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Published: 06-04-2018 16:44:00 | By: Nico Scherphuis | hits: 3540728 | Tags:























BeatMarket platform launches to empower long-term retail investors
Published: 26-10-2023 | 14:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau


Insurtech startup QuoteWell comes out of stealth, raises $15m Series A funding round
Published: 25-10-2023 | 12:00:00 | By: Pie Kamau
QuoteWell has announced the launch of its brokerage operations.


E-commerce tech platform MarketLeap secures €2.6m to expand brands’ global reach and revenue
Published: 10-10-2023 | 12:03:00 | By: Pie Kamau
MarketLeap has secured €1.5m funding.


Canadian e-Commerce inventory platform Centro launches with $2m pre-seed funding round
Published: 05-10-2023 | 12:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
e-Commerce inventory platform Centro, announced a $2m in pre-seed funding.


French startup Kamino Retail raises €1.25m pre-seed round to accelerate growth
Published: 29-09-2023 | 12:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kamino Retail announced a pre-seed funding of €1.25m from business angels.


Nigerian mobility startup Mecho Autotech raises $2.4m, ventures into wholesale spare parts distribution
Published: 15-09-2023 | 13:02:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigerian mobility startup Mecho Autotech, has closed $2.4m pre-Series A investment.


Harmonya raises $20m Series A to transform CPG and retail with AI-powered product data
Published: 05-09-2023 | 15:51:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Harmonya announced a $20m Series A, bringing total funding to $25 million.


Kids footwear brand jbrds closes $500k seed round, establishes $5m valuation
Published: 04-09-2023 | 14:56:00 | By: Pie Kamau
jbrds has subscribed a modest seed round of $500k, establishing a $5,000,000 valuation.


Swedish fintech Klarna records growth in key European markets
Published: 23-08-2023 | 12:14:49 | By: Pie Kamau
Klarna, the global payments network and shopping assistant, announced strong growth across Europe.


B2B marketplace startup Ghost raises $30m to help brands and retailers move surplus inventory
Published: 22-08-2023 | 13:12:00 | By: Pie Kamau
B2B marketplace startup Ghost has raised $30m Series B funding.


Kenyan agritech startup Kyosk acquires KwikBasket, expands into fresh produce market
Published: 10-07-2023 | 11:09:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenyan agritech startup Kyosk, is expanding into the African fresh produce market.


Kenyan fashion e-Commerce startup ShopZetu raises pre-seed funding to fuel growth of its marketplace
Published: 29-06-2023 | 14:25:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenyan fashion e-Commerce startup ShopZetu has raised $1m pre-seed funding.


[Interview] Caroline Mutuku, General Manager, Glovo, Kenya
Published: 09-06-2023 | 12:40:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Caroline Mutuku is Kenya's General Manager of multi-category app Glovo.


How payment technology is changing the rulebook on South African retail
Published: 31-05-2023 | 10:48:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The past few years have seen the proliferation of new methods of transacting.


Dental marketplace Wellplaece launches with $5.5m seed round
Published: 31-05-2023 | 10:05:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Dental marketplace Wellplaece announced the company's Private Beta launch.


Genetica raises $500k seed round to make cannabis shopping smarter with AI
Published: 29-05-2023 | 14:04:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Genetica, an AI cannabis retail platform, announced the close of its seed round.


Austrian SaaS startup Shopstory scores million-dollar investment to accelerate growth
Published: 25-05-2023 | 14:31:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Austrian SaaS startup Shopstory has scored another million-dollar investment.


Singapore-based tech-enabled coffee chain Flash Coffee extends Series B round to $50m
Published: 17-05-2023 | 13:01:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Singapore-based tech-enabled coffee chain Flash Coffee has announced the successful completion of its Series B financing round led by White Star Capital, raising a total of $50 million following its latest closing.


Kenya's B2B e-Commerce startup Wasoko expands to Zambia
Published: 11-05-2023 | 14:10:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Wasoko has revealed plans to invest over $1 million in Zambia. The B2B retail and e-Commerce made this announcement while announcing its official entry into the Southern African country. 


Africa’s mezzanine debt fund manager Vantage Capital exits Dynamic Bedding
Published: 03-05-2023 | 09:12:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Vantage Capital, Africa’s mezzanine debt fund manager, announced it has fully exited its investment in Dynamic Bedding, a South African specialist bed manufacturer and retailer.


GCPL to invest $12m in early-stage Indian consumer startups
Published: 12-04-2023 | 13:41:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), announced that it will be investing INR 100 Crore ($12 million) in Early Spring, a new INR 300 Crore early-stage consumer fund being set up by Spring Marketing Capital (Spring).


Forces shaping the retail landscape in 2023, ESW
Published: 28-03-2023 | 16:03:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Brands and merchants are constantly adapting to the ever-changing forces that shape the retail landscape


California furniture startup Woodsy announces pre-seed funding round, launches Kickstarter
Published: 24-03-2023 | 13:41:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Woodsy, a California furniture startup manufacturing affordable solid wood furniture, announced its first product on Kickstarter, surpassing its funding goal in 6 hours.


3 key trends in retail and brand innovation, Plug and Play
Published: 14-03-2023 | 10:58:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Brands and the retail industry are undergoing a rapid transformation. As technology and customer expectations continue to evolve, businesses must innovate to stay competitive and provide a better consumer and user experience.


Vue.ai announces new AI powered models to generate inclusive ad creatives through Meta's Creative Shop
Published: 01-03-2023 | 16:01:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Vue.ai, the retail vertical of AI startup Mad Street Den, announced its partnership with Meta to generate automated and inclusive ad creatives using AI-powered models for brands using Meta's creative services.


Indian SaaS startup Mintoak raises $20m Series A funding round to grow its product portfolio
Published: 23-02-2023 | 14:03:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Mintoak, an India-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform focused on merchant services, has raised $20 million in Series A funding round led by PayPal Ventures.


Berlin's EatFirst acquires London-based foodtech startup Feedr to accelerate growth
Published: 13-02-2023 | 10:41:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Berlin-based corporate food ordering platform EatFirst, has acquired Feedr, a London-based enterprise food technology platform that gives corporate customers software to support healthier daily eating in workplaces.


Bangladeshi B2B commerce platform ShopUp secures $30m debt financing to fuel expansion, strengthen supply chain operations
Published: 03-02-2023 | 11:40:00 | By: Pie Kamau
ShopUp, a full-stack B2B commerce platform in Bangladesh, announced it has secured $30 million in debt financing, to drive expansion efforts and strengthen the company's supply chain operations.


Food Foundry accelerator announces fifth cohort of early-stage foodservice startups
Published: 23-01-2023 | 11:42:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Food Foundry, an accelerator program built by Relish Works and Gordon Food Service for early-stage startups disrupting the food and foodservice industry, announced the five startups that will join the fifth cohort starting in January 2023.


Boulder-based startup Hickey Hack develops first ever concealer for hickeys
Published: 13-01-2023 | 08:34:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Hickey Hack, a startup based in Boulder, Colorado, has developed a concealer designed to eliminate hickeys. This is the first time a product like this has ever been created and is a major breakthrough in the cosmetic industry.


Nigerian online furniture store Taeillo raises $2.5m for expansion
Published: 16-12-2022 | 13:17:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigerian online store Taeillo, announced a $2.5 million funding round from Aruwa Capital, a growth equity and early-stage investor.


Senegalese startup Kwely launches made in Africa online store
Published: 16-12-2022 | 12:38:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kwely, a Senegalese-based startup has launched a B2B e-marketplace to provide African producers and manufacturers with a global window to sell their products at scale.


Netail closes $5m seed funding to advance retail-focused AI development
Published: 01-12-2022 | 10:54:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Netail, a technology that enables retailers to auto-identify competitors across the internet and track their assortments, availability and optimize prices in real time, announced the closing of $5 million in seed funding.


Nigerian foodtech Orda raises $3.4m seed round to digitize African restaurants
Published: 01-12-2022 | 09:48:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigerian foodtech platform Orda announced has raised a $3.4 million seed round to further digitize food businesses across the continent.


Berlin-based AI-powered startup Faircado raises €500K to transform E-commerce into Re-commerce
Published: 25-11-2022 | 08:23:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Faircado, a Berlin-based startup that provides the first AI-powered second-hand shopping assistance, announced it has raised €500,000 in a pre-seed round led by BackBone Ventures.


Tanzanian CPG startup Ramani raises $32m to digitize supply chains
Published: 24-11-2022 | 09:40:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Ramani, a Tanzanian startup focused on consumer-packaged goods (CPG) supply chains,  has raised $32 million in Series A debt-equity funding to introduce new financial services as it expands its operations.


Beverage startup Hangobi raises capital on StartEngine to accelerate growth
Published: 24-11-2022 | 08:35:23 | By: Pie Kamau
Beverage startup Hangobi announced it is raising capital on SearchEngine to expand its footprint beyond NYC,  bringing its healthy drinks to the masses.


Kenyan supply chain and logistics startup Leta secures $3m pre-seed funding to accelerate growth
Published: 23-11-2022 | 09:21:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Leta, the supply chain and logistics startup driving distribution optimization, announced the close of  $3 million Pre-Seed equity round.


Kenyan agritech startup Stable Foods raises $600k funding to grow its climate smart smallholder platform
Published: 22-11-2022 | 10:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Stable Foods, a Kenyan agritech startup offering a host of solutions to small-scale farmers, has raised $600k funding round, to build out its climate smart smallholder food production platform.


Demand for seamless, convenient way of shopping increase growth of e-Commerce in Africa
Published: 16-11-2022 | 10:14:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The electronic commerce (e-Commerce) transaction of goods and services between business-to-consumer (B2C), business-to-business (B2B), consumer-to-consumer, and consumer-to-business, has become rampant in this digital age.


Ultra-convenient healthy meals startup Proper Good closes seed funding to bring absurdly delicious products
Published: 14-11-2022 | 15:42:27 | By: Pie Kamau
PROPER GOOD, an ultra-convenient home-delivered food service company that offers nutritious prepared meals made with simple and high quality ingredients, announced the closing of $3.5 million in seed funding.


Vue Storefront wins best e-Commerce and retail startup at The Europas Tech Startup Awards 2022
Published: 07-11-2022 | 09:08:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Vue Storefront, a technology company that develops software for businesses to create fast, modern and high-performing online storefronts, was crowned a winner at The Europas Tech Startup Awards 2022.


