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Aramco expands global venture capital programme with $4 billion funds injection
It will take Aramco's overall venture capital allocation to $7.5bn, which also includes the $500 million venture capital fund Wa'ed Ventures that focuses on the start-up ecosystem in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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.
STHL East Africa bets on demand for power tools to grow revenues
German power tools manufacturer, STIHL East Africa, has reported a significant increase in revenue in its first year of operation since upgrading its marketing office to a fully-fledged sales subsidiary.
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.
UnitX raises $5m to elevate manufacturing quality with AI-powered defect detection
UnitX has announced a $5m investment from SE Ventures.
Hexagon announces nine startups set to transform manufacturing sustainability and digital reality
Hexagon has announced the nine startups chosen for its third Sixth Sense cohort.
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.
STIHL East Africa set to introduce battered powered products
STIHL East Africa has announced plans to introduce battery powered products in the East African Market as the firm celebrates its one year anniversary in the region.
[Column] Richard Shaw: AI-ready cloud - How hyperscalers empower businesses to thrive in the digital age
Cloud computing has undergone evolution.
On-demand logistics and delivery startup Picup opens driver training centres in South Africa
Picup has launched its Driver Training Centres in Cape Town.
SynBio startup Enzymit announces breakthrough in cell-free hyaluronic acid production
Enzymit announced its success in synthetically producing hyaluronic acid (HA).
[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.
Hexagon calls for startups to apply for its third Sixth Sense cohort
Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division has announced a call for startups to apply for its third Sixth Sense cohort.
[Interview] Renate Swanepoel, COO, INC. Networking
Renate Swanepoel is an entrepreneur, global networker and inspirational speaker.
46VC invests in Exum Instruments' Series A funding round
FortySix Venture Capital (46VC), announced its strategic investment in Exum Instruments' Series A funding round.
How payment technology is changing the rulebook on South African retail
The past few years have seen the proliferation of new methods of transacting.
Volition raises $11m to scale the world's largest industrial parts marketplace
Volition has announced an $11 million seed round led by Newark Venture Partners.
Absa acquires minority stake in South African agritech startup Khula!
Absa Bank has acquired a minority stake in South African agritech startup, Khula!
STIHL EA to invest Sh100 million to boost local manufacturing
Power tools manufacturer STIHL East Africa has announced it will invest Sh100 million in local accessories manufacturing every year as it seeks to localise its product development in the region.
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.
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.
Mitsubishi Electric’s Innovation Fund invests in Israeli cybersecurity startup SCADAfence
SCADAfence provides visibility to networks that support industrial systems and critical infrastructure, in an age where various types of malware, are threatening industrial systems and critical infrastructure, frequently shutting down their control systems and causing serious incidents.
Chinese electric truck startup DeepWay raises $117m Series A+ round to accelerate mass production of smart electric heavy-duty truck
DeepWay, a smart commercial vehicle developer and manufacturer, announced it had raised $117 million Series A+ financing.
Al-Abdullah Group invests $50m in Indian EV startup Kabira Mobility to accelerate growth
Kabira Mobility, a prominent electric bike manufacturer in India renowned for its KM3000 and KM4000 models, announced it has secured a $50 million investment from its strategic investor, Al-Abdulla Group (Qatar).
[Interview] Chris Okoro, CEO, Eunisell Interlinked, Nigeria
Chris Okoro is an entrepreneur and business strategist skilled in the Financial Services and Engineering sector. He's currently the Managing Director and CEO of Eunisell Interlinked, Nigeria.
[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.
[Column] Mark Wilson: The ERP and technology trends that will shape 2023
Following a year of disruption caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, supply chain disruptions and record-breaking inflation, we look to the year ahead and what 2023 might have in store for manufacturers and distributors.
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.
[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.
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.
IDTechEx explores nine startups innovating polymer additive manufacturing
Essential to understanding the evolution of the polymer 3D printing industry is exploring the change from low-cost printing technologies and materials to the slow growth and adoption of innovative polymer printing technologies.
