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Published: 06-04-2018 16:44:00 | By: Nico Scherphuis | hits: 3883574 | Tags:









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.


Nigeria's Treepz among startups selected for 2023 VC4A Venture Showcase Africa
Published: 24-08-2023 | 15:35:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Treepz hes been selected to participate in VC4A Venture Showcase Africa. 


Altos Radar raises $3.5m to accelerate development of 4D imaging radars
Published: 16-08-2023 | 10:28:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Automotive radar startup, Altos Radar, has raised $3.5m seed round funding.


6 industries that chemical recycling is poised to disrupt, Plug and Play
Published: 09-08-2023 | 13:19:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Chemical recycling is a process in which waste materials are broken down into their original chemical compounds.


German autonomous, electric trucking startup FERNRIDE raises $31m Series A funding
Published: 14-06-2023 | 15:01:00 | By: Pie Kamau
FERNRIDE has secured $31m Series A funding.


How automotive solutions will create sustainable urban living, Plug and Play
Published: 09-05-2023 | 15:37:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Automotive solutions play a critical role in creating sustainable cities, particularly in regard to real estate, urban planning, IoT, AI, and smarter cities in general.


AAM invests in EnerTech's Global Strategic Mobility Fund to advance automotive technologies
Published: 05-05-2023 | 16:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM), a pioneer in driveline and metal forming technology, announced a $10 million investment in the Global Strategic Mobility Fund (GSMF), a venture capital fund managed by EnerTech Capital.


Chinese electric truck startup DeepWay raises $117m Series A+ round to accelerate mass production of smart electric heavy-duty truck
Published: 28-03-2023 | 12:14:00 | By: Pie Kamau
DeepWay, a smart commercial vehicle developer and manufacturer, announced it had raised $117 million Series A+ financing.


[Interview] Jesse Onomiwo, Co-founder, Autosparkle, Nigeria
Published: 07-03-2023 | 14:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Autosparkle is part of Riltouche and Sparkles, a company dedicated to building the largest chain of the most eco-friendly cleaning solutions out of Africa.


Autonomous vehicles affect the future of insurance, Plug and Play
Published: 02-03-2023 | 10:46:00 | By: Pie Kamau
With self-driving technology becoming increasingly available and popular, more and more people are opting to ditch their own cars and ride aboard autonomous vehicles instead.


South African car subscription startup Planet42 raises $100m to break car accessibility barriers
Published: 23-02-2023 | 13:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South African car subscription startup Planet42 has raised $100 million in combined equity and debt funding.


Bolt announces plans to expand services in Africa with €500m investment
Published: 21-02-2023 | 10:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Bolt has announced plans to invest €500 million to enhance its operations across Africa over the next two years.


eDRV raises seed round to accelerate an interconnected EV charging ecosystem
Published: 21-02-2023 | 08:57:00 | By: Pie Kamau
eDRV, an API-first electric vehicle (EV) charging management solution used at over 7,500 charging locations globally, announced it has closed on a seed funding round.


Insurtech startup OpenEyes emerges from stealth with $23m Series A funding
Published: 15-02-2023 | 14:14:00 | By: Pie Kamau
OpenEyes, an insurtech company serving commercial automotive fleets, today emerged from stealth with $18 million in Series A funding led by global software investor Insight Partners and Pitango First.


French hydrogen startup HySiLabs raises €13m Series A funding to accelerate growth
Published: 02-02-2023 | 13:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
HySiLabs, the novel hydrogen transport and storage technology developer, announced €13 million Series A financing led by Equinor Ventures, and joined by the European Innovation Council Fund, EDP Ventures and PLD Automobile.


Sofia-based EV charging platform AMPECO raises $13m Series A funding to expand in the US
Published: 25-01-2023 | 12:31:00 | By: Pie Kamau
AMPECO, a Sofia-based white-label EV charging management software platform, closed a Series A funding round of $13 million led by BMW i Ventures.


Opsys Tech closes Series C financing round to accelerate production ramp of its automotive-grade true solid-state LiDAR sensors
Published: 05-01-2023 | 13:04:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Opsys Tech, the developer of patented True Solid-State Scanning LiDAR technology, announced the final closing of its Series C financing round.


Canadian B2B automotive trading startup TRADE X opens new trading facilities in Kenya
Published: 02-12-2022 | 11:56:00 | By: Pie Kamau
TRADE X, a B2B cross-border automotive trading platform based in Ontario, Canada, announced it has opened a new Kenyan trading corridor, which includes both a shared bonded warehouse in Mombasa and an office in Nairobi.


Swedish automotive manufacturer Scania launches Scania Growth Capital II at €182.8m
Published: 01-12-2022 | 11:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Sweden-based automotive company Scania, announced it is launching a new €182.8 million investment vehicle, Scania Growth Capital II, following the success of its first venture capital fund, Scania Growth Capital I.


Canadian B2B automotive trading startup TRADE X opens a trade route in Ghana
Published: 22-11-2022 | 11:11:00 | By: Pie Kamau
TRADE X, a B2B cross-border automotive trading platform with its headquarters in Ontario, Canada, announced it has opened a new trade route in Ghana, strengthening the company's presence in Africa.


Stellantis invests in Africar Group to create Auto24, African used vehicle startup
Published: 08-11-2022 | 14:35:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Africar Group and Stellantis have announced the launch of Auto24 activities in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.


Impact Venture Capital portfolio company Alef unveils Alef flying car, the only drivable flying car with vertical takeoff and landing
Published: 08-11-2022 | 14:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Alef Aeronautics, an advanced technology company creating alternative transportation solutions for surging traffic trends, introduced the Alef "Model A", the only flying car with street driving and vertical take-off.