New York startup Scent Lab personalizes the fragrance industry with immersive digital experiences and AI-tech
Published: 02-11-2022 | 10:04:16 | By: Pie Kamau
Scent Lab announced the launch of its online platform that’s changing the way consumers shop for fragrance. Scent Lab is the first digital destination that leverages immersive video experiences and AI tech.


London-based Sidekick raises £3.33m pre-seed to build a modern investment manager for today’s changing world
Published: 31-10-2022 | 07:39:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Sidekick, a digital active investment manager built for today’s rapidly changing world, announced a £3.33 million pre-seed equity round led by Octopus Ventures.


GS1 Hong Kong unlocks the next generation of trade finance service for SMEs in China
Published: 31-10-2022 | 07:21:00 | By: Pie Kamau
GS1 Hong Kong (GS1 HK) announced it has welcomed the launch of Commercial Data Interchange (CDI) by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA).


Kenyan fintech startup Tanda announces agency banking entry in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania
Published: 28-10-2022 | 13:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenyan fintech startup Tanda announced plans for agency banking entry in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania to accelerate growth within the East African markets.


Nigerian social commerce startup Bumpa raises $4m seed funding to build the future of commerce for African sellers
Published: 25-10-2022 | 14:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigerian social commerce startup Bumpa announced it has raised $4 million seed round led by Base10 Partners, the largest black-led fund in the world, with participation from Plug & Play Ventures.


Fintech startup Banyan raises $43m Series A to scale world's largest SKU data network
Published: 24-10-2022 | 14:10:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Banyan, the network for SKU data, announced it has raised $43 million Series A round led by Fin Capital and M13. The investment will accelerate Banyan's technology and infrastructure growth.


Kenyan home furniture startup MoKo raises $6m to accelerate growth
Published: 17-10-2022 | 15:26:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenyan home furniture startup MoKo announced it raised $6.5 million in a Series B funding round, which is a combination of debt and equity.


Climate infrastructure startup EcoCart raises $14.5m Series A to accelerate sustainable e-Commerce
Published: 11-10-2022 | 14:39:00 | By: Pie Kamau
EcoCart, a software company building the infrastructure for e-Commerce companies to operate sustainably at scale, has raised a $14.5 million Series A round.


Kenyan startup Kyosk Digital expands to Uganda
Published: 07-10-2022 | 14:46:27 | By: Bob Koigi
Kyosk Digital Services aims to address some of the challenges that vendors of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) go through in sourcing products and restocking their outlets.


Vendease secures $30m to transform procurement and business operations for restaurants across Africa
Published: 26-09-2022 | 14:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Vendease, a Y Combinator-backed digital platform that allows restaurants in Africa to buy supplies, access financial services and power their business operations, has raised $30 million funding round.


Crypto tax reporting app Binocs nets $4m funding round as it adds institutional investors to retail base
Published: 22-09-2022 | 13:02:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Crypto tax reporting app Binocs has announced a $4 million fundraise to cater to institutional crypto investors and enter geographies like the US, UK, Australia etc.


Healthtech startup Remedial Health secures $4.4m to provide access to credit for pharmacies in Nigeria
Published: 21-09-2022 | 13:23:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Remedial Health, a healthtech startup that develops solutions to make Africa’s pharmaceutical value chain more efficient, has raised $4.4 million in seed funding to accelerate its expansion across Nigeria.


India's fruits and vegetables platform Sahyadri Farms raises €40m growth capital to support smallholder farmers
Published: 19-09-2022 | 09:19:00 | By: Pie Kamau
India's integrated platform for fruits and vegetables Sahyadri Farms has raised  €40 million growth capital from a group of impact-focused investors; Incofin, Korys, FMO and Proparco.


[Startup Interview] Tesh Mbaabu, CEO, MarketForce, Kenya
Published: 12-09-2022 | 16:47:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Tesh Mbaabu is a serial entrepreneur who lives to blend commerce and technology. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Kenyan-based B2B platform for retail distribution of consumer goods and digital financial services in Africa today, MarketForce.


Austrian SaaS startup Shopstory raises €2.2m in second round funding to back e-Commerce brands
Published: 12-09-2022 | 10:58:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Austrian startup Shopstory is raising a million-dollar investment from tecnet equity, Startup300 and business angels Patrick Pöschl (Co-Founder Scalable Capital) and Hansi Hansmann in its second round of financing.


Kenyan B2B e-Commerce startup Wasoko opens innovation hub in Zanzibar
Published: 01-09-2022 | 14:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Wasoko (formerly Sokowatch), an African B2B e-Commerce startup that leverages technology to transform the informal retail supply chain, announced the official launch of the “Wasoko Innovation Hub” in partnership with the Zanzibar government.


Nigerian B2B e-Commerce startup Omnibiz raises $15m for expansion
Published: 29-08-2022 | 13:35:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigerian B2B e-Commerce startup Omnibiz has raised $15 million pre-Series A round ($5 million equity and $10 million debt) led by Timon Capital, Ventures Platform, Lofty Inc, Chapel Hill Denham, Chandaria Capital and Musha Ventures.


Budmail announces partnership with Canadian AI startup Lil Durk
Published: 16-08-2022 | 16:40:53 | By: Pie Kamau
Lil Durk (LilDurk.com), a Canadian news & technology company enhanced by AI-driven neural networks, has announced a strategic partnership agreement with Budmail, a retail-focused cannabis company.


South African agritech disruptor AgriKool drives down food costs for consumers, increases profits for farmers
Published: 15-08-2022 | 12:31:00 | By: Pie Kamau
AgriKool, a South African e-trading platform, is connecting agricultural producers to buyers to facilitate the sale of products between retailers and farmers.


Kenyan mobile commerce startup Copia unveils manufacturing unit for sugar and rice production
Published: 08-08-2022 | 09:48:39 | By: Pie Kamau
Copia Global, a Kenyan-based mobile commerce platform has unveiled a new manufacturing unit to enhance its output of affordable sugar and rice to the Kenyan market.


Product search engine startup Vetted raises $15m to vet trustworthy product data for consumers
Published: 03-08-2022 | 15:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Vetted (formerly Lustre) announced the launch of its AI-powered product search engine, alongside a $14 million Series A investment round led by global software investor Insight Partners.


Autonomous robotics delivery startup Ottonomy closes $3.3m seed financing round
Published: 03-08-2022 | 14:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Ottonomy.IO, the autonomous robotics delivery startup, announced the close of its seed funding round of $3.3 million bringing its total funding to date to $4.9 million, supporting the scale of Ottobots for fully autonomous airport, retail and restaurant deliveries.


VMG Catalyst closes $400m Fund II to scale commerce venture capital space
Published: 03-08-2022 | 13:43:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Venture capital firm VMG Catalyst announced the closing of Fund II at its target of $400 million, bringing the total capital raised to $650 million across both funds.


London-based startup Geomiq raises $8.5m to digitize manufacturing and deliver industry leading service levels
Published: 28-07-2022 | 11:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
London-based startup Geomiq announced it has raised $8.5 million funding to digitize global manufacturing and deliver industry leading service levels for Engineers and Procurement teams.


Bodybuilding.com partners with Retail Ecommerce Ventures to accelerate growth
Published: 04-07-2022 | 14:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Bodybuilding.com, the online fitness store, has struck a deal to partner with Retail Ecommerce Ventures (REV), a global leader in e-Commerce with a rapidly growing roster of well-known brands, to accelerate growth.


Indian no-code mobile startup Plobal raises $8.5m to expand presence in North America
Published: 20-06-2022 | 11:26:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Plobal Apps, a no-code mobile app platform for e-commerce stores, raised $8.5 million, led by Elevation Capital and Bessemer Venture Partners.


B2B e-Commerce and fintech startup Bazaar raises $70m to revamp the retail industry in Pakistan
Published: 13-06-2022 | 11:57:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Bazaar, Pakistan’s B2B e-Commerce and fintech platform has raised $70 million in a Series B financing led by Dragoneer Investment Group and Tiger Global Management.


Utrecht-based same day and next day delivery startup Trunkrs raises €15 million in growth capital
Published: 10-06-2022 | 13:26:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Trunkrs, specialist in same day & next day delivery for the e-Commerce sector, has successfully raised €15 million in a series B investment round. The financing round was led by Korys, the Belgian investment company of the Colruyt family.


Amsterdam-based Instant Commerce secures €2m pre-seed funding to boost its headless storefront builder
Published: 09-06-2022 | 11:51:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Amsterdam-based Instant Commerce announced it has secured €2 million pre-seed funding to boost its headless storefront builder.


Oregon-based Dutch Bros raises $2.3m to help end ALS
Published: 06-06-2022 | 16:02:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Dutch Bros, a drive-through coffee chain headquartered in Grants Pass, Oregon, announced that together with its customers, raised a record breaking $2.3 million during its 16th annual Drink One for Dane day.


Text messaging startup Prokeep raises $9m to modernize distributor communications and commerce
Published: 03-06-2022 | 13:06:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Prokeep, the communications and commerce platform built exclusively for distributors, announced the closing of $9 million seed round.


Indonesian social commerce startup Super completes $70m oversubscribed Series C round
Published: 02-06-2022 | 16:29:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Super, an Indonesian social commerce platform serving tier-2 and tier-3 cities and Indonesian rural areas, announced it completed a $70 million oversubscribed Series C round led by NEA with additional investment from Insignia Ventures Partners.


Swiss Web3 payment startup DePay brings Web3 P2P payment gateway to eligible Shopify merchants
Published: 02-06-2022 | 15:57:19 | By: Pie Kamau
Swiss Web3 payment startup DePay, announced its official integration into omnichannel commerce platform Shopify, allowing for the very first integration of a wallet-to-wallet (P2P) payment solution for eligible Shopify merchants.


e-Commerce logistics startup Kubbo begins international expansion, starts Italy operations
Published: 23-05-2022 | 12:50:00 | By: Pie Kamau
e-Commerce logistics startup Kubbo, announced its first international move to expand its model of digitising logistics for brands and ecommerce companies. The operator has launched its activity in Italy.


Dough Ecommerce Capital partners with Byrne Capital to scale DTC businesses online
Published: 11-05-2022 | 13:03:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Dough Ecommerce Capital and Byrne Capital Ventures announced a strategic partnership to invest in and acquire direct-to-consumer (DTC) ecommerce businesses.


