Novastar Ventures

BasiGo is an e-mobility start-up focused on transforming public transportation in Kenya and Rwanda by providing electric buses as a sustainable alternative to diesel. The company operates under a pay-as-you-go model, which includes maintenance and battery charging services, facilitating the transition for bus owners to adopt electric vehicles. BasiGo's electric buses are designed to operate throughout the day on a single charge, utilizing proven battery technology that offers a reliable and economical solution amidst rising diesel costs. By making electric buses more accessible, BasiGo aims to enhance the efficiency of public transport while contributing to environmental sustainability.

BasiGo is an e-mobility start-up focused on transforming public transportation in Kenya and Rwanda by providing electric buses as a sustainable alternative to diesel. The company operates under a pay-as-you-go model, which includes maintenance and battery charging services, facilitating the transition for bus owners to adopt electric vehicles. BasiGo's electric buses are designed to operate throughout the day on a single charge, utilizing proven battery technology that offers a reliable and economical solution amidst rising diesel costs. By making electric buses more accessible, BasiGo aims to enhance the efficiency of public transport while contributing to environmental sustainability.

iProcure Ltd is a Nairobi-based company that operates a supply chain platform focused on optimizing agricultural input distribution in rural Africa, particularly in Kenya. Founded in 2012, iProcure provides a comprehensive solution that integrates business intelligence and data-driven stock management to enhance the operations of agricultural retailers. The platform enables retailers to manage inventory, point-of-sale activities, and customer profiles while leveraging geo-located purchasing patterns and real-time transaction analysis. Additionally, iProcure facilitates mobile payments, allowing retailers to better predict demand and improve overall inventory management. By offering an alternative distribution channel, the company ensures that agricultural products reach end consumers effectively, thereby streamlining distribution and enhancing customer service. iProcure also provides warehousing and storage facilities to support its logistics operations.

BasiGo is an e-mobility start-up focused on transforming public transportation in Kenya and Rwanda by providing electric buses as a sustainable alternative to diesel. The company operates under a pay-as-you-go model, which includes maintenance and battery charging services, facilitating the transition for bus owners to adopt electric vehicles. BasiGo's electric buses are designed to operate throughout the day on a single charge, utilizing proven battery technology that offers a reliable and economical solution amidst rising diesel costs. By making electric buses more accessible, BasiGo aims to enhance the efficiency of public transport while contributing to environmental sustainability.

Poa Internet Ltd. is a telecommunications company based in Nairobi, Kenya, founded in 2015. It specializes in providing low-cost internet services to individuals and small businesses in low-income neighborhoods, particularly in areas like Kibera and Kwangware. The company offers affordable and reliable internet access that is significantly cheaper than traditional network operators. Poa's services are delivered through a Wi-Fi network that covers entire neighborhoods, allowing users to connect with any Wi-Fi-enabled device at any time. Unique to Poa is its transparent pricing model, which includes data bundles without time limitations, as well as free content and online tools such as job boards and marketplaces. By focusing on underserved communities, Poa Internet aims to enhance access to education, trade, and social inclusion while ensuring improved quality of internet connections at accessible prices.

iProcure Ltd is a Nairobi-based company that operates a supply chain platform focused on optimizing agricultural input distribution in rural Africa, particularly in Kenya. Founded in 2012, iProcure provides a comprehensive solution that integrates business intelligence and data-driven stock management to enhance the operations of agricultural retailers. The platform enables retailers to manage inventory, point-of-sale activities, and customer profiles while leveraging geo-located purchasing patterns and real-time transaction analysis. Additionally, iProcure facilitates mobile payments, allowing retailers to better predict demand and improve overall inventory management. By offering an alternative distribution channel, the company ensures that agricultural products reach end consumers effectively, thereby streamlining distribution and enhancing customer service. iProcure also provides warehousing and storage facilities to support its logistics operations.

