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Published: 06-04-2018 16:44:00 | By: Nico Scherphuis | hits: 3813858 | Tags:











5 fintech trends to prepare for in 2024, Plug and Play
Published: 19-02-2024 | 12:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau














Swedish fintech Brite Payments raises $60m to accelerate instant bank payments across Europe
Published: 04-10-2023 | 15:34:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Brite Payments has announced a $60m funding round.


Data from 400+ startups indicates massive SVB and FRB fallout on startup banking sector
Published: 27-09-2023 | 11:56:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kruze Consulting has analyzed banking data from 400+ startups.


Backbase partners with FrankieOne to provide digital onboarding solutions in Australia
Published: 27-09-2023 | 10:10:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Backbase announced its strategic partnership with FrankieOne.


Big name VCs back startup to solve multi-billion dollar banking problem
Published: 13-09-2023 | 13:41:08 | By: Pie Kamau
Fintech startup N5 has secured the backing of a number of high profile investors.


Brex taps Jason Mok to support the next generation of founders
Published: 29-06-2023 | 13:51:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Brex announced that Jason Mok has joined the team to support commitment to serving startups and their founders.


The role of crypto-friendly banks in facilitating financial inclusion, Plug and Play
Published: 26-06-2023 | 13:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Financial inclusion is a key aspect of economic growth and development.


Startups flock to too-big-fo-fail banks, Kruze Consulting
Published: 29-05-2023 | 13:20:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Based on data from 160+ venture fund startups and more than $2 billion in cash, startups have been flocking to the major banks


FlowX.AI raises $35m to transform application modernization at large banks
Published: 23-05-2023 | 11:29:00 | By: Pie Kamau
FlowX.AI announced it has raised a $35 million Series A funding round.


ABBANK accelerates banking transformation with Backbase Platform in Vietnam
Published: 12-04-2023 | 12:56:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Backbase, the global player in Engagement Banking, has partnered An Binh Bank (ABBANK) to transform the banking experiences for millions of Vietnamese customers.


Nigerian fintech startup Moni unveils new community-powered digital loans for African SMEs
Published: 04-04-2023 | 13:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigerian fintech startup Moni has launched a new range of business loans targeting SMEs in Africa.


Why open finance is the future, Plug and Play
Published: 27-03-2023 | 13:28:00 | By: Pie Kamau
In 2018, the UK made history as the world’s first Open Banking Standard was implemented, establishing the foundations for the nation’s pioneering ecosystem and setting a blueprint for other countries. 


First Citizens Bank enters into whole bank purchase of Silicon Valley Bridge Bank, N.A.
Published: 27-03-2023 | 13:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
First Citizens Bank, has entered into an agreement with FDIC to purchase out of FDIC receivership substantially all loans and certain other assets, and assume all customer deposits and certain other liabilities of Silicon Valley Bridge Bank, N.A.


[Column] Takalane Khashane: Building a digital, sustainable bank for the future
Published: 20-03-2023 | 14:00:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Banking, like many other sectors, has responded to rapid change and evolving customer needs by developing a digital strategy. 


VION Investments offers immediate funding to companies affected by SVB and Signature Bank collapse
Published: 15-03-2023 | 12:36:26 | By: Pie Kamau
The collapse of SVB Bank and Signature Bank, the largest such failures since 2008, have sent shockwaves through the financial markets, hitting startups and companies reliant on venture capital hardest.


How DeFi is disrupting traditional banking and financial services
Published: 08-03-2023 | 10:53:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The traditional banking and financial services industry has long been the cornerstone of the global economy. It has provided access to capital, enabled trade, and facilitated financial transactions for centuries.


Decentralized finance companies are shifting from centralization, Plug and Play
Published: 22-02-2023 | 14:25:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Decentralized finance, commonly referred to as DeFi, is an emerging technology aimed at building a new financial system that is open to everyone and does not depend on traditional financial intermediaries, such as banks, lenders, etc.


SC Ventures partners with Yabx to expand access to financial services in Africa
Published: 20-02-2023 | 14:30:00 | By: Pie Kamau
SC Ventures announced it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yabx , a company incubated by Comviva and part of the Mahindra Group, to address a deep need for responsible consumer finance in Africa.


Swiss startup Taurus raises $65m to further develop its digital asset platform, fuel international expansion
Published: 14-02-2023 | 08:30:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Taurus, the digital asset infrastructure provider for financial institutions in Europe, announced a $65 million Series B capital raise from strategic investors.


Spanish fintech startup Snab closes €1.1m investment round to grow its B2B payments platform
Published: 06-02-2023 | 14:56:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Snab, the Spanish payment platform that allows payments and transfers between companies in one click, has raised €1.1 million in its first funding round.


South African digital lender Lulalend raises $35m Series B funding to accelerate growth
Published: 06-02-2023 | 14:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Lulalend, a South African digital lender offering funding options for businesses. has raised $35 million in Series B funding to accelerate the growth of its loan book and bring new solutions to the market.


Finance software startup Quartr signs API deal with Nordnet to enhance informed investment decisions
Published: 06-02-2023 | 12:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Finance software startup Quartr signed an API deal with Nordnet, the online broker in the Nordic region, reaching almost two million customers.


European digital asset platform Bitpanda launches SaaS product for banks, fintechs
Published: 30-01-2023 | 09:08:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Bitpanda, a European digital asset platform, announced the launch of Bitpanda Technology Solutions, the most scalable Investing-as a-service infrastructure available in Europe and globally.


Nigerian fintech firm TeamApt reaches annualized payments volume of $170 billion, rebrands to Moniepoint
Published: 16-01-2023 | 12:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
TeamApt Incorporated, the business banking platform in Nigeria, has adopted the name of its flagship product - Moniepoint, a testament to its success as the all-in-one digital banking solution for businesses.


Plesion Capital invests $500,000 funding in Ugandan fintech platform Xeno
Published: 09-01-2023 | 10:03:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Plesion Capital announced its formation as a social impact venture capital firm focused on partnering with mission-based entrepreneurs and companies to combat poverty around the world.


Mendoza Ventures closes $100m early growth fintech fund anchored by Bank of America
Published: 09-01-2023 | 09:04:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Mendoza Ventures, a Latinx-founded Fintech, AI, and Cybersecurity Venture Capital firm, has achieved a first close on its third fund.


Regent Bank names Peter Mullen as Director of Venture and Tech Banking
Published: 04-01-2023 | 14:57:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Regent Bank has named Peter Mullen Director of Venture and Tech Banking, as the migration of talent from traditional innovation hubs like the Bay Area and NYC continues to Midwestern cities.


Fintech enabler Ukheshe secures Series A funding to accelerate international expansion
Published: 22-12-2022 | 10:10:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Ukheshe International, the UK-headquartered division of digital-first, Banking as a Service (BaaS) enabler Ukheshe, announced the conclusion of an investment agreement that will help accelerate its international expansion.


HashKey and SEBA Bank partner to accelerate institutional adoption of digital assets in Hong Kong and Switzerland
Published: 05-12-2022 | 10:18:00 | By: Pie Kamau
HashKey and SEBA Bank announced a partnership to leverage their digital asset service offerings as well as custody and asset management products to accelerate institutional adoption of digital assets.