Foodtech startup Haofood partners Lawson to accelerate presence in China
Published: 11-05-2022 | 12:30:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Haofood, a food science and technology startup announced a new partnership with Chinese convenience store Lawson where customers will gain greater access to its products.


e-Commerce startup byrd raises $56m Series C to become Europe-wide standard for next-day delivery
Published: 10-05-2022 | 11:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
e-Commerce fulfillment technology startup byrd has raised a Series C round of $56 million, bringing the funding raised within the last 10 months to $75 million.


Nigerian retail tech startup TradeDepot appoints Chidi Akubuiro as Managing Director for West Africa
Published: 10-05-2022 | 09:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
TradeDepot, a B2B e-Commerce and embedded finance platform in Africa, has appointed former Coca Cola HBC and Hayat Kimya Nigeria Executive, Chidi Akubuiro as its Managing Director for West Africa.


Food tech startup Tomorrow Farms raises $8.5m seed round to fuel sustainable food revolution
Published: 09-05-2022 | 10:05:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Tomorrow Farms, a food technology company on a mission to fuel the sustainable food revolution with irresistible food and beverage brands, announced a $8.5 million seed round led by Lowercarbon Capital and additional key investors.


The Home Depot announces $150m venture capital fund to fuel innovation in retail and home improvement
Published: 03-05-2022 | 16:28:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The Home Depot announced Home Depot Ventures, a $150 million venture capital fund created to identify, fund and partner with early-stage companies to accelerate emerging technologies.


Glovo announces winners of its tech startup pitch competition in Kenya
Published: 03-05-2022 | 13:46:00 | By: Pie Kamau
On-demand delivery platform Glovo has announced the winners of its tech startup pitch competition in Kenya.


African B2B marketplace Kwely nabs $1m seed round to accelerate growth
Published: 29-04-2022 | 13:52:00 | By: Pie Kamau
African B2B marketplace Kwely finalized a $1 million seed funding round with a $700,000 injection of fresh capital led by WIC Capital with participation from Loftyinc Capital, Afropreneur Angels, Haskè Ventures and other angel investors.


Estonian e-Store startup Upty acquires Finnish peer Rekki, opens up seed round
Published: 26-04-2022 | 13:18:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Estonian startup Upty, the resale e-Store in the Baltic region, announced the acquisition of its Finnish peer, Rekki. In addition, Upty is planning to kick-start the fundraising in the coming months in order to pursue the Company's accelerated expansion across Europe.


Plant-based meat startup Nowadays closes $7m seed round to accelerate health-focused chicken
Published: 22-04-2022 | 14:09:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Health-focused plant-based meat company Nowadays closed its oversubscribed Seed round, raising just shy of $10 million to-date to support commercialization of new plant-based chicken innovation.


SAP.iO launches Resilient Supply Chain startup program in collaboration with Accenture
Published: 21-04-2022 | 11:37:00 | By: Pie Kamau
SAP SE announced the launch of a virtual startup program focused on building a resilient supply chain at the SAP.iO Foundries Munich and Tel Aviv.


Kenyan mobile commerce startup Copia appoints former Amazon Executive to its Board
Published: 07-04-2022 | 16:18:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Copia Global, a Kenyan-based mobile commerce platform has announced the appointment of former Amazon executive Jason Murray to its Board.


Luxury clean CBD brand Lure Life closes $750K seed funding round for expansion
Published: 01-04-2022 | 15:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Lure Life, (Lure), a luxury, joy producing CBD brand has raised $750,000 in a Seed round of funding supported by a diverse group of investors in the beauty, finance and the consumer-packaged goods sectors.


Colombian-based consumer and fintech startup Leal secures $10m Series A round to scale growth
Published: 01-04-2022 | 14:05:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Colombian-based consumer and fintech company Leal has raised a $10 million Series A round co-led by global internet services leader Rakuten Group – through its investment arm Rakuten Capital – and IDC Ventures global fintech investment firm.


Kenyan social commerce startup Tushop raises $3m pre-seed funding to accelerate growth
Published: 31-03-2022 | 12:41:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Tushop, a Kenyan social-commerce platform that enables group-buying of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs), announced it has raised $3 million in pre-seed funding, led by 4DX Ventures.


French insect farming startup Ÿnsect acquires Nebraska-based Jord Producers to open first mealworm farm in the US
Published: 30-03-2022 | 11:43:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Jord Producers, based in Nebraska, has been incorporated into Ÿnsect’s production portfolio, signifying the global leader’s entry into North American mealworm production.


Plug and Play Japan kicks off 3rd Smart Cities accelerator program in Osaka and Tokyo
Published: 29-03-2022 | 13:48:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Plug and Play Japan has selected 25 startups from Japan and overseas for their accelerator program that promotes open innovation in Smart Cities theme. From the Batch 3 program, it will expand and operate at two locations, Tokyo and Osaka.


Israeli data integration startup Triple Whale raises $27.7m to develop default e-Commerce operating system for Shopify brands
Published: 28-03-2022 | 16:24:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Triple Whale, the all-in-one operating system for Shopify brands, announced it has raised $27.7 million in an extended Series A, the company's first announced funding round since its foundation in May 2021.


Kenyan e-Commerce startup Sokowatch raises $125m, rebrands to Wasoko
Published: 17-03-2022 | 11:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenyan based B2B e-Commerce startup Sokowatch has raised a $125 million Series B equity round, the largest venture financing round ever raised for a non-fintech startup in Africa.


Product photo performance startup Bloom raises $1.1m seed round funding to bring generative AI to e-Commerce
Published: 15-03-2022 | 11:17:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Product photo performance engine Bloom announced it has raised $1.1 million at the close of its seed funding round.


Canadian tech startup Calico secures $2.1m to revolutionize modern supply chains
Published: 09-03-2022 | 09:50:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Calico, the developer of the first AI-powered smart supply chain management platform, announced it has raised $2 million in seed funding. The growth financing is led by Serena Ventures following 300% growth since January 2022.


e-Commerce startup The Host Co. raises $1.85m to revolutionize short-term rental industry
Published: 03-03-2022 | 12:44:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The Host Co., the first-of-its-kind digital commerce marketplace for short-term rentals, announced an oversubscribed $1.85 million seed funding round, led by HearstLab with participation from The Artemis Fund and Untapped Capital.


South African fintechs Payflex and Merchant Capital launch cash advance solution for small retailers
Published: 03-03-2022 | 11:44:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Two South African fintechs, alternative lender Merchant Capital and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) specialist Payflex, have launched a cash advance solution for small and mid-sized retail sector.


Food startup Next Gen Foods debuts TiNDLE in the U.S., announces $100m Series A funding round
Published: 28-02-2022 | 14:28:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Food startup Next Gen Foods announced its first product TiNDLE, now available in a range of iconic restaurants across the East and West Coasts in some of the country's leading "foodie" cities.


Retailtech startup Cortina raises $6m seed round to accelerate growth
Published: 28-02-2022 | 12:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Cortina, a revolutionary software solution that gives any retailer, from big box to mom-and-pop, the power to become a player in the fast-evolving marketplace revolution, announced it has closed $6 million in seed money.


Kenyan foodtech startup Kune starts commercial operations in Nairobi
Published: 24-02-2022 | 10:38:05 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenyan foodtech startup Kune has officially launched commercial operations with four meal hubs located in strategic locations in Nairobi.


Cross-border fintech startup Dowsure raises $20m to fuel growth of e-Commerce sellers in China
Published: 22-02-2022 | 12:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Shenzhen-based fintech startup Dowsure Technologies, has attracted the attention of global strategic investors, fueling the growth of millions of e-Commerce sellers from China on marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Shopee and more.


Kenyan retail tech startup MarketForce raises $40m Series A to scale up super app for Africa’s informal merchants
Published: 22-02-2022 | 10:44:00 | By: Pie Kamau
MarketForce, the Nairobi-headquartered B2B platform for retail distribution of consumer goods and digital financial services in Africa, announced the closing of a $40 million Series A round.


African fintech Flutterwave rebrands, introduces new products and services
Published: 21-02-2022 | 14:31:00 | By: Pie Kamau
African fintech startup Flutterwave has unveiled a significant re-brand and identity during the Flutterwave 3.0, virtual event held on Friday, 18th February 2022.


[African Startup Review] Pie Kamau: Nigerian fintech Flutterwave is now Africa's highest valued Unicorn
Published: 18-02-2022 | 18:28:00 | By: Pie Kamau
As the African fintech industry continues to bloom, so does the funding. Flutterwave has now become Africa's highest valued startup after closing $250 million Series D funding, bringing the company’s valuation to over $3 billion.


German startup Cansativa closes $15m Series B to become the ‘Amazon’ of cannabis for Europe
Published: 17-02-2022 | 12:36:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Cansativa Group announced it has closed a $15 million Series B investment led by Casa Verde with participation by Argonautic Ventures and Munich-based family office Alluti.


Raydiant startup raises $30m Series B to reimagine in-store experiences for brick and mortars
Published: 17-02-2022 | 11:56:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Raydiant, the in-location experience management platform for brick-and-mortar enterprises, announced it has raised a $30 million Series B funding round led by 8VC and Atomic Ventures.


MENA's c-Commerce startup Zbooni launches in Egypt
Published: 16-02-2022 | 09:59:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Zbooni, MENA's c-Commerce (connected commerce) platform, has announced its official launch in Egypt. The rapidly scaling startup, which is backed by regional and global investors, will support the backbone of the Egyptian economy.


Fraugster partners with Dutch-based fintech startup Payaut to provide fraud prevention services to e-Commerce marketplaces
Published: 14-02-2022 | 09:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Fraugster, a German-Israeli payment intelligence company, has partnered with marketplace payout specialist Payaut, an Amsterdam-based fintech startup, to provide fraud prevention services to marketplaces.


[African Startup Review] Pie Kamau: Capital funding for tech startups gain momentum in 2022
Published: 11-02-2022 | 07:51:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The startup ecosystem in Africa is taking shape. A lot of technological innovations especially in the areas of fintech, e-mobility, e-commerce, healthtech, foodtech and cleantech have seen accelerated growth towards Africa’s digital transformation and innovation.


SaaS startup Aramid Technologies raises $2m seed round to redefine quality certification management in global supply chains
Published: 09-02-2022 | 13:56:00 | By: Pie Kamau
SaaS startup Aramid Technologies announced it has raised $2 million in seed funding to expand its flagship product, SmartCert.