Japanese startup TIER IV launches commercial autonomous driving software platforms for multiple operational design domains
Published: 07-11-2022 | 08:55:00 | By: Pie Kamau
TIER IV, an open source autonomous driving startup, announced it has launched commercial autonomous driving software platforms "Pilot.Auto" and "Web.Auto".


Amsterdam-based Fastned receives €75m investment from Schroders Capital accelerate future growth
Published: 17-10-2022 | 15:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Fastned, the European fast charging company, announced a €75 million private placement of 2,032,520 new depositary receipts representing the same number of new ordinary shares in the capital of the Company with Schroders Capital.


German mobility startup Wunder Mobility receives  €12 million to advance shared mobility globally
Published: 05-10-2022 | 14:45:06 | By: Bob Koigi
The investment positions Wunder Mobility as the highest funded provider of software and hardware solutions for vehicle sharing operators with fleets of e-bikes, e-scooters, e-mopeds, and cars.


Autotech startup ServiceUp secures $14.5 million financing to scale to new markets
Published: 04-10-2022 | 16:31:55 | By: Bob Koigi
Founded in early 2021, the South Bay startup connects consumers, via the ServiceUp app, to a ServiceUp Advocate who manages the entire repair process, including payments.


Hyperspec AI startup releases software platform for autonomous driving development
Published: 15-09-2022 | 10:20:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Hyperspec AI, an artificial intelligence startup, released a new tool for developers working on ADAS enabled and autonomous vehicles (AV).


Copenhagen-based Monta lands €30m additional financing to accelerate the buildout of EV charging infrastructure
Published: 14-09-2022 | 15:26:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Monta, the Copenhagen-based all-in-one EV charging management platform, announced it has secured an additional €30 million as part of a Series A+ round led by Energize Ventures.


Dutch solar-powered car startup Lightyear secures €81m additional capital investment
Published: 06-09-2022 | 13:09:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Lightyear, a Dutch high-tech startup developing the world’s first solar car, announced a total investment of €81 million, which includes capital from the public consortium consisting of Invest-NL.


Belgian startup Magnax raises €20m for axial flux “pancake” electric motors
Published: 26-08-2022 | 14:37:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Belgium-based Magnax, technology leader in axial flux electric motors, has closed a €20 million funding round and adds two new investors; BIG Capital, who led the round, and SFPIM.


Israeli AI mobility Nexar acquires Portuguese startup Veniam to open unlimited possibilities for data-rich mobility applications
Published: 08-08-2022 | 10:34:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nexar, an AI mobility company, announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Veniam, the provider of intelligent networking for the internet of moving things.


Battery tech startup Britishvolt confirms UK Government funding boost for its battery cell gigaplant
Published: 01-08-2022 | 11:18:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Battery technology pioneer Britishvolt confirmed funding from the UK Government through its Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF) run by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK following a confirmation letter.


Taiwanese Startup Mindtronic AI opens way to the future of mobility with Meta-Service ecosystem
Published: 01-08-2022 | 09:42:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Mindtronic AI, a Taiwan-based startup, unveiled the world's first Meta-Service, a biometric sensing technology that provides instant access to any visible object in the real world.


Yamaha partners with Nigerian startup MAX for vehicle financing and maintenance
Published: 22-07-2022 | 09:34:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Moto Business Service Nigeria (MBSN), a subsidiary of Japan’s Yamaha Motor Corporation, announced a strategic partnership with Metro Africa Xpress (MAX), to finance and maintain over 50,000 vehicles over the next 2 years.


Novelis partners with recycling startup Sortera Alloys to recycle automotive post-production and consumer scrap
Published: 19-07-2022 | 15:39:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Novelis, a sustainable aluminum solutions provider and the world leader in aluminum rolling and recycling, announced a strategic partnership with Sortera Alloys, an industrial scrap metal sorting and recycling company.


Japanese open-source autonomous driving startup TIER IV launches $300m green autonomous driving project
Published: 19-07-2022 | 13:51:00 | By: Pie Kamau
TIER IV, an open-source autonomous driving startup, announced it has received a grant from the Green Innovation Fund Projects (GI Fund) for research and development of autonomous driving software platforms.


Lithuanian startup Elinta Charge raises €7m to accelerate EV charging solutions
Published: 15-07-2022 | 13:34:00 | By: Pie Kamau
AVIA Capital and LitCapital have invested €7 million in Elinta Charge, a Lithuanian developer and manufacturer of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, to support R&D, development of new products and further international expansion in the fast-growing e-mobility market.


Automotive B2B marketplace APFusion raises $6.5m in series seed financing to expand its platform
Published: 11-07-2022 | 09:57:00 | By: Pie Kamau
APFusion, the automotive B2B marketplace and SaaS company focused on modernizing the auto salvage industry, secured $6.5 million in series seed financing bringing the company's total financing to $7 million.


BII invests $20m in African mobility fintech Moove to strengthen the informal transport industry
Published: 01-07-2022 | 14:30:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The British International Investment (BII), the UK government’s Development Finance Institution (DFI), announced a $20 million, 4-year structured credit investment in Moove, a mobility fintech democratising access to vehicle ownership in Africa.


Renewable energy startup Posh raises $3.8m seed round to automate EV battery recycling
Published: 24-06-2022 | 11:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Y Combinator alum, Posh, announced it has raised $3.8 million in seed funding. The Bay Area startup automates electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling to build sustainable energy storage solutions.