Metal 3D printing startup Fabric8Labs closes $50m Series B financing for electrochemical additive manufacturing technology
Fabric8Labs, pioneer of electrochemical additive manufacturing, announced the close of a $50 million Series B investment round led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA).
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.
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.
Israeli startup aiOla raises $25m to interface natural language to AI solutions in traditional manufacturing
Israeli startup aiOla announced it has secured $25 million in funding led by New Era with the participation of Hamilton Lane and other investors.
Former CEO of BMW Manufacturing Knudt Flor joins South Carolina startup Delta Bravo
Retired BMW Manufacturing CEO Knudt Flor has been appointed to the newly created advisory board at predictive analytics company Delta Bravo Artificial Intelligence (Delta Bravo AI).
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.
Season Group acquires IoT tech startup Pycom to give all connected ideas an opportunity to succeed
Season Group, an international electronics design and manufacturing services provider headquartered in Hong Kong, announced its acquisition of all assets of Pycom, a full stack Internet of Things (IoT) company.
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.
Rosotics raises $750,000 pre-seed round for novel approach to heavy industry 3D printing
Rosotics, innovators in additive manufacturing, announced $750,000 in pre-seed funding led by Draper Associates.
Austrian deep-tech startup Sarcura closes €7m to develop next-generation cell therapy manufacturing platform
Austrian deep-tech startup Sarcura announced the closing of an oversubscribed €7 million Seed Plus funding round to develop a next-generation cell therapy manufacturing platform.
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.
[Forum] Promoting investment flows from South Korea to Vietnam
South Korea has been, is, and will be the leading investor in Vietnam. The two parties can cooperate to achieve "Dual Goals" of US$100 billion in bilateral trade and total investment in the near future.
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.
Japanese startup SUN METALON raises $5.6m funding to democratize metal 3D manufacturing
SUN METALON, a Japanese startup developing a metal 3D printer, announced the procurement of $5.6 million in its pre-series A funding round.
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.
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.
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.
German manufacturer The Stihl Group enters Kenyan market
The subsidiary dubbed Stihl East Africa will be its Eastern Africa hub servicing countries that include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi among others.
Kenyan mobile commerce startup Copia unveils manufacturing unit for sugar and rice production
Copia Global, a Kenyan-based mobile commerce platform has unveiled a new manufacturing unit to enhance its output of affordable sugar and rice to the Kenyan market.
London-based startup Geomiq raises $8.5m to digitize manufacturing and deliver industry leading service levels
London-based startup Geomiq announced it has raised $8.5 million funding to digitize global manufacturing and deliver industry leading service levels for Engineers and Procurement teams.
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.
Virginia-based fashion tech startup Circ raises $30m funding to expand recycle clothing, eliminate waste
The circular fashion company Circ announced over $30 million in Series B funding backed by some of the largest international apparel companies and venture capital firms.
Simplifyber secures $3.5m seed investment to reinvent how clothing is made with sustainable, advanced Manufacturing
Simplifyber, the creator of the world's first fully-molded garment and shoe uppers made directly from a cellulose-based liquid, announced the closing of a $3.5 million round of seed funding.
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.
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.
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.
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.
TDK Ventures joins forces with VueReal to accelerate microprinting for microLED
TDK Corporation announced that subsidiary TDK Ventures, has invested in microLED developer VueReal Inc. to accelerate and develop their microprinting manufacturing process.
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.
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.
Canadian tech startup Calico secures $2.1m to revolutionize modern supply chains
Calico, the developer of the first AI-powered smart supply chain management platform, announced it has raised $2 million in seed funding. The growth financing is led by Serena Ventures following 300% growth since January 2022.
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.
Manufacturing technology startup OPT Industries raises $15m to address demand for novel materials design and production
OPT Industries, the manufacturing technology startup behind the InstaSwab high-efficacy medical applicator, announced it has raised $15 million in Series A financing.
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.
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.
London-based Bramble Energy closes £35m to fund its hydrogen fuel cell technology
London-based fuel cell company Bramble Energy has closed a £35 million investment round to help further expand its game changing capabilities in solving key challenges in the production and implementation of hydrogen fuel cell stacks.
