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HAVAÍC leads a R12 million investment in South African startup RNR
South African-born RNR provides truck fleet managers and truck OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) with on-demand breakdown support.
South African logistics startup Tripplo raises $1.8m funding to scale its operations
Tripplo has closed its seed funding extension round with $1.8m equity investment.
Relocalize raises $2.5m seed round to decarbonize food & beverage manufacturing
Relocalize has raised $2.5m in the initial closing of $3.5m seed round.
Vistry unveils conversational AI platform LumoChat for food commerce
Vistry has announced the launch of its Conversational AI platform, LumoChat.
Plug and Play Alberta announces 73 startups for Fall cohort accelerator programs
Plug and Play Alberta has announced 73 startups for the Fall cohort.
Lumi secures seed funding to revolutionize disposable packaging industry with LumiCup
Lumi announced the closing of its seed funding round.
South African payments startup Revio raises $5.2 seed round to grow coverage across Africa
Revio has announced a seed investment round of $5.2m.
50 African women to benefit from fellowship on agri food policies
The two-year career development program aims to grow a pool of confident and capable mid-career African women to lead policy changes to improve African smallholders’ livelihoods, particularly women.
Irish Tech Challenge 2023 for tech startups launches in South Africa
The Embassy of Ireland in South Africa has opened applications for the Irish Tech Challenge 2023.
[Column] Richard Shaw: AI-ready cloud - How hyperscalers empower businesses to thrive in the digital age
Cloud computing has undergone evolution.
Glasgow food tech startup ENOUGH raises €40m growth fund to scale mycoprotein production
Glasgow-based food tech startup ENOUGH has raised €40m in growth funding.
D'Amelio Brands announces $5m investment into the Food & Beverage space
D'Amelio Brands announced a $5m investment from Fifth Growth Fund (FGF).
On-demand logistics and delivery startup Picup opens driver training centres in South Africa
Picup has launched its Driver Training Centres in Cape Town.
UK foodtech startup Clean Food Group raises £2.3m funding to scale operations in advance of Series A
Clean Food Group has announced a further £2.3m funding.
UK foodtech startup Clean Food Group partners with LATAM food technology specialist, Alianza Team
Clean Food Group has announced a strategic collaboration with Alianza Team.
Cultivated meat startup Meatable raises $35m to accelerate commercial launch of its pork products
Meatable has raised $35m in new funding.
Copenhagen startup Bactolife raises €30m Series A financing to accelerate growth
Bactolife announced it has successfully raised €>30 million.
Supply Change Capital closes debut $40m fund to invest in the future of food
Supply Change Capital announced the close of its inaugural $40 million fund.
Kenyan households bet on food MSEs for affordable meals
An estimated 60 per cent of rural and urban Kenyan households access their daily meals from micro/small enterprises (MSEs) at local markets.
[Column] Nchaupe Khaole: Unlocking South Africa's technology investment potential
Technology enabled businesses and the solutions they develop represent growth.
World Bank awards 10 Southern African fintech startups with $5k each
10 Southern African fintech startups have each received $5,000 from the World Bank.
Denver-based foodtech startup bitewell closes oversubscribed $4m seed round
bitewell announced an oversubscribed close of $4 million seed round.
Kenyan agritech startup Kyosk acquires KwikBasket, expands into fresh produce market
Kenyan agritech startup Kyosk, is expanding into the African fresh produce market.
NBA superstar Chris Paul joins plant-based startup Wicked Kitchen as investor
10-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul has joined the Wicked team as an investor.
Foodtech startup PartnerSlate raises $4m from to accelerate growth
PartnerSlate has raised $4 million round led by Supply Change Capital.
Cambridge-based biotech startup Uncommon raises $30m
Biotech startup Uncommon has raised $30m to pave way for scalable cultivated meat utilising RNA technologies.
[Interview] Renate Swanepoel, COO, INC. Networking
Renate Swanepoel is an entrepreneur, global networker and inspirational speaker.
How payment technology is changing the rulebook on South African retail
The past few years have seen the proliferation of new methods of transacting.
Wicked Kitchen acquires Current Foods to lead the way in plant-based industry transformation
Wicked Kitchen announced the acquisition of Current Foods.
G.O.A.T. Fuel closes $5m seed round to accelerate growth trajectory
G.O.A.T. Fuel announced the successful closing on its initial Series Seed round of financing.
Absa acquires minority stake in South African agritech startup Khula!
Absa Bank has acquired a minority stake in South African agritech startup, Khula!
Singapore-based tech-enabled coffee chain Flash Coffee extends Series B round to $50m
Singapore-based tech-enabled coffee chain Flash Coffee has announced the successful completion of its Series B financing round led by White Star Capital, raising a total of $50 million following its latest closing.
Nigerian cold-chain startup Gricd rebrands as Figorr, secures $1.5m seed funding to support data-driven insurance for perishable goods in Africa
Gricd, a technology company that develops Internet of Things-powered solutions to support the last-mile delivery of perishable goods, has secured $1.5m seed funding.
Start-Up Nation Central collaborates with Microsoft to promote Israeli agri-food tech startups
Start-Up Nation Central has collaborated with Microsoft to promote Israeli agri-food tech startups in the international marketplace.
South African healthtech startup Quro Medical raises $1.3m funding from Mineworkers
Quro Medical, the South African e-health startup has received a $1.3 million investment from leading investment firm the Mineworkers Investment Company (MIC).
South African healthtech startup Guidepost unveils chatbot for diabetic patients
South African healthtech startup Guidepost has unveiled an AI-powered chatbot to help citizens living with diabetes better manage their condition.
Dairy Runway program launches to provide education and support for early-stage dairy innovators
Cornell University's Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA) and the Northeast Dairy Foods Research Center have launched the Dairy Runway program, an entrepreneurship curriculum for dairy innovators.
Africa’s mezzanine debt fund manager Vantage Capital exits Dynamic Bedding
Vantage Capital, Africa’s mezzanine debt fund manager, announced it has fully exited its investment in Dynamic Bedding, a South African specialist bed manufacturer and retailer.
GRASP fellowship invests in African women researchers
The Kenyan women, and others selected for the GRASP Fellowship, are set to participate in a series of interventions, including leadership and mentoring training, designed to enable them to become more effective policy practitioners
Korean foodtech startup Nuvilab selected to join Google for Startups Accelerator: Circular Economy
Korean food-scanning startup Nuvilab was selected to be the only Korean startup among hundreds of candidates to join "Google for Startups Accelerator: Circular Economy".
Food industry disruptor ISH launches plant-based seafood to U.S. foodservice companies with Dot Foods
The ISH Company (IHS), a startup disrupting the food industry, has entered a strategic, non-exclusive distribution agreement with Dot Foods, to expand its distribution across the U.S.
[Column] Marilyn Moodley: Conquering the biggest cloud adoption challenges with an effective strategy
As CIOs turn to the cloud to help streamline performance across key areas of operations, knowing exactly how to conquer the biggest cloud adoption challenges is more important than ever before.
Biotech startup Chromologics completes €7.1m funding round to accelerate natural red color production through precision fermentation
Chromologics, the Danish biotech company, announced the successful closure of an extended seed round of an additional €7.1 million in equity.
Sustainable hemp food startup announces first expansion into the non-dairy dessert category
Planet Based Foods, the first and only company to produce nutritious plant-based meat with sustainable hemp as its number one ingredient, announced its expansion into the non-dairy frozen dessert category.