Chinese ARHUD solution provider Raythink completes Series A+ financing to accelerate mass production of in-vehicle AR displays
Published: 15-06-2022 | 11:35:13 | By: Pie Kamau
Raythink, the ARHUD solution provider for the automotive and transportation industry, announced it has raised around $15 million in a Series A+ funding round led by Chengwei Capital.


South African on-demand startup ParkUpp secures community basements for car collectors
Published: 30-05-2022 | 12:11:00 | By: Pie Kamau
ParkUpp, a South African marketplace startup that connects owners of parking spaces with companies and individuals who need parking has secured 'collector community basements' in convenient locations across the country.


Autochek acquires Morocco’s automotive tech startup KIFAL Auto to drive North Africa expansion
Published: 20-05-2022 | 11:47:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Autochek, the automotive technology company making car ownership more accessible and affordable across Africa, has announced the acquisition of KIFAL Auto, a Moroccan automotive technology startup, to drive its expansion into North Africa.


Insurtech startup ETAP secures $1.5m pre-seed funding to drive car insurance penetration in Africa
Published: 26-04-2022 | 11:55:00 | By: Pie Kamau
ETAP, an insurtech startup that makes it easier to buy and claim insurance, has secured $1.5 million in pre-seed funding to grow its team and drive the adoption of much-needed car insurance across Africa.


Kenyan electric vehicle startup Opibus rebrands to ROAM
Published: 21-04-2022 | 11:22:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenya’s leading electric vehicle (EV) maker Opibus has changed its name to ROAM. The company was among the earliest entrants into the local electric vehicle manufacturing sector.


Vivaris Capital partners with Tesla Foundation to form Tesla Climate Capital
Published: 14-04-2022 | 11:39:57 | By: Pie Kamau
Vivaris Capital, LLC, a multi-strategy fund offering hybrid hedge and private equity structures, announced a strategic, joint-venture partnership with the Tesla Foundation to form Tesla Climate Capital.


TR Tech, LocoNav unveil GPS, IoT and vehicle telematics solutions in South Africa
Published: 23-03-2022 | 12:38:18 | By: Bob Koigi
Integrated tech-services provider TR Tech and disruptive full-stack fleet-tech startup LocoNav have collaborated in South Africa to provide state-of-the-art GPS, IoT, and Vehicle Telematics solutions.


Finnish EV charging startup eMabler partners with Fusebox to turn electric vehicles into profitable virtual power plants
Published: 24-02-2022 | 13:42:30 | By: Pie Kamau
Finnish electric vehicle (EV) charging startup eMabler and Fusebox, virtual power plant provider are collaborating to use electric vehicle charging to balance the energy grid.


Dallas-based Tegan Digital partners with Dents.co startup to revolutionize the collision industry
Published: 09-02-2022 | 13:40:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Dallas-based digital agency Tegan Digital has partnered with Dents.co to develop a startup launch kit, including an email marketing strategy and video production, to support new B2B tech product.


South Korean Hyundai Mobis invests in Zendar startup to accelerate Level 4 or higher autonomous driving
Published: 28-01-2022 | 11:43:48 | By: Pie Kamau
South Korean car parts company Hyundai Mobis announced it has made a strategic investment in Zendar, a Silicon Vally based startup with global competitiveness in high-resolution radar, called 'imaging radar.'


Horizon Technology Finance leads $50m venture loan facility to fintech and insurtech startup, Autonomy
Published: 25-01-2022 | 15:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Horizon Technology Finance Corporation announced it led a $50 million venture loan facility to Autonomy, a completely digital mobility offering that provides consumers with an affordable way to get access to a vehicle without long-term debt.


Car subscription startup GO launches in four additional markets
Published: 05-01-2022 | 10:59:08 | By: Bob Koigi
Distinct from traditional auto lease and finance, GO’s model offers subscribers a simple and affordable alternative to car ownership.


Chinese autonomous driving startup Haomo.AI raises nearly RMB 1 Billion, reaches Unicorn status
Published: 04-01-2022 | 10:09:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Beijing-based autonomous driving startup Haomo.AI has raised nearly 1 billion yuan (close to $150 million) in its Series A financing round, giving itself strong financial momentum to expand this new year.


Automobile startup Faction Technology announces funding from TDK Ventures
Published: 22-12-2021 | 14:45:55 | By: Bob Koigi
Faction is taking a unique approach to both driverless technology and lightweight vehicle systems that can dramatically impact how goods and people are moved


Canadian electric vehicle startup eLeapPower raises $21m funding to accelerate initial production and global growth
Published: 15-12-2021 | 12:03:00 | By: Pie Kamau
eLeapPower, a technology innovator revolutionizing electric vehicles inside and outside, with its Smart Inverter System, announced it raised $21 million CAD in Series A funding.


Nigeria’s auto financing startup Autochek begins loan services for new cars
Published: 10-12-2021 | 10:43:46 | By: Bob Koigi
In what it says is to further deepen mobility, Autochek Africa, the leading auto tech platform, has launched a dedicated brand new cars section on the Autochek website and mobile app.


TDK Ventures backs innovative nanomaterials coating technology startup, actnano
Published: 01-12-2021 | 14:23:00 | By: Pie Kamau
TDK Ventures has invested in the Series B financing of actnano, a nanomaterials technology company that is setting new standards for electronics protection with its water and environmental-resistant smart coating solutions.


English cyber security startup CultureAI raises $4m seed round to measure and mitigate human cyber security risk
Published: 30-11-2021 | 13:59:00 | By: Pie Kamau
CultureAI, the human cyber security platform founded by professional hackers, announced the closing of a $4 million Seed round to fuel its rapid growth.


