Seedstars

Raenest is a financial technology company that simplifies invoicing and payment processes for startups and freelancers, particularly in Africa. It allows users to send and receive invoices in various currencies, facilitating seamless cross-border transactions. The platform provides tools for automated onboarding, verification, and salary disbursement, enabling businesses to manage payments efficiently. By offering features like virtual cards, Raenest helps companies coordinate payments, ensure compliance, and manage expenses more effectively. Its services support fast and cost-effective money transfers, making it easier for businesses to engage with freelancers, contractors, and vendors globally.

Maad is a rapidly growing B2B marketplace located in Dakar, Senegal, focused on serving small retailers and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands in Francophone Africa. The company offers a technology-driven platform that facilitates mobile ordering and ensures reliable product delivery. Its services include providing data on product availability and market share, as well as targeted promotional offerings to help businesses enhance their sales. Additionally, Maad supports retailers by offering working capital loans, creating a comprehensive solution for their operational needs.

Agel is focused on transforming financial services for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by introducing a digital, cashless, and Sharia-compliant B2B payment platform. This platform offers alternative financing options that enable merchants within Agel's network to access industry-agnostic merchandise credit limits. By streamlining transactions between wholesale and retail merchants, Agel aims to empower MSME growth, accelerate financial inclusion, and eradicate the informal economy. The company's initiatives align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and Egypt's 2030 plan, promoting financial literacy and sustainability in the region. Through these efforts, Agel seeks to redefine the customer experience in financial services and support the economic development of MSMEs.

Jumba is a construction technology platform based in Nairobi, Kenya, established in 2022. The company focuses on streamlining B2B construction material purchases and financing, facilitating transactions between manufacturers and retailers. Jumba's platform enables businesses to order a variety of construction materials, including cement, steel, paint, tiles, plumbing supplies, electrical components, glass, and kitchen and bathroom finishes, with the option to pay later. By connecting small hardware stores with medium-sized retailers in their vicinity, Jumba helps enhance inventory management and negotiates pricing to simplify the supply chain for construction materials across Africa.

Kiri EV is a manufacturer of electric vehicles and charging systems focused on the Kenyan and East African markets. The company produces a variety of electric transportation options, including scooters, motorcycles, auto rickshaws, and carriers. Their vehicles incorporate advanced features such as direct current motor technology, antilock braking systems, customizable components, removable batteries, and silent motors. Kiri EV aims to demonstrate the viability and importance of electric vehicles in transforming transportation across the African continent, challenging the traditional motor industry in the process. By offering affordable and innovative solutions, Kiri EV seeks to promote the adoption of electric mobility in the region.

agriBORA is focused on creating a comprehensive ecosystem for smallholder farmers in Africa, integrating farming inputs, financial services, and market access. The company develops a location-specific farm decision support system that leverages data-driven insights to enhance productivity and mitigate risks associated with smallholder agriculture. By combining technology with personal support, agriBORA aims to empower farmers and agribusinesses with actionable information and digital tools across the agricultural value chain, facilitating effective trading and improving overall farm management.

Zuri Health is a telemedicine company based in Nairobi, Kenya, established in 2020. It offers affordable and accessible healthcare solutions through a mobile app, website, and SMS services, catering to patients without smartphones and those in rural areas. Users can schedule lab and diagnostic tests, consult with doctors, purchase medications from pharmacies, and arrange home visits with qualified medical professionals. The platform also features an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot to enhance user experience and provide first-level medical consultations. Zuri Health aims to create a universally accessible healthcare experience for all individuals, regardless of their location or resources.

Jumba is a construction technology platform based in Nairobi, Kenya, established in 2022. The company focuses on streamlining B2B construction material purchases and financing, facilitating transactions between manufacturers and retailers. Jumba's platform enables businesses to order a variety of construction materials, including cement, steel, paint, tiles, plumbing supplies, electrical components, glass, and kitchen and bathroom finishes, with the option to pay later. By connecting small hardware stores with medium-sized retailers in their vicinity, Jumba helps enhance inventory management and negotiates pricing to simplify the supply chain for construction materials across Africa.

Orcas Solutions Limited operates an online marketplace that connects parents and students with experienced and reliable private tutors and babysitters in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Founded in 2014 and based in Cairo, the company provides a hybrid tutoring platform that offers live tutoring sessions along with personalized learning plans and courses. This approach enables students to receive tailored educational experiences, enhancing their learning and making education more enjoyable. Through its services, Orcas Solutions aims to empower students and support families in finding quality educational and childcare resources.