South African healthtech startup Envisionit raises $1.65m to expand access to medical imaging
Envisionit Deep AI, a South African healthtech startup that uses AI to bridge the gap in diagnostic imaging, has raised $1.65 million to expand access to medical imaging.
[Column] Didi Onwu: Understanding youth entrepreneurship in Kenya - why fintech is an attractive sector
Boasting one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, Kenya is on the rise to become a powerhouse of innovation on the continent. This is largely in part due to the country’s thriving culture of entrepreneurship and its significant startup ecosystem.
South African car subscription startup Planet42 raises $100m to break car accessibility barriers
South African car subscription startup Planet42 has raised $100 million in combined equity and debt funding.
Elgon Kenya partners with Ministry of Agriculture to reward young farmers
Agro input company Elgon Kenya has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Education to reward pupils and their teachers for participating in food production in a wider scheme that seeks to motivate school going children into farming.
[Column] Anna Collard: ChatGPT: What cybersecurity dangers lurk behind this impressive new technology?
It is now possible to use a publicly available artificial chatbot to generate a complete infection chain, possibly beginning with a spear phishing email written in entirely convincing, human-like language.
[Interview] David Galadima, Founder, Graemoh Foods, Nigeria
Passionate about sustainable agriculture, aquaculture and food security in Africa, David Galadima is the Founder of fast growing agriculture and processing company, Graemoh Foods, operating out of the northern state of Kaduna, Nigeria.
Agritech startup IngredientWerks announces successful completion of seed round funding
IngredientWerks, an ag-tech ingredient company developing high value plant-based proteins for the alternative protein markets, announced it has secured its seed round of funding.
IFC, DEG, Hollard, and Yellowwoods invest in South African insurtech startup Naked to boost insurance accessibility
IFC, the German Development Finance Institution (DEG), Hollard, and Yellowwoods, jointly announced an investment in South African insurtech company Naked to expand access to insurance products.
Berlin's EatFirst acquires London-based foodtech startup Feedr to accelerate growth
Berlin-based corporate food ordering platform EatFirst, has acquired Feedr, a London-based enterprise food technology platform that gives corporate customers software to support healthier daily eating in workplaces.
Israeli foodtech startup Meala secures $1.9m pre-seed round to improve plant-based foods
Startup Meala FoodTech, the developer of a functional protein platform, announced the close of $1.9 million in pre-seed investment. The round was led by The Kitchen FoodTech Hub.
South African grocery delivery startup Yebo Fresh raises 4.5m pre-Series A funding to fuel expansion
Yebo Fresh, a South African grocery delivery startup has raised $4.5m in a pre-series A equity funding round.
South African digital lender Lulalend raises $35m Series B funding to accelerate growth
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.
Ingredient biotech startup Michroma closes $6.4m seed round to bring novel food coloring to market
Michroma, a precision fermentation food ingredient startup, announced it has closed $6.4 million in seed financing, to fast-track the company's commercialization of sustainable natural colorants.
Climate finance trading platform Senken raises $7.5m to streamline and expand carbon markets offerings
Senken, the climate finance trading platform of on-chain carbon credits, announced it has raised $7.5 million in new funding, the most significant capital raise in its industry, led by Obvious Ventures.
Free From Market raises $2.1m seed round for its food is medicine platform to treat chronic health conditions
Free From Market (FFM), the patient-driven digital platform, announced it has closed a $2.1 million seed investment.
Food Foundry accelerator announces fifth cohort of early-stage foodservice startups
Food Foundry, an accelerator program built by Relish Works and Gordon Food Service for early-stage startups disrupting the food and foodservice industry, announced the five startups that will join the fifth cohort starting in January 2023.
Infant nutrition startup NAMUH partners with Ginkgo Bioworks to produce multiple infant nutrition products
Infant nutrition startup NAMUH and Ginkgo Bioworks, announced a collaboration to develop functional oligosaccharides that are structurally identical to those found in human breast milk.
Nigerian agritech startup Releaf secures $3.3m pre-Series A funding, unveils new technologies to drive profitability for consumer goods manufacturers
Releaf, a Nigerian agritech startup, has raised $3.3 million in an oversubscribed pre-Series A funding round.
Fintech enabler Ukheshe secures Series A funding to accelerate international expansion
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.
EG Capital announces anchor closing of its maiden fund to invest in startups across East Africa and Zambia
EG Capital, a growth-oriented private equity impact firm has announced the anchor closing of its first EG-Economic Empowerment Fund LP (EG-EEF), which will invest in medium-sized businesses.
South African early-stage VC firm 4Di Capital announces close of $25m seed fund
South African early-stage technology venture capital fund manager 4Di Capital has announced the close of $25 million seed fund.
Nigerian foodtech Orda raises $3.4m seed round to digitize African restaurants
Nigerian foodtech platform Orda announced has raised a $3.4 million seed round to further digitize food businesses across the continent.
Israeli foodtech startup ChickP raises dairy-free ice cream to new heights
ChickP Protein, a food-tech startup, has introduced chickpea protein isolate for plant-based ice cream. Protein from this ancient crop zeroes in on the non-dairy category to make a tasty plant-based frozen dessert.
Beverage startup Hangobi raises capital on StartEngine to accelerate growth
Beverage startup Hangobi announced it is raising capital on SearchEngine to expand its footprint beyond NYC, bringing its healthy drinks to the masses.
Kenyan agritech startup Stable Foods raises $600k funding to grow its climate smart smallholder platform
Stable Foods, a Kenyan agritech startup offering a host of solutions to small-scale farmers, has raised $600k funding round, to build out its climate smart smallholder food production platform.
Ultra-convenient healthy meals startup Proper Good closes seed funding to bring absurdly delicious products
PROPER GOOD, an ultra-convenient home-delivered food service company that offers nutritious prepared meals made with simple and high quality ingredients, announced the closing of $3.5 million in seed funding.
Chef-led startup meez raises $11.5m to place recipes at the heart of hospitality
meez, the first-of-its-kind digital professional recipe tool, announced it has closed a $11.5 million Series A funding round led by Craft Ventures with participation from Struck Capital.
Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa lead fintech growth in Africa, Mastercard
A report by payment services company Mastercard has revealed that South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya are among the most vibrant fintech markets in the continent.
Vienna-based startup Orderlion raises $4m funding to scale the global B2B food supply chain
Vienna-based startup Orderlion announced the successful closing of $4 million in preSeries A funding, including a mix of equity and debt financing, bringing the total amount of investments raised to $7.5 million since the company’s inception.
Georgia-Pacific, gener8tor welcome third cohort of startups to 1915 Studios gBETA accelerator program
Georgia-Pacific, in partnership with global venture firm and startup accelerator gener8tor, has kicked off its third 1915 Studios gBETA accelerator program.
South African digital identity startup iiDENTIFii raises $15m growth capital to fuel expansion across Africa
Cape Town-based digital identity startup iiDENTIFii announced it has raised $15 million in growth capital to fuel its expansion across Africa.
BreadBot maker Wilkinson Baking Company raises $3m seed round to accelerate growth
Wilkinson Baking Company (WBC), the creator of world's first fully-automated commercial bread baking robot, announced the close of its fully subscribed $3.0 million seed round.
Biotech startup Hoxton Farms raises $22m Series A to cultivate animal fat in new pilot facility in London
London-based Hoxton Farms has announced a $22 million Series A round to build a pilot facility for producing cultivated fat: the missing ingredient necessary to make meat alternatives delicious, realistic and versatile.