Vietnam-focused retail investing app Infina closes $6m seed funding to accelerate growth
Published: 09-02-2022 | 12:18:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Vietnam-focused retail investing app Infina, announced the closing of $6 million in seed funding from Sequoia Capital India’s Surge, Y Combinator, Saison Capital, Starling Ventures, Alpha JWC, and AppWorks.


Amsterdam-based Polestar Capital opens €100m circular economy fund, largest of its kind in Europe
Published: 08-02-2022 | 13:56:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Amsterdam-based Polestar Capital Polestar Capital announced the launch of the biggest circular economy fund in Europe. The fund, called the Polestar Capital Circular Debt Fund (PCDF), has opened at €100 million


Fintech startups hub Abaca crosses $2b in compliant cannabis commerce
Published: 07-02-2022 | 12:39:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Cannabis banking fintech company Abaca surpassed compliantly processing more than two billion dollars in commerce for the cannabis industry.


B2B marketplace startup Retailo raises $36m Series A funding to empower community commerce in the MENA region
Published: 01-02-2022 | 13:47:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Retailo, the B2B marketplace startup for retailers in Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan (MENAP), has raised $36 million in its Series A investment round which was a mix of equity and venture debt.


Cloud-based-AI startup Inspectorio raises $50m to reinvent production chain with AI-powered platform
Published: 01-02-2022 | 13:41:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Inspectorio, the cloud-based AI-powered SaaS solution, announced the company has raised $50 million in a Series B Round led by New York-based global private equity and venture capital firm, Insight Partners.


Grocery logistics startup EasyBins raises $2m late stage seed round for expansion
Published: 26-01-2022 | 12:21:00 | By: Pie Kamau
EasyBins, a company solving the grocery logistics problem for suburban markets in North America, announced $2 million late stage seed round funding to expand its geographic footprint and invest in technology and staff.


Morocco fintech startup Chari closes a bridge round to pilot BNPL services with grocery stores in Francophone Africa
Published: 21-01-2022 | 13:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Aiming to take a serious step towards the Fintech space, Chari has announced the closing of a bridge round led by the Saudi-based venture capital fund Khwarizmi Ventures (KV).


Kenyan mobile commerce startup Copia raises $50m to ramp up African expansion
Published: 21-01-2022 | 12:54:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenyan-based mobile commerce platform Copia Global raised $50 million in a Series C equity round led by Goodwell Investments.


Kenyan fintech startup Zanifu closes $1m seed financing round to accelerate growth
Published: 20-01-2022 | 11:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenyan fintech startup Zanifu announced it has successfully closed a $ 1 million seed financing round to scale its business and improve on its platform.


Israeli foodtech startup Plantish unveils whole-cut plant-based salmon fillets
Published: 18-01-2022 | 10:55:38 | By: Pie Kamau
Israeli foodtech startup Plantish is giving consumers a first look at its flagship product, a 100% plant-based whole-cut salmon fillet, which mimics cooked salmon in texture, taste, appearance and structure.


Ivorian e-Commerce startup Afrikrea raises $6.2m pre-Series A funding, rebrands to 'ANKA'
Published: 13-01-2022 | 10:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Afrikrea, an Ivorian e-Commerce startup has raised $6.2 million pre-Series A funding round led by Investisseurs & Partenaires. The startup has also rebranded to 'ANKA'.


Ampla secures $40 Million in Series A Funding to accelerate hiring and recruitment efforts
Published: 23-12-2021 | 11:56:17 | By: Bob Koigi
This announcement brings the Company’s total funding to $380 million in equity and debt financing, which will enable Ampla to impact even more small-to-medium sized businesses (SMBs) in the consumer brands space.


Kenyan fintech startup Tanda inks deal with Twiga Foods to enable vendors vend its digital financial services
Published: 20-12-2021 | 14:12:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenya’s fintech startup Tanda announced a new partnership with Twiga Foods that will see Twiga vendors become a one-stop-shop for a variety of digital and financial services offered by Tanda.


REEF acquires foodtech Startup 2ndKitchen
Published: 08-12-2021 | 15:21:10 | By: Bob Koigi
REEF and 2ndKitchen’s existing businesses will be combined under the REEF brand, and will operate under REEF’s Hospitality division.


Kenyan-based Penda Health partners with femtech e-Commerce startup Kasha to ease contraceptive access for consumers
Published: 06-12-2021 | 15:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Healthcare solution provider Penda Health announced a partnership with Rwandan femtech e-Commerce startup Kasha, to enable increase access to contraceptive products via the Kasha digital platform.


Nigerian B2B e-Commerce startup TradeDepot raises $110m to extend ‘Buy-Now-Pay-Later’ services to African retailers
Published: 06-12-2021 | 14:51:00 | By: Pie Kamau
TradeDepot, the B2B e-Commerce and embedded finance platform in Africa, has raised $110 million in an equity and debt funding round to support the delivery of Buy-Now-Pay-Later services to SME retailers.


[Startup Interview] Sophie Tarif, Nina van Boxtel, Founders, BOETIEK, Netherlands
Published: 30-11-2021 | 13:57:00 | By: Bob Koigi
BOETIEK, a Dutch startup, works with local boutiques and brands to increase audiences and increase online sales. The platform offers a wide range of products and services from latest fashion trends to new online boutiques and concept stores.


Estonian startup Gelatex raises €1.2m seed round for affordable and scalable manufactured cell-cultured meat
Published: 26-11-2021 | 10:06:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Estonian startup Gelatex announced it raised €1.2m seed round for affordable and scalable manufactured cell-cultured meat, making it cheaper than ever.


Brazilian fintech startup TruePay raises $32m Series A funding for team and product development
Published: 24-11-2021 | 08:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
TruePay, a Brazilian startup whose innovative payment solution helps small and medium sized retailers have free and secure access to credit, has raised $32 million in Series A funding led by Addition.


Fintech startup and shareholder loyalty pioneer TiiCKER launches Android app
Published: 23-11-2021 | 07:36:00 | By: Pie Kamau
TiiCKER hit the trifecta with the addition of an Android app to its web and iOS portals, giving America's estimated 130 million retail investors instant access to loyalty rewards.


London-based healthcare startup Gravitiq raises $55m seed round to expand portfolio of e-Commerce healthcare brands
Published: 19-11-2021 | 11:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Gravitiq, the doctor-founded and led healthcare brand aggregator, announced the close of its seed funding round, raising a total of $55 million.


Indonesia's Hypefast emerges from stealth mode as the largest house of e-Commerce native brands in Southeast Asia
Published: 17-11-2021 | 12:01:14 | By: Pie Kamau
Hypefast, Southeast Asia's (SEA) largest house of e-Commerce native brands, announced it has grown its portfolio to more than 25 brands and has been achieving full profitability.


Indian full-stack agritech startup DeHaat raises $115m Series D round
Published: 03-11-2021 | 12:18:00 | By: Pie Kamau
DeHaat, the technology-based platform offering end-to-end agricultural services to farmers in India, announced it has raised $115 million in Series D funding, led by Belgium based investment firm Sofina and Lightrock India.


Four Ghanaian startups join the Catalyst Fund Inclusive Digital Commerce accelerator
Published: 02-11-2021 | 12:01:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Four startups from Ghana have joined The Catalyst Fund Inclusive Digital Commerce Accelerator, a programme that supports innovators building digital commerce solutions.


Indian e-Commerce startup LoveLocal raises $18m Pre-Series B investment round to accelerate growth
Published: 29-10-2021 | 16:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
LoveLocal, India's hyper-local e-Commerce platform empowering local retailers, has raised $18 million in a Pre-Series B investment round.


Female-founded winery startup BOXT raises $9.35m to expand luxury brand of fine wine offerings
Published: 28-10-2021 | 08:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
BOXT, the female-founded, direct-to-consumer winery, announced it has raised $9.35 million in equity and debt funding to drive the continued expansion of its luxury brand of fine wine offerings.


Nigerian e-Commerce startup Sendbox raises $1.8m to digitize deliveries for African SMEs
Published: 19-10-2021 | 08:01:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigerian e-Commerce fulfillment startup Sendbox announced the completion of $1.8 million seed round from investors including 4DX Ventures, Enza Capital, FJLabs and Golden Palm Investments.


Unilever invites startups to partner through Positive Beauty Growth Platform
Published: 30-09-2021 | 16:19:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Unilever announced the launch of the Positive Beauty Growth Platform, a new initiative which aims to partner with scaleups and startups to drive innovation and brand growth.


Industrial automation startup Agtonomy launches out of stealth to address farm labor crisis with $4m seed round
Published: 24-09-2021 | 13:58:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Agtonomy, a hybrid autonomy and tele-assist service platform, launched out of stealth and announced a $4 million seed round from Grit Ventures, GV (formerly Google Ventures), and Village Global.


Canadian supplier enablement startup Convictional raises $6.7m Series A funding
Published: 24-09-2021 | 13:14:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Convictional, the first supplier enablement platform for retailers and distributors to power drop ship, marketplace and wholesale business models in one solution, announced it has secured $6.7 million in Series A funding.


Healthtech startup bttn. adds PlastCareUSA to burgeoning supplier ecosystem
Published: 22-09-2021 | 14:36:00 | By: Pie Kamau
bttn., a Healthtech startup providing a B2B e-Commerce platform for purchasing medical supplies, announced an expansion to its product catalog with the addition of 93 PlastCare USA products for dental practitioners.


Organic food startup Teatis closes seed funding round to advance production and marketing in the U.S.
Published: 15-09-2021 | 17:12:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Teatis, makers of superfood powders for diabetic consumers, announces the close of its seed funding round. The science-backed brand that specializes in sugar-blocking teas accrued $700,000 from various high-power angel investors.


Workwear startup BRUNT raises $8.4m Series A funding to accelerate growth
Published: 15-09-2021 | 15:54:00 | By: Pie Kamau
BRUNT Workwear, a modern work boot and apparel brand designed for today's construction workers and tradespeople, closed an $8.4 million Series A round to accelerate its growth and meet demand as the company disrupts a $12 billion-dollar category in the US.


Lectra joins Plug and Play open innovation ecosystem
Published: 14-09-2021 | 16:12:27 | By: Pie Kamau
Major global player in the 4.0 Industry for the fashion, automotive, and furniture market, Lectra is joining the Brand & Retail program of the Plug and Play network, the world's leading innovation platform connecting startups, investors, and pioneering companies.


Canadian plant-based food innovation startup TMRW Foods raises $2.6m in seed round funding
Published: 08-09-2021 | 12:09:00 | By: Pie Kamau
TMRW Foods, the growing Canadian plant-based food innovation company, announced a seed round investment of $2.6 million.


