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Insurtech startup QuoteWell comes out of stealth, raises $15m Series A funding round
QuoteWell has announced the launch of its brokerage operations.
E-commerce tech platform MarketLeap secures €2.6m to expand brands’ global reach and revenue
MarketLeap has secured €1.5m funding.
Canadian e-Commerce inventory platform Centro launches with $2m pre-seed funding round
e-Commerce inventory platform Centro, announced a $2m in pre-seed funding.
French startup Kamino Retail raises €1.25m pre-seed round to accelerate growth
Kamino Retail announced a pre-seed funding of €1.25m from business angels.
Nigerian mobility startup Mecho Autotech raises $2.4m, ventures into wholesale spare parts distribution
Nigerian mobility startup Mecho Autotech, has closed $2.4m pre-Series A investment.
Harmonya raises $20m Series A to transform CPG and retail with AI-powered product data
Harmonya announced a $20m Series A, bringing total funding to $25 million.
Kids footwear brand jbrds closes $500k seed round, establishes $5m valuation
jbrds has subscribed a modest seed round of $500k, establishing a $5,000,000 valuation.
Swedish fintech Klarna records growth in key European markets
Klarna, the global payments network and shopping assistant, announced strong growth across Europe.
B2B marketplace startup Ghost raises $30m to help brands and retailers move surplus inventory
B2B marketplace startup Ghost has raised $30m Series B funding.
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.
Kenyan agritech startup Kyosk acquires KwikBasket, expands into fresh produce market
Kenyan agritech startup Kyosk, is expanding into the African fresh produce market.
Kenyan fashion e-Commerce startup ShopZetu raises pre-seed funding to fuel growth of its marketplace
Kenyan fashion e-Commerce startup ShopZetu has raised $1m pre-seed funding.
[Interview] Caroline Mutuku, General Manager, Glovo, Kenya
Caroline Mutuku is Kenya's General Manager of multi-category app Glovo.
How payment technology is changing the rulebook on South African retail
The past few years have seen the proliferation of new methods of transacting.
Dental marketplace Wellplaece launches with $5.5m seed round
Dental marketplace Wellplaece announced the company's Private Beta launch.
Genetica raises $500k seed round to make cannabis shopping smarter with AI
Genetica, an AI cannabis retail platform, announced the close of its seed round.
Austrian SaaS startup Shopstory scores million-dollar investment to accelerate growth
Austrian SaaS startup Shopstory has scored another million-dollar investment.
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.
Kenya's B2B e-Commerce startup Wasoko expands to Zambia
Wasoko has revealed plans to invest over $1 million in Zambia. The B2B retail and e-Commerce made this announcement while announcing its official entry into the Southern African country.
Africa’s mezzanine debt fund manager Vantage Capital exits Dynamic Bedding
Vantage Capital, Africa’s mezzanine debt fund manager, announced it has fully exited its investment in Dynamic Bedding, a South African specialist bed manufacturer and retailer.
GCPL to invest $12m in early-stage Indian consumer startups
Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), announced that it will be investing INR 100 Crore ($12 million) in Early Spring, a new INR 300 Crore early-stage consumer fund being set up by Spring Marketing Capital (Spring).
Forces shaping the retail landscape in 2023, ESW
Brands and merchants are constantly adapting to the ever-changing forces that shape the retail landscape
California furniture startup Woodsy announces pre-seed funding round, launches Kickstarter
Woodsy, a California furniture startup manufacturing affordable solid wood furniture, announced its first product on Kickstarter, surpassing its funding goal in 6 hours.
3 key trends in retail and brand innovation, Plug and Play
Brands and the retail industry are undergoing a rapid transformation. As technology and customer expectations continue to evolve, businesses must innovate to stay competitive and provide a better consumer and user experience.
Vue.ai announces new AI powered models to generate inclusive ad creatives through Meta's Creative Shop
Vue.ai, the retail vertical of AI startup Mad Street Den, announced its partnership with Meta to generate automated and inclusive ad creatives using AI-powered models for brands using Meta's creative services.
Indian SaaS startup Mintoak raises $20m Series A funding round to grow its product portfolio
Mintoak, an India-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform focused on merchant services, has raised $20 million in Series A funding round led by PayPal Ventures.
Berlin's EatFirst acquires London-based foodtech startup Feedr to accelerate growth
Berlin-based corporate food ordering platform EatFirst, has acquired Feedr, a London-based enterprise food technology platform that gives corporate customers software to support healthier daily eating in workplaces.