[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.


[Startup Interview] Dave Withers, CEO, Vertis, USA
Published: 30-11-2021 | 13:53:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Vertis is a US-based startup that leverages billions of data points and proprietary data science to help business leaders implement data-driven talent and location strategies.


Heritage enters strategic partnership with insurtech startup Slide to accelerate growth
Published: 30-11-2021 | 13:40:22 | By: Pie Kamau
Heritage Insurance, a super-regional property and casualty insurance holding company, announced it has entered into a strategic partnership with Slide, a startup InsurTech P&C carrier led by Bruce Lucas, Heritage's former Chairman and CEO.


Wellington-based metal casting startup Foundry Lab emerges from stealth, raises $8m Series A round
Published: 30-11-2021 | 12:43:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Digital metal casting startup Foundry Lab emerged from stealth, announcing a $8 million Series A raise led by Blackbird and showcasing its ability to create functional metal parts in less than a day.


French high-tech startup PlanetWatch selects city of Miami to deploy air quality monitoring network
Published: 30-11-2021 | 12:26:00 | By: Pie Kamau
PlanetWatch, the world's first decentralized indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring network built on the Algorand blockchain, has selected the city of Miami to deploy a network of its sensors citywide.


Nigerian autotech startup Fixit45 acquires Parkit, unveils subscription-based VIP programme
Published: 30-11-2021 | 12:05:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigeria’s autotech platform, Fixit45 announced the acquisition of Parkit, a network of tech-enabled autocare and car wash centres.


Canadian startup OutPoint raises $1.2m to help high-growth brands improve paid marketing effectiveness
Published: 26-11-2021 | 11:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
OutPoint, an automated media mix modeling (MMM) platform, announced it raised $1.2 million in pre-seed funding to transform how high-growth consumer brands measure paid media effectiveness and diversify marketing investments.


Axelar secures investment from Crypto.com Capital to bolster its efforts to connect blockchain ecosystems
Published: 26-11-2021 | 11:00:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Axelar, the universal interoperability network connecting all blockchain ecosystems, applications, assets, and users, announced it has secured a strategic investment from Crypto.com Capital, the investment arm of cryptocurrency giant Crypto.com.


Lithuanian peer-to-peer crypto-asset swapping startup 123swap closes $210k seed round
Published: 26-11-2021 | 10:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Lithuanian peer-to-peer crypto assets swap platform123swap Finance announced it closed $210k seed round funding from a number of angel investors, including Becker Venture Capital and Steven Becker.


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.


Croatian AI startup Mindsmiths receives $1.4m seed funding to develop and expand its ASS platform
Published: 26-11-2021 | 09:18:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Globally awarded Croatian AI startup Mindsmiths received $1.4 million in seed funding from Feelsgood investment fund which supports companies with proven positive social impact.


Chinese gaming and entertainment startup Talon closes $5m Series A funding to accelerate growth
Published: 25-11-2021 | 12:31:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Talon, the Hong Kong headquartered competitive gaming, entertainment and culture brand announced it has secured $5 million in equity capital in its Series A financing round.


KingsCrowd partners with Backstage Capital to educate new generation of startup investors
Published: 25-11-2021 | 11:51:00 | By: Pie Kamau
KingsCrowd, the online private market's first and only data-driven ratings and analytics platform, has reached a strategic partnership with Backstage Capital, to educate a new generation of startup investors.


Bio-material tech startup Cruz Foam closes $2.5m seed funding to accelerate circular protective packaging solutions
Published: 25-11-2021 | 11:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Cruz Foam, a mission-driven sustainable materials company, announced it has closed $2.5 million in seed funding in a raise led by At One Ventures to enable the transition toward a circular economy.


Robotics startup HaptX raises $4m investment from Crescent Cove Advisors to accelerate expansion
Published: 25-11-2021 | 11:14:00 | By: Pie Kamau
HaptX, the provider of realistic haptic gloves for VR and robotics, announced it has secured a $4 million credit facility from Crescent Cove Advisors, bringing HaptX's Series A funding to $28m, and the company's total funding to $35m.


Agritech startup FarmSense receives $2.2m SBIR funding for development of biosecurity measures against native and invasive pests
Published: 24-11-2021 | 08:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
FarmSense, the agritech startup and creator of Smart Flight Sensors, announced it has been awarded Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funds in the amount of more than $2.2 million.


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.


Miami-based VC firm Borderless Capital closes $10m PLANETS.Fund to build green data economy on Algorand
Published: 24-11-2021 | 08:00:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Borderless Capital, the Miami-based venture capital firm dedicated to the Algorand ecosystem, announced the closing of PLANETS.Fund, a $10 millionn fund focused on building a green data economy.


Kigali-based agriculture startup AflaSight, partners launch innovative projects to improve maize quality in Rwanda
Published: 24-11-2021 | 07:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The World Food Programme, IFC, Kigali-based agriculture startup AflaSight, and research firm Vanguard Economics launched innovative projects to help farmers and grain traders reduce the prevalence of aflatoxins in crops and grains in Rwanda.


Toronto-based mobility startup Treepz expands to East Africa, acquires Uganda's Ugabus
Published: 24-11-2021 | 07:40:00 | By: Pie Kamau
In a bid to digitize the public transportation system and provide safer, reliable and comfortable commute options across Africa, Toronto-based shared mobility company Treepz, announced its acquisition of a similar Ugandan bus company Ugabus.