Soko, Inc. is a Kenya-based company that operates an online platform for handcrafted jewelry and accessories, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings. Founded in 2011, Soko connects over 2,300 independent artisans throughout Kenya to the global marketplace using mobile technology. The company has developed a virtual factory model that responds efficiently to demand while providing economic opportunities for marginalized artisans, who earn significantly more than those in traditional workshops. Soko distinguishes itself through its commitment to social impact and is certified as a B Corporation, appealing to Millennials and Gen Z consumers who prioritize brands that align with their values. With additional offices in Nairobi, San Francisco, and New York, Soko aims to empower artisans and promote sustainable economic development.

Penda Health Limited operates a network of outpatient medical centers in Kenya, specifically in Umoja and Kitengela, focused on providing high-quality and affordable healthcare to middle- and low-income families. Founded in 2011, Penda Health offers a wide range of services, including general consultations, specialty consultations by OB/GYNs, diagnostics, lab services, and pharmacy services. The company utilizes advanced technology, including AI-powered tools, to enhance clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes. Recognized for its patient-centered approach, Penda Health emphasizes operational excellence and community impact, having successfully served millions of patients. Its commitment to accessible and effective healthcare has established Penda Health as a trusted brand in Africa's healthcare landscape.

SolarNow is a company focused on providing solar energy and financing solutions in East Africa, with its headquarters in Nijmegen, Netherlands, and branch locations in Uganda and Kenya. Founded in 2011 by Willem Nolens, SolarNow manufactures high-quality solar home systems designed to meet the energy needs of both rural and urban households, as well as entrepreneurs and institutions. The company addresses the unmet demand for solar power services by offering a range of products, including solar home systems and electrical appliances. Additionally, SolarNow provides affordable and flexible credit options, enabling customers to access clean, reliable, and affordable energy solutions for households, small businesses, farming, and corporate needs.

iProcure Ltd is a Nairobi-based company that operates a supply chain platform focused on optimizing agricultural input distribution in rural Africa, particularly in Kenya. Founded in 2012, iProcure provides a comprehensive solution that integrates business intelligence and data-driven stock management to enhance the operations of agricultural retailers. The platform enables retailers to manage inventory, point-of-sale activities, and customer profiles while leveraging geo-located purchasing patterns and real-time transaction analysis. Additionally, iProcure facilitates mobile payments, allowing retailers to better predict demand and improve overall inventory management. By offering an alternative distribution channel, the company ensures that agricultural products reach end consumers effectively, thereby streamlining distribution and enhancing customer service. iProcure also provides warehousing and storage facilities to support its logistics operations.

Poa Internet Ltd. is a telecommunications company based in Nairobi, Kenya, founded in 2015. It specializes in providing low-cost internet services to individuals and small businesses in low-income neighborhoods, particularly in areas like Kibera and Kwangware. The company offers affordable and reliable internet access that is significantly cheaper than traditional network operators. Poa's services are delivered through a Wi-Fi network that covers entire neighborhoods, allowing users to connect with any Wi-Fi-enabled device at any time. Unique to Poa is its transparent pricing model, which includes data bundles without time limitations, as well as free content and online tools such as job boards and marketplaces. By focusing on underserved communities, Poa Internet aims to enhance access to education, trade, and social inclusion while ensuring improved quality of internet connections at accessible prices.

iProcure Ltd is a Nairobi-based company that operates a supply chain platform focused on optimizing agricultural input distribution in rural Africa, particularly in Kenya. Founded in 2012, iProcure provides a comprehensive solution that integrates business intelligence and data-driven stock management to enhance the operations of agricultural retailers. The platform enables retailers to manage inventory, point-of-sale activities, and customer profiles while leveraging geo-located purchasing patterns and real-time transaction analysis. Additionally, iProcure facilitates mobile payments, allowing retailers to better predict demand and improve overall inventory management. By offering an alternative distribution channel, the company ensures that agricultural products reach end consumers effectively, thereby streamlining distribution and enhancing customer service. iProcure also provides warehousing and storage facilities to support its logistics operations.