Bangladeshi B2B commerce platform ShopUp secures $30m debt financing to fuel expansion, strengthen supply chain operations
ShopUp, a full-stack B2B commerce platform in Bangladesh, announced it has secured $30 million in debt financing, to drive expansion efforts and strengthen the company's supply chain operations.
Food Foundry accelerator announces fifth cohort of early-stage foodservice startups
Food Foundry, an accelerator program built by Relish Works and Gordon Food Service for early-stage startups disrupting the food and foodservice industry, announced the five startups that will join the fifth cohort starting in January 2023.
Boulder-based startup Hickey Hack develops first ever concealer for hickeys
Hickey Hack, a startup based in Boulder, Colorado, has developed a concealer designed to eliminate hickeys. This is the first time a product like this has ever been created and is a major breakthrough in the cosmetic industry.
Nigerian online furniture store Taeillo raises $2.5m for expansion
Nigerian online store Taeillo, announced a $2.5 million funding round from Aruwa Capital, a growth equity and early-stage investor.
Senegalese startup Kwely launches made in Africa online store
Kwely, a Senegalese-based startup has launched a B2B e-marketplace to provide African producers and manufacturers with a global window to sell their products at scale.
Netail closes $5m seed funding to advance retail-focused AI development
Netail, a technology that enables retailers to auto-identify competitors across the internet and track their assortments, availability and optimize prices in real time, announced the closing of $5 million in seed funding.
Nigerian foodtech Orda raises $3.4m seed round to digitize African restaurants
Nigerian foodtech platform Orda announced has raised a $3.4 million seed round to further digitize food businesses across the continent.
Berlin-based AI-powered startup Faircado raises €500K to transform E-commerce into Re-commerce
Faircado, a Berlin-based startup that provides the first AI-powered second-hand shopping assistance, announced it has raised €500,000 in a pre-seed round led by BackBone Ventures.
Tanzanian CPG startup Ramani raises $32m to digitize supply chains
Ramani, a Tanzanian startup focused on consumer-packaged goods (CPG) supply chains, has raised $32 million in Series A debt-equity funding to introduce new financial services as it expands its operations.
Beverage startup Hangobi raises capital on StartEngine to accelerate growth
Beverage startup Hangobi announced it is raising capital on SearchEngine to expand its footprint beyond NYC, bringing its healthy drinks to the masses.
Kenyan supply chain and logistics startup Leta secures $3m pre-seed funding to accelerate growth
Leta, the supply chain and logistics startup driving distribution optimization, announced the close of $3 million Pre-Seed equity round.
Kenyan agritech startup Stable Foods raises $600k funding to grow its climate smart smallholder platform
Stable Foods, a Kenyan agritech startup offering a host of solutions to small-scale farmers, has raised $600k funding round, to build out its climate smart smallholder food production platform.
Demand for seamless, convenient way of shopping increase growth of e-Commerce in Africa
The electronic commerce (e-Commerce) transaction of goods and services between business-to-consumer (B2C), business-to-business (B2B), consumer-to-consumer, and consumer-to-business, has become rampant in this digital age.
Ultra-convenient healthy meals startup Proper Good closes seed funding to bring absurdly delicious products
PROPER GOOD, an ultra-convenient home-delivered food service company that offers nutritious prepared meals made with simple and high quality ingredients, announced the closing of $3.5 million in seed funding.
Vue Storefront wins best e-Commerce and retail startup at The Europas Tech Startup Awards 2022
Vue Storefront, a technology company that develops software for businesses to create fast, modern and high-performing online storefronts, was crowned a winner at The Europas Tech Startup Awards 2022.
New York startup Scent Lab personalizes the fragrance industry with immersive digital experiences and AI-tech
Scent Lab announced the launch of its online platform that’s changing the way consumers shop for fragrance. Scent Lab is the first digital destination that leverages immersive video experiences and AI tech.
London-based Sidekick raises £3.33m pre-seed to build a modern investment manager for today’s changing world
Sidekick, a digital active investment manager built for today’s rapidly changing world, announced a £3.33 million pre-seed equity round led by Octopus Ventures.
GS1 Hong Kong unlocks the next generation of trade finance service for SMEs in China
GS1 Hong Kong (GS1 HK) announced it has welcomed the launch of Commercial Data Interchange (CDI) by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA).
Kenyan fintech startup Tanda announces agency banking entry in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania
Kenyan fintech startup Tanda announced plans for agency banking entry in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania to accelerate growth within the East African markets.