Africa-based cryptocurrency exchange Busha raises $4.2m seed round to deepen its market positioning
Published: 24-11-2021 | 07:34:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Africa-based cryptocurrency exchange Busha, raised $4.2 million seed round led by Jump Capital. Cadenza Ventures, Blockwall Capital, CMT Digital, Greenhouse Capital, Raba Capital, and other investors also participated in the financing round.


Israeli foodtech startup Imagindairy closes $13m seed round to advance animal-free dairy
Published: 23-11-2021 | 08:08:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Imagindairy, a foodtech company creating milk proteins identical to those from cows, announced completion of a $13 milion seed round, led by MoreVC, a leading seed stage investor in Israel managing $275 million across three funds.


Crowd Capital joins FinHealth US 2021 accelerator program for early-stage startups
Published: 23-11-2021 | 07:46:17 | By: Pie Kamau
Crowd Capital has been selected to participate in FinHealth US 2021. This will enhance Crowd Capital's mission to offer families facing financial hardship.


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.


Kenyan gaming startup Usiku Games develops Africa’s first mobile football game
Published: 23-11-2021 | 07:28:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenyan gaming startup Usiku Games unveiled an amateur football mobile game to promote outdoor physical activities and encourage sportsmanship among youths in East Africa.


South African fintech firm Ozow raises $48m Series B round to accelerate growth
Published: 23-11-2021 | 07:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South African fintech firm Ozow raised $48 million Series B funding round led by Chinese internet giant Tencent. Other investors Endeavor Catalyst and Endeavor Harvest Fund participating also participated in the round.


Seattle-area startup Lassen Peak raises $10m seed funding for weapons search technology
Published: 19-11-2021 | 12:58:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Seattle-area startup Lassen Peak announced the completion of Seed financing of $10 million with Alpha Intelligence Capital, Lauder Partners, Orbit Venture Partners, and other strategic seed investors participating in the investments.


Virginia medtech and sportstech startup OxiWear closes pre-seed funding round at $1.25m
Published: 19-11-2021 | 12:26:00 | By: Pie Kamau
OxiWear announced it successfully closed a pre-seed funding round at $1.25 million, oversubscribed above its goal of $750,000.


World's innovation platform Plug and Play launches in Basel, Switzerland
Published: 19-11-2021 | 12:11:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The largest innovation enabler in the world, Plug and Play, announced the launch of a new office in Basel, Switzerland, in partnership with the first Founding Partner, uptownBasel.


Israeli Medical device startup Filterlex closes $6m Series A1 investment to accelerate CAPTIS cardiovascular clinical program
Published: 19-11-2021 | 11:57:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Filterlex Medical, a cardiovascular medical device startup, announced it completed a $6 million series A1 investment round from private healthcare investors.


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.


Crypto Valley Venture Capital initiates investment strategy to build blockchain accelerator for African startups
Published: 18-11-2021 | 10:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
African blockchain disruptors and early-stage startups have joined CV Labs Global Incubation Program Batch 03. The African contingent of incubatees is reflective of Crypto Valley Venture Capital’s (CV VC) global investment strategy.


GROWMARK and CHS launch Cooperative Ventures to drive technology advancements for agritech startups
Published: 18-11-2021 | 10:20:41 | By: Pie Kamau
GROWMARK and CHS announced the formation of Cooperative Ventures, a new capital fund that will focus on creating advancements in breakthrough technologies for the agriculture industry.


Nigerian healthtech startup Helium acquires doctor booking platform Meddy
Published: 18-11-2021 | 09:38:43 | By: Pie Kamau
Helium Health (Helium), the healthcare technology provider in Africa, announced it has completed the acquisition of Meddy, the GCC-based doctor booking platform, which has operations in Qatar and the U.A.E.


Fort Ross Ventures announces first closing of $200m late-stage fund
Published: 18-11-2021 | 09:31:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Fort Ross Ventures, an international venture-capital firm focused on startups in the U.S. and Israel, announced the $100 million first closing of its late-stage fund.


Israeli logistics AI startup Amphorica partners with Swiss investor Falco Capital to accelerate growth
Published: 18-11-2021 | 09:14:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Falco Capital and Amphorica jointly announced the closing of a capital investment and cooperation agreement. As part of the agreement, Amphorica appoints Falco Capital partner Peter Salzer, as Director of the company's board.


Illumina and Sequoia Capital select first startups to join Genomics Incubator in China
Published: 18-11-2021 | 08:56:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Illumina and Sequoia Capital China, an investment firm, jointly announced the selection of the first two startup companies joining the Sequoia Capital China Intelligent Healthcare Genomics Incubator, Powered by Illumina.


Israeli femtech startup illumigyn partners with Peramare Pharmaceuticals to bring innovative gynecological imaging platform to Nigeria
Published: 17-11-2021 | 15:22:31 | By: Pie Kamau
illumigyn, world's first remote gynecological imaging platform, announced its new distribution agreement with Peramare Pharmaceuticals Nigeria, to deploy 5,000 Gynescopes in Nigeria by 2026.


Robert Bosch Venture Capital GmbH joins Variantyx's $26m Series C funding round
Published: 17-11-2021 | 12:20:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Robert Bosch Venture Capital GmbH, the corporate venture capital company of the Bosch Group, has completed an investment in Variantyx, to improve personalized oncology treatment.


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.


Israeli startup EasySend raises $55.5m to help enterprises build, maintain digital customer journeys with its no-code platform
Published: 17-11-2021 | 11:41:00 | By: Pie Kamau
EasySend, a no-code digital customer journey platform announced a $50.5 million Series B funding round led by Oak HC/FT. Existing investors Vertex IL, Intel Capital, and Hanaco Venture also participated in the round.