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.
[Kenya] Sankore announces pitch competition targeting blockchain startups
Nairobi-headquartered blockchain community Sankore is launching the Sankore Pitch Competition Tour (PCT) in Nairobi.
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.
Wellington-based metal casting startup Foundry Lab emerges from stealth, raises $8m Series A round
Digital metal casting startup Foundry Lab emerged from stealth, announcing a $8 million Series A raise led by Blackbird and showcasing its ability to create functional metal parts in less than a day.
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.
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.
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.
JICA kicks off 2nd Cohort of its NINJA Accelerator in Kenya
The NINJA Accelerator in Kenya, powered by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in partnership with Double Feather Partners, Deloitte Tohmatsu and Kenyan implementation partner GrowthAfrica, is kicking off its 2nd cohort with five tech-enabled Kenyan startups.
Berlin-based startup Made of Air raises €5m seed round to make thermoplastics for Audi, H&M Group and other companies
Made of Air, the carbon negative materials startup that turns wood waste into thermoplastics, announced a €5 million in seed funding, led by Norwegian sustainability-focused family fund.
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.
TDK Ventures invests in seed round for dry lithium-ion electrode manufacturing startup, AM Batteries
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.
Workwear startup BRUNT raises $8.4m Series A funding to accelerate growth
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.
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.
Ghanaian startup Plendify launches B2B e-Commerce marketplace
Ghanaian startup Plendify has launched a B2B e-Commerce marketplace to connect customers with small and large African wholesalers, manufacturers, exporters, and importers.
[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.
Tech executive Mark Bregman launches Quidnet Ventures, a venture capital fund based in New Zealand
Mark Bregman, a successful tech executive and entrepreneur, has launched Quidnet Ventures, a venture capital fund based in New Zealand and operated out of New Zealand, San Francisco and New York City.
Lithium-ion battery recycling and manufacturing startup Battery Resourcers appoints Kelly Kay to its Board of Directors
Battery Resourcers, a vertically integrated lithium-ion battery recycling and manufacturing startup announced the appointment of Kelly Kay to its Board of Directors.
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.
TDK Ventures backs metal additive manufacturing startup, Fabric8Labs
TDK Corporation announced that subsidiary TDK Ventures Inc. will back Fabric8Labs, marking its second investment in the additive manufacturing space and first in metal printing.
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.
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.
Tech startup COSMO Technologies secures funding, announces new product launch
COSMO Technologies, a first-of-its-kind family technology design and manufacturing company, announced the closing of its Pre-Seed funding round.
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.
Manufacturing AI startup ExLattice joins NVIDIA Inception
ExLattice announced it has joined NVIDIA Inception, a program designed to nurture startups revolutionizing industries with advancements in AI and data sciences.
Chinese AI robotics startup Mech-Mind completes Series C funding
Chinese AI industrial robotics startup, Mech-Mind Robotics (Mech-Mind), completed Series C funding led by tech giant Meituan, bringing Mech-Mind's total funding to over $100 million, making Mech-Mind one of the world's most funded AI+ industrial robotics startups.
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.
University of Michigan's Desai Accelerator invests in four startups to launch 2021 cohort
The Desai Accelerator, a University of Michigan accelerator open to early-stage alumni startups, announced the four companies accepted into its 2021 cohort.
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.
Kenya paint manufacturer Crown Paints announces COVID-19 safety net initiative
A recent study on how Covid-19 had caused an economic toll in nine countries, including Kenya, shows that 45 percent of people were forced to miss or reduce meals.
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.
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.
Phantom Space Corporation startup raises $5m seed funding to revolutionize space transportation
Phantom Space Corporation, a space transportation technology development and manufacturing company, announced the raise of $5 million in seed investment funding to make space commerce commonplace and to lower the barriers to space access.
Lithium-ion battery recycling and manufacturing startup Battery Resourcers raises $20m Series B funding
Battery Resourcers, a vertically integrated lithium-ion battery recycling and manufacturing company, completed a $20 million Series B equity round.