Wine cellaring startup InVintory closes first $1.5m fundraise led by its community of wine collectors
InVintory, a wine cellaring platform, announced it has closed a $1.5 million seed round, with a third of the investment contributed by its own users.
Kenyan start-up unveils diabetic friendly cookies
Gerassimos Fourlanos, Founder, Ofelos Limited says, the cookies are targeted to consumers with diabetes or pre-diabetes, along with other medical conditions where blood sugar levels need to be monitored.
Paris-based cultivated meat startup Gourmey raises €48m Series A funding to accelerate growth
French cultivated meat startup Gourmey, that was part of the Big Idea Ventures program’s first cohort, has raised an oversubscribed €48 million Series A.
South African Biometrics tech firm iiDENTIFii raises $15 million growth capital
iiDENTIFii’s face authentication technology securely authenticates users via their cellphones or PCs within seconds.
Fresh Del Monte partners with tech start-Up Decapolis to provide blockchain traceability solutions
The investment is part of Fresh Del Monte’s technology-driven mission to offer best-in-class, innovative solutions for its products and services, and to provide sustainable solutions that other businesses and industries can benefit from.
South Africa's home services startup SweepSouth closes $11m investment round led by Alitheia IDF
SweepSouth, an online home services platform with a presence across Africa has completed a $11 million investment round led byAlitheia IDF (AIF), Africa’s first and largest gender-lens private equity fund.
FNHIC launches to invest $2.5b in startups improving hunger and health outcomes through food
S2G Ventures, Food Systems for the Future and other partners launched the Food, Nutrition and Health Investor Coalition (FNHIC), a call to action to drive $2.5 billion in private investment.
Vendease secures $30m to transform procurement and business operations for restaurants across Africa
Vendease, a Y Combinator-backed digital platform that allows restaurants in Africa to buy supplies, access financial services and power their business operations, has raised $30 million funding round.
India's fruits and vegetables platform Sahyadri Farms raises €40m growth capital to support smallholder farmers
India's integrated platform for fruits and vegetables Sahyadri Farms has raised €40 million growth capital from a group of impact-focused investors; Incofin, Korys, FMO and Proparco.
Swiss foodtech startup Planted raises €70m Series B funding to accelerate international growth
Swiss foodtech startup Planted, known for its natural biostructured meat made from alternative proteins, announced it has successfully closed its Series B financing round of €70 million.
South African agritech disruptor AgriKool drives down food costs for consumers, increases profits for farmers
AgriKool, a South African e-trading platform, is connecting agricultural producers to buyers to facilitate the sale of products between retailers and farmers.
Francisco-based foodtech startup Lypid partners with Louisa Coffee to bring plant based burger patties
Lypid, a global leader in alternative fat, announced its partnership with Louisa Coffee, the largest coffeehouse company in Taiwan, to serve juicy, meaty plant-based burger patties to over 500 shops nationwide.
South Africa’s student housing startup DigsConnect secures investment to spearhead international growth
DigsConnect.com, South Africa’s digital student accommodation platform, announced the closure of its Pre-Series A seed extension round after securing undisclosed multi-million rand investment.
Healthtech startup Arise raises over $4m to build inclusive eating disorder treatment and mental health support
Arise, the digital healthcare company enabling comprehensive care for eating disorders, mental health, and long-term healing, has launched after raising over $4 million in a seed funding round.
Israeli biotech food colorant startup Phytolon closes $14.5m funding to accelerate growth
Phytolon, the developer of fermentation-based natural food colors, announced it has secured $14.5 million Series A funding, led by DSM Venturing, to further progress its technology towards commercialization.
Foodtech venture firm Supply Change closes equity investment from Bank of America
Supply Change Capital, a women and Latina powered venture firm investing in early-stage food technology businesses, announced an equity investment from Bank of America.
South Africa's Private equity fund PAPE acquires interest in fintech provider Entersekt
Entersekt, a global player in device identity and payment authentication, announced a new investment from PAPE Fund 3 (PAPE), a mid-market South African private equity fund.
[Interview] Michelle Matthews, Director, Viridian, South Africa
Following the rising levels of unemployment among young South Africans, the UK-South Africa Tech Hub Launch League initiative undertook a research project.
Oregon-based Dutch Bros raises $2.3m to help end ALS
Dutch Bros, a drive-through coffee chain headquartered in Grants Pass, Oregon, announced that together with its customers, raised a record breaking $2.3 million during its 16th annual Drink One for Dane day.
South African edtech startup FoondaMate secures $2m seed funding to accelerate growth
FoondaMate, a South African edtech startup, has secured $2 million in seed funding to increase usage of its Whatsapp and Facebook-based learning chatbot throughout the globe.
South African on-demand startup ParkUpp secures community basements for car collectors
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.
Canadian biotech startup Evolved Meats raises $2m seed round to accelerate growth
Evolved Meats ("Evolved"; formerly known as CaroMeats), a Canadian biotechnology startup, has raised $2 million in its seed round to accelerate its product development and to support the initial scale up of its production processes.
Nelson Maina: Taming fertilizer prices to boost food security in Kenya
Kenya’s cost of living has hit unprecedented highs with prices of basic commodities being out of reach for many citizens.
Foodtech startup Haofood partners Lawson to accelerate presence in China
Haofood, a food science and technology startup announced a new partnership with Chinese convenience store Lawson where customers will gain greater access to its products.
South African gold startup Nebü Gold develops a gold bullion investment you can wear
South African gold startup Nebü Gold, is the first African jeweller to give bullion investors the option of wearing elegant 24-karat investment-grade jewellery.
Food tech startup Tomorrow Farms raises $8.5m seed round to fuel sustainable food revolution
Tomorrow Farms, a food technology company on a mission to fuel the sustainable food revolution with irresistible food and beverage brands, announced a $8.5 million seed round led by Lowercarbon Capital and additional key investors.
South African fintech firm Hello Pay launches new mPOS device for SMEs
South African fintech firm Hello Pay has launched a new high-end Android Mobile point-of-sale solutions (mPOS) for local merchants and SMEs.
UPSIDE Foods raises a $400m Series C round to commercialize cultivated meat at scale
UPSIDE Foods (formerly Memphis Meats), the company in the cultivated meat, poultry, and seafood industry, announced the close of a $400 million Series C funding round, the largest round in the industry to date.
Plant-based meat startup Nowadays closes $7m seed round to accelerate health-focused chicken
Health-focused plant-based meat company Nowadays closed its oversubscribed Seed round, raising just shy of $10 million to-date to support commercialization of new plant-based chicken innovation.
U.S.-based food tech startup Yo-Kai Express launches autonomous restaurant platform in Japan
Yo-Kai Express, a Silicon Valley-based food tech startup announced the official debut of the Yo-Kai Express autonomous restaurant platform in J.R. East Tokyo.
What Africa requires to attain sustainable and effective food systems
A variety of factors constrain those who are reliant on farming for their livelihoods – particularly smallholders, including women and youth – from stepping up or stepping in to agriculture.
Bridgestone Mobility Solutions joins Startup Autobahn as ‘anchor partner’
Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, Bridgestone EMIA’s business unit focused on developing and launching data-driven fleet, tyre and mobility solutions, has become an “anchor partner” of Startup Autobahn, a mobility-focused innovation network.
South African tech startup SmartWage raises $2m to bridge gap between enterprises and frontline employees
SmartWage, an innovative HR and communications technology startup, raised $2 million oversubscribed seed funding round to support its vision of transforming Africa’s workforce.