Foodtech startup GrubMarket acquires Bartolotta, further expands in Eastern US and Canada
Published: 07-09-2021 | 16:04:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Food technology startup GrubMarket announced it has completed the acquisition of Bartolotta, a full-service provider of fresh fruits and vegetables to customers in New England, the Mid-Atlantic and Eastern Canada.


[Startup Interview] Nicolas d'Audiffret, Co-Founder, Ankorstore
Published: 06-09-2021 | 11:29:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Ankorstore is an online B2B marketplace connecting brand and retailers, all around Europe.


Wine & spirits e-Commerce startup Speakeasy Co. raises $2m seed round to accelerate growth
Published: 02-09-2021 | 13:29:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Speakeasy Co., a technology company and e-commerce platform for the wine & spirits industry, announced a $2 million seed round led by Trog Hawley Capital LLC with participation from other notable investors.


Kenyan retail tech startup MarketForce raises $100,000 funding from Harambeans Prosperity Fund
Published: 31-08-2021 | 12:44:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The Harambeans Prosperity Fund, a donor advised investment vehicle formed through the Harambe Entrepreneur Alliance’s network of prominent families and corporations co-invested $100,000 in Y Combinator Harambean venture MarketForce.


Egyptian B2B e-commerce startup MaxAB acquires distribution platform WaystoCap
Published: 25-08-2021 | 13:05:58 | By: Bob Koigi
MaxAB, Egyptian B2B e-commerce platform that serves food and grocery retailers, has acquired WaystoCap, the Morocco-based B2B e-commerce and distribution platform that connects retailers with suppliers across Africa.


End-to-end e-Commerce startup Cart.com raises $98m Series B to deliver integrated solutions for e-Commerce brands
Published: 17-08-2021 | 13:34:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Cart.com, the end-to-end e-Commerce services provider, announced the close of a $98 million Series B round, bringing the company's total funding since its launch eight months ago to more than $140 million.


Ghanaian startup Plendify launches B2B e-Commerce marketplace
Published: 17-08-2021 | 12:29:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Ghanaian startup Plendify has launched a B2B e-Commerce marketplace to connect customers with small and large African wholesalers, manufacturers, exporters, and importers.


Full-stack delivery scale-up Merqueo raises $50m Series C to expand its grocery delivery service across Latin America
Published: 04-08-2021 | 12:20:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Merqueo, a full-stack delivery scale-up, landed a $50 million series C round led by IDC Ventures, Digital Bridge and IDB Invest. The company is the first and largest full-stack grocery delivery player in Latin America.


Fintech startup Rapyd raises $300m Series E to further enhance its service offering
Published: 04-08-2021 | 12:04:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Rapyd, a global Fintech as a Service company, announced a $300 million Series E funding round led by Target Global.


B2B sales productivity startup Nektar.ai closes $8.1m to accelerate product development, launch in the US market
Published: 04-08-2021 | 11:11:00 | By: Pie Kamau
B2B sales productivity startup, Nektar.ai has raised an additional $ 6 million seed round of funding led by B Capital Group, 3one4 Capital and Nexus Venture Partners.


Nigerian healthtech startup Field Intelligence expands into eleven new cities across East and West Africa
Published: 29-07-2021 | 14:26:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigerian healthtech startup Field Intelligence announced its expansion into Rivers, Edo, Kaduna, Kano, Enugu, Delta and Kwara States in Nigeria, and Eldoret, Mombasa, Kisumu and Naivasha in Kenya.


[Startup Interview] Dimitri Kalamoudacos,Co-founder, Entrepreneur Suite, South Africa
Published: 27-07-2021 | 12:13:45 | By: Bob Koigi
Entrepreneur Suite is a South African startup targeting micro retailers with an application that records valuable sales information that is then served back to the business owner as demand forecasting suggestions which are designed to provide profiting opportunities.


Egyptian social e-Commerce startup Taager raises $6.4m seed round
Published: 20-07-2021 | 14:28:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Taager, an Egyptian social e-Commerce startup raised a $6.4 million seed funding round to help it scale its platform and expand across the Middle East.


Dragonboat closes $3m seed round to bring product portfolio management to outcome focused teams
Published: 16-07-2021 | 15:04:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Dragonboat, the Product Portfolio Management platform, announced a $3 million seed round by Act One Ventures, Roble Ventures and GingerBread Capital.


unybrands startup raises $300m in growth capital to acquire and scale e-Commerce businesses
Published: 15-07-2021 | 12:30:00 | By: Pie Kamau
unybrands, an integrated platform for e-Commerce businesses looking to scale their operations on and off Amazon, announced the closing of up to $300 million in growth capital with Crayhill Capital Management.


Kenyan startup Marketforce appoints Ore Omolaja as Country Manager, Head of Business for Nigeria
Published: 14-07-2021 | 12:06:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Marketforce, the Kenyan-based B2B platform for retail distribution of consumer goods and digital financial services in Africa, announced the appointment of Ore Omolaja as the Nigeria Country Manager and Head of Business, effective 15th July 2021.


Kenyan startup MarketForce raises $2m pre-Series A to scale B2B retail marketplace, RejaReja
Published: 14-07-2021 | 12:00:00 | By: Pie Kamau
MarketForce, the Kenyan-based B2B platform for retail distribution of consumer goods and digital financial services in Africa, announced a $2 million pre-Series A round, bringing total funding to-date to $2.5 million.


FDJ announces partnership with Plug and Play Brand & Retail France
Published: 12-07-2021 | 15:29:00 | By: Pie Kamau
FDJ announced the beginning of a partnership with Plug and Play, world's open innovation platform.


Alchemy Home Products startup launches The AutoSpout prevent basement flooding after heavy rains
Published: 07-07-2021 | 12:56:32 | By: Pie Kamau
Alchemy Home Products, a Salt Lake City startup, has created a new product that will help prevent basement flooding after heavy rains, The AutoSpout.


Female-founded wellness startup House of Wise raises $2m, launches full line of organic CBD products
Published: 25-06-2021 | 12:06:00 | By: Pie Kamau
New female-founded CBD brand House of Wise announced a $2 million seed funding round to improve the lives of women everywhere through community, content, and trustworthy CBD products.


Seattle based healthtech startup bttn. raises $1.5m to automate the future of medical supply
Published: 25-06-2021 | 11:11:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Healthtech startup bttn. closed a $1.5 million seed round from a group of technology and supply chain leaders.


Cannabis marketplace and purchasing platform MainStem named Microsoft Partner for Startups
Published: 22-06-2021 | 13:55:04 | By: Pie Kamau
MainStem, the cannabis industry's only marketplace and combined integrated purchasing platform, announced it has been selected as a Microsoft Partner for Startups.


Predictive Kids' e-Commerce startup Ten Little raises $5m to disrupt children's marketplace with personalized guidance
Published: 18-06-2021 | 13:02:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Ten Little, the predictive e-Commerce platform helping parents navigate the cluttered kids product space, announced the close of its $5 million seed round led by Kindred Ventures.


MarketForce acquires Digiduka startup to consolidate distribution of consumer goods with digital financial services in Africa
Published: 18-06-2021 | 12:08:43 | By: Pie Kamau
MarketForce, the end-to-end retail distribution platform for consumer brands in Africa, announced the strategic acquisition of Digiduka, a startup on a mission to bring informal retailers in Africa into the digital economy.


Women's wellness startup Kindra raises $4.5m seed round to drive continued growth and expansion
Published: 17-06-2021 | 13:42:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kindra, a modern wellness brand for menopause essentials, announced it closed a $4.5 million seed funding round. The new capital will be used to drive the continued growth and expansion of Kindra.


Brazilian logtech startup Uello concludes $4m Series A investment deal led by the Btomorrow Ventures
Published: 17-06-2021 | 12:44:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Uello, a Brazilian logtech startup that uses technology and a collaborative network to provide express freight services with superior experience, concluded its Series A investment deal with an investment injection of $4 million.


Sustainability-focused pet care startup Petaluma launches plant-based diet for dogs
Published: 16-06-2021 | 11:10:48 | By: Pie Kamau
Petaluma, Inc., a pet care startup focused on sustainability, launched the world's first baked and plant-based formula for adult dogs of all breeds. The company's mission is to offer environmentally responsible diets that meet 100% of a dog's nutritional requirements.


SaaS startup Synder raises $2m in late seed round to revolutionize accounting for e-Commerce
Published: 16-06-2021 | 10:58:00 | By: Pie Kamau
TMT investments venture fund invested $2 million as a lead investor in a late seed round into Synder, an easy accounting solution for e-Commerce businesses.


Floral tech startup Something Borrowed Blooms raises $1.5m Series A funding to accelerate growth
Published: 11-06-2021 | 15:01:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Something Borrowed Blooms, the pioneer of the silk wedding flower revolution, announced a $1.5 million Series A funding round led by Callais Capital. This investment brings the total raise by the company to just over $2 million since 2015.


Food startup OZO expands plant-based proteins to international retail starting in Canada
Published: 11-06-2021 | 14:44:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Planterra Foods, an innovative plant-based protein startup based in Colorado, announced a supply agreement with UNFI Canada, a subsidiary of UNFI, the largest publicly traded grocery distributor in North America.


Plug and Play Japan selects 91 Startups for its Summer/Fall 2021 Batch
Published: 01-06-2021 | 11:28:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Global Innovation Platform, Plug and Play Japan has selected 91 Japanese and international startups into its Summer/Fall 2021 Batch, which will be carried out from June to September 2021.


Plug and Play Canada selects 12 startups to participate in Toronto Supply Chain and Logistics Program
Published: 18-05-2021 | 13:24:26 | By: Pie Kamau
Plug and Play Canada announced the selection of 12 startups into the first batch of the Toronto Supply Chain & Logistics Program.


Consumer warranty startup Upsie secures $18.2m Series A round to accelerate growth
Published: 14-05-2021 | 11:34:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Upsie, a consumer-centric platform for purchasing product warranties, announced it has raised a $18.2 million fundraising round led by True Ventures.


On-demand delivery management startup Cartwheel raises $1m seed round to accelerate growth
Published: 13-05-2021 | 12:54:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Cartwheel, an on-demand delivery management platform for restaurants and retailers, announced it has raised a $1 million seed round led by TenOneTen Ventures with participation from Act One Ventures and Portillo's Hot Dogs,


Foodtech startup GrubMarket acquires Vaccaro & Sons to expand to St. Louis, Missouri
Published: 05-05-2021 | 13:24:00 | By: Pie Kamau
San Francisco-based food technology startup GrubMarket announced it has completed the acquisition of Vaccaro & Sons in St. Louis, Missouri.