Poa Internet Ltd. is a telecommunications company based in Nairobi, Kenya, founded in 2015. It specializes in providing low-cost internet services to individuals and small businesses in low-income neighborhoods, particularly in areas like Kibera and Kwangware. The company offers affordable and reliable internet access that is significantly cheaper than traditional network operators. Poa's services are delivered through a Wi-Fi network that covers entire neighborhoods, allowing users to connect with any Wi-Fi-enabled device at any time. Unique to Poa is its transparent pricing model, which includes data bundles without time limitations, as well as free content and online tools such as job boards and marketplaces. By focusing on underserved communities, Poa Internet aims to enhance access to education, trade, and social inclusion while ensuring improved quality of internet connections at accessible prices.

Lynk Jobs Limited operates a digital platform that connects informal workers with customers seeking various services, including housekeeping, plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Lynk allows users to describe the projects or tasks they need assistance with and queries professionals that match those descriptions. The platform provides quotes from verified professionals and manages the logistics of service delivery. In addition to connecting service providers and customers, Lynk offers training courses aimed at personal and professional development for its workers. By addressing the challenges faced by informal workers and the households and businesses that require their services, Lynk facilitates effective recruitment, smart job matching, and a customer rating system that helps workers build their skills profiles.

Sanergy, Inc. focuses on enhancing sanitation infrastructure in urban slums, particularly in Nairobi, Kenya. Established in 2010, the company builds a network of low-cost sanitation centers equipped with essential facilities such as toilets and showers. These centers are then franchised to local entrepreneurs, with financial support from microfinance institutions. Sanergy not only provides access to hygienic sanitation but also collects human waste daily for processing. This waste is converted into valuable byproducts, including organic fertilizers and renewable energy through a biogas generation process. The organic fertilizers are sold to both commercial farms and smallholder farmers, while the generated biogas is used to produce electricity for sale. Sanergy's mission is to promote public health and environmental sustainability by creating an efficient and equitable sanitation system that addresses the needs of underserved urban communities.

Soko, Inc. is a Kenya-based company that operates an online platform for handcrafted jewelry and accessories, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings. Founded in 2011, Soko connects over 2,300 independent artisans throughout Kenya to the global marketplace using mobile technology. The company has developed a virtual factory model that responds efficiently to demand while providing economic opportunities for marginalized artisans, who earn significantly more than those in traditional workshops. Soko distinguishes itself through its commitment to social impact and is certified as a B Corporation, appealing to Millennials and Gen Z consumers who prioritize brands that align with their values. With additional offices in Nairobi, San Francisco, and New York, Soko aims to empower artisans and promote sustainable economic development.

Poa Internet Ltd. is a telecommunications company based in Nairobi, Kenya, founded in 2015. It specializes in providing low-cost internet services to individuals and small businesses in low-income neighborhoods, particularly in areas like Kibera and Kwangware. The company offers affordable and reliable internet access that is significantly cheaper than traditional network operators. Poa's services are delivered through a Wi-Fi network that covers entire neighborhoods, allowing users to connect with any Wi-Fi-enabled device at any time. Unique to Poa is its transparent pricing model, which includes data bundles without time limitations, as well as free content and online tools such as job boards and marketplaces. By focusing on underserved communities, Poa Internet aims to enhance access to education, trade, and social inclusion while ensuring improved quality of internet connections at accessible prices.

Penda Health Limited operates a network of outpatient medical centers in Kenya, specifically in Umoja and Kitengela, focused on providing high-quality and affordable healthcare to middle- and low-income families. Founded in 2011, Penda Health offers a wide range of services, including general consultations, specialty consultations by OB/GYNs, diagnostics, lab services, and pharmacy services. The company utilizes advanced technology, including AI-powered tools, to enhance clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes. Recognized for its patient-centered approach, Penda Health emphasizes operational excellence and community impact, having successfully served millions of patients. Its commitment to accessible and effective healthcare has established Penda Health as a trusted brand in Africa's healthcare landscape.

Sanergy, Inc. focuses on enhancing sanitation infrastructure in urban slums, particularly in Nairobi, Kenya. Established in 2010, the company builds a network of low-cost sanitation centers equipped with essential facilities such as toilets and showers. These centers are then franchised to local entrepreneurs, with financial support from microfinance institutions. Sanergy not only provides access to hygienic sanitation but also collects human waste daily for processing. This waste is converted into valuable byproducts, including organic fertilizers and renewable energy through a biogas generation process. The organic fertilizers are sold to both commercial farms and smallholder farmers, while the generated biogas is used to produce electricity for sale. Sanergy's mission is to promote public health and environmental sustainability by creating an efficient and equitable sanitation system that addresses the needs of underserved urban communities.