French insect farming startup Ÿnsect acquires Nebraska-based Jord Producers to open first mealworm farm in the US
Jord Producers, based in Nebraska, has been incorporated into Ÿnsect’s production portfolio, signifying the global leader’s entry into North American mealworm production.
TR Tech, LocoNav unveil GPS, IoT and vehicle telematics solutions in South Africa
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.
Plant-based food startup Lypid enters B2B vegan-fat market with $4m seed round to commercialize rich, juicy PhytoFat
Lypid, creator of vegan fats reported to taste and behave like animal fats, announced it has raised a $4 million seed round led by Green Generation Fund with additional support from Big Idea Ventures.
South African fintechs Payflex and Merchant Capital launch cash advance solution for small retailers
Two South African fintechs, alternative lender Merchant Capital and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) specialist Payflex, have launched a cash advance solution for small and mid-sized retail sector.
South African cryptocurrency exchange VALR raises $50m Series B funding to expand across the continent
VALR.com, a South Africa cryptocurrency exchange, announced it has raised $50 million, Africa’s largest ever crypto funding round, bringing the company`s valuation at $240 million.
Food startup Next Gen Foods debuts TiNDLE in the U.S., announces $100m Series A funding round
Food startup Next Gen Foods announced its first product TiNDLE, now available in a range of iconic restaurants across the East and West Coasts in some of the country's leading "foodie" cities.
Kenyan foodtech startup Kune starts commercial operations in Nairobi
Kenyan foodtech startup Kune has officially launched commercial operations with four meal hubs located in strategic locations in Nairobi.
CA-based foodtech startup Yali Bio raises $3.9m seed round to advance plant based cultured fat production
Yali Bio, a CA-based foodtech startup focused on designer fats for plant-based meat and dairy products announced today it has raised a $3.9 million seed round, bringing their total funding to $5 million.
South African fintech Troygold digitises R300b in Krugerrands allowing owners to use value for day-to-day transactions
South Africans have an estimated R300 billion in Krugerrands hidden in drawers and safes, unaware that they could be using the value of their gold to fund day-to-day financial transactions.
South African fintech startup Stitch raises $21m Series A funding to scale its operations
South African API fintech startup Stitch has raised a $21 million Series A funding round to scale its operations.
South African fintech Ukheshe achieves Level One B-BBEE rating
South African fintech, Ukheshe Technologies, has significantly improved its B-BBEE performance, becoming one of the only South African fintech enablers to achieve a Level One B-BBEE Contributor certification.
Docklands Ventures acquires South African proptech startup ParkUpp
Real estate investment company Docklands Ventures has acquired South African proptech startup ParkUpp for an undisclosed amount.
South African fintech startup CompariSure raises $980,000 pre-Series A funding to accelerate growth
South African fintech startup CompariSure, raised R15 million ($980,000) from Cape Town based HAVAÍC and 4Di in a pre-Series A funding round.
South African delivery startup Orderin raises $4.7m pre-Series B funding for expansion
South African B2B delivery-as-a-service (DaaS) startup Orderin has raised $4.7 million pre-Series B funding to scale its infrastructure and improve its last-mile delivery service.
Israeli foodtech startup Plantish unveils whole-cut plant-based salmon fillets
Israeli foodtech startup Plantish is giving consumers a first look at its flagship product, a 100% plant-based whole-cut salmon fillet, which mimics cooked salmon in texture, taste, appearance and structure.
[Kenya] Sankore announces pitch competition targeting blockchain startups
Nairobi-headquartered blockchain community Sankore is launching the Sankore Pitch Competition Tour (PCT) in Nairobi.
Irish digital food-ordering startup Flipdish raises €87m funding to transform digital consumer experience in hospitality
Irish digital food-ordering platform Flipdish has become the State’s fifth official home-grown tech unicorn following a new €87 million investment led by global technology company Tencent and Tiger Global.
Israeli foodtech startup Future Meat raises $347 million funding to bolster position in cultivated meat industry
Future Meat Technologies, an Israeli startup developing innovative technology to produce cultivated meat, has announced that it has raised $347 million in Series B round of financing.
African scientists make a case for home grown research on continent’s food systems
A storytelling event organized by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), saw four accomplished African researchers working on agriculture and food security share their personal journeys in agricultural research, and discuss how they are working to transform farming on the continent.
Adanian Labs opens January 2022 cohort applications for its Venture Building Program
Adanian Labs has launched the Adanian Labs Venture Building Program call for startups for 2022. The program invites applications from tech entrepreneurs for the 2022 cohort of exceptional startups to join Adanian Labs in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Nigeria and South Africa.
REEF acquires foodtech Startup 2ndKitchen
REEF and 2ndKitchen’s existing businesses will be combined under the REEF brand, and will operate under REEF’s Hospitality division.
Estonian startup Gelatex raises €1.2m seed round for affordable and scalable manufactured cell-cultured meat
Estonian startup Gelatex announced it raised €1.2m seed round for affordable and scalable manufactured cell-cultured meat, making it cheaper than ever.
Kigali-based agriculture startup AflaSight, partners launch innovative projects to improve maize quality in Rwanda
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.
Israeli foodtech startup Imagindairy closes $13m seed round to advance animal-free dairy
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.
South African fintech firm Ozow raises $48m Series B round to accelerate growth
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.
US startup Impossible Foods expands into Australia and New Zealand
California-based Impossible Foods has arrived in Australia and New Zealand, marking the company’s third and fourth international market launches in 14 months.
Healthy dog food delivery startup, Dog Standards, launches in Canada
The company will be one of the first of its kind in Canada to offer human-grade, vet-developed and preservative-free dog food direct-to-consumers across the country.
Crypto Valley Venture Capital initiates investment strategy to build blockchain accelerator for African startups
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.
Tony Elumelu Foundation targets 5,000 African SMEs with entrepreneurship training and funding
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), the philanthropy empowering African entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries, has selected 4,949 entrepreneurs from across Africa for its 2021 Entrepreneurship Programme.
South Africa's emergency marketplace startup AURA secures R62m Series A funding for global expansion
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.
South African fleet-tech startup KeyTec and LocoNav enter Africa's video telematics market
South Africa fleet-tech startup KeyTec has partnered with LocoNav to capture the emerging and high-growth video telematics market throughout Africa.
South African fintech startupJumo raises $120 million to expand into new African markets
The latest funding round brings JUMO’s total funding raised to date to c$200 million. Prior investment rounds have included Leapfrog, Goldman Sachs, Finnfund, Proparco, Vostok Emerging Finance and Brook Asset Management.
South Africa based fintech startup SOLMate launches prepaid debit cards for consumers
In its ongoing effort to offer clients a fully-fledged financial ecosystem in their pockets, SOLMate has further enhanced its solutions with the launch of this new generation debit card.
P&G Ventures invites entries for its next Innovation Challenge
P&G Ventures, the early-stage startup studio within Procter & Gamble, announced the call for entries for its next Innovation Challenge.
South African e-Health startup RecoMed concludes $1.5m funding round to scale its online healthcare marketplace
RecoMed, the online healthcare marketplace and booking platform in sub-Saharan Africa concluded a highly successful funding round of $1.5 million with a strong and diversified group of leading local and international investors.
Biotech startup Shiru closes $17m Series A to develop novel plant-based food ingredients
Shiru, a biotech startup that identifies and creates novel plant-based ingredients for the global food industry, closed a $17 million Series A round led by S2G Ventures and joined by returning investors Lux Capital, CPT Capital, Y Combinator, and Emles Venture Partners.