MyMonty calls to all banks, MNOs and startups: the time for digitization is now!
Published: 28-11-2022 | 09:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
In 1998, Mountasser Hachem founded Monty Holding, which has since become a giant in the telco sector, achieving unprecedented global penetration.


Nigerian money app Kuda launches in the UK
Published: 11-11-2022 | 07:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigerian money app Kuda, announced it is launching in the UK as part of a global expansion drive with a view to serving the cross-border transfer needs of UK-based Nigerians.


Dutch fintech venture Yabx expands into Nigeria
Published: 10-11-2022 | 13:53:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Yabx, a fintech venture headquartered at Netherlands, announced its foray into Nigerian markets with a mission to democratize credit across the country with its digital lending offerings.


Nigerian lending startup Payhippo acquires Maritime Microfinance Bank
Published: 08-11-2022 | 14:15:54 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigeria’s credit-led SME fintech Payhippo has acquired Maritime Microfinance Bank (MFB), a financial institution specializing in saving products, demand deposits, and investments as well as micro and SME loans


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.


Swiss settlement banking startup Arf raises $13m seed seed round to further develop its blockchain-based technology
Published: 26-10-2022 | 10:00:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Arf, the VQF-regulated global settlement banking platform using Web3 technologies has raised $13 million in a seed round with the participation of industry leaders.


Mobile banking fintech NorthOne raises $67m Series B funding to accelerate growth across small business communities
Published: 17-10-2022 | 13:30:00 | By: Pie Kamau
NorthOne announced it has raised $67 million in Series B funding. With participation from new and existing investors, NorthOne is poised to further expand the reach of its business management platform.


African fintech startup Flutterwave launches eNaira payments for businesses in Nigeria
Published: 16-09-2022 | 11:06:57 | By: Pie Kamau
Flutterwave, Africa's payments technology company announced its merchants can now process payments in eNaira, the Nigerian digital currency issued and distributed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.


African fintech startup Flutterwave secures switching and processing license from Central Bank of Nigeria
Published: 05-09-2022 | 14:11:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Flutterwave, Africa's payments technology company has been granted a Switching and Processing License by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), widely regarded as CBN's most valuable payments processing license.


Kenyan fintech startup Pezesha raises $11m to expand across Africa
Published: 01-09-2022 | 14:36:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Pezesha, a Kenyan fintech that has built a platform where small and medium enterprises can access funding, has raised $11 million in a pre-series A equity and debt funding.


Pomelo fintech launches with $20m seed capital
Published: 17-08-2022 | 15:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Pomelo announced a Series Seed of $20 million in venture capital and $50m in warehouse facility for a total of $70m in seed financing, and is the first company to combine credit and international money transfer.


Fintech startup Bizao raises €8m Series A funding to accelerate its footprint across Africa
Published: 26-07-2022 | 10:51:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Bizao, a fintech that facilitates payments for both local and international businesses operating in Africa, announced a €8 million Series A funding to accelerate its geographical footprint across the continent and invest in the design of new lines of products and services.


Nigerian fintech infrastructure startup Bloc acquires payments company Orchestrate
Published: 26-07-2022 | 10:24:55 | By: Pie Kamau
Bloc, the Nigerian fintech infrastructure provider, has announced the acquisition of Orchestrate (previously Getwallets), a proprietary payments orchestration startup that gives businesses instant access to multiple payment providers with one integration.


Social impact fintech DreamStart Labs partners with BRAC Bank to reach unbanked women in Bangladesh
Published: 20-07-2022 | 09:25:00 | By: Pie Kamau
DreamStart Labs, a fintech for emerging markets, and BRAC Bank, a commercial bank in Bangladesh, have entered into an agreement to provide digital financial services to unbanked women in Bangladesh.


Flagstar Bank completes third MortgageTech Accelerator program
Published: 15-07-2022 | 12:44:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Flagstar Bank announced it has wrapped up its third MortgageTech Accelerator program - the first and only accelerator in the United States solely dedicated to mortgage technology.


London-based fintech startup Griffin raises $15m to become the bank fintechs can build on
Published: 08-07-2022 | 13:14:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Griffin, a Banking as a Service (BaaS) fintech firm, announced it has raised $15.5 million funding to launch the OS for embedded finance.


African fintech Flutterwave appoints Gurbhej Dhillon as new CTO
Published: 06-07-2022 | 11:51:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Flutterwave, Africa’s payments technology company, announced the appointment of former Goldman Sachs’ Managing Director, Gurbhej Dhillon as Chief Technology Officer (CTO).


Nigerian fintech startup Mono launches in Kenya
Published: 06-07-2022 | 11:43:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Mono, a Nigerian fintech startup that builds open banking infrastructure to enable access to customer financial data and bank payments for digital businesses in Africa, announced it has expanded its services to Kenya.


Neomoon digital bank raises $850k in first seed capital investment round
Published: 05-07-2022 | 14:39:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Neomoon, the digital bank based on stablecoin which offers Latin Americans financial solutions to protect their money from devaluation and facilitate daily transactions, announced the closing of $850k first seed capital investment round.


Dutch-based startup Backbase raises €120m in growth equity funding
Published: 05-07-2022 | 14:04:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Backbase, creator of the category-leading Engagement Banking platform, raised €120 million in growth equity funding from Motive Partners.


Dutch fintech Backbase secures €120m funding to accelerate growth
Published: 09-06-2022 | 12:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Dutch financial technology company Backbase, the creator of the category-leading Engagement Banking platform, raised €120 million in growth equity funding from Motive Partners.


Crypto Valley Venture Capital firm launches early-stage fund targeting African blockchain startups
Published: 23-05-2022 | 17:15:28 | By: Pie Kamau
Crypto Valley Venture Capital (CV VC), announced the launch of its African Blockchain Early-Stage Fund targeting blockchain startups from across Africa.


Banking-as-a-Service startup Unit raises $100m Series C round to accelerate product development
Published: 18-05-2022 | 13:05:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Unit, the banking-as-a-service platform that empowers companies to embed financial services in their products, announced it has raised a $100 million in a Series C round led by global software investor Insight Partners.


Lithuanian fintech startup kevin. secures $65m to disrupt payments sector, unlock open banking
Published: 04-05-2022 | 13:39:00 | By: Pie Kamau
kevin., the Lithuanian fintech startup providing an advanced A2A (account-to-account) payment infrastructure to replace costly card transactions, announced it has secured $65 million in Series A funding.


SVB debuts fellowship program to foster next-gen of Black, Latinx and women venture capital leaders
Published: 07-04-2022 | 16:40:00 | By: Pie Kamau
SVB Financial Group (SVB), financial partner of the innovation economy and parent company of Silicon Valley Bank, announced the SVB Fellows Program, a fellowship program for Black, Latinx and women professionals.


Fintech startup Credrails partners with Access Bank to foster the future of finance in Africa
Published: 05-04-2022 | 12:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Access Bank has partnered with financial infrastructure startup Credrails to develop open finance rails that will dramatically improve the experience of banking customers across the continent.