Firmware security startup NetRise emerges from stealth with $6.8m seed round
Published: 17-11-2021 | 11:26:00 | By: Pie Kamau
NetRise, the company solving the world's firmware security problem, has emerged from stealth by closing their $6.8 million Seed Round led by Miramar Digital Ventures, with Sorenson Ventures, DNX Ventures and multiple strategic angels.


AI-informed physical security startup Hakimo raises $4m seed round
Published: 17-11-2021 | 11:06:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Hakimo, an AI platform designed to bring cybersecurity-like tools to the physical security industry, announced $4 million seed funding.


Finnish heathcare startup Valo Tx raises €11m to advance PeptiCRAd immunotherapy platform into the clinic
Published: 16-11-2021 | 13:22:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Valo Therapeutics Oy (Valo Tx), the developer of novel, adaptable immunotherapy platforms for cancer and infectious diseases, raised €11 million in an oversubscribed Pre-IPO funding round.


Japanese VR startup HIKKY raises $57m Series A funding to expand its services domestically and abroad
Published: 16-11-2021 | 12:59:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Virtual reality (VR) startup and organizers of VR events in the world HIKKY raised 6.5 billion yen ($57 million) in an initial stage of its Series A funding round.


BrokerTech Ventures accelerator opens for 2022 cohort applications
Published: 16-11-2021 | 12:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
BrokerTech Ventures (BTV), the industry's first broker-led convening platform and accelerator program focused on delivering innovation to the insurance broker industry, has opened the application window for its 2022 BrokerTech Ventures Accelerator program.


Kenyan fintech startup Kwara launches regional offices to reach SACCOs across the country
Published: 16-11-2021 | 11:24:54 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenyan fintech startup Kwara opened regional offices in the Western, Central, Rift Valley and Coastal regions of Kenya as part of its expansion in the country.


South Africa's emergency marketplace startup AURA secures R62m Series A funding for global expansion
Published: 16-11-2021 | 11:18:18 | By: Pie Kamau
AURA, the African-based security and medical response marketplace secured R62 million in a Series A funding round, led by MultiChoice Group (MCG), KLT Holdings and Buffet Investments, positioning AURA favourably for its global expansion plans.


Home fashion startup Modern Matter raises $1.2m seed round to accelerate growth of its e-Commerce platform
Published: 11-11-2021 | 11:58:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Modern Matter, a design company and manufacturer of decorative and architectural hardware, raised $1.2 million in seed capital. Modern Matter collaborates with leading designers to develop exclusive hardware designs for luxury homeowners.


Healthtech startup Sigrid Therapeutics raises $8.4m from US, Irish and Swedish investors for diabetes breakthrough
Published: 11-11-2021 | 11:25:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Swedish healthtech startup Sigrid Therapeutics is set to prevent two of the world's biggest health challenges, type 2 diabetes and obesity with its SiPore15® powder.


Investor Advisor Seed Ventures closes first round
Published: 11-11-2021 | 11:04:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Investor Advisor Seed Ventures (IA Seed Ventures) announced the first closing of its new venture fund with investments in five companies. These deals mark the beginning of active investment for this new network of accomplished investors.


South African fleet-tech startup KeyTec and LocoNav enter Africa's video telematics market
Published: 11-11-2021 | 10:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South Africa fleet-tech startup KeyTec has partnered with LocoNav to capture the emerging and high-growth video telematics market throughout Africa.


Kenyan Mental health startup Shamiri Institute raises $1m, expands to the rest of Africa
Published: 11-11-2021 | 10:36:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Shamiri Institute, a Kenyan mental health startup has raised $1 million in funding from the Templeton World Charity Foundation to tackle the scourge of mental health in Kenya and the rest of the African continent.


Kenya-based electric mobility startup Opibus secures $7.5 million funding
Published: 04-11-2021 | 14:54:16 | By: Bob Koigi
Opibus says it will use this new funding to scale its operations in electric motorcycle and bus manufacturing.


Community knowledge sharing startup 7th Ave raises $2.5m seed round
Published: 03-11-2021 | 13:17:00 | By: Pie Kamau
7th Ave, a knowledge sharing platform for Black professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, and students announced a $2.5 million seed round to create a space where mindful discovery, discussion, and community take place.


Compliance startup Laika raises $35m Series B to help companies ace security audits
Published: 03-11-2021 | 12:54:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Laika, the industry's first unified compliance-as-a-service platform, announced it has closed $35 million in Series B funding led by J.P. Morgan Growth Equity Partners with participation from PayPal Ventures.


London-based insurtech startup Collective Benefits announces $10m investment from Prosus
Published: 03-11-2021 | 12:31:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Collective Benefits, an insurance and benefits marketplace for independent workers, announced a $10 million investment from Prosus Ventures, the venture investing arm of Prosus, one of technology investors in the world.


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.


Romanian startup Flip lands €1.5m from Prosus-owned eMAG, plans CEE leadership in refurbished products
Published: 03-11-2021 | 12:02:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Flip, a Romanian startup in the Recommerce market, landed the first eMAG Ventures accelerated investment worth 1.5 million euros and targets the leading position in Central and Eastern Europe.


Israeli medical device startup Innoventric wins Horizon Europe Grant, secures $14m Series A investment
Published: 02-11-2021 | 13:24:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Israeli medical device startup Innoventric, secured $14 million through its Series A financing, including the prestigious Horizon Europe Grant for the sum of €2.5 million.


Berlin-based investment platform Moonfare raises $125m Series C to accelerate global growth
Published: 02-11-2021 | 13:03:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Moonfare, the digital private equity investment platform for individual investors, raised $125 million in Series C funding, led by New York-based Insight Partners, to continue to develop innovative investment solutions and accelerate its international expansion.