Omnibiz is a B2B e-commerce platform based in Lagos, Nigeria, that focuses on fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Founded in 2019, the company aims to support local businesses by digitizing the supply chain and enhancing operational efficiency. Its unified distribution platform offers tools that improve reliability, visibility, and financial capabilities for businesses. Key features include order tracking and integrated payment options, all designed to facilitate a seamless supply chain experience. By providing these resources, Omnibiz helps local enterprises navigate the complexities of the modern market and achieve their business objectives effectively.

ZUMI, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, operates as an online magazine and a retail platform focused on fashion, beauty, food, and living. The company connects wholesalers and retailers within a transparent marketplace, empowering women retailers through technology, logistics, and financial services that facilitate business growth. Customers can place orders via SMS, phone calls, or through ZUMI Agents. ZUMI collects orders from suppliers early each morning, ensuring fast delivery to customers, typically within 18 hours. Payment is made conveniently through mobile money, allowing for a seamless shopping experience.

Mangwee is a mobile money transfer platform that aims to enhance financial inclusion, particularly in rural areas of Zambia and Africa, by facilitating a shift towards a cash-light economy. The platform provides a secure, easy-to-use, and affordable payment solution, featuring a range of applications designed to improve the lives of various demographics, including women, farmers, youth, and the economically disadvantaged. In addition to its primary mobile money transfer services, Mangwee offers an electronic wallet aimed at university students, which helps to reduce the costs associated with mobile money transactions and enables users to transfer funds conveniently via their mobile phones at any time and from any location.

Fuzu Ltd is an online coaching and recruitment platform founded in 2013 and based in Helsinki, Finland. It operates a mobile-first career development platform that primarily serves users in emerging economies, including regions in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. Fuzu offers a unique approach to job-seeking and recruitment by focusing on skill development and competency testing. The platform engages users through high-quality content and news while leveraging social networks for effective career management. Additionally, Fuzu connects job-seekers with employers and provides career planning courses, along with tailored job recommendations based on individual interests and personalities, facilitating efficient recruitment and talent development for employers.

Fuzu Ltd is an online coaching and recruitment platform founded in 2013 and based in Helsinki, Finland. It operates a mobile-first career development platform that primarily serves users in emerging economies, including regions in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. Fuzu offers a unique approach to job-seeking and recruitment by focusing on skill development and competency testing. The platform engages users through high-quality content and news while leveraging social networks for effective career management. Additionally, Fuzu connects job-seekers with employers and provides career planning courses, along with tailored job recommendations based on individual interests and personalities, facilitating efficient recruitment and talent development for employers.

Dryve is Egypt's first and leading marketplace that connects car owners with individuals and businesses seeking vehicle rentals or driving services. Launched in 2018, Dryve allows users to earn additional income by lending their cars or providing driving services through a user-friendly mobile application. The platform offers a diverse range of options, including the ability to rent new cars for weekend trips and access to a limo-hailing service called Ryde, which provides safe and customizable chauffeured transportation. Dryve has an extensive database of over 3,500 rental cars, significantly surpassing traditional car rental companies in Egypt. Through a partnership with Allianz, Dryve introduced innovative insurance solutions, including a Pay As You Drive policy and a digital claims process, enhancing the experience for both car owners and renters.

Pezesha is a digital financial marketplace based in Nairobi, Kenya, that connects small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to various financing options, including working capital, float financing, and LPO financing. Founded in 2016, Pezesha aims to enhance access to affordable credit for micro-businesses by leveraging credit and data analytics to link lenders with low-income borrowers. The platform facilitates a shared economy by converging lending and other financial services, thereby enabling underserved SMBs to participate in the formal financial system. Through its innovative approach, Pezesha seeks to empower businesses and improve their growth potential by providing essential financial resources.

Shezlong is an online mental health platform based in Cairo, Egypt, and is recognized as the first and largest online psychotherapy service in the Arab world. Founded in 2016, Shezlong connects users with over 350 licensed therapists, facilitating private and convenient access to professional counseling in Arabic. The platform serves a diverse clientele, reaching over 100,000 users across 85 countries, primarily targeting Arabic-speaking individuals in the MENA region. Users can access a range of services, including informative blogs, psychometric tests to assess their mental state, and personalized therapist recommendations. Shezlong allows clients to book sessions and communicate with therapists through video, ensuring confidentiality and privacy. By empowering therapists and providing comprehensive mental wellness resources, Shezlong aims to be an integral part of its users' daily routines, promoting better mental health and well-being.