African fintech Flutterwave goes live in Tanzania
Published: 30-03-2022 | 10:52:33 | By: Pie Kamau
African fintech Flutterwave announced it has gained approval from the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) to launch its payment service in the country.


Smart addressing startup OkHi secures $1.5m seed funding to drive smart address verification in Africa
Published: 10-03-2022 | 15:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Smart addressing startup, OkHi, has secured a $1.5 million seed extension, bringing the total of its seed funding to $3 million. This raise is supported by notable firms and individuals who, beyond funding, bring a wealth of expertise to OkHi.


[Kenya] Applications for 5th cohort of Standard Chartered Bank's Women in Tech program open
Published: 10-03-2022 | 15:09:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The Standard Chartered Bank has opened applications for the 5th cohort of its Women in Tech incubator program.


iCapital expands strategic partnership with Bank of Singapore
Published: 01-03-2022 | 14:35:16 | By: Bob Koigi
With the deal, iCapital takes over the management and operation of the bank’s private market feeder funds while Bank of Singapore retains client servicing responsibilities.


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.


Brazilian fintech startup Trace Finance raises $4.3m seed investment to disrupt global banking for Latin American startups
Published: 16-02-2022 | 10:35:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Trace Finance, a Brazilian fintech startup that enables faster and more streamlined cross-border banking for startups, has announced a $4.3 million seed funding round.


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.


F-Prime Capital launches F-Prime Fintech Index to track the performance of disruptive fintech startups
Published: 01-02-2022 | 13:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
F-Prime Capital announced the launch of The F-Prime Fintech Index, designed to track the performance of disruptive fintech companies enabling the delivery of core financial services across payments.


Bank of America commits $20m to Invest Detroit Ventures' early-stage startup fund
Published: 31-01-2022 | 13:55:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Invest Detroit Ventures (IDV) announced an investment from Bank of America to support IDV Fund IV, a newly-established $20 million fund that provides capital investment to Michigan startups during early, critical stages of development.


Canadian fintech startup Periculum launches in Nigeria to build credit assessment infrastructure for Africa
Published: 17-01-2022 | 14:28:28 | By: Pie Kamau
Canadian fintech startup and credit assessment company Periculum, has launched in Nigeria to tackle the challenge of domestic credit to the underserved markets.


Seattle-based fintech startup Seashell unveils inflation-resistant investment product alongside $6m seed round
Published: 17-01-2022 | 14:22:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Seashell, the fintech company dedicated to building a consumer-first, modern banking and investment experience, emerged from stealth with the announcement of Seashell Save.


British Fintech Farm raises $7.4m to launch Neobanks in 8 countries
Published: 17-01-2022 | 14:06:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Fintech Farm, a British fintech company creating neobanks in emerging markets, raised $7.4 million investment to develop its new project.


 Fintech startup Rêv enters U.S. payments market with the launch of an app-based multi-currency debit account
Published: 05-01-2022 | 10:56:22 | By: Bob Koigi
The X World Wallet account is easy to load from a user's existing bank account(s) and is linked to physical and digital Visa cards that can be easily added to Apple, Google, and Samsung Pay digital wallets for tap and go convenience.


Kenyan fintech startup Paylend raises $2m seed investment to accelerate growth
Published: 21-12-2021 | 12:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Paylend, a Kenyan fintech startup focused on providing access to finance and digitizing MSMEs in Kenya announced it has raised $2 million seed investment from Next Chymia Consulting HK Limited.


Philanthropi startup raises $4m to power charitable giving legacies of everyday donors
Published: 16-12-2021 | 12:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Philanthropi, the company revolutionizing charitable giving by democratizing philanthropy through its "giving-as-a-service" platform, announced it raised $4 million in funding from lead investor Amex Ventures.


WNS launches a suite of banking solutions to drive scalable operations for fintechs
Published: 03-12-2021 | 15:50:12 | By: Bob Koigi
WNS, a provider of global Business Process Management (BPM) solutions, has announced the launch of WNS FINSIBLE, a suite of banking solutions enabling FinTechs to efficiently streamline, manage and scale operations.


Dutch development bank FMO partners with VC4A to launch a Ventures Lifecycle Support project across Africa
Published: 26-11-2021 | 14:04:36 | By: Bob Koigi
FMO has partnered with VC4A to work with local partners across Africa to create a more efficient network of support for early-stage ventures.


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.


Nigerian fintech startup Brass secures $1.7m financing round
Published: 22-10-2021 | 12:57:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Brass, a Nigerian digital bank delivering easy access to affordable premium banking services for SMEs, secured $1.7 million in funding to address the heavily underserved banking needs of local entrepreneurs, traders, and fast-growing businesses.


Texas-based fintech startup CollateralEdge emerges from stealth with an oversubscribed $3.5m seed round
Published: 21-10-2021 | 13:24:00 | By: Pie Kamau
CollateralEdge, a Texas-based fintech company providing banks with a risk-mitigation tool to efficiently increase lending capacity without compromising credit quality, emerges from stealth mode with an oversubscribed $3.5 million seed round.


ShipHero opens accelerator program to support emerging e-Commerce startups
Published: 30-09-2021 | 16:50:00 | By: Pie Kamau
ShipHero, the shipping and logistics provider for over 5,000 e-commerce brands and 3PLs, announced a new accelerator program for e-Commerce startups looking to supercharge their businesses with best-in-class warehouse management software.


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.


Proptech startup Nomad Homes raises $20m to digitize residential real estate across Europe, Middle East and Africa
Published: 30-09-2021 | 15:42:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nomad Homes, a property technology startup that offers an end-to-end buyer experience for real estate across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, has closed a $20 million Series A funding round.


South African fintech firm Ukheshe partners with Chipper Cash startup to accelerate rollout out of digital payment offerings
Published: 30-09-2021 | 15:29:32 | By: Pie Kamau
South African fintech firm Ukheshe Technologies has partnered with Chipper Cash to enhance and accelerate the rollout out of Chipper’s digital payment offerings.


Canadian precision-farming startup Semios raises $100m in capital to expand agtech platform globally
Published: 29-09-2021 | 13:53:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Semios, a precision-farming platform and one of the world's largest independent agtech solutions providers, announced it has raised $100 million in funding led by Morningside Group, a Boston-based private equity and venture capital firm.


Social learning startup Fiveable closes $10m Series A funding to fuel student-led online spaces
Published: 29-09-2021 | 13:42:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Fiveable, a social learning platform that has supported more than 7 million high school students since 2018, has raised $10 million in Series A funding led by Union Square Ventures with participation from Owl Ventures and Progression Fund.


Israeli startup Appwrite raises $10m to build open source alternative to Google's firebase
Published: 29-09-2021 | 13:23:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Appwrite, the open source Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform for web, mobile and flutter developers, announced it has raised $10 million in a seed round led by Bessemer Venture Partners and Flybridge with participation of Ibex Investors and Seedcamp.