M-Farm Ltd. operates MFarm, a marketplace solution that connects smallholder farmers in Kenya with urban and export markets through a digital platform accessible via SMS and the web. Founded in 2010 and based in Nairobi, the company addresses the challenges faced by the majority of Kenya's farmers, who often lack access to fair market opportunities and face exploitation by middlemen. By negotiating with buyers and ensuring quality through a network of agents, M-Farm encourages farmers to transition from subsistence farming to cash crops, thus enhancing food security. The company provides farmers with up-to-date market prices and access to agricultural training, which improves crop yields and product quality. In turn, buyers benefit from a reliable source of organic produce, transparency in the supply chain, and stable, pre-negotiated prices that protect them from market volatility. M-Farm's innovative approach aims to empower smallholder farmers while meeting the increasing demand for quality agricultural products.

Hivisasa is an online news platform based in Nairobi, Kenya, founded in 2011. It specializes in publishing a diverse range of content, including sports, entertainment, business, politics, crime, obituaries, weddings, and opinion pieces. As Africa’s first crowdsourced news site, Hivisasa empowers its readers not only to access untold stories but also to contribute by writing their own. The platform attracts over two million readers monthly and supports a community of over 1,500 local writers. Committed to fostering community engagement and accountability, Hivisasa emphasizes the importance of local perspectives in its editorial approach, ensuring that all its editors collaborate closely with writers from various backgrounds to deliver relevant news to its audience.

Soko, Inc. is a Kenya-based company that operates an online platform for handcrafted jewelry and accessories, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings. Founded in 2011, Soko connects over 2,300 independent artisans throughout Kenya to the global marketplace using mobile technology. The company has developed a virtual factory model that responds efficiently to demand while providing economic opportunities for marginalized artisans, who earn significantly more than those in traditional workshops. Soko distinguishes itself through its commitment to social impact and is certified as a B Corporation, appealing to Millennials and Gen Z consumers who prioritize brands that align with their values. With additional offices in Nairobi, San Francisco, and New York, Soko aims to empower artisans and promote sustainable economic development.

SolarNow is a company focused on providing solar energy and financing solutions in East Africa, with its headquarters in Nijmegen, Netherlands, and branch locations in Uganda and Kenya. Founded in 2011 by Willem Nolens, SolarNow manufactures high-quality solar home systems designed to meet the energy needs of both rural and urban households, as well as entrepreneurs and institutions. The company addresses the unmet demand for solar power services by offering a range of products, including solar home systems and electrical appliances. Additionally, SolarNow provides affordable and flexible credit options, enabling customers to access clean, reliable, and affordable energy solutions for households, small businesses, farming, and corporate needs.

M-Farm Ltd. operates MFarm, a marketplace solution that connects smallholder farmers in Kenya with urban and export markets through a digital platform accessible via SMS and the web. Founded in 2010 and based in Nairobi, the company addresses the challenges faced by the majority of Kenya's farmers, who often lack access to fair market opportunities and face exploitation by middlemen. By negotiating with buyers and ensuring quality through a network of agents, M-Farm encourages farmers to transition from subsistence farming to cash crops, thus enhancing food security. The company provides farmers with up-to-date market prices and access to agricultural training, which improves crop yields and product quality. In turn, buyers benefit from a reliable source of organic produce, transparency in the supply chain, and stable, pre-negotiated prices that protect them from market volatility. M-Farm's innovative approach aims to empower smallholder farmers while meeting the increasing demand for quality agricultural products.

The Paradigm Project is a manufacturing company based in Ethiopia, established in 2008. It specializes in producing and distributing clean energy products such as cookstoves, solar lamps, water tanks, and filters. The company operates through a network of agents in Kenya and Ethiopia, aiming to provide affordable solutions that improve lives while promoting sustainability.