Seedstars Africa Ventures

Beacon Power Services, founded in 2013 and based in Lagos, Nigeria, specializes in energy management solutions for commercial and industrial facilities. The company employs a data-driven approach, utilizing its AI-enabled grid management platform, Adora, to provide real-time visibility into network performance for power distribution companies. This software connects to utility assets and customer nodes, enabling energy providers to anticipate outages, identify network losses, and enhance electricity distribution efficiency. Beacon Power Services develops comprehensive power generation and management plans tailored to clients' specific needs, incorporating generator resizing, peak shaving, automation, appliance upgrades, and renewable generation installations. The company's mission is to improve the quality and reliability of electricity supply in African cities by building smart grids and addressing inefficiencies in electricity distribution systems, ultimately reducing energy costs for its clients.

Shamba Pride is a technology-driven company focused on transforming the agricultural landscape for smallholder farmers in Africa. By providing an online platform that connects farmers with essential services, Shamba Pride enables them to access agricultural inputs, information, and financial services directly, eliminating intermediaries and reducing costs. The company's offerings include agro dealer upscaling, financial management, soil testing, and logistics management, all aimed at enhancing the efficiency and productivity of rural agriculture. Through its innovative approach, Shamba Pride empowers farmers with the tools and resources needed to improve their farming practices and market access.

Beacon Power Services, founded in 2013 and based in Lagos, Nigeria, specializes in energy management solutions for commercial and industrial facilities. The company employs a data-driven approach, utilizing its AI-enabled grid management platform, Adora, to provide real-time visibility into network performance for power distribution companies. This software connects to utility assets and customer nodes, enabling energy providers to anticipate outages, identify network losses, and enhance electricity distribution efficiency. Beacon Power Services develops comprehensive power generation and management plans tailored to clients' specific needs, incorporating generator resizing, peak shaving, automation, appliance upgrades, and renewable generation installations. The company's mission is to improve the quality and reliability of electricity supply in African cities by building smart grids and addressing inefficiencies in electricity distribution systems, ultimately reducing energy costs for its clients.

Bizao is a financial platform designed to enhance digital payment capabilities across Africa. By providing powerful APIs and smart financial flows, it enables businesses to accept a variety of local payment methods, including mobile money, credit cards, and airtime payments. This service caters to a diverse range of clients, such as local retailers, online merchants, international digital content providers, money transfer operators, and microfinance institutions. Bizao's objective is to accelerate the adoption of mobile payments, thereby supporting economic development throughout the continent. The platform streamlines online payments and centralizes financial flows between businesses and local mobile operators, allowing for efficient management of payment cycles and enhancing the overall financial landscape in the region.

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.

Shamba Pride is a technology-driven company focused on transforming the agricultural landscape for smallholder farmers in Africa. By providing an online platform that connects farmers with essential services, Shamba Pride enables them to access agricultural inputs, information, and financial services directly, eliminating intermediaries and reducing costs. The company's offerings include agro dealer upscaling, financial management, soil testing, and logistics management, all aimed at enhancing the efficiency and productivity of rural agriculture. Through its innovative approach, Shamba Pride empowers farmers with the tools and resources needed to improve their farming practices and market access.