters in Dubai. The company's core product is the B2C Swvl Retail offering, which allows commuters to book rides on minibuses and other vehicles running on fixed or semi-fixed routes within cities through a mobile application. This service enables users to share rides during peak commute times for a flat fare with no surge pricing, promoting environmentally responsible mass transit solutions.
Vezeeta is a digital healthcare platform based in Heliopolis, Egypt, that connects patients with healthcare providers across the Middle East and Africa, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Lebanon. Founded in 2011, the platform allows patients to search, compare, book, and review doctors, leveraging more than 200,000 verified reviews to enhance the decision-making process. Vezeeta offers a user-friendly experience, enabling patients to schedule appointments for in-clinic, virtual, or at-home consultations in as little as one minute. In addition to patient services, the company provides innovative software solutions for healthcare providers, facilitating clinic management and improving overall healthcare experiences. With features like live scheduling, automated appointment reminders, and comprehensive information on healthcare providers, Vezeeta aims to empower patients and enhance access to quality healthcare in the region.
Copia Global
Series B in 2019
Copia Global Inc. is an e-commerce company based in Nairobi, Kenya, that focuses on providing a consumer catalog order and delivery system for middle to low-income individuals in the developing world. Founded in 2013, the company leverages mobile technology and a network of local agents to facilitate access to a diverse range of quality goods at reasonable prices. Its platform enables users, including those without direct internet access, to browse products and place orders with local shopkeepers, who can then fulfill these orders and manage payments through a mobile payment system. This approach not only empowers consumers but also enhances the distribution capabilities of local businesses, making it easier for rural and peri-urban populations to access essential products conveniently.
Lori Systems
Series A in 2019
Lori Systems is a logistics platform based in Nairobi, Kenya, that connects transporters with cargo owners across Africa. Founded in 2016, the company also has offices in Mombasa, Uganda, and Lagos. Lori addresses a significant challenge in the African logistics sector, where up to 75% of product costs can be attributed to logistics, compared to only 6% in the United States. The platform provides a tech-enabled and operations-driven marketplace that enhances transparency, flexibility, reliability, and cost efficiency, achieving savings of over 18% for users. It offers real-time tracking of cargo, automated documentation, and streamlined payment processes, facilitating smoother goods transportation across the continent. Since its product launch in May 2017, Lori has experienced rapid growth, with a compounded monthly increase of 30%. The demand for its services continues to rise, supported by recent investments from prominent institutional and strategic investors. The company has also received recognition, including winning Techcrunch Battlefield Africa.
Swvl is a technology-driven mobility company that offers an app for booking fixed-route bus trips, providing users with a cost-effective alternative to traditional public transportation and ride-sharing services. Founded in 2017, Swvl operates in Egypt, Kenya, Pakistan, and has its headquarters in Dubai. The company's core product is the B2C Swvl Retail offering, which allows commuters to book rides on minibuses and other vehicles running on fixed or semi-fixed routes within cities through a mobile application. This service enables users to share rides during peak commute times for a flat fare with no surge pricing, promoting environmentally responsible mass transit solutions.
Property Finder
Private Equity Round in 2018
Property Finder is a leading property portal operating in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, founded in 2005 by Michael Lahyani. Initially launched as a print magazine, the company transitioned to a digital platform and has expanded its services across several countries, including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Property Finder facilitates over 14 million monthly visits, connecting home seekers with real estate brokers and developers through its web and app platform. The company offers a wide range of real estate listings, allowing users to search for properties to buy, sell, lease, or rent. It is recognized for its innovative approach in the proptech sector, having introduced features such as Verified Listings, an AI-driven subscription model called PF Flex, and Data Guru, a tool providing market insights for informed decision-making. Property Finder is also known for its commitment to industry collaboration, hosting events to share market knowledge and best practices among real estate professionals.
Cellulant
Series C in 2018
Cellulant Corporation is a prominent multinational payments company based in Nairobi, Kenya, focused on digitizing payments across Africa's largest economies. Established in 2004, Cellulant offers a comprehensive mobile payments platform that connects businesses and governments, facilitating consumer payments, digital banking, and remittance solutions. The company provides several innovative products, including Mula for general payment processing, Agrikore—a blockchain-based tool for agricultural transactions, and Tingg, which enables card, bank, and bill payments. By delivering locally relevant payment methods and supporting multiple currencies, Cellulant addresses the complex payment requirements of various businesses, making it easier for merchants to accept and manage payments.
Entersekt
Series C in 2017
Entersekt Pty Ltd. is an international software development company headquartered in Stellenbosch, South Africa, with additional offices in Utrecht, Netherlands, and other locations in North America and Europe. Established in 2008, the company specializes in mobile-first fintech solutions, offering online push-based authentication and application security services tailored for banks and enterprises. Its product portfolio includes transakt, interakt, and connekt, which facilitate secure online and mobile banking, as well as card-not-present authentication. Entersekt's patented mobile identity system is designed to enhance security while delivering convenient digital experiences across various service channels, making it a reliable partner for financial service providers and other enterprises.
Vezeeta is a digital healthcare platform based in Heliopolis, Egypt, that connects patients with healthcare providers across the Middle East and Africa, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Lebanon. Founded in 2011, the platform allows patients to search, compare, book, and review doctors, leveraging more than 200,000 verified reviews to enhance the decision-making process. Vezeeta offers a user-friendly experience, enabling patients to schedule appointments for in-clinic, virtual, or at-home consultations in as little as one minute. In addition to patient services, the company provides innovative software solutions for healthcare providers, facilitating clinic management and improving overall healthcare experiences. With features like live scheduling, automated appointment reminders, and comprehensive information on healthcare providers, Vezeeta aims to empower patients and enhance access to quality healthcare in the region.
Thndr is a financial services company based in Cairo, Egypt, that operates an app-based investment platform designed to facilitate commission-free trading for investors. Established in 2020 by Seif Amr, Thndr offers features such as no account minimums, easy account setup, and streamlined funding processes. The platform provides users with access to real-time market data and the latest financial news, along with educational tools to enhance their investment experience. By eliminating traditional barriers to entry in investing, Thndr aims to empower individuals to make informed financial decisions.
DLocal operates a payments technology platform aimed at facilitating online payments in emerging markets, primarily for global e-commerce companies. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Montevideo, Uruguay, the company offers over 900 payment methods across more than 40 countries. DLocal's primary goal is to bridge the payments innovation gap between global enterprises and customers in these high-growth regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Its platform, One dLocal, allows global merchants to efficiently handle both pay-in and pay-out transactions, enabling them to reach billions of underserved consumers. The company generates revenue by charging merchants fees for its payment processing services, with a significant portion of its income derived from operations in Brazil.