Hashflow raises $3.2m seed round to bring professional market makers to DeFi
Published: 04-05-2021 | 11:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Hashflow, a decentralized exchange connecting DeFi traders with top crypto market makers, closed a seed funding round of $3.2 million from leading venture capital firms and angel investors.


Israeli customer intelligence startup Affogata raises $5.5m seed funding to bring consumer's voice to customer-obsessed brands
Published: 29-04-2021 | 09:57:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Affogata, the customer intelligence platform enabling brands to harness data to guarantee their consumers a perfect experience, announced a $5.5 million financing round of seed funding co-led by Mangrove Capital Partners.


U.S.-based food tech startup Yo-Kai Express expands partnerships with Japan
Published: 26-04-2021 | 13:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
While restaurants and small businesses everywhere have struggled to survive the pandemic, U.S.-based foodtech startup Yo-Kai Express (YKE) has leveraged its technology and ideas to evolve and transform its business models to broader platforms.


Subscription Management startup Chargebee raises $125m Series G funding to accelerate global shift to subscriptions
Published: 21-04-2021 | 12:09:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Chargebee, the subscription billing and revenue management platform, announced a fresh round of $125 million in series G funding, co-led by new investor Sapphire Ventures and existing investors Tiger Global and Insight Venture Partners.


Silicon Valley startup Chef Avenue crosses 1000% of its funding goal in 8 days
Published: 15-04-2021 | 09:21:18 | By: Pie Kamau
Chef Avenue, an inspiring startup at the forefront of the design of modernized, high-performance cookware, is currently riding the wave of a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign for its first product, Omnipan.


Chicago-based venture capital firm Starting Line closes $30m second fund to continue funding consumer startups
Published: 13-04-2021 | 15:10:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Starting Line, the Chicago-based venture capital firm, announced that it has closed $30 million for its second fund, dedicated to expanding access to technologies, products, and experiences for the 99 percent of Americans.


Berkeley-based incubator Batchery announces new cohort of startups, "Batch 12"
Published: 12-04-2021 | 14:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Eleven early-stage startups have joined the Batchery's three-month Deep Dive program for entrepreneurs. The program focuses on helping startups get over their first set of growth hurdles.


MicroAcquire's acquisition of Exitround sets new founder-friendly model for getting acquired
Published: 08-04-2021 | 17:41:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Entrepreneurs face thousands of obstacles in their careers. Seed money, growth, staffing - the list is endless. Some prioritize funding, leaving them bound to venture capitalists whose goals clash with theirs.


Cannabis ERP technology platform BLAZE raises $8m in Series A funding for market expansion
Published: 06-04-2021 | 16:12:00 | By: Pie Kamau
BLAZE, the industry player enterprise resource planning and point of sale platform for legal cannabis, recently closed its Series A funding round at $8 million.


Spirits and technology startup Endless West secures $21m in Series B funding
Published: 06-04-2021 | 15:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Spirits and technology startup Endless West, announced it has raised $21 million in Series B funding, for a total of $33.7 million in investments to-date.


iFoodDS closes $15m in growth funding led by scaleup investor Insight Partners
Published: 25-03-2021 | 11:04:00 | By: Pie Kamau
iFoodDS, provider of food safety, traceability, and quality management solutions for the fresh food supply chain, announced the close of a $15 million Series A funding round led by Insight Partners.


Snap acquires tech startup Fit Analytics
Published: 23-03-2021 | 14:20:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Snapchat's parent company Snap has acquired Fit Analytics, a technology startup that has built technology to help shoppers pick the right-sized clothing and footwear when they shop online.


Canadian fintech startup FIX4 set to transform car repair loan market
Published: 18-03-2021 | 12:10:26 | By: Pie Kamau
Canadian retail finance startup FIX4 Capital has joined the "Buy Now Pay Later" boom by offering instant online loan approvals so customers can enjoy flexible payment solutions for any car repair and maintenance estimates.


Kenyan startup Ajua, MTN Nigeria launch Customer Management mobile app for SMEs
Published: 15-03-2021 | 16:01:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenyan based startup Ajua has partnered with MTN Nigeria to launch EnGauge, a digital e-Commerce customer engagement management mobile app to support SMEs.


Boost Ghana and KudiGo selected for Catalyst Fund Inclusive Digital Commerce accelerator
Published: 15-03-2021 | 15:37:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The Catalyst Fund Inclusive Digital Commerce Accelerator announced the first cohort of digital commerce companies to be scaled, with the goal of improving the livelihoods of informal MSEs in Ghana.


Nigerian startup Kwik Delivery officially launches its just-in-time delivery service in Abuja
Published: 15-03-2021 | 15:25:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigerian startup Kwik Delivery announced it officially made available its breakthrough, just-in time delivery service to businesses, government agencies and merchants in Abuja.


Ghana’s healthcare startup mPharma to launch Haltons Pharmacies in Ethiopia
Published: 11-03-2021 | 10:58:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Ghanaian health tech startup mPharma, signed a franchise agreement with Belayab Pharmaceuticals to open Haltons Pharmacies in Ethiopia.


VERSO Capital successfully closes series seed in NITRO Beverage
Published: 11-03-2021 | 10:26:00 | By: Pie Kamau
VERSO Capital, the Luxembourg-based boutique merchant banking and financial services firm, announced the successful closing of a series seed in Nitro Beverage Inc.


Dog food startup KetoNatural Pet Foods raises $2m in seed financing transaction
Published: 08-03-2021 | 14:35:00 | By: Pie Kamau
KetoNatural Pet Foods, a pet food startup founded by companion animal nutrition author and activist Daniel Schulof, announced the closing of a $2 million seed financing transaction led by Chicago-based fund Corazon Capital.


REFASHIOND Ventures announces New Rolling fund on AngelList
Published: 05-03-2021 | 10:53:00 | By: Pie Kamau
REFASHIOND Ventures, an NYC-based, early-stage supply chain technology venture firm that invests in startups refashioning global supply chains, announced the launch of a $10 million early stage Rolling Fund on AngelList.


Plug and Play announces 98 startups for its Spring 2021 Batches
Published: 05-03-2021 | 10:35:37 | By: Pie Kamau
Plug and Play has accepted 98 startups into its Spring 2021 Batches. Startups have been selected for one of the following programs that run through May: Brand & Retail, Food & Beverage, Media & Advertising, New Materials & Packaging, Supply Chain, or Sustainability.


Text message marketing startup Postscript raises $35m to fuel the future of customer communication via SMS
Published: 04-03-2021 | 12:10:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Postscript, the text message marketing platform for Shopify stores, announced a new round of Series B funding of $35 million led by Greylock, with participation from YC Continuity Fund, OpenView, and others


Interlace Ventures adds new venture partners to expand strategic investments in tech-enabled commerce
Published: 03-03-2021 | 09:39:48 | By: Pie Kamau
Interlace Ventures announced it has expanded its team with two commerce technology luminaries. Vibhu Norby and Sydney Werber will join as venture partners while retaining their respective roles at b8ta and Avise.


Sustainable lawn care startup Sunday enters mass retail market
Published: 03-03-2021 | 08:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Eco-friendly startup Sunday announced that its innovative line of lawn, pest, and yard care products will now be available for purchase at Walmart stores throughout the country.


Silicon Road Ventures announces $31m close of fund
Published: 02-03-2021 | 15:58:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Silicon Road Ventures today announced the close of its $31 million fund focused on commerce tech. Silicon Road invests in US-based technology startups ranging from seed to series A across e-commerce, retail and CPG.


Horizon Technology Finance provides $9m venture loan facility to Primary
Published: 26-02-2021 | 11:52:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Horizon Technology Finance Corporation, a specialty finance company announced it has provided a $9 million venture loan facility to Primary Kids (Primary), of which $6 million has been initially funded.


Fintech startup TiiCKER celebrates Detroit public companies with exclusive shareholder perk for investors
Published: 26-02-2021 | 10:05:22 | By: Pie Kamau
TiiCKER, a Detroit-based fintech startup that engages, verifies and rewards retail investors through stock perks, announced an exclusive reward for shareholders of metro Detroit-based public companies.


Emotive startup raises $50m Series B funding to accelerates growth of its conversational text message platform
Published: 25-02-2021 | 08:46:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Emotive, the first and only conversational text message platform for eCommerce brands, announced the closing of a Series B funding round of $50 million led by CRV, bringing the company's valuation to $400 million.


Software startup FloorFound raises raises $4m to turn oversized goods returns into resale profit
Published: 24-02-2021 | 12:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
FloorFound, a software platform that facilitates returns and resales of oversized products for eCommerce retailers, closed a $4 million seed round led by LiveOak Venture Partners.


Cloud infrastructure startup Pipe17 raises $8m to help high-growth e-Commerce merchants close demand and operations gap
Published: 23-02-2021 | 08:06:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Pipe17, the connected infrastructure company for e-commerce, announced the closing of an $8 million round of funding led by GLP Capital Partners, the U.S.-based investment arm of GLP.


Livestream commerce startup talkshoplive raises a $3m to further scale its network
Published: 18-02-2021 | 11:19:00 | By: Pie Kamau
talkshoplive (TSL), a Los Angeles-based livestream commerce company, announced it has closed a $3 million seed round of financing led by Spero Ventures LLC, to further scale the livestream network.


Tech startup DineSafe offers new tools for restaurants and consumers alike
Published: 12-02-2021 | 10:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
A new platform DineSafe, is helping individual restaurants show potential customers the many ways they're keeping customers and employees safe.


Plant-based meat startup New Age Meats announces $2m in seed extension prior to Series A
Published: 11-02-2021 | 09:39:00 | By: Pie Kamau
New Age Meats (NAM), a cultivated and plant-based meat startup in Berkeley, CA with an initial focus on pork, announced an additional $2 million in Seed extension, adding to funds raised post-Seed announced late last year.


Venture philanthropy platform Sparo joins Microsoft for Startups program
Published: 10-02-2021 | 11:51:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Maryland-based early-stage company Sparo has joined the Microsoft for Startups program to scale its trademarked Purchase with a Purpose platform on Microsoft Azure.