Female-founded winery startup BOXT raises $9.35m to expand luxury brand of fine wine offerings
BOXT, the female-founded, direct-to-consumer winery, announced it has raised $9.35 million in equity and debt funding to drive the continued expansion of its luxury brand of fine wine offerings.
Start-Up Nation Central signs MoU with TiE to boost technological innovation of Israeli and Indian startups
Israeli not-for-profit Start-Up Nation Central signed a Memorandum of Understanding with TiE to achieve full implementation of sustainable Israeli and Indian technologies in the foodtech sector.
South African fintech firm Ukheshe partners with Chipper Cash startup to accelerate rollout out of digital payment offerings
South African fintech firm Ukheshe Technologies has partnered with Chipper Cash to enhance and accelerate the rollout out of Chipper’s digital payment offerings.
Industrial automation startup Agtonomy launches out of stealth to address farm labor crisis with $4m seed round
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.
Plant-based food startup immi raises $3.8m seed funding to modernize instant ramen
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.
Nigerian agritech startup Releaf secures $4.2m funding to drive industrialisation of food processing in Africa
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.
Organic food startup Teatis closes seed funding round to advance production and marketing in the U.S.
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.
Kenyan female entrepreneurs embrace digital platforms to power operations
A group of trailblazing Kenyan women are carving their own paths to success. From doctors to content creators, they are using the power of online platforms to amplify their voices and help others flourish.
Canadian plant-based food innovation startup TMRW Foods raises $2.6m in seed round funding
TMRW Foods, the growing Canadian plant-based food innovation company, announced a seed round investment of $2.6 million.
Foodtech startup GrubMarket acquires Bartolotta, further expands in Eastern US and Canada
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.
South African fintech startup SOL announces rebrand with new virtual card offering
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.
South African fintech firm Ukheshe partners with dzcard to expand digital payment solutions in Asia Pacific
South Africa“s fintech startup Ukheshe which has been on a rapid expansion to different markets has announced a new partnership with global next-generation card solutions and digital security company, dzcard.
Egyptian B2B e-commerce startup MaxAB acquires distribution platform WaystoCap
MaxAB, Egyptian B2B e-commerce platform that serves food and grocery retailers, has acquired WaystoCap, the Morocco-based B2B e-commerce and distribution platform that connects retailers with suppliers across Africa.
[Startup Interview] Dylan Pfeil, Co-Founder, Business Solutions Centre, South Africa
Business Solutions Centre is a South African-based telecommunication startup that has embraced a business model of providing a one-stop shop for all digital needs of clients.
Naspers Foundry leads $8.3m Series A investment in South African insurtech startup Naked
Naspers, through its early-stage tech investment vehicle Naspers Foundry, invested $8.3 million (R120 million) in Naked, the artificial intelligence (AI)-driven insurtech startup that offers full digital insurance to cars, homes, and valuables.
Oregon-based startup Marwall launches LunchPod to change how Americans go out to eat
Oregon-based startup Marwall LLC is releasing the LunchPod, a stainless steel insulated lunch box with custom utensils and a removable, collapsible silicone to-go container with the goal of changing how Americans go out to eat.
Nobell Foods startup raises $75m Series B to introduce cheese made from plants
Nobell Foods startup announced it has raised $75 million to introduce delicious cheeses made from plant-derived dairy proteins, supporting its larger mission of creating a radically more humane and sustainable food system.
South African payments startup Yoco raises $83m Series C funding to accelerate growth
South African payments startup Yoco has raised a Series C funding round of $83 million (R1.23 billion) to accelerate product development and reach more merchants in South Africa and beyond.
[Startup Interview] Dimitri Kalamoudacos,Co-founder, Entrepreneur Suite, South Africa
Entrepreneur Suite is a South African startup targeting micro retailers with an application that records valuable sales information that is then served back to the business owner as demand forecasting suggestions which are designed to provide profiting opportunities.
UN announces 50 best small business winners providing “Good Food for All”
Fifty small- and medium-sized enterprises around the world have been announced as the Best Small Businesses of the “Good Food for All” competition, held in conjunction with the UN Food Systems Summit.
South African startup Omnisient raises $1.4m for global expansion
Omnisient, a secure data collaboration platform, has achieved its second raise this year totalling $1.4 million. The investments will be used to expand the Omnisient team, accelerate product development and drive international expansion.
Seven South African legal startups to pitch for €10,000 grant
The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) kicked off its annual global Innovating Justice Challenge in search of the region’s best justice-related social entrepreneurs in March this year.
South African fintech startup Ukheshe Technologies announces boostXB joint venture with ForexPeople
South African fintech startup, Ukheshe Technologies has partnered with ForexPeople, one of the country’s names in forex with over 20 years of experience, to seamlessly facilitate cross-border payments from South Africa into Africa.
AI startup LLENA (AI) partners with Southern University to support (USDA/NIFA) Agriculture and Food Research Initiative
LLENA (AI) Health Solutions, announced a partnership with Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to support their "Center of Excellence for Nutrition, Health, Wellness, and Quality of Life" initiative to address diet-related health disparities.
Food and beverage tech startup Botrista closes $10m Series A to make craft beverages accessible via robotic automation
Botrista Technology, a company revolutionizing the beverage industry with the Botrista DrinkBot, announced it has raised $10 million in a Series A funding.
South African delivery startup Picup introduces premium driver network for businesses
South Africa's crowdsource delivery tech startup Picup has introduced a premium service aimed at businesses that require drivers to represent their brand.
Catalyst Fund announces Circle of Corporate Innovators to accelerate startup-corporate partnerships
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.
Israeli foodtech startup Better Juice raises $8m in seed funding
Israeli foodtech startup Better Juice, the first company to reduce all sugars from natural juices, announced it has raised $8 million in seed-round investment.
Sustainability-focused pet care startup Petaluma launches plant-based diet for dogs
Petaluma, Inc., a pet care startup focused on sustainability, launched the world's first baked and plant-based formula for adult dogs of all breeds. The company's mission is to offer environmentally responsible diets that meet 100% of a dog's nutritional requirements.
Food startup OZO expands plant-based proteins to international retail starting in Canada
Planterra Foods, an innovative plant-based protein startup based in Colorado, announced a supply agreement with UNFI Canada, a subsidiary of UNFI, the largest publicly traded grocery distributor in North America.
Cirona Labs startup raises $1.5m in oversubscribed seed round for expansion
Cirona Labs, a premier innovator in cannabinoids and other functional botanical ingredient manufacturing, announced that it closed an oversubscribed $1.5 million seed round led by LiDestri Food & Drink, BevSource, and Sweetener Supply.
South African biotech startup LifeQ secures $47m in Series A funding
South Africa and US-based biotech startup LifeQ secured $47 million in Series A funding from One Bio Venture Studio, a Cape Town-based VC and several other investors.
The UN Food Systems Best Small Business competition: Startups time to shine
Small businesses around the world that help provide healthy food that is good for the environment, good for their communities and create jobs for people locally are being invited to share ideas and suggestions for how their countries and economies can maximize their positive impact.
AlphaCode announces four startups taking part in the second phase of its incubate programme in South Africa
AlphaCode has announced the four fintech startups that will be part of the second phase of the AlphaCode Incubate programme.
South African fintech startup Ukheshe expands into Asia-Pacific region
South African fintech startup Ukheshe Technologies announced it will be expanding its footprint into the Asia-Pacific region as it introduces innovative digital-first payment solutions.