Starfish Space startup raises $7m to develop Otter space tug
Published: 29-09-2021 | 13:05:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Starfish Space, a satellite servicing company founded by former Blue Origin engineers, announced it has raised a $7 million funding round co-led by NFX and MaC Venture Capital, with participation from PSL Ventures, Boost VC, Liquid2 Ventures, and Hypothesis.


DLA Piper advises GigCapital5 in $230m IPO
Published: 29-09-2021 | 12:52:00 | By: Pie Kamau
DLA Piper represented GigCapital5, Inc. in its initial public offering of 23,000,000 units at a price of $10 per unit, including 3,000,000 units issued upon the exercise of the over–allotment option granted to the underwriters.


New York-based Art+Tech accelerator receives funding to invest in art-fueled startups
Published: 28-09-2021 | 15:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
New York-based Art+Tech accelerator Fuelarts returns after raising $500K from philanthropic funders. Launched in late 2019 by former Christie's COO Roxanna Zarnegar and serial entrepreneur Denis Belkevich, Fuelarts was forced to scale back its operations due to the pandemic.


Africa's crypto exchange Yellow Card raises $15m Series A funding to fuel expansion across the continent
Published: 28-09-2021 | 15:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Pan-African cryptocurrency exchange, Yellow Card, announced a $15 million Series A, the largest ever by an African cryptocurrency exchange, to ramp up hiring and continue its expansion across the continent.


EMURGO launches $100m Cardano ecosystem investment vehicle for early and growth stage startups
Published: 28-09-2021 | 15:19:00 | By: Pie Kamau
EMURGO, the official commercial arm of the Cardano blockchain, announced the launch of a new Cardano ecosystem investment vehicle to invest into early startup and growth stage companies focused on building socially impactful solutions powered by Cardano.


Ugandan fintech startup Fin-e Innovations raises $300,000 to bridge funding gap of African energy SMEs
Published: 28-09-2021 | 15:12:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Fin-e Innovations, a fintech start-up based in Uganda, has closed pre-seed funding of $300,000 from an undisclosed party in the United States.


Alberta tech startups to plug into global innovation system through new business accelerator
Published: 24-09-2021 | 14:12:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Alberta tech entrepreneurs and startups will soon have access to an accelerator with worldwide reach that will help them grow their businesses.


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.


Perch Mobility startup raises seed funding to accelerate growth
Published: 24-09-2021 | 12:42:58 | By: Pie Kamau
Perch Mobility, the provider of portable charging pods that fuel the micromobility industry, announced the close of its successful seed round funding, which will enable the company to expand coverage into key strategic markets across the U.S.


The Vendry raises $6.5m seed round to support corporate events industry with new marketplace solutions
Published: 24-09-2021 | 12:22:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The Vendry, a marketplace and professional community for corporate event planners, announced the close of a $6.5 million seed funding round led by Peter Boyce, Founder of Stellation Capital.


German startup Focused Energy raises $15m seed round to pursue commercial fusion energy production
Published: 23-09-2021 | 16:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Focused Energy, a laser fusion startup dedicated to developing fusion as a means of generating clean alternative energy, announced the successful completion of $15 million in seed funding.


Delivery startup Glovo expands its African footprints
Published: 23-09-2021 | 16:02:01 | By: Pie Kamau
Leading multi-category delivery platform Glovo recently announced the expansion of its operations in Africa, to include Ghana and Tunisia, bringing its current operations to a total of seven countries on the continent.


[Column] Patrick Ndegwa: Growing a successful tech startup in Kenya, 4 key elements
Published: 23-09-2021 | 15:55:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The tech scene in Kenya is thriving. Even amid a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and election fever, our dynamic African country has found a way to cut through the clutter and establish itself as the world’s ‘Silicon Savannah’.


Absa partners with Melanin Kapital to launch unsecured lending for startups in Kenya
Published: 23-09-2021 | 15:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Absa Bank Kenya has partnered with Pan African impact investment platform Melanin Kapital, to launch an investor readiness program that places startups driving social impact on the path to accessing up to KES3 million in unsecured lending.


Nigerian fintech startup Infibranches secures $2m funding from All On to drive growth in the renewable energy sector
Published: 23-09-2021 | 15:43:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Shell-funded impact investment company All On announced a $2 million investment in fintech company, Infibranches Technologies, to help bridge the energy distribution gap in underserved rural and peri-urban areas of Nigeria.


Rose Technology startup raises $5.5m seed round to change the way companies generate revenue from data
Published: 22-09-2021 | 16:46:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Rose Technology, founded by data scientist and former global macro investor Alexander Campbell, raised $5.5 million to change the way data-driven companies collect, analyze, and generate revenue from data.


Employee wellness early-stage tech startup Three Good announces seed round to fuel growth
Published: 22-09-2021 | 16:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
A new employee wellness technology startup based in Los Angeles, Three Good, announced its seed round of funding. The employee well-being platform leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) and traditional Psychology best practices to beat employee burnout.


Will Smith's Dreamers VC backs $4m funded fintech startup Front to take on wall street, arm investors with better insights
Published: 22-09-2021 | 14:53:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Front, a strategic investment platform and companion app to Robinhood, Coinbase, Stash, and more that helps guide better investment decisions for new investors, announced the launch of its new app with funding from Will Smith's Dreamers VC.


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.


Chinese warehouse robotics startup HAI ROBOTICS secures $200m funding to accelerate growth
Published: 22-09-2021 | 14:26:00 | By: Pie Kamau
HAI ROBOTICS, a Chinese warehouse robotics startup pioneering in autonomous case-handling robotics (ACR) system, announced it has secured two new continuous rounds of financing, garnering $200-odd million in total.


Payroll-as-a-Service startup Check partners with Procare to improve payments in child care centers
Published: 21-09-2021 | 11:03:09 | By: Pie Kamau
Check, the payroll-as-a-service startup whose mission is to make paying people simple, announced a partnership with Procare Solutions, the child care management software platform.


Chinese intelligent robotics startup Agile Robots completes Series C financing to accelerate growth
Published: 21-09-2021 | 10:41:12 | By: Pie Kamau
Agile Robots, an intelligent robotics company, announced the completion of a Series C financing with a total investment of $220 million. The financing was led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2, followed by financial investors.


TDK Ventures invests in seed round for dry lithium-ion electrode manufacturing startup, AM Batteries
Published: 21-09-2021 | 09:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
TDK Corporation announced that subsidiary TDK Ventures has invested in AM Batteries (AMB) to support the commercialization of its dry electrode coating technology that improves the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries.


Fantasy football startup Sorare raises $680m Series B to create next sports entertainment giant leveraging NFTs
Published: 21-09-2021 | 08:59:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Sorare, the fantasy football platform, announced it has raised $680 million in Series B financing led by Softbank, with participation from Atomico, Bessemer Ventures, D1 Capital, Eurazeo, IVP and Liontree.


Egyptian healthtech startup Sotech raises $1m in pre-seed funding to fuel growth
Published: 21-09-2021 | 08:43:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Sotech, an Egyptian e-health startup that specializes in smart IoT, trackable OOH advertising, and data gathering has raised $1 million in pre-seed funding round to scale its operations into the rest of the MENA region.