Food Tech Studio - Bites! unveils 85 startups from across the world to participate in its innovation program
Published: 04-02-2021 | 15:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Scrum Ventures announced the list of startups chosen to participate in its Food Tech Studio - Bites!, a global program aimed to solve the key challenges plaguing our food supply chain today, including (but not limited to) safety, waste reduction, and health.


Canadian tech startup Vegano disrupts meal-kit delivery services market
Published: 29-01-2021 | 14:47:42 | By: Pie Kamau
Vegano, Canada's first plant-based meal-kit delivery service, is helping Canadians take plant-based living beyond Veganuary. Following its official launch on January 4, 2021, Vegano has delivered over 800 meals.


e-commerce startup Sturish raises $3.2m to build AI based growth platform for SMBs
Published: 28-01-2021 | 12:24:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Sturish, an AI driven e-commerce growth platform that establishes and grows online businesses across multiple channels and global markets, closed a $3.2 million seed funding round to hire additional talent and build out its technology platform.


Canadian startup Tealbook raises $14.4m Series A funding to accelerate growth
Published: 27-01-2021 | 10:54:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Tealbook, the Trusted Source of Supplier Data, announced it closed $14.4 million on the heels of tremendous growth, in an A round with lead investor, RTP Global.


Financial services startup Wimple closes seed round, hires development team for enhanced platform
Published: 21-01-2021 | 09:59:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Wimple, (Wealth made Simple), a platform for retail investors and consumers to ask financial questions and connect with top financial professionals in their area, has raised a seed round from strategic investors.


Indian food and grocery e-commerce startup Jumbotail secures $14.2m Series B3 funding from VII Ventures
Published: 18-01-2021 | 16:44:00 | By: Pie Kamau
India's food and grocery e-commerce and new retail platform Jumbotail secured a $14.2 million Series B3 funding from VII Ventures (Seven Ventures).


Walmart announces creation of new fintech startup
Published: 12-01-2021 | 16:34:29 | By: Bob Koigi
Global retail corporation Walmart has announced the creation of a new fintech startup designed to develop and offer modern, innovative and affordable financial solutions.


New Wave Foods completes $18m Series A financing to focus on plant based Shrimp and sustainable shellfish
Published: 08-01-2021 | 09:25:00 | By: Pie Kamau
New Wave Foods announced the completion of $18 million Series A round of financing, led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA) along with Evolution VC Partners, as well as other new and existing investors.


Peels Citrus CBD startup secures $4m Investment from KarpReilly
Published: 08-01-2021 | 08:29:00 | By: Pie Kamau
CBD startup Citrus CBD Industries (Peels), launched the first nationwide CBD brand made from oranges led by Founder & CEO Chris Hetherington.


On demand delivery provider GoFor raises $20 Million funding for expansion into the U.S
Published: 23-12-2020 | 13:31:54 | By: Bob Koigi
GoFor Industries, a provider in last-mile, on-demand and same-day delivery startup says it has closed a $20 million (CAD) Series A growth investment to continue its ongoing expansion into the U.S.


Fashion tech startup uSizy helps UK retailers brace for record sales of £28 billion this Christmas
Published: 22-12-2020 | 12:23:00 | By: Pie Kamau
In the wake of recent retail closures across the UK, fashion technology startups are delivering much-needed innovation to help merchants maximise online sales and optimise unprecedented digital demand this Christmas.


Indie beauty startup Green Bee Botanicals wins Best Serum in international clean beauty awards
Published: 17-12-2020 | 16:21:20 | By: Pie Kamau
San Francisco-based indie cannabis beauty startup Green Bee Botanicals won 'Best Serum' for its CBD-rich Perfecting Serum in the 2020 Dirty Thinkers' Choice Awards.


Helios partners with BIM to invest in BIM’s Moroccan business
Published: 15-12-2020 | 11:08:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Helios Investment Partners, Africa-focused private investment firm, announced a partnership with BİM BİRLEŞİK MAĞAZALAR (BIM), discount grocery retailer in Turkey listed on the Borsa İstanbul, to invest in BIM’s Moroccan business.


Nili Capital Partners acquires fresh produce packaging startup StePac
Published: 08-12-2020 | 11:08:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Fresh produce packaging specialists StePac L.A., Ltd. has been acquired by Nili Capital Partners, an Israeli private equity fund.


Plug and Play Japan selects 103 startups for its Winter/Spring 2021 Batch accelerator program
Published: 03-12-2020 | 14:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Plug and Play Japan has selected 103 startups in IoT, Fintech, Insurtech, Mobility, Brand & Retail, Hardtech & Health, and newly launched vertical, Smart Cities, for the Winter/Spring 2021 Batch accelerator program.


TechnoServe forum to point micro retailers to sustainable digital solutions
Published: 03-12-2020 | 12:45:00 | By: Bob Koigi
International nonprofit economic development organization TechnoServe is partnering with the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), to host the 4th Virtual Micro Retail Stakeholder Forum.


Plant-based activewear startup TVAAG launches on Kickstarter
Published: 02-12-2020 | 15:03:49 | By: Pie Kamau
Plant-based activewear startup TVAAG announced its launch on on Kickstarter. Founded in P.E.I in 2020, TVAAG uses a combination of Indian traditional textile manufacturing principles and modern fabric technology in sustainable fashion.


Pet supply startup Petpal raises capital via equity crowdfunding to expand e-Commerce operations in India
Published: 01-12-2020 | 12:29:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Pet supply startup Petpal has developed a one-stop platform for pet owners to get the food, medicine, and accessories they need to keep their pets happy and healthy.


Innovative startup Sell&Buy USA launches online marketplace exclusively for American-made products
Published: 01-12-2020 | 12:10:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Innovative startup Sell&Buy USA has launched an online marketplace exclusively for American-made products, co-founded by tech entrepreneurs Kiché Rubalcava and Mariam Bulin-Diarra.


Food & beverage e-commerce startup Feast & Fettle raises $1.2m to expand into Massachusetts and Connecticut
Published: 24-11-2020 | 13:10:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Feast & Fettle, a premium, fully-prepared meal delivery service based out of Rhode Island, announced the closing of a $1.2 million Seed round led by Salem Capital Management.


Dairy snack startups compete for $200,000 in Real California Milk Snackcelerator
Published: 13-11-2020 | 12:06:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Ice cream infused with vegetables, to-go premium cheese snacks, decadent chocolate mousse and flavored paneer make up the finalists announced in the Real California Milk Snackcelerator product innovation competition.


Peer-to-peer solar leasing startup Sun Exchange announces African expansion in Zimbabwe
Published: 11-11-2020 | 15:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South African peer-to-peer solar leasing startup Sun Exchange marked its official expansion into sub-Saharan Africa with the first of three crowdsales for a multiphase, 1.9 megawatt (MW) solar-plus-storage project for Nhimbe Fresh.


Remote selling startup Demoflow secures $1.6 m seed round to build additional key product features
Published: 11-11-2020 | 14:31:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Collaborative remote selling platform Demoflow announced its Seed Capital raise of $1.6 million led by FirstMile Ventures with other major participants including Slack Fund, RTP Seed, Next Frontier Capital and Heroic Ventures.


Chicago startup qReveal launches affordable QR code menu and price list solution
Published: 10-11-2020 | 12:31:56 | By: Pie Kamau
Responding to the challenging scene of a myriad of health and safety protocols facing restaurants and other businesses, Chicago startup qReveal has launched a platform that builds easy to use QR code menus and price lists.


Swedish fintech startup Payer launches beta test program to revolutionize customer registration in B2B e-commerce
Published: 09-11-2020 | 14:51:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Financial Services startup Payer has developed a new registration product that revolutionizes how customer relationships are made between companies online.


Kenyan agritech startup Farmers Pride raises $220k funding from Gray Matters Capital’s coLABS
Published: 06-11-2020 | 13:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
US-based impact investor Gray Matters Capital announced its funding in Kenya's agritech startup Farmers Pride, a one stop e-commerce platform that connects village level farmers to quality inputs, services and information.


Next-generation consumer products startup The Naked Market closes $6m seed funding round
Published: 02-11-2020 | 15:51:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The Naked Market, San Francisco-based CPG brand, has closed $6 million seed funding round, with participation from several investors.


Fintech startup ORSNN launches whole-loan trading platform to beta
Published: 02-11-2020 | 15:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
ORSNN, a fintech startup that builds end-to-end solutions for managing and trading loan portfolios, launched a private beta platform that provides financial institutions with a low-cost, transparent, and automated loan-trading system.


b8ta acquires Re:store to expand fashion and lifestyle retail-as-a-service portfolio
Published: 30-10-2020 | 12:16:23 | By: Bob Koigi
Retail-as-a-service company b8ta has announced that it has acquired Re:store, a one year old startup that brings retail-as-a-service to online fashion brands at Maiden Lane in San Francisco.


Fintech startup Lightyear raises $3.7m to simplify how enterprises buy network infrastructure
Published: 28-10-2020 | 13:59:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Financial technology startup Lightyear announced the launch of its software platform for businesses to buy and manage their telecom and IT infrastructure online.


Luxury e-commerce startup ShopWorn enters Asia with Hong Kong satellite
Published: 28-10-2020 | 13:23:53 | By: Pie Kamau
ShopWorn, e-commerce destination for well-priced, guaranteed authentic luxury brands opened a Hong Kong satellite location to directly service APAC countries, with an initial focus on the Greater China area.


PVH Corp backed startup HATCH signs HAVAIANAS as first customer to license its Digital Showroom software
Published: 27-10-2020 | 14:52:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Innovative startup HATCH, backed by PVH Corp., owner of a portfolio of iconic brands including TOMMY HILFIGER and Calvin Klein, has signed the globally renowned flip flop brand HAVAIANAS as its first customer to license its Digital Showroom software.


U.S. tech startup Ware raises $2.5m to advance warehouse innovation, drone technology
Published: 23-10-2020 | 10:03:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Ware, a technology startup deploying autonomous drones for warehouse inventory counting closed $2.5 million in seed-round funding, led by UP Partners.


Washington-based startup Fabric launches headless commerce platform with $9.5m seed funding to grow D2C, B2B brands
Published: 21-10-2020 | 12:08:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Fabric, headless commerce platform purpose-built for growth launched its cloud-native experience and commerce product suite and announced $9.5 million in seed funding led by Redpoint Ventures, with participation from Sierra Ventures and Expa.