Nigerian social commerce startup Bumpa raises $4m seed funding to build the future of commerce for African sellers
Nigerian social commerce startup Bumpa announced it has raised $4 million seed round led by Base10 Partners, the largest black-led fund in the world, with participation from Plug & Play Ventures.
Fintech startup Banyan raises $43m Series A to scale world's largest SKU data network
Banyan, the network for SKU data, announced it has raised $43 million Series A round led by Fin Capital and M13. The investment will accelerate Banyan's technology and infrastructure growth.
Kenyan home furniture startup MoKo raises $6m to accelerate growth
Kenyan home furniture startup MoKo announced it raised $6.5 million in a Series B funding round, which is a combination of debt and equity.
Climate infrastructure startup EcoCart raises $14.5m Series A to accelerate sustainable e-Commerce
EcoCart, a software company building the infrastructure for e-Commerce companies to operate sustainably at scale, has raised a $14.5 million Series A round.
Kenyan startup Kyosk Digital expands to Uganda
Kyosk Digital Services aims to address some of the challenges that vendors of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) go through in sourcing products and restocking their outlets.
Vendease secures $30m to transform procurement and business operations for restaurants across Africa
Vendease, a Y Combinator-backed digital platform that allows restaurants in Africa to buy supplies, access financial services and power their business operations, has raised $30 million funding round.
Crypto tax reporting app Binocs nets $4m funding round as it adds institutional investors to retail base
Crypto tax reporting app Binocs has announced a $4 million fundraise to cater to institutional crypto investors and enter geographies like the US, UK, Australia etc.
Healthtech startup Remedial Health secures $4.4m to provide access to credit for pharmacies in Nigeria
Remedial Health, a healthtech startup that develops solutions to make Africa’s pharmaceutical value chain more efficient, has raised $4.4 million in seed funding to accelerate its expansion across Nigeria.
India's fruits and vegetables platform Sahyadri Farms raises €40m growth capital to support smallholder farmers
India's integrated platform for fruits and vegetables Sahyadri Farms has raised €40 million growth capital from a group of impact-focused investors; Incofin, Korys, FMO and Proparco.
[Startup Interview] Tesh Mbaabu, CEO, MarketForce, Kenya
Tesh Mbaabu is a serial entrepreneur who lives to blend commerce and technology. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Kenyan-based B2B platform for retail distribution of consumer goods and digital financial services in Africa today, MarketForce.
Austrian SaaS startup Shopstory raises €2.2m in second round funding to back e-Commerce brands
Austrian startup Shopstory is raising a million-dollar investment from tecnet equity, Startup300 and business angels Patrick Pöschl (Co-Founder Scalable Capital) and Hansi Hansmann in its second round of financing.
Kenyan B2B e-Commerce startup Wasoko opens innovation hub in Zanzibar
Wasoko (formerly Sokowatch), an African B2B e-Commerce startup that leverages technology to transform the informal retail supply chain, announced the official launch of the “Wasoko Innovation Hub” in partnership with the Zanzibar government.
Nigerian B2B e-Commerce startup Omnibiz raises $15m for expansion
Nigerian B2B e-Commerce startup Omnibiz has raised $15 million pre-Series A round ($5 million equity and $10 million debt) led by Timon Capital, Ventures Platform, Lofty Inc, Chapel Hill Denham, Chandaria Capital and Musha Ventures.
Budmail announces partnership with Canadian AI startup Lil Durk
Lil Durk (LilDurk.com), a Canadian news & technology company enhanced by AI-driven neural networks, has announced a strategic partnership agreement with Budmail, a retail-focused cannabis company.
South African agritech disruptor AgriKool drives down food costs for consumers, increases profits for farmers
AgriKool, a South African e-trading platform, is connecting agricultural producers to buyers to facilitate the sale of products between retailers and farmers.
Kenyan mobile commerce startup Copia unveils manufacturing unit for sugar and rice production
Copia Global, a Kenyan-based mobile commerce platform has unveiled a new manufacturing unit to enhance its output of affordable sugar and rice to the Kenyan market.
Product search engine startup Vetted raises $15m to vet trustworthy product data for consumers
Vetted (formerly Lustre) announced the launch of its AI-powered product search engine, alongside a $14 million Series A investment round led by global software investor Insight Partners.