Online group therapy startup Grouport raises $1.5m series seed round to provide therapy for chronic psychological disorders
Published: 17-09-2021 | 13:04:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Grouport, an online group therapy service that's making group treatment widely accessible for chronic psychological disorders, announced a $1.5 million series seed round led by XV Venture Capital.


Plant-based food startup immi raises $3.8m seed funding to modernize instant ramen
Published: 17-09-2021 | 12:47:00 | By: Pie Kamau
immi, the better-for-you Asian American food brand that launched the world's first low-carb, high-protein, 100% plant-based instant ramen during the pandemic, announced a $3.8 million seed round fundraise led by Siddhi Capital.


Biotech startup Elevian raises $40m Series A to advance treatments for stroke recovery and age-related diseases
Published: 17-09-2021 | 12:24:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Elevian, an emerging biotech company developing medicines that restore youthful regenerative capacity with the potential to treat and prevent multiple age-related diseases, announced it raised $40 million in an oversubscribed Series A round led by Prime Movers Lab.


Pangea Trust opens applications for its Startup Connect Programme
Published: 17-09-2021 | 12:01:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Pangea Trust has opened applications for its Startup Connect Programme, to increase the deployment of diaspora remittances and networks to provide investment capital to MSMEs and startups in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia.


Berlin-based Workist exits stealth to create global AI business connectivity layer
Published: 17-09-2021 | 11:39:10 | By: Pie Kamau
Workist, the company applying cutting-edge, deep-learning technology to automate business transactions, exited stealth and introduced its flagship product WorKI, an intelligent document processing tool that leverages advanced artificial intelligence.


Construction tech startup KEWAZO raises $5m Series A funding to scale robotic fleet in scaffolding industry
Published: 16-09-2021 | 13:26:00 | By: Pie Kamau
KEWAZO, a player in construction robotics, announced it has closed a $5 million series A funding round, bringing the total amount raised to $9 million.


Nigerian agritech startup Releaf secures $4.2m funding to drive industrialisation of food processing in Africa
Published: 16-09-2021 | 13:05:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigeria's agritech startup Releaf, which develops proprietary hardware and software solutions to industrialize food processing, raised $2.7 million in seed funding and grants.


Canadian machine learning startup Private AI secures $3.15m seed round to streamline privacy compliance for enterprises
Published: 16-09-2021 | 12:47:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Private AI, a developer of privacy-preserving machine learning and natural language processing tools, announced it has secured $3.15 million in seed funding to improve its product offering.


Insurtech startup NEXT Insurance renews commitment to small businesses with integrated strategic rebrand
Published: 16-09-2021 | 12:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
NEXT Insurance, the digital insurtech company transforming small business insurance, announced its strategic rebrand which will integrate small business owners from across the country into every part of the company's business, culture and ethos.


Illumina Accelerator invests in seven genomics startups for 3rd global cycle
Published: 16-09-2021 | 11:55:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Illumina has selected seven new genomics companies to join the third global funding cycle of Illumina Accelerator. The global company creation engine, focused on partnering with entrepreneurs to build breakthrough genomics startups.


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.


ITRI partners with Arm to provide resources for innovative IC design startups in Taiwan
Published: 15-09-2021 | 16:49:37 | By: Pie Kamau
To promote Taiwanese local IC design startups, the Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) is supporting the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and Arm, in providing critical resources.


Canadian machine learning startup CruxOCM raises $6m venture financing to accelerate growth
Published: 15-09-2021 | 16:31:00 | By: Pie Kamau
CruxOCM, the pioneer of robotic industrial process automation (RIPA) for control room operations, announced it has raised $6 million in venture financing to fuel growth.


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.


Tech startup KUDO launches live captioning for multilingual meetings
Published: 14-09-2021 | 16:23:01 | By: Pie Kamau
KUDO Inc., the multilingual meeting SaaS company built around a B2B managed marketplace powered by the largest network of professional conference interpreters, announced the addition of live captioning to its list of platform features.


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.


Medical software startup Optellum appoints Jason Pesterfield as CEO to drive commercial growth in the US
Published: 14-09-2021 | 16:02:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Optellum, a medical software startup based in Oxford, UK, has appointed Jason Pesterfield as CEO to lead growth in the US clinical market. Optellum is a leader in AI-based software that transforms early lung cancer diagnosis and therapy.


Silicon Valley Bank establishes physical presence in Miami
Published: 14-09-2021 | 15:38:32 | By: Pie Kamau
Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the bank of the world's innovative companies and their investors, announced a team of commercial bankers have landed permanently in Miami to focus on Florida's dynamic innovation sector.


Huobi Ventures launches $10m fund to accelerate innovative GameFi projects
Published: 14-09-2021 | 15:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Huobi Ventures, the global investment arm of Huobi Group, announced the launch of a new $10 million fund to invest in emerging GameFi projects around the world.


Apto Payments acquires fintech startup Vertical Finance
Published: 10-09-2021 | 15:04:17 | By: Pie Kamau
Apto Payments, a next-generation cards and payments company, announced its acquisition of challenger credit card startup, Vertical Finance. The move expands both Apto Payments' product offerings and team.


Blockchain startup Zaimirai acquires Dash Masternode Hosting Operation from NODE40
Published: 10-09-2021 | 14:52:48 | By: Pie Kamau
Zaimirai, a startup blockchain services provider, announced the acquisition of the Dash Masternode Hosting Division of NODE40. The deal enables Zaimirai to build out its blockchain hosting services using the market-tested platform created by NODE40.


ActZero startup announces U.S. distribution relationship with Ingram Micro's Emerging Business Group
Published: 10-09-2021 | 14:43:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Managed Detection and Response (MDR) startup ActZero, announced a strategic distribution agreement with Ingram Micro Inc. and its Emerging Business Group, which offers providers high-touch services, specialization and speed to market.


Tech startup Normal receives investment to empower small businesses with innovative robo-consultant
Published: 10-09-2021 | 14:31:35 | By: Pie Kamau
As the Covid-19 pandemic and global warming continue to impact the world, Normal is building a digital platform that allows MSMEs to modernize their operations and implement sustainable and profitable growth.


Madagascar Time startup launches charity cryptocurrency $TIME to fight climate change
Published: 10-09-2021 | 13:56:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Madagascar Time startup has launched $TIME, the new cryptocurrency focused on charity work around the globe. Backed by an international team, $TIME combines unprecedented technology in the crypto space with social entrepreneurialism.


Tech startup SIMBA Chain raises $25m in Series A funding to accelerate growth
Published: 08-09-2021 | 13:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
SIMBA Chain , the technology company that eliminated the complexities of blockchain app development and reduced energy usage, thus opening the door to a world of users, has closed a $25 million Series A funding round led by Valley Capital Partners.


Tango raises $5.7m seed round to launch workflow intelligence platform and transform documentation
Published: 08-09-2021 | 12:35:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Tango, the workflow intelligence platform that streamlines the process of creating documentation, announced it raised $5.7 million in seed funding to launch workflow intelligence platform and transform documentation.


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.