Toyota AI Ventures invests in Canadian robotic kitchen startup YPC Technologies
Published: 21-10-2020 | 11:50:09 | By: Pie Kamau
Toyota AI Ventures, Toyota's early-stage venture capital fund, announced its investment in YPC Technologies, a robotic kitchen startup based in Montreal, Canada.


Australian retail tech startup Tiliter raises $7.5m for cashierless AI shopping technology
Published: 21-10-2020 | 11:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Tiliter, artificial intelligence (AI) provider whose technology uses computer vision to recognise products without barcodes compled a $7.5 million capital raise led by Investec Emerging Companies (IEC).


Stripe acquires Nigeria's fintech startup Paystack to accelerate online commerce across Africa
Published: 16-10-2020 | 08:58:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Stripe has entered into an agreement to acquire Paystack, a fintech startup based in Lagos, to make it easy for organizations of all sizes to collect payments from around the world, and help increase Africa’s online GDP.


Egyptian last-mile delivery startup dreevo launches operations with pre-seed funding from EF Logistics
Published: 14-10-2020 | 16:11:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Egyptian last-mile delivery focused startup dreevo raised a six figure US dollar in a bootstrap, pre-seed funding round from EF Logistics, a third party logistic services provider, to introduce agile and affordable technological solutions.


Austin hardware startup Xebec reaches over $2m in sales five months following launch
Published: 14-10-2020 | 15:24:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Austin-based hardware startup Xebec announced it has reached a milestone of $2.2 million in sales in its first five months, selling out of 5,500 units of the flagship product, the Xebec Tri-Screen.


IRI acquires supply chain analytics provider, RSi
Published: 13-10-2020 | 13:20:23 | By: Bob Koigi
IRI, a global company in innovative solutions and services for consumer, CPG, retail and media companies, has acquired Retail Solutions, Inc. (RSi), a provider of supply chain solutions for CPG manufacturers and retailers.


Caroll adopts Openbravo OMS and POS solutions to accelerate omnichannel retail strategy
Published: 12-10-2020 | 13:06:31 | By: Bob Koigi
Openbravo, the global cloud-based omnichannel platform vendor for agile and innovative commerce, has announced that it has been awarded a contract by Caroll International, the French fashion retailer.


Point Pickup raises $30m to meet growing demand for enterprise e-Commerce final-mile delivery
Published: 09-10-2020 | 13:43:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Point Pickup Technologies, the company that has successfully reinvented the final-mile delivery model for many of the US's top e-Commerce enterprises, has raised $30 million from BBH Capital Partners.


Subscription Management startup Chargebee secures $55m to capture global shift to subscriptions
Published: 07-10-2020 | 12:51:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Chargebee, the subscription billing and revenue operations platform powering thousands of fast-growth subscription businesses announced a $55 million Series F funding round led by Insight Partners.


Eyewear startup Vontélle launches into luxury eyewear space
Published: 01-10-2020 | 13:56:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Startup eyewear manufacturer Vontélle, LLC is launching a unique brand into the luxury eyewear space, offering awe-striking, ethnic patterns reflecting African, Caribbean, and Latin cultures.


French baby food startup Yooji raises €7.5 million funding to boost operations
Published: 30-09-2020 | 15:59:39 | By: Bob Koigi
French-based baby-food company Yooji has secured €7.5 million funding to make highly nutritional and sustainable baby food easily accessible to parents.


Scrum Ventures launches Food Tech Studio - Bites!
Published: 30-09-2020 | 15:08:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Scrum Ventures announced the launch of Food Tech Studio - Bites!, a global community of stage-agnostic startups who share a common vision of solving key challenges plaguing food supply chain.


Cannabis cultivation software startup Trym closes $3.1m seed round to accelerate growth
Published: 29-09-2020 | 14:29:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Trym, a pioneering cannabis cultivation software company announced the completion of its $3.1 million seed funding round of financing to accelerate growth.


Robotics solution startup Exotec raises $90m for international expansion of its warehouse automation technology
Published: 29-09-2020 | 12:55:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Exotec, a robotics solution for logistics and creator of the Skypod 3D warehouse robots, announced a $90 million financing round.


South Korean healthcare startup WellsCare signs in-store contract with b8ta for IASO
Published: 21-09-2020 | 14:00:35 | By: Pie Kamau
WellsCare, a member company of the Born2Global Centre, signed a store contract with b8ta, a famous American flagship store that is dedicated to innovative products.


Harvard-incubated startup MarqVision launches AI-powered platform to protect brands from counterfeits
Published: 21-09-2020 | 13:43:44 | By: Pie Kamau
MarqVision, an AI-based SaaS company, launched its brand protection platform that helps brands effortlessly detect and remove counterfeits on online marketplaces.


Cellular agriculture startup Wildtype launches salmon in sushi restaurants
Published: 17-09-2020 | 12:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Cellular agriculture startup Wildtype has unveiled its latest cell-based salmon. This version is "sushi-grade" and crafted with the sushi industry's favorite raw salmon applications in mind.


MRM Global secures £2.6 million investment from BGF to fuel international growth
Published: 15-09-2020 | 12:28:00 | By: Bob Koigi
BGF, UK and Ireland’s most active investor, has invested £2.6 million in Edinburgh based MRM Global, a high growth, industry-leading provider of marketing technology to the global drinks and hospitality sector.


Nigerian e-commerce startup Kwik Delivery releases WooCommerce plugin, enabling 2-hour deliveries for online merchants
Published: 15-09-2020 | 12:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigerian e-commerce startup Kwik Delivery released a WooCommerce plugin, enabling thousands of Nigerian online merchants to integrate seamlessly its delivery service to their WordPress online stores.


e-commerce startup Pharmapacks closes $40m bridge round financing
Published: 03-09-2020 | 15:12:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Pharmapacks, a leading e-commerce enablement platform and retail seller for brands across major ecommerce marketplaces announced the closing of a $40 million bridge round financing.


On-demand grocery startup Weee raises $35 million to accelerate expansion
Published: 28-08-2020 | 15:33:48 | By: Bob Koigi
Asian e-grocer in the United States, Weee!, has announced $35 million in Series C financing led by DST Global; bringing the total capital raised to over $100 million.


102 startups selected for Plug and Play's fall 2020 batches
Published: 28-08-2020 | 14:00:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Silicon Valley headquartered global innovation platform Plug and Play has announced the selection of 102 new startups into its fall 2020 batches.


Chili Piper raises $18m Series A funding to instantly connect remote sales team to customers
Published: 20-08-2020 | 16:05:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Chili Piper, the leader in Inbound Revenue Acceleration, announced it has raised $18 million in Series A funding led by Base10 Partners with participation from Gradient Ventures, Google's AI-focused venture fund, and Flashpoint Venture Capital.


Oregon based cannabis e-commerce startup Dutchie completes $35m Series B funding round
Published: 19-08-2020 | 15:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Dutchie, the world's largest and fastest-growing e-commerce solution for cannabis dispensaries announced the completion of its $35 million Series B funding round, bringing Dutchie's total funding to $53 million to date.


Ukrainian startup Liki24 raises $5m from Horizon Capital, existing investors to fuel European expansion
Published: 14-08-2020 | 14:46:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Liki24, Ukraine-based e-commerce platform for medicine delivery, raised a $5 million round from Horizon Capital and existing investors, bringing total funding raised to date to $6 million.


Kenyan retail-tech startup MarketForce 360 selected for Y Combinator Summer 2020 Batch
Published: 12-08-2020 | 14:17:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenyan retail-tech startup MarketForce has been selected for the Silicon Valley based Y Combinator Summer 2020 batch.


French startup AB Tasty raises $40m to lead in experience optimization, feature management markets
Published: 31-07-2020 | 12:08:00 | By: Pie Kamau
French startup AB Tasty announced a Series C round of funding to revolutionize how companies deliver the best brand and product experiences.


Swiss startup Advertima raises €15m Series A funding to make smart retail spaces a reality
Published: 29-07-2020 | 11:53:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Advertima, an emerging computer vision platform provider, announced the close of a €15 million Series A investment round led by existing shareholder Swiss real estate company, Fortimo Group.


GreenTec Capital invests in Nigerian wholesale e-commerce startup Pricepally
Published: 07-07-2020 | 15:34:25 | By: Pie Kamau
GreenTec Capital Partners announced its investment in Pricepally, an innovative digital Nigerian wholesale platform allowing users to purchase food and other products either individually or as a part of a group.


Swedish startup Mycorena raises €1.2 million funding to expand production, scale-up activities
Published: 26-05-2020 | 15:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Swedish startup Mycorena has raised over €1.2 million to fund the scale-up expansion of the product to reach the mass market, by financing the sustainable growth of the company initiating their first small-scale industrial production plant in Falkenberg.


Kenya's retail-tech startup MarketForce 360 secures $350,000 in seed investment
Published: 26-05-2020 | 13:43:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Mesozi Group announces the close of USD 350,000 seed investment from a group of strong Kenyan angel investors through ViKtoria Business Angels Network(VBAN), alongside Growing Africa Capital and global VCs.


Italy’s virtual reality startup inVRsion secures € 3 million to drive 3D digitization
Published: 13-05-2020 | 16:33:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Milan-based virtual reality startup inversion has successfully closed its third oversubscribed fund raising for a total amount of €3 million euros.


[Startup Interview] Tawanda Chitewe, CEO, iSeven Consultants, Zimbabwe
Published: 24-04-2020 | 12:05:00 | By: Bob Koigi
iSeven Consultants is a Zimbabwe based startup offering retail management consulting services. It has carved a niche in solving clients’ challenges in operations, procurement and inventory management, human resources and public relations. Tawanda Chitewe explains.


[Column] Penny Whitelaw: Fashion ecommerce opportunities amid Covid-19
Published: 10-04-2020 | 16:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
We are living in unprecedented times. The widespread outbreak of coronavirus has created uncertainty across industries, fashion retail being particularly vulnerable with the closure of bricks and mortar stores.


[Startup Interview] Penny Whitelaw, CEO, Scircula, The Netherlands
Published: 11-02-2020 | 16:10:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Penny Whitelaw tells all about her startup Scircula. As one of the five winning startups, Scircula will speak on the main stage of Cross Media Congress 2020.


[Startup Interview] Jacqui Mwangi, Managing Director, Buyology, Kenya   
Published: 14-05-2019 | 11:45:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Buyology Co. LLC, is a Kenyan based startup that is assisting companies enhance customer experience through mystery shopping concept and training. It has over 3,500 mystery shoppers who visit clients’ businesses to audit service delivery and report back on their findings.