Digital marketing startup Rollick secures $8.5m in funding
Rollick Inc., which operates the GoRollick Powersports, RV, and Boat Buying Program Marketplace, announced the closing of $8.5 million in funding.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chevron invests in carbon capture and utilization startup Blue Planet
Chevron Corporation announced a Series C investment in San Jose-based Blue Planet Systems Corporation (Blue Planet), a startup that manufactures and develops carbonate aggregates and carbon capture technology.
[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.
[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.
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.
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.
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.
New manufacturing startup JTEC Energy announces the close of its initial seed round
New manufacturing startup JTEC Energy announced it closed on an initial seed fundraising round, to hire additional scientists and engineers in order to accelerate the development of the the company.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dutch tech startup Avy completes successful test flight with first solar fixed-wing drone
Dutch solar drone manufacturer Avy announced a successful test flight of its first solar fixed-wing drone, equipped with custom solar foil developed by Wattlab to reflect and absorb more sunlight.
IRI acquires supply chain analytics provider, RSi
IRI, a global company in innovative solutions and services for consumer, CPG, retail and media companies, has acquired Retail Solutions, Inc. (RSi), a provider of supply chain solutions for CPG manufacturers and retailers.
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.
Seegrid acquires Box Robotics to boost deep learning in manufacturing space
Seegrid Corporation has acquired Box Robotics, a mobile robotics startup bringing high-definition maps, three-dimensional LiDAR, and deep learning to the warehouse and manufacturing space.
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.
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.
Legendary Ventures invests in Elon Musk's SpaceX
Legendary Ventures announced an investment in Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) through its Series N funding round.
[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.
South Korean healthcare startup WellsCare signs in-store contract with b8ta for IASO
WellsCare, a member company of the Born2Global Centre, signed a store contract with b8ta, a famous American flagship store that is dedicated to innovative products.
IME Medical Electrospinning secures €3m financing from Dutch VCs to expand its Medispin XL production platform
IME Medical Electrospinning, a global leader in electrospun medical devices and regenerative medicine, announced it has successfully raised €3 million in equity financing and debt.
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.
Smart consumer technology startup Dreame raises $14.6m in Series B+ funding
Dreame Technology (Dreame), a smart consumer technology company specializing in cordless vacuum cleaners, robot vacuum cleaners and mops, announced it raised $14.6 million in its Series B+ funding led by IDG Capital.
Tech startup MITO Material Solutions announces oversubscribed $1m Series Seed funding round
MITO Material Solutions, a cutting edge developer of additives that enable polymer manufacturers to enhance product performance, announced an oversubscribed $1 million Series Seed funding round.
[Startup Interview] Mangaldas Gupta, CEO, Magma Ash Tech, India
Magma Ash Tech is an Indian startup involved in the procurement, processing and export of Flyas, one of the residues produced during combustion of coal. Fly ash is used mainly as a bonding agent mainly in cement plants, ready mix concrete units, manufacture of blocks, bricks and boards.
[Startup Interview] Kaxton Kabogoza, Founder, Kenda Interlocking Bricks, Kenya
Kenda Interlocking Bricks is a Kenya start up in the manufacturing sector that is championing the use of eco-friendly and affordable construction materials as it seeks to bridge the housing deficit in Kenya and the East African region. Engineer Kaxton Kabogoza the founder explains.
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.
[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.
U.S. electric-vehicle startup Fisker completes $50m private financing to launch its Ocean all-electric luxury SUV in 2022
Fisker, designer and manufacturer of the world’s most emotionstirring, eco-friendly electric vehicles and advanced mobility solutions announced the successful completion of a $50 million Series C financing round.
[Startup Interview] Riaan Rautenbach, CEO, Live Fr8, South Africa
LIVE FR8™ is a South African startup that offers cargo suppliers and transporters improved and cheaper logistics services through cloud technology. Cargo suppliers and transporters connect directly.