AI startup DataChat closes $25m Series A round to continue democratizing data analytics
Published: 08-09-2021 | 11:53:00 | By: Pie Kamau
DataChat, Inc., a software company that's revolutionizing data analytics, announced the closing of a $25 million Series A funding round led by Redline Capital and Anthos Capital.


Sports investing platform PredictionStrike raises $1.7m capital, launches new mobile app
Published: 08-09-2021 | 11:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Sports investing platform PredictionStrike announced its partnership with MaC Venture Capital and New Age Capital, as well as the launch of the company's new mobile app.


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.


Israeli insurtech startup Vesttoo joins NVIDIA Inception to further develop AI-based technologies
Published: 07-09-2021 | 15:38:30 | By: Pie Kamau
Israeli insurtech startup Vesttoo announced it has joined NVIDIA Inception, a program designed to nurture companies revolutionizing industries with advancements in AI and data sciences.


Travel adventure startup YouTravel.Me raises $1m to strengthen its position in the US
Published: 07-09-2021 | 15:29:00 | By: Pie Kamau
YouTravel.Me, an algorithm-powered online platform for booking small group adventure travel organized by travel experts, announced it has secured $1 million in funding.


Zing Health startup aligns corporate mission and philanthropy with Pledge 1%
Published: 07-09-2021 | 15:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Zing Health, a physician-founded-and-led provider of Medicare Advantage health plans, has made official its Pledge 1% program, raising its commitment to corporate philanthropy, community engagement, and STEM education.


[Startup Interview] Marko van Kampen, Co-Founder, Just Another Network, Netherlands
Published: 06-09-2021 | 12:18:19 | By: Bob Koigi
Just Another Network is a media company for the next generation that creates, manages and distributes news, sports and entertainment in a way that is contemporary.


[Startup Interview] Wibe van de Vijver, Co-Founder, Mohi, Netherlands
Published: 06-09-2021 | 12:02:42 | By: Bob Koigi
Mohi is a media startup that has created a platform where users can remove the clutter and build a space where they can organize a selection of their most enjoyable content experiences and share the absolute highlights with their inner circle.


[Startup Interview] Tom van Bentheim, Co-Founder, Opt Out Advertising, Netherlands
Published: 06-09-2021 | 11:47:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Opt Out Advertising is a startup that helps publishers, agencies and advertisers with the transition to cookieless advertising by offering a clean, privacy-friendly way of monetizing opt-out inventory in the online advertising industry.


[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.


[Startup Interview] Marcel van der Heijden, Co-Founder, GoodKarma, Netherlands
Published: 03-09-2021 | 15:23:44 | By: Bob Koigi
GoodKarma is a Dutch startup that works with brands to create unique experiences by offering them a host of services across branding, content, marketing, commerce and social media among others.


[Startup Interview] Marco Abele, Co-Founder, OneFor, Netherlands
Published: 03-09-2021 | 13:44:00 | By: Bob Koigi
OneFor is a fintech startup that offers various mobile money applications and technical services, including account, payment and card services. Its card solution is supported by Mastercard International. The startup’s Co-Founder Marco Abele elaborates.


[Startup Interview] Marsha Goei, Co-Founder, Breeze, Netherlands
Published: 03-09-2021 | 13:35:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Breeze is a Dutch-based startup that seeks to make online dating revolve around offline encounters again. It embraces technology to enhance human connection instead of replacing it.


Tech startup Spinach raises $2.75m pre-seed round for Zoom meeting integration
Published: 02-09-2021 | 13:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Spinach, one of the first Zoom Apps partners aimed at helping distributed teams be more effective, announced $2.75 million in pre-seed funding led by Cardumen Capital.


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.


CB Insights launches algorithm to score the quality of startup's founding and management team
Published: 02-09-2021 | 13:05:15 | By: Pie Kamau
CB Insights, which enables world's leading companies to make smarter technology decisions, announced Management Mosaic, the first-ever algorithm to demystify the quality of a startup's founding and management team.


Next-gen research platform Litmaps closes $125K seed-stage investment from Quidnet Ventures
Published: 02-09-2021 | 12:55:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Litmaps, a Science software company based in Wellington, New Zealand has received NZ$125,000 in funding from Quidnet Ventures, a New Zealand-based venture capital fund with operations in Auckland, NZ, San Francisco and New York.


LG announces global startup competition to recruit new businesses for innovation center
Published: 02-09-2021 | 12:30:00 | By: Pie Kamau
LG Electronics (LG) announced the launch of Mission for the Future, a global challenge competition for startups to identify innovative technologies and business ideas that pave the way to the future.


Sharp Alpha Advisors announces sports betting startup pitch competition in partnership with Sportradar
Published: 01-09-2021 | 13:50:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Sharp Alpha Advisors, a firm specializing in early-stage sports betting technology, and Sportradar, a global provider of sports betting and sports entertainment products and services, have partnered to announce a sports betting startup pitch competition.


Videogame startup Nifty Games raises $38m capital to redefine mobile sports games
Published: 01-09-2021 | 13:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nifty Games, a videogame developer and publisher focused on quick-session, head-to-head sports games for mobile, raised $26 million in a Series B round of equity funding led by Vulcan Capital. In addition, the company has secured $12 million in connected debt financing.


DLA Piper advises investment analytics platform Aumni in $50m Series B financing
Published: 01-09-2021 | 13:17:00 | By: Pie Kamau
DLA Piper represented Aumni, an investment analytics platform that provides the data infrastructure for private capital markets, in a $50 million Series B funding round led by J.P. Morgan.


Oddup raises $12.8m Series C funding to increase access to pre-eminent global startup ecosystem insights
Published: 01-09-2021 | 13:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Oddup, an international provider of data-driven insights for the startup and cryptocurrency ecosystems, announced the close of a $12.8 million Series C funding round.


Shuttle-hailing startup SWVL completes $35.5m pre-funding to accelerate growth strategy
Published: 01-09-2021 | 12:44:00 | By: Pie Kamau
SWVL, a Dubai-based provider of transformative mass transit and shared mobility solutions, announced that several investors, including Agility and Chimera Abu Dhabi, have completed the pre-funding of $35.5 million of the aggregate PIPE subscription.


South African fintech startup SOL announces rebrand with new virtual card offering
Published: 01-09-2021 | 12:31:00 | By: Pie Kamau
South African fintech startup SOLmate, an online payment platform that offers clients a digital wallet facility, has unveiled a new product offering together with an extensive rebrand and renewed corporate vision.


Arab Bank launches its fintech accelerator program for startups in Egypt
Published: 24-08-2021 | 14:42:27 | By: Pie Kamau
Arab Bank launched its fintech-focused corporate accelerator program “AB Accelerator” in Egypt, following its successful launch in Jordan back in 2018.


Ecobank launches 2021 edition of its fintech challenge for African startups
Published: 11-08-2021 | 12:59:14 | By: Pie Kamau
The pan-African banking group, Ecobank group, is inviting African fintech entrepreneurs to join the 4th edition of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge.