Kenyan fintech startup Kwara partners with Lami Technologies to give SACCO members access to insurance products
Published: 02-11-2021 | 12:18:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenyan digital banking fintech startup Kwara has partnered with insurance technology company, Lami Technologies, to provide SACCO members with affordable and transformational insurance products.


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.


Kenyan-based payroll startup Workpay expands to Nigeria
Published: 02-11-2021 | 11:34:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Workpay, a Nairobi-based YC graduate, is expanding its operations to Nigeria. The cloud-based workforce management startup will now offer Core HR, Payroll, and employee record services to organizations in the country.


Nigerian Auto financing startup Autochek secures $13.1m seed funding to deepen West African footprint
Published: 28-10-2021 | 16:55:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Autochek, the Nigerian automotive startup which recently expanded to Kenya, has secured $13.1 million in seed funding.


Chinese autonomous driving startup WeRide releases next-gen small, lightweight Sensor Suite 4.0
Published: 28-10-2021 | 09:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
WeRide, a Chinese L4 autonomous driving company released WeRide Sensor Suite 4.0 (Suite 4.0), marking another key step towards the mass production of self-driving vehicles.


Chinese autonomous driving startup WeRide named "AutoTech Startup of the Year" in 2021 AutoTech Breakthrough Awards Program
Published: 21-10-2021 | 12:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
WeRide, a world autonomous driving company, has been named "AutoTech Startup of the Year" in the annual AutoTech Breakthrough Awards conducted by market intelligence organization AutoTech Breakthrough.


[Startup Interview] Adedokun Muhammed-Ali Adedeji, Founder, Brightcloud Automobile, Nigeria
Published: 20-10-2021 | 11:34:20 | By: Bob Koigi
Adedokun Muhammed-Ali Adedeji is a Nigerian innovator, entrepreneur and logistics manager. A green mobility advocate, Adedokun is the founder of Brightcloud Automotive.


India car search startup CarDekho joins unicorn club after $250 million fundraise
Published: 13-10-2021 | 14:08:06 | By: Bob Koigi
It is the largest ever fundraise by CarDekho and the proceeds will be used to accelerate CarDekho’s growth in the Used Car transactions, Financial services and insurance businesses.


European startup CircuitMess partners with Warner Brothers Consumer Products to launch STEM-based autonomous Batmobile
Published: 05-10-2021 | 16:30:26 | By: Pie Kamau
CircuitMess announced its licensing deal with Warner Brothers and its Kickstarter campaign for the CircuitMess Batmobile, designed to teach children seven and up about engineering and autonomous driving.


Recreational vehicle startup RINDEV announces preorder reservations of its experience driven electric side by side
Published: 31-08-2021 | 14:06:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Recreational vehicle disruptor, RINDEV, announced the opening of preorder reservations for their exciting and futuristic electric side by side, designed to address issues of global warming and overall experience.


Autonomous vehicle insurtech startup Koop Technologies raises $2.5m seed round
Published: 24-08-2021 | 15:22:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Koop Technologies, an insurance technology startup specializing in autonomous vehicle and robotics risks announced its $2.5 million seed funding.


Tel Aviv-based innovation hub Drive TLV to expand in the U.S. and Europe
Published: 17-08-2021 | 13:18:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Drive TLV, a unique innovation hub connecting high-tech Israeli startups with major corporate partners around the world, plans to begin working with U.S. and European startup companies next year.


Mobility fintech startup Moove raises $23m Series A funding to democratize vehicle ownership in Africa
Published: 13-08-2021 | 14:29:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Moove, an African mobility fintech startup, announced it has raised $23 million in Series A funding, led by Speedinvest and Left Lane Capital.


Toyota AI Ventures rebrands as Toyota Ventures, adds $300m to invest in emerging technologies and carbon neutrality
Published: 07-06-2021 | 14:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Toyota's first standalone, early-stage venture capital firm, Toyota AI Ventures, will change its name to Toyota Ventures and grow its total assets under management to more than $500 million with the addition of two $150 million early-stage funds.


HONK supports insurance startup Branch with digitally-driven roadside assistance solutions
Published: 12-05-2021 | 12:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
HONK Technologies, the digital platform connecting drivers and towing professionals, announced it is supporting Branch, the startup that pioneered bundling home and auto insurance online.


Berlin-based startup betteries secures €2.1m seed funding to upcycle electric vehicle batteries, avert climate change
Published: 30-03-2021 | 11:41:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Berlin-based profit for impact startup betteries has successfully closed its €2.1 million seed funding round led by impact funds Factor[e] Ventures and Beyond Black.


FORT Robotics startup closes on $13m in funding
Published: 23-03-2021 | 12:34:00 | By: Pie Kamau
FORT Robotics, the first pure-play technology company creating safety-and-security solutions for autonomous machines, closed on $13 million in funding led by Prime Movers Lab.


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.


Recogni startup raises $48.9m Series B investment for AI-powered perception chips
Published: 18-02-2021 | 10:58:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Recogni, the developers of an AI vision cognition system for autonomous vehicles, announced $48.9 million in a Series B financing round, to help bring its perception platform to market and expand its engineering and go-to-market teams.


Plug and Play partners with MESS to create a mobility & IoT innovation hub in Istanbul, Turkey
Published: 14-01-2021 | 10:18:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Global innovation platform for startups and corporations from Silicon Valley, Plug and Play, is partnering with Turkish Employers' Association of Metal Industries MESS, in launching its newest location in Istanbul, Turkey.