[Startup Interview] Anton Janovsky, Founder, Giga Technology, South Africa
Giga Technology is a South African telecommunications startup involved in the manufacture and export of a host of communication technologies across Africa and Europe.
[Startup Interview] Katlego Malatji, CEO, ProjectOne Engineering, South Africa
Katlego Malatji is the CEO of ProjectOne, a South African based innovative engineering consultancy company that focuses on 4IR projects in manufacturing.
[Startup Interview] Seth Wessels, Co-Founder, Tungston Trading, South Africa
Tungston Trading based in South Africa is a business involved in the supply of cast iron range of products to the retail merchants for home improvements and plumbing.
Naspers Foundry invests R100 million in South African agri-tech startup, Aerobotics
Naspers announced a R100 million investment in agritech business Aerobotics, through its early-stage business funding initiative Naspers Foundry. Aerobotics is a subscription-based artificial intelligence (AI) company that provides intelligent tools for the agricultural industry to manage its crops.
Solar leasing startup Sun Exchange secures $3 million investment from ARCH for African market expansion
South African solar leasing startup Sun Exchange has secured a $3 million investment from ARCH Emerging Markets Partners’ Africa Renewable Power Fund (ARPF), marking the close of $4 million Series-A funding round.
Luxembourg startup Wizata secures €2.7 million financing to digitize manufacturing with AI
Wizata, the Industry 4.0 Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup from Luxembourg, has raised €2.7 million from the original founders.
Dutch firm CNBB invests in South African employee engagement solution startup, Wyzetalk
Dutch investment company CNBB Venture Partners has made a multi-million euro investment in Wyzetalk, a fast-growing digital employee engagement company.
[South Africa] Food delivery startup Zulzi raises $1.6 million to expand operations
Zulzi, a South Africa based on-demand delivery platform has bagged R30 million ($1.6 million) funding from an unnamed JSE-listed company, aimed to expand its operations.
[Startup Interview] Candace Knox, CEO, Fat Finger Technologies, South Africa
Fat Finger Technologies in South Africa offers an array of Information Technology services and solutions ranging from simple office networks to full cloud-hosted solutions to public facing networks with internet fail-over.
[Startup Interview] Razia Adam, CEO, Lwandle RNS Holdings, South Africa
Razia Adam is the founder and CEO of Lwandle RNS Holdings, a South African mining startup that has since 2015 been providing industry players digitization processes and systems in order to enable high production rates.
[Startup Interview] Daniel Greaves, CEO, Fuel to Fly, South Africa
Daniel Greaves is the founder and CEO of South Africa-based startup Fuel to Fly that offer boutique sales outreach services that are powered by advanced data analytics.
[Startup Interview] Elton Greeve, CEO, EMG Agri Solutions, South Africa
EMG Agri Solutions, a South African startup offers business planning, management consulting, strategic management, and specialized project management for agri-businesses. The focus is on providing farmers and agri-businesses with specialist advisory solutions.
[Startup Interview] Josephine Pretorius, Founder, Consolidated Marketing Services, South Africa
Josephine Pretorius is the founder and CEO of Consolidated Marketing Services, CMS, a South African startup offering marketing and PR services to clients predominantly in the energy and power infrastructure sector.
[Startup Interview] Mhlengi Ngcobo, CEO, CoffeMM, South Africa
CoffeeMM, a South African startup in the coffee business has been working with smallholder farmers in South Africa, Mozambique, Burundi and Zimbabwe to process their raw coffee for the retail market. Besides connecting them to international
[Startup Interview] Rich Cheary, CEO, PT SportSuite, South Africa
PT SportSuite is a South African company whose mission is to digitally disrupt the sporting industry’s media landscape by allowing sporting organisations to operate like commercially-minded modern media houses, while building
[Startup Interview] Lwazi Nongauza, Executive Director, BTN Mobile, South Africa
BTN Mobile is a South African digital telecommunications network that seeks to revolutionize the telecommunications landscape in the country and beyond while bridging the digital divide by making ICT services available to the underserved at a reasonable rate
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