Paxos adds Bank of America, Coinbase Ventures, Founders Fund & FTX to Series D funding round
Published: 29-07-2021 | 14:39:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Paxos, the first regulated blockchain infrastructure platform, announced it has added strategic investors including Bank of America, Coinbase Ventures, Founders Fund and FTX to its Series D round of funding.


Banque Misr partners with Microsoft to support fintech startups in Egypt
Published: 14-07-2021 | 12:11:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Banque Misr signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with Microsoft Egypt to launch the first open innovation program in the Egyptian market, enabling a spurt in fintech startup growth.


Catalyst Fund announces Circle of Corporate Innovators to accelerate startup-corporate partnerships
Published: 29-06-2021 | 13:23:16 | By: Pie Kamau
Global inclusive tech accelerator Catalyst Fund, managed by BFA Global, today formally announced its Circle of Corporate Innovators, with its first members, Fidelity Bank, Ecobank, Sterling Bank, Access Bank and the VFD Group.


Banking as a service startup Unit raises $51m Series B funding to expand the team, accelerate growth
Published: 18-06-2021 | 12:19:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Unit, the banking-as-a-service startup that empowers companies to embed financial services into their products, announced it has raised a $51 million Series B led by Accel.


B9 raises $1.7m in pre-seed round to launch fintech platform to deliver full suite of personal financial services
Published: 17-06-2021 | 14:01:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Fintech startup B9 Inc., announced it is launching a full suite of app-based financial services. The company raised $1.7 million in an ongoing pre-seed funding round and is building out a platform to address the needs of a huge market of potential customers.


Conquer Accelerator selects six startups for 2021 cohort
Published: 03-06-2021 | 13:10:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Conquer Accelerator announced its sixth season and summer 2021 cohort. The 10-week accelerator welcomes six selected teams to its East Lansing program: CrossBraining, Frizzmo, Nickels, Rebound AI, SafetySit, and Tandem.


South Korean AI startup Riiid raises $175m from SoftBank Vision Fund 2 to accelerate growth
Published: 25-05-2021 | 14:10:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Riiid Inc (Riiid), an AI education company and a member of Born2Global Centre, has raised $175 million investment from SoftBank Vision Fund 2.


Railsbank partners with UK fintech startup Finadvant to offer digital banking to SMEs
Published: 19-05-2021 | 10:54:43 | By: Bob Koigi
Finadvant takes advantage of Railsbank's innovative BaaS platform to secure GBP and EUR ledger technology, offering the ability for their customers to receive, send and convert payments via SWIFT and UKFP.


Treasury Prime raises $20m in insider round
Published: 13-05-2021 | 11:39:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Treasury Prime, the Banking as a Service (BaaS) company, announced it has completed a $20 million Series B insider round co-led by Deciens Capital and QED Investors and with participation from SaaStr Fund, and Susa Ventures.


AI-powered fintech startup Expend announces impressive start to crowdfunding campaign
Published: 11-05-2021 | 11:25:36 | By: Pie Kamau
Expend, the AI-powered fintech startup changing the way businesses manage expenses and spending, announced a great start to its crowdfunding campaign on Seedrs.


Kenyan fintech startup Kwara selected for Japan-led Ninja Accelerator programme
Published: 06-05-2021 | 10:56:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Digital banking platform and fintech company Kwara has been selected for the first cohort of the Ninja Accelerator programme in Kenya.


DBSA launches second edition of the Youth Challenge in South Africa
Published: 05-05-2021 | 16:02:56 | By: Pie Kamau
The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), launched the second edition of the DBSA Youth Challenge, a competition aimed at harnessing innovative solutions from young people in South Africa to help address infrastructure challenges.


Fortú launches Latino digital bank, raises $5m led by Valar Ventures
Published: 04-05-2021 | 12:05:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Fortú announced the launch of its digital bank account focused on Latino and Hispanic U.S. residents who remain underserved by the "one size fits all" approach of traditional financial institutions.


CBK partners with E4Impact Foundation to support Kenyan fintech startups
Published: 27-04-2021 | 09:29:11 | By: Bob Koigi
The MoU will leverage on programs run by the two organizations. These include the E4Impact Accelerator Program, the Afro-Asia Fintech Festival and the Annual Hackathon hosted by CBK and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).


Pan-African fintech platform Appzone secures $10m Series A funding
Published: 12-04-2021 | 13:12:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Appzone, the Pan-African fintech software provider building proprietary solutions for the continent’s banking and payments industries, announced the close of its $10 million Series A round.


EBRD invests in Turkish fintech startup DgPays
Published: 31-03-2021 | 12:52:17 | By: Pie Kamau
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a fresh boost to Turkey's technology sector by investing in DgPays, a digital payment system provider, alongside Goldman Sachs.


Kenyan agency banking startup Tanda secures funding for regional expansion
Published: 30-03-2021 | 11:00:16 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenyan agency banking startup Tanda announced its expanding its regional operations after closing a funding round from HAVAÍC, Zedcrest Capital, DFS Lab, Victor Asemota and 3 more investors.


Fintech startup Greenwood raises $40m in funding to provide Black and Latino banking services
Published: 26-03-2021 | 10:31:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Greenwood, the digital banking platform for Black and Latino individuals and business owners, announced it has closed $40 million of Series A funding from six of the seven largest U.S. banks and the top two payment technology companies.


Plug and Play, Finastra partner to expand FusionFabric.cloud platform for open innovation
Published: 22-03-2021 | 15:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Plug and Play announced a collaboration with Finastra, global financial technology provider, to help expand its FusionFabric.cloud platform for open innovation.


Fintech startup Cube raises $10m Series A to expand next-geneneration CFO intelligence platform
Published: 10-03-2021 | 16:01:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Cube, the next-generation Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) platform for modern Finance teams, announced a Series A round of funding led by Mayfield, with participation from Bonfire Ventures and Operator Collective.


Digital payments startup AeroPay raises over $5 m venture round
Published: 08-03-2021 | 15:39:00 | By: Pie Kamau
AeroPay, a Chicago-based digital payments platform powering bank transfer payments for businesses, announced the closing of a $5+ million Venture Round led by Chicago Ventures, a firm that leads investments in early-stage startups.


Union Bank of Nigeria to support startups through UnionX Innovation Challenge
Published: 26-02-2021 | 15:09:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Union Bank, one of Nigeria’s foremost financial institutions, has unveiled the 2021 UnionX Innovation Challenge, as part of efforts to support young startups and boost innovation in the startup ecosystem.


Early-stage investor DFS Lab announces fintech and digital economy design sprint for startups in Egypt
Published: 25-02-2021 | 09:09:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Early-stage investor DFS Lab announced it will facilitate a virtual design sprint in March 2021 for fintech startups in Egypt. The sprint is hosted by the Central Bank of Egypt, in collaboration with the Financial Regulatory Authority.


Kids and family finance startup Goalsetter raises $3.9m seed round to accelerate subscriber growth
Published: 26-01-2021 | 10:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Goalsetter, a Black-owned kids and family finance app that provides a next-generation, education-first banking experience for U.S. kids and teens, announced its seed capital raise of $3.9 million.