Taskty.com is an online marketplace based in Egypt that connects users with individuals and service agencies to fulfill various short-term tasks for both home and business. Founded in 2012, the platform offers a diverse range of services, including translation, copywriting, graphic design, event photography, house maintenance, and private nursing. Additionally, Taskty provides access to a variety of household services, such as housekeeping, pest control, plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work, allowing customers to select providers based on their specific needs and budget.

ZUMI, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, operates as an online magazine and a retail platform focused on fashion, beauty, food, and living. The company connects wholesalers and retailers within a transparent marketplace, empowering women retailers through technology, logistics, and financial services that facilitate business growth. Customers can place orders via SMS, phone calls, or through ZUMI Agents. ZUMI collects orders from suppliers early each morning, ensuring fast delivery to customers, typically within 18 hours. Payment is made conveniently through mobile money, allowing for a seamless shopping experience.

Diool is a financial services platform based in Douala, Cameroon, founded in 2015. The company specializes in facilitating B2B payments for African businesses, enabling them to collect payments on invoices, reconcile transactions, and make payments to suppliers. Diool's platform supports various settlement methods, including cash at mobile money agents, mobile money, bank wires, and instant payments. By leveraging agent banking and mobile banking models, Diool offers users a seamless way to manage their financial transactions, whether online or in cash. The service is designed to help businesses efficiently manage their treasury and improve their overall financial operations.

BeneFactors Ltd. is a Kigali-based factoring company that specializes in providing working capital solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises in Rwanda. Founded in 2017, BeneFactors offers tailored financial services that enable businesses to sell future payments from their buyers for immediate cash. This service allows companies to manage pending invoices or purchase orders, thus ensuring they can continue operations even if buyers delay payments. By facilitating access to cash, BeneFactors supports business growth and stability for its clients, allowing them to take on more clients and expand their operations without financial strain.

7keema is a provider of on-demand nursing services based in Nasr City, Egypt, established in 2017. The company offers a diverse range of home-based care solutions, including basic care, post-intensive care unit support, hospice care, elderly care, ostomy care, and post-pregnancy assistance. Additionally, 7keema provides specialized services such as catheter and Ryle's tube care, wound care, child care, and vaccinations for children. With a focus on delivering quick, safe, and efficient nursing services, 7keema employs highly-trained nurses to ensure that patients receive professional care tailored to their needs, particularly during emergencies. The company also develops a home nursing application to enhance service accessibility for clients.

AgroCenta, founded in 2015 by former Esoko employees Francis Obirikorang and Michael K. Ocansey, aims to enhance the agricultural value chain in Ghana by addressing key challenges faced by smallholder farmers. The company has developed an online platform that connects these farmers directly to national markets, allowing them to sell their commodities at fair prices, thereby reducing reliance on exploitative middlemen. The platform also offers real-time commodity pricing and access to credit facilities. Additionally, AgroCenta has introduced a logistics solution known as TrucKR, which enables farmers in remote areas to easily access transportation services for their goods. This innovative approach not only empowers farmers by giving them control over their sales but also significantly improves their overall market access and economic outcomes.

Medsaf is a pharmaceutical platform based in Lagos, Nigeria, that facilitates the delivery of medications to hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics. Founded in 2014, the company offers a wide range of products, including antacids, antiviral drugs, anaemia treatments, antiseptics, and vitamins. Medsaf aims to enhance the accessibility of affordable, quality medications through an integrated suite of technologies designed to improve efficiency and transparency in the supply chain. Its services include online product distribution, quality control as a service, and a marketplace that connects healthcare providers with vetted suppliers and logistics partners. Additionally, Medsaf features an embedded finance platform that provides buy-now-pay-later solutions for medication procurement, streamlining the financial aspects of the pharmaceutical supply process.

Edves Limited is a company based in Lagos, Nigeria, that specializes in designing and developing school management software aimed at automating various administrative and educational processes. Founded in 2016, Edves's platform serves over 1,700 K-12 schools across 11 African countries, streamlining enrollment, school fees payment, result processing, and online learning. The software offers features such as e-books, video tutorials, and virtual classrooms, facilitating a comprehensive digital learning environment. Additionally, it provides tools for school owners to manage fee defaulters and set reminders, while educators can generate annual reports to track student performance. By enhancing digital infrastructure for educational institutions, Edves aims to improve learning outcomes and optimize school operations.