On-demand delivery management startup Cartwheel raises $1m seed round to accelerate growth
Cartwheel, an on-demand delivery management platform for restaurants and retailers, announced it has raised a $1 million seed round led by TenOneTen Ventures with participation from Act One Ventures and Portillo's Hot Dogs,
UN launches hunt for startups and enterprises changing the face of food systems
The UN Food Systems Summit has announced a competition to identify the best small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the world who are transforming food systems for a better tomorrow.
Rice sector players set for conference on boosting research and inclusivity
Rice sector players in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia are set to lead discussions on accelerating progress in rice research & development, inclusive markets & value chains.
The Batchery introduces next wave of innovative startups in Berkeley, California
The Batchery announced its 12th Demo Day featuring eleven early-stage startups from the Berkeley-based incubator's intensive Deep Dive program.
DBSA launches second edition of the Youth Challenge in South Africa
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.
Foodtech startup GrubMarket acquires Vaccaro & Sons to expand to St. Louis, Missouri
San Francisco-based food technology startup GrubMarket announced it has completed the acquisition of Vaccaro & Sons in St. Louis, Missouri.
UN targets startups transforming food systems in new competition
The UN Food Systems Summit has announced a competition to identify the best small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the world who are transforming food systems for a better tomorrow.
U.S.-based food tech startup Yo-Kai Express expands partnerships with Japan
While restaurants and small businesses everywhere have struggled to survive the pandemic, U.S.-based foodtech startup Yo-Kai Express (YKE) has leveraged its technology and ideas to evolve and transform its business models to broader platforms.
Grindstone accelerator programme opens applications for South African startups
Applications for this year’s Grindstone’s accelerator programme are now open. Grindstone is an equity-free structured entrepreneurship development programme that assists high-growth innovation-driven SMEs in South Africa.
SWARM Engineering startup raises $2.7m in seed funding led by S2G Ventures and Serra Ventures
SWARM Engineering, the next generation of cognitive software for the food supply chain, announced it closed funding for a $2.7 million seed round.
South African digital health startup Quro Medical secures $1.1m seed funding to accelerate growth
Quro Medical, a South African digital health startup, emerged from stealth mode to announce the closure of its seed funding round to accelerate growth for Africa’s first technology-driven Hospital at Home offering.
Silicon Valley startup Chef Avenue crosses 1000% of its funding goal in 8 days
Chef Avenue, an inspiring startup at the forefront of the design of modernized, high-performance cookware, is currently riding the wave of a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign for its first product, Omnipan.
Grow-NY startup business competition kicks off year 3
The application window for the 2021 Grow-NY million-dollar top prize business competition is now open for submissions. Grow-NY, a unique initiative which connects innovators and investors in the food, beverage and agriculture.
iFoodDS closes $15m in growth funding led by scaleup investor Insight Partners
iFoodDS, provider of food safety, traceability, and quality management solutions for the fresh food supply chain, announced the close of a $15 million Series A funding round led by Insight Partners.
VERSO Capital successfully closes series seed in NITRO Beverage
VERSO Capital, the Luxembourg-based boutique merchant banking and financial services firm, announced the successful closing of a series seed in Nitro Beverage Inc.
Dog food startup KetoNatural Pet Foods raises $2m in seed financing transaction
KetoNatural Pet Foods, a pet food startup founded by companion animal nutrition author and activist Daniel Schulof, announced the closing of a $2 million seed financing transaction led by Chicago-based fund Corazon Capital.
Plug and Play announces 98 startups for its Spring 2021 Batches
Plug and Play has accepted 98 startups into its Spring 2021 Batches. Startups have been selected for one of the following programs that run through May: Brand & Retail, Food & Beverage, Media & Advertising, New Materials & Packaging, Supply Chain, or Sustainability.
Enygma Ventures targets Southern Africa women entrepreneurs with funding opportunities
Enygma Ventures, is looking for passionate women entrepreneurs to invest in. The venture capital fund was established by two successful women entrepreneurs who now invest in women entrepreneurs in Southern Africa.
Lux Research names top food and agriculture startups of 2020
In recent years, the majority of growth in the food and beverage industry has gone to companies outside the top 20 players, with smaller and more agile brands capitalizing on the demand for personalized products.
HAVAÍC predicts bumper year for African tech startups
As one of South Africa’s most active Venture Capital investors, HAVAÍC says 2020 saw the commercial adoption of technology increase at unprecedented rates, as illustrated by the performance of HAVAÍC and its portfolio companies.
Tech startup DineSafe offers new tools for restaurants and consumers alike
A new platform DineSafe, is helping individual restaurants show potential customers the many ways they're keeping customers and employees safe.
Plant-based meat startup New Age Meats announces $2m in seed extension prior to Series A
New Age Meats (NAM), a cultivated and plant-based meat startup in Berkeley, CA with an initial focus on pork, announced an additional $2 million in Seed extension, adding to funds raised post-Seed announced late last year.
Food Tech Studio - Bites! unveils 85 startups from across the world to participate in its innovation program
Scrum Ventures announced the list of startups chosen to participate in its Food Tech Studio - Bites!, a global program aimed to solve the key challenges plaguing our food supply chain today, including (but not limited to) safety, waste reduction, and health.
African startup StarNews Mobile launches incubator for South African youths interested in digital film
StarNews Mobile launched its grassroots Youth Initiative incubator in partnership with Solutions on Point to empower young individuals interested in the digital film industry in South Africa.
South African VC firm Knife Capital launches 2nd 12J Venture Capital Fund
South Africa’s VC firm Knife Capital announced the launch of its second Section 12J Venture Capital Fund to allow new investors to participate.
Canadian tech startup Vegano disrupts meal-kit delivery services market
Vegano, Canada's first plant-based meal-kit delivery service, is helping Canadians take plant-based living beyond Veganuary. Following its official launch on January 4, 2021, Vegano has delivered over 800 meals.
Agritech startup Bear Flag Robotics raises $7.9m seed extension round
Bear Flag Robotics announced a $7.9 million seed extension funding round led by True Ventures. The Silicon Valley-based agritech company is developing autonomous technology for farm tractors, which enables growers to increase productivity.
Food and beverage analyst Bryan Hunt joins Relevance Ventures as Senior Investment Manager
Relevance Ventures, the Native American privately owned and operated venture capital firm, announced that Bryan Hunt, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), is joining the firm as a Senior Investment Manager.
TransUnion partners with South Africa's fintech startup Fincheck to improve access to finance for consumers
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.
The African youth powering a gaming revolution
As esports dominate modern entertainment industry as a fast growing sport, Kenya and South Africa youth continue to dominate the world of competitive video gaming.
Indian food and grocery e-commerce startup Jumbotail secures $14.2m Series B3 funding from VII Ventures
India's food and grocery e-commerce and new retail platform Jumbotail secured a $14.2 million Series B3 funding from VII Ventures (Seven Ventures).
Food-tech startup CookUnity secures $15.5m in Series A funding for expansion
CookUnity, the Brooklyn-based food-tech company that introduced the first direct Chef-to-Consumer meal subscription platform, announced the closing of a $15.5 million Series A investment round.
[Startup Interview] Tony Botha, Managing Director, carbonTRACK Africa, South Africa
carbonTRACK Africa is a South Africa technology startup that seeks to create a world where energy is consumed sustainably, shared fairly and empowers all people. The ultimate goal is establishing an energy ecosystem that will close the gap between energy supply and demand.
Delivery Hero launches venture capital fund to drive innovation in food delivery
Delivery Hero, the world’s delivery platform, has announced the launch of DX Ventures, an independently managed early-stage venture capital fund with a focus on investing in disruptive founder-led companies.