TransUnion partners with South Africa's fintech startup Fincheck to improve access to finance for consumers
Published: 20-01-2021 | 08:54:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Global information and insights company, TransUnion, has partnered with South Africa’s financial marketplace, Fincheck, to make credit application process easier and less frustrating for consumers.


[Column] Patrick Ndegwa: Celebrating startups and digital businesses that are uplifting African communities
Published: 30-11-2020 | 15:39:17 | By: Pie Kamau
The digital economy has opened up many opportunities for global businesses. Large enterprises and small businesses have seen increased profits and enhanced productivity due to digital innovation.


Bamboo Capital, Government of Madagascar, World Bank launch $40m energy access fund for Madagascar
Published: 20-11-2020 | 12:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Bamboo Capital Partners has been appointed by the Government of Madagascar and the World Bank as the international fund manager for the Off-Grid Market Development Fund, a $40 million renewable energy access fund.


UAE fintech startup Sarwa unveils next gen Sarwa X, announces partnership with Saxo Bank
Published: 17-11-2020 | 13:09:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Sarwa, online investment advisory platform for young professionals has unveiled its next-generation Sarwa X, a new product powered by a strategic partnership with Saxo Bank, a Fintech and Regtech specialist focused on multi-asset trading and investment.


British fintech startup ilumoni raises $450,000 to transform borrowing behaviours, help people repay debt
Published: 12-11-2020 | 13:34:00 | By: Pie Kamau
ilumoni, the fintech startup helping people to borrow better, save on unnecessary interest and time in paying off debts has raised $450,000 pre-seed investment backed by Move Ventures.


Mastercard co-innovates with 10 new fintechs to reshape the future of commerce
Published: 10-11-2020 | 07:30:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Mastercard has welcomed 10 fintechs from around the world to participate in its startup engagement program, Start Path, to scale the future of commerce.


[Startup Interview] Jeremy Mah, CEO, NeuXP, Malaysia
Published: 22-10-2020 | 07:36:00 | By: Bob Koigi
NeuXP is an integrated digital banking startup based in Malaysia that is positioning itself as the amazon of banking by providing a complete ecosystem with innovative services and leading-edge financial management tools.


Greenwood closes $3m seed round to build online banking solution for Blacks and Latinx
Published: 09-10-2020 | 17:51:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Greenwood has secured $3 million in seed funding from private investors as the first digital banking platform for Black and Latinx people and business owners.


Texas-based startup Viva First launching new mobile bank for Latinos in the U.S.
Published: 08-10-2020 | 15:02:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Texas-based startup, Viva First, is launching a new mobile bank with the Latino community in mind, all 52 million in the United States.


U.S. fintech startup DoubleChec appoints Bill Amelio as Co-CEO and Executive Chairman
Published: 07-10-2020 | 13:08:00 | By: Pie Kamau
DoubleCheck, financial technology startup, announced the appointment of Bill Amelio as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman.


Alfa Bank, Plug and Play collaborate on innovation in Fintech
Published: 30-09-2020 | 14:39:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Along with 80 other financial institutions across the United States, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Milan, Paris, Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo, Alfa Bank will join Plug and Play's global ecosystem.


Fintech startup KodyPay raises £1.8m to transform payments industry
Published: 17-09-2020 | 12:35:00 | By: Pie Kamau
London based fintech startup KodyPay, raised £1.8 million to transform the payments industry, allowing users to pay for goods in-store without queueing thereby making shopping a prompt and effortless process.


Flagstar Bank now accepting applications for MortgageTech Accelerator Program
Published: 16-09-2020 | 14:42:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Flagstar Bank and the Fintech Consortium are accepting applications for the Flagstar MortgageTech Accelerator Program now through Sept. 30.


Spain's Banco Santander spins out fintech venture capital arm, doubles allocated funds to $400m
Published: 11-09-2020 | 13:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Banco Santander announced the launch of Mouro Capital, a new, autonomously managed venture capital fund focused on fintechs and adjacent businesses linked with the financial services industry.


CaixaBank launches open innovation program to support startups in Spain and Portugal
Published: 18-08-2020 | 12:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
CaixaBank has launched a new open innovation program to support startups in Spain and Portugal called the DayOne Open Innovation Program.


IFC helps boost clean tech startups in Egypt, enables farmers switch to solar
Published: 15-07-2020 | 12:41:00 | By: Pie Kamau
IFC is joining forces with the National Bank of Egypt and MSMEDA to strengthen the clean technology entrepreneurship sector and boost Egyptian farmers’ access to finance for solar irrigation.


Nigeria's FCMB, Passion Incubator partner to launch FCMB Agritech Epic Pitch 2020
Published: 07-07-2020 | 16:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigeria's First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has partnered with Passion Incubator, a Lagos-based early-stage incubator and accelerator that has invested in some Agritech startups, to launch the virtual edition of the FCMB Agritech Epic Pitch 2020.


New York fintech startup CMG raises $25m to digitally connect equity capital markets participants
Published: 04-07-2020 | 13:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Capital Markets Gateway (CMG), a New York based financial technology firm modernizing the equity capital markets (ECM) announced it received a strategic investment of $25 million from several financial firms.


Nigerian fintech startup Wallets Africa raises undisclosed amount for African expansion
Published: 01-07-2020 | 15:54:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigerian fintech startup Wallets Africa has raised an undisclosed amount of funding to expand its operations and continue its quest to become Africa’s foremost borderless digital payments platform.


Egypt fintech startup MoneyFellows nabs $4 million to drive financial inclusion
Published: 26-06-2020 | 13:18:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Egyptian fintech startup MoneyFellows has secured $4 million in Series A investment from venture capital firms Partech and Sawari Ventures.


French based startup ubble raises €10 million, partners with Bpifrance
Published: 25-06-2020 | 16:11:00 | By: Pie Kamau
ID verification startup ubble successfully raised funds from Partech and Breega to complete its seed round, bringing its total financing to more than €10 million.


Memo Bank becomes first independent bank launched in France, closes $23 million funding round
Published: 24-06-2020 | 14:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
French startup Memo Bank has become the first independent bank to emerge in France in half a century and it aims to support the growth and digital transformation of French and European small and medium-sized enterprises.


Paypal invests in Sweden fintech startup Tink to grow European footprint
Published: 05-06-2020 | 16:13:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Paypal has invested €90 million in Stockholm-based fintech Tink and entered into a strategic agreement with the startup.


EBRD, Wise Guys startup enter Fintech accelerator partnership
Published: 04-06-2020 | 08:51:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Start-ups across the regions where the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) invests will benefit from a new partnership between the Bank and Startup Wise Guys, a leading start-up accelerator with a presence across the Baltic states.


Iceland startup Meninga raises €8.5 million to grow digital banking offering
Published: 28-05-2020 | 14:38:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Iceland-based Meniga has closed a €8.5 million strategic investment that will be used for continued investment in its research and development activities.


Nigeria fintech startup Carbon launches new social banking service
Published: 21-05-2020 | 11:04:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Carbon in an effort to improve the experience of its customers, has launched Carbon Express - A keyboard extension that allows customers to access Carbon services from within whatever app they are using.