AgroCenta, founded in 2015 by former Esoko employees Francis Obirikorang and Michael K. Ocansey, aims to enhance the agricultural value chain in Ghana by addressing key challenges faced by smallholder farmers. The company has developed an online platform that connects these farmers directly to national markets, allowing them to sell their commodities at fair prices, thereby reducing reliance on exploitative middlemen. The platform also offers real-time commodity pricing and access to credit facilities. Additionally, AgroCenta has introduced a logistics solution known as TrucKR, which enables farmers in remote areas to easily access transportation services for their goods. This innovative approach not only empowers farmers by giving them control over their sales but also significantly improves their overall market access and economic outcomes.

Tupuca is Angola's first comprehensive delivery platform that facilitates on-demand ordering for a wide range of products and services, primarily focusing on food delivery. The application connects users to various restaurants, offering a diverse selection of meal options. In addition to its core food delivery services, Tupuca promotes social responsibility by allowing users to donate meals to non-profit organizations, thereby encouraging community support while fulfilling customer needs. This innovative approach positions Tupuca as a key player in enhancing the convenience of delivery services in Angola.

Medsaf is a pharmaceutical platform based in Lagos, Nigeria, that facilitates the delivery of medications to hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics. Founded in 2014, the company offers a wide range of products, including antacids, antiviral drugs, anaemia treatments, antiseptics, and vitamins. Medsaf aims to enhance the accessibility of affordable, quality medications through an integrated suite of technologies designed to improve efficiency and transparency in the supply chain. Its services include online product distribution, quality control as a service, and a marketplace that connects healthcare providers with vetted suppliers and logistics partners. Additionally, Medsaf features an embedded finance platform that provides buy-now-pay-later solutions for medication procurement, streamlining the financial aspects of the pharmaceutical supply process.

Jamii Africa is a provider of mobile micro-health insurance tailored for the low-income and informal sector. The company has developed a mobile policy management platform that automates 99% of insurance administration activities, significantly reducing costs and allowing for more affordable premium rates. Through strategic partnerships with Jubilee Insurance and Vodacom Tanzania, Jamii Africa facilitates cashless transactions for premium collection and benefit payouts, enhancing accessibility for its target market. Their platform not only manages the benefit ledger but is also integrated with mobile money and insurer systems, ensuring efficient service delivery. By offering customized insurance policies that provide access to various hospitals, Jamii Africa aims to meet the unique needs of underserved populations, promoting greater health coverage in the region.

iNuka Pap Limited is a Kenyan company founded in 2014 that operates a mobile platform designed to offer instant loans to members of savings and credit co-operatives (SACCOs) and microfinance institutions (MFIs) across Africa. The platform provides users with immediate access to short-term cash advances, which can help address urgent financial needs. In addition to loan services, iNuka Pap also facilitates other consumer services such as prepaid electricity, airtime, and insurance. By enabling members to manage their small cash emergencies conveniently and efficiently, the company aims to enhance financial accessibility for its users.

Giraffe is a recruitment app based in South Africa that assists small businesses in finding suitable staff for medium-skilled positions across various sectors, including finance, retail, healthcare, and construction. The platform offers a wide range of job opportunities, such as accounts/bookkeeper, administration/clerk, customer service, and security guard roles, among others. In addition to job placement, Giraffe provides services for conducting criminal, credit, education, and reference checks on potential employees, enhancing the hiring process for businesses. Through its user-friendly interface, Giraffe connects job seekers with numerous employment opportunities, making it a valuable resource in the South African job market.

GiftedMom is the first mobile health platform in Central Africa, which uses low cost technologies to improve the health conditions of pregnant women and new borns in under served and disconnected communities. The GiftedMom project was started by a group of Medical and engineering students, Medical Doctors, health and community workers, with vision to reduce maternal mortality rates (Millennium Development Goal 5) as well as infant Mortality rates (MDG 4) in Cameroon. The project comprises a Web and Mobile platform, SMS Services and Google Fusion Tables, all aimed at divulging important information on the proper management of pregnancy, and a healthy follow up of newborns.

Jamii Africa is a provider of mobile micro-health insurance tailored for the low-income and informal sector. The company has developed a mobile policy management platform that automates 99% of insurance administration activities, significantly reducing costs and allowing for more affordable premium rates. Through strategic partnerships with Jubilee Insurance and Vodacom Tanzania, Jamii Africa facilitates cashless transactions for premium collection and benefit payouts, enhancing accessibility for its target market. Their platform not only manages the benefit ledger but is also integrated with mobile money and insurer systems, ensuring efficient service delivery. By offering customized insurance policies that provide access to various hospitals, Jamii Africa aims to meet the unique needs of underserved populations, promoting greater health coverage in the region.