Gut-health nutrition startup Muniq raises $8.2m Series A investment round
Muniq, the innovative consumer health and food-tech brand created by Marc Washington, founder and CEO of Uplifting Results Labs, announced the closing of a $8.2 million Series A investment round.
New Wave Foods completes $18m Series A financing to focus on plant based Shrimp and sustainable shellfish
New Wave Foods announced the completion of $18 million Series A round of financing, led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA) along with Evolution VC Partners, as well as other new and existing investors.
Peels Citrus CBD startup secures $4m Investment from KarpReilly
CBD startup Citrus CBD Industries (Peels), launched the first nationwide CBD brand made from oranges led by Founder & CEO Chris Hetherington.
[Startup Interview] Deon de Swardt, Co-Founder, Africa People Advisory Group, South Africa
Africa People Advisory Group is a South Africa Human Resource Advisory firm whose primary focus is to deliver consulting and product solutions to organizations operating in and across the African continent. The firm’s Co-founder Deon de Swardt explains the company’s business model and plans.
Biotech startup TurtleTree Labs raises $6.2m in Pre-A funding round
TurtleTree Labs, a biotech company pioneering the method to produce milk using cell-based technology, announced the close of an oversubscribed $6.2 million Pre-A funding round from new and existing global investors.
54gene, Kobo360, myFanPark, Sokowatch among 12 startups to win AppsAfrica Awards 2020
54gene, Kobo360, myFanPark and Sokowatch have been named among the 12 winners of AppsAfrica Awards 2020. The awards celebrates the best startups in mobile and tech from across Africa.
South Africa agritech startup Aerobotics raises funds for global expansion
FMO and Cathay AfricInvest Innovation have invested in Aerobotics, a South African AgriTech startup developing intelligent tools to the feed the world.
Plug and Play launches new office in Chicago, Illinois
Global innovation platform, Plug and Play, announced its newest location in Chicago, Illinois, to focus on connecting startups, corporations, and investors working on innovating the food and beverage industry.
Industrial AI solutions startup MakinaRocks joins NVIDIA Inception
MakinaRocks, a startup based in Seoul and Silicon Valley, specializes in the emerging field of industrial AI software with a primary focus on anomaly detection and intelligent control technology.
Nigerian logistics startup Kobo360, IFC invite for innovative cooling solution projects in Nigeria
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, in partnership with Kobo360, an African digital logistics platform, announced an open call for innovators from around the world to bring climate-smart, temperature-controlled logistics (TCL) cooling solutions to Nigeria.
Nili Capital Partners acquires fresh produce packaging startup StePac
Fresh produce packaging specialists StePac L.A., Ltd. has been acquired by Nili Capital Partners, an Israeli private equity fund.
South African tech startup LetMeIn.to raises R2.2m to scale its visitor and access management platform
South African tech startup LetMeIn.to raised R2.2 million in funding from an undisclosed impact investor to scale up and expand its visitor and access management platform.
South African startup myFanPark merges with Starsona to create a global celebrity engagement platform
South African startup myFanPark has announced its merger with Silicon Valley-based celebrity engagement platform Starsona.
Pet supply startup Petpal raises capital via equity crowdfunding to expand e-Commerce operations in India
Pet supply startup Petpal has developed a one-stop platform for pet owners to get the food, medicine, and accessories they need to keep their pets happy and healthy.
Food & beverage e-commerce startup Feast & Fettle raises $1.2m to expand into Massachusetts and Connecticut
Feast & Fettle, a premium, fully-prepared meal delivery service based out of Rhode Island, announced the closing of a $1.2 million Seed round led by Salem Capital Management.
South African fintech startup Ukheshe to acquire Oltio, strengthens partnership with Mastercard
South African fintech startup Ukheshe announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Oltio, a mobile technology company that developed Mastercard’s QR payment service Masterpass in South Africa.
Mondelēz International invests in Israel foodtech startup Torr
SnackFutures, Mondelēz International’s innovation and venture hub dedicated to unlocking emerging snacking opportunities around the world, has made a seed investment in Torr, an early stage Israeli Foodtech Company.
South Africa's MetroFibre Networx completes new capital raise from AIIM and STOA
African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), Africa’s infrastructure-focused private equity fund managers, has acquired a minority equity stake in MetroFibre Networx, a South African open access fibre network operator.
AI Media Group launches Africa’s first AI-focused free investment matchmaking service for African startups
The AI Media Group has launched The Deal Room, Africa’s first artificial intelligence (AI) focused, free investment matchmaking service which aims to connect African AI focused startups to interested investors and venture capitalists (VCs).
Dairy snack startups compete for $200,000 in Real California Milk Snackcelerator
Ice cream infused with vegetables, to-go premium cheese snacks, decadent chocolate mousse and flavored paneer make up the finalists announced in the Real California Milk Snackcelerator product innovation competition.
Peer-to-peer solar leasing startup Sun Exchange announces African expansion in Zimbabwe
South African peer-to-peer solar leasing startup Sun Exchange marked its official expansion into sub-Saharan Africa with the first of three crowdsales for a multiphase, 1.9 megawatt (MW) solar-plus-storage project for Nhimbe Fresh.
Chicago startup qReveal launches affordable QR code menu and price list solution
Responding to the challenging scene of a myriad of health and safety protocols facing restaurants and other businesses, Chicago startup qReveal has launched a platform that builds easy to use QR code menus and price lists.
African startups more investible now than ever
Africa’s startups have never been more investible than now. There is a growing number of professional ‘super angels’ involved in record-breaking deals, and private equity investments have doubled since last year.
Dutch foodtech startup The Protein Brewery raises €22 million for expansion
The Protein Brewery, a Netherlands innovative developer of protein-rich food ingredients has announced that it has raised a €22 million Series A investment, bringing its total funding to date to € 26 million.
Paxful partners with African fintech startup Uhuru Wallet to ease money transfers
Crypto marketplace Paxful announced it is adding Uhuru Wallet as a payment method to its platform, to help provide easy access to the crypto economy for users in Southern Africa.
Next-generation consumer products startup The Naked Market closes $6m seed funding round
The Naked Market, San Francisco-based CPG brand, has closed $6 million seed funding round, with participation from several investors.
Nestlé USA acquires food delivery startup Freshly
Nestlé announced it has acquired food delivery startup Freshly, fresh-prepared meal delivery services in the U.S. The deal values Freshly at $950 million, with potential earnouts up to $550 million contingent to the successful growth of the business.
kathy ireland Worldwide expands health advocacy through partnership with tech startup mymedicalimages.com
Medical imaging technology startup mymedicalimages.com has partnered with kathy ireland Worldwide (kiWW) for a new, cutting-edge patient-centric medical image sharing platform.
Toyota AI Ventures invests in Canadian robotic kitchen startup YPC Technologies
Toyota AI Ventures, Toyota's early-stage venture capital fund, announced its investment in YPC Technologies, a robotic kitchen startup based in Montreal, Canada.
Lunchbox partners with Sodexo and Kiwibot for contactless food delivery
Lunchbox, has partnerered with Sodexo and delivery robot startup Kiwibot, to facilitate autonomous and contactless food delivery across the University of Denver (UD) for students.
Sabio Group acquires Anana to extend customer experience capability
Sabio Group has acquired customer experience solutions specialist Anana. The acquisition supports Sabio’s goal to become the leading player across the European customer experience market.