Toyoda Gosei Invests in Tohoku University startup Ball Wave
Published: 01-12-2020 | 13:47:49 | By: Bob Koigi
Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. has invested in Ball Wave Inc., a startup from Tohoku University that develops practical applications of ball SAW sensors.


South Korean startup Autonomous a2z raises $1.9m for autonomous driving solution
Published: 26-11-2020 | 11:12:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Autonomous a2z, a member company of Born2Global Centre and Sejong Technopark, received a seed investment of $1.9 million from angel investments by individuals and partner corporations.


Porsche Ventures invests in AI startup Drivably's breakthrough inventory technology
Published: 18-11-2020 | 14:28:47 | By: Pie Kamau
Drivably, an advanced AI company that helps dealers acquire private party inventory from the right markets at the right price, has received an investment from Porsche Ventures to help Drivably further develop its technology and expand its footprint.


CNN partners with Hyundai to explore innovations in transport and mobility
Published: 04-11-2020 | 08:45:00 | By: Bob Koigi
CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) and Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) have collaborated on a cross-platform campaign that explores how innovation will change the way we will live in the future.


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.


Seegrid acquires Box Robotics to boost deep learning in manufacturing space
Published: 08-10-2020 | 14:44:44 | By: Bob Koigi
Seegrid Corporation has acquired Box Robotics, a mobile robotics startup bringing high-definition maps, three-dimensional LiDAR, and deep learning to the warehouse and manufacturing space.


Seegrid closes $52 million in growth equity financing
Published: 15-09-2020 | 17:24:59 | By: Bob Koigi
Seegrid Corporation, the company involved in self-driving industrial vehicles for material handling, has announced that it closed a $52 million growth equity financing round.


AI-based startup SafeRide expands into Germany to support, accelerate growing business in Europe
Published: 14-09-2020 | 12:56:00 | By: Pie Kamau
SafeRide Technologies, a leading provider of AI-based vehicle health management, data analytics, and cybersecurity solutions for connected and autonomous vehicles, announced the opening of a new office in Germany.


SafeButler, Liberty Mutual partner to offer instant renters insurance
Published: 04-09-2020 | 15:08:00 | By: Pie Kamau
YCombinator funded startup SafeButler has partnered with Liberty Mutual, an insurance industry leader for over 100 years, to provide instant access to a comprehensive renters insurance plan at a very low rate.


BorgWarner expands collaboration with startup ecosystem Plug and Play
Published: 03-09-2020 | 16:02:58 | By: Pie Kamau
BorgWarner announced its next venture with Plug and Play, a global innovation platform and accelerator ecosystem for startup companies, by becoming a partner of its newly planned incubator location in Detroit.


AI-powered freight dispatch startup SmartHop raises $4.5 Million to fund expansion
Published: 06-08-2020 | 19:32:17 | By: Bob Koigi
SmartHo​p,​ a Florida tech-enabled dispatch solution empowering small trucking companies to grow their businesses, has announced that it has closed a $4.5 Million Seed round


U.S. startup Ossia partners with Toyoda Gosei to deliver wireless power over the air in vehicle cabins
Published: 03-08-2020 | 15:39:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Toyoda Gosei Co, a Toyota Group company, has concluded a joint development agreement with Ossia Inc, a U.S. startup that leads the world in the field of wireless power solutions.


Finish startup Basemark  receives €7 million funding to accelerate vehicle automation
Published: 15-07-2020 | 16:42:51 | By: Bob Koigi
Basemark, Finland software company specializing in graphics and autonomous driving vehicle software, has successfully concluded a €7 million equity funding round by ETF Partners.


U.S. electric-vehicle startup Fisker completes $50m private financing to launch its Ocean all-electric luxury SUV in 2022
Published: 09-07-2020 | 15:04:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Fisker, designer and manufacturer of the world’s most emotionstirring, eco-friendly electric vehicles and advanced mobility solutions announced the successful completion of a $50 million Series C financing round.


ETF leads €7 million investment in Finnish startup Basemark
Published: 07-07-2020 | 14:30:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Basemark, a leading software company specialising in graphics and autonomous driving vehicle software, has successfully concluded a €7 million equity funding round by ETF Partners.


British startup Cazoo reaches unicorn status, gets extra £25m funding
Published: 23-06-2020 | 10:41:00 | By: Pie Kamau
British used-car startup Cazoo has joined the exclusive list of companies known as unicorns, with valuations in excess of $1 billion.


French startup Monk raises $2.4m Seed round to develop AI-based inspection technology
Published: 11-06-2020 | 15:23:00 | By: Pie Kamau
French startup Monk, an Artificial Intelligence focused on car damage detection announced a $2.4 million fundraising Seed round led by Iris Capital, alongside Plug and Play and key business angels.


Bolt raises €100m from Naya Capital to expand transport, food delivery services in Europe and Africa
Published: 26-05-2020 | 15:02:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Estonia-based Bolt has closed an investment round of €100m from Naya Capital Management to help the company continue to scale its product segments from ride-hailing to micro-mobility and food delivery in Europe and Africa.


BlaBlaCar partners with Voi Technology to offer e-scooters in France
Published: 26-05-2020 | 14:58:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Carpooling platform BlaBlaCar has chosen to extend its offer and partner with Swedish electric scooters company Voi Technology to offer BlaBla Ride Scooters.


Flat6Labs Tunis hosts Fifth Demo Day, graduates 8 startups digitally
Published: 25-05-2020 | 10:19:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Flat6Labs Tunis celebrated it’s fifth Demo Day online, with 8 innovative startups presenting their businesses to hundreds of registered attendees.