Autonomous robotics delivery startup Ottonomy closes $3.3m seed financing round
Ottonomy.IO, the autonomous robotics delivery startup, announced the close of its seed funding round of $3.3 million bringing its total funding to date to $4.9 million, supporting the scale of Ottobots for fully autonomous airport, retail and restaurant deliveries.
VMG Catalyst closes $400m Fund II to scale commerce venture capital space
Venture capital firm VMG Catalyst announced the closing of Fund II at its target of $400 million, bringing the total capital raised to $650 million across both funds.
Web3 digital identity startup Unstoppable Domains raises $65m Series A funding at $1b valuation
Unstoppable Domains, the platform for Web3 digital identity with more than 2.5 million registered NFT domains, announced it has closed $65 million in Series A funding at a $1 billion valuation.
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.
Web3 startup Book Token launches eBooks on Chain, sells $100K worth of eBooks
Dallas-based startup, Book Token (Booktoken.io), has brought books to the blockchain with the launch of its first eBook, the Gutenberg Bible - in recognition of the printing press technology created by Johannes Gutenberg.
Olympus Innovation Ventures backs endoscopy video and AI startup Virgo
Olympus announced that the company's venture capital fund, Olympus Innovation Ventures, completed its first investment, participating in the Series A financing of Virgo Surgical Video Solutions (Virgo) of Carlsbad, California.
Globant's Be Kind Tech Fund invests in ping voice technology platform to help get drivers home safely
Globant, a digitally native company focused on reinventing businesses through innovative technology solutions, announced that its Be Kind Tech Fund has invested in ping, a U.S.-based voice platform company.
Cryptocurrency startup Coinfeeds raises $2m seed round, launches Web3 community monitoring app
Coinfeeds announced that it has raised a $2 million seed round led by FTX Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, Protocol Labs (IPFS / Filecoin), Huobi Ventures, and startup accelerator Y Combinator.
Immigrants have started more than half of America's billion-dollar startup companies, study
Immigrants have started more than half (319 of 582, or 55%) of America's startup companies valued at $1 billion or more, according to a new study from the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), a nonpartisan research organization.
Mymee acquires Berlin-based healthtech startup Breakthrough Health to scale growth
Mymee, the provider of specialized care and support for people with significant symptoms associated with autoimmune disease and long COVID, has acquired Berlin-based Breakthrough Health, the creator of the #1 mobile app Emilyn for people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Fintech startup CoinFlip raises $1m initiative to support emerging Web 3.0 startups
CoinFlip, a fintech company powered by cryptocurrency, announced the launch of CoinFlip Ventures, a new initiative that will support Web 3.0 based startup companies.
Fifth Wall raises $500m climate fund to decarbonize global real estate
Fifth Wall, a venture capital firm focused on technology for the global real estate industry, has held the final close of its inaugural Climate Fund with $500 million in capital commitments.
Madrid-based Seedtag raises over €250m to scale its Contextual AI technology
Seedtag, the leader in contextual advertising in EMEA and LATAM, announced it has raised over €250 million in funding from private equity investor Advent International.
UKI2S expands fund by £37m to accelerate British innovation
The UK Innovation and Science Seed Fund (UKI2S), announced the expansion of its patient capital fund by £37 million, to boost support of British innovation.
Data security startup Sotero closes $8m seed extension funding round to accelerate growth
Sotero, the leader in revolutionary data security, announced a $8 million extension of their seed round, bringing the round to a total of $13 million.
Fintech startup Bizao raises €8m Series A funding to accelerate its footprint across Africa
Bizao, a fintech that facilitates payments for both local and international businesses operating in Africa, announced a €8 million Series A funding to accelerate its geographical footprint across the continent and invest in the design of new lines of products and services.
Omaha-based startup Workshop raises $5m to streamline internal email and communications
Workshop, a delightful platform for distributing and measuring internal email and communications, has raised $5.2 million in additional seed funding. The round was led by McCarthy Capital out of their Emerging Growth strategy.
Nigerian fintech infrastructure startup Bloc acquires payments company Orchestrate
Bloc, the Nigerian fintech infrastructure provider, has announced the acquisition of Orchestrate (previously Getwallets), a proprietary payments orchestration startup that gives businesses instant access to multiple payment providers with one integration.
Singapore-based music startup SpiderVille raises $1m pre-seed funding to accelerate Web3 music adoption
SpiderVille, a Singapore-based Web3 music startup, announced it has raised a $1 million pre-seed round from Contents Technologies, Samsung Next, and other notable angel investors.
ComplyCube partners with