German tech startup CloudRadar launches new data center in Johannesburg, South Africa
German tech startup CloudRadar is launching its cloud-based IT-monitoring service in South Africa, ahead of further global expansion, to help ensure IT stability for regional businesses in the face of rapid, pandemic-fuelled digitisation.
Rabobank unveils 45 food & agriculture startups selected for FoodBytes! Pitch 2020
Rabobank unveiled the 45 startups selected to participate in FoodBytes! Pitch 2020, its global food and ag startup discovery program that helps entrepreneurs scale their impact through mentorship and connections to corporate leaders and investors.
French baby food startup Yooji raises €7.5 million funding to boost operations
French-based baby-food company Yooji has secured €7.5 million funding to make highly nutritional and sustainable baby food easily accessible to parents.
S2G Ventures, CDPQ announce funding for startups in sustainable food business
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) and S2G Ventures (S2G) have announced creation of a co-investment partnership that will target ventures that aim to make the food and agriculture industry more sustainable.
Scrum Ventures launches Food Tech Studio - Bites!
Scrum Ventures announced the launch of Food Tech Studio - Bites!, a global community of stage-agnostic startups who share a common vision of solving key challenges plaguing food supply chain.
Dutch food tech startup Mosa Meat receives $55 million to expand operations
Mosa Meat, a Dutch food technology startup which introduced the world’s first cultured beef hamburger in 2013, announced the first closing of $55 million as part of a larger Series B funding round.
Mastercard announces Fintech Express to empower Middle East and Africa fintechs to launch and expand rapidly
Mastercard has launched Fintech Express in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), a program designed to facilitate emerging fintechs’ launch and expansion.
[Startup Interview] Marthinus Coetzee, CEO, iPTT Africa, South Africa
Iptt africa (pty) Limited, a South African telecommunications startup, solves the communication problems faced by many businesses and organizations in Africa through its italkptt platform that allows businesses to communicate from anywhere in Africa to anywhere in the world. The CEO Marthinus Coetzee elaborates.
German urban farming startup Infarm raises $170m to grow urban vertical farming network in the world
Infarm, German urban farming network announced $170 million investment raised in the first close of a Series C funding round expected to reach $200 million.
Delivery Hero buys Glovo’s Latin America operations at $272 million
Delivery Hero, the world’s local delivery platform, has entered into an agreement with Glovo, an on-demand delivery start-up, to acquire its operations in Latin America for up to €230 million.
Cellular agriculture startup Wildtype launches salmon in sushi restaurants
Cellular agriculture startup Wildtype has unveiled its latest cell-based salmon. This version is "sushi-grade" and crafted with the sushi industry's favorite raw salmon applications in mind.
Early investors in 4IR startups set to reap rewards
Early investors in startups with exposure to the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) are benefiting from significant revenue growth despite the physical constraints introduced by governments’ responses to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chromologics raises €1.9m seed round to accelerate development of fermentation-derived next generation food colorants
Chromologics, which is developing innovative natural food colorants, announced it has raised €1.9 million in seed financing led by Novo Seeds and supported by Nordic FoodTech VC and Vækstfonden.
On-demand grocery startup Weee raises $35 million to accelerate expansion
Asian e-grocer in the United States, Weee!, has announced $35 million in Series C financing led by DST Global; bringing the total capital raised to over $100 million.
102 startups selected for Plug and Play's fall 2020 batches
Silicon Valley headquartered global innovation platform Plug and Play has announced the selection of 102 new startups into its fall 2020 batches.
Tanzania startup tackles hidden hunger with bio fortified foods
An upsurge in cases of malnutrition among children in rural Tanzania, combined with the issue of poor markets for farmers, inspired Jolenta Joseph to venture into the nutrition business in 2017.
Kenyan women and youth agritech startups invited to apply for $100k FoodTech Africa accelerator
Kenyan youth and women-led agribusinesses have been awarded an opportunity to access $100,000 as investment for their companies through the FoodTech Africa accelerator.
Impossible Foods raises $200 million financing to fund retail expansion
Impossible Foods Inc. has announced it has secured $200 million in its latest funding round, led by new investor Coatue.
US startup Atomo Coffee raises $9m to bring molecular coffee to the market
Seattle based startup Atomo Coffee announced it has closed an additional $9 million in Seed funding to bring its molecular coffee to market.
[Startup Interview] Tracy Mapfumo, CEO, Eny's Treats, Zimbabwe
Eny's Treats, a startup based in Zimbabwe, manufactures seed-based gluten free snacks that are topped up with natural and unrefined sweeteners for the upmarket urban health-conscious consumers. The startup’s CEO Tracy Mapfumo elaborates.
Seattle based startup Minnow raises $2.2 million to meet demand for contact free pickup solution
Minnow Technologies, a Seattle based IoT startup that has developed a contact free food delivery and pickup solution has raised $2.2 million in an oversubscribed seed round.
Joywell Foods secures $6.9 million to grow its sweet protein portfolio
Joywell Foods, a food technology company developing a sweet protein portfolio, has announced the closing of a $6.9 million Series A financing round.
Futuregrowth invests in South African online services disruptor startup SweepSouth
Futuregrowth has invested in SweepSouth, a disruptive online platform for booking, managing and paying for home cleaning, and now a variety of other services.
South African animation and gaming startup Sea Monster secures $1m funding
Animation, gaming and AR/VR company Sea Monster announced the conclusion of a $1m investment from FirstRand’s Vumela Fund.
US startup Crowd Cow expands product offerings amid pandemic
Crowd Cow, a US marketplace for high quality craft beef, meat and seafood has expanded product offerings that would normally only be available at high end restaurants.
[Startup Interview] Anton Herbst, CEO, Vincula Holdings, South Africa
Vincula Holdings, domiciled in Johannesburg South Africa, is a startup connecting employers, project sponsors, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers through a platform that also seeks to provide participants with worldwide and focused exposure to grow their market share.
Catalyst Fund announces seventh cohort of inclusive fintech startups
Catalyst Fund, the global inclusive fintech accelerator, has announced that six new fintech startups, from Nigeria, South Africa, Mexico and India are joining its existing portfolio of 31 companies.
[Startup Interview] Ian Sendagala, CEO, eFoods Trade, Uganda
eFoods Trade is an African online B2B marketplace connecting African foods to the global markets. The platform targets food importers, exporters, distributors, and manufacturers. Ian Sendagala the CEO explains.
Interviews.
[Interview] Caroline Mutuku, General Manager, Glovo, Kenya
Caroline Mutuku is Kenya's General Manager of multi-category app Glovo. Caroline joined Glovo in December 2022 from Swvl Kenya where she also served as the General Manager from December 2021. In this interview...read more here
[Interview] Renate Swanepoel, COO, INC. Networking
Renate Swanepoel is an entrepreneur, global networker and inspirational speaker that has helped thousands of people around the world to find their purpose. She has gained significant networking and communication...read more here
[Interview] Anne-Marie Chidzero, Chief Investment Officer, FSD Africa
Anne-Marie Chidzero is the Chief Investment Officer at the Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSD Africa) Investments. In this interview, she talks about the risks and opportunities in backing Africa’s early-stage startups...read more here
[Interview] James Kilpatrick, Chair, Gravitilab, UK
Gravitilab is a "Space as a Service" business providing research, testing and qualification facilities to space agencies, government, academia and commercial enterprises. The company’s Chair and Chief Finance Officer...read more here
[Interview] Ramanjeet Singh, CEO, Woosper, USA
Woosper is a US-based digital advertising and marketing agency focused on creating experiences that help clients discover their place in the digital world. The CEO Ramanjeet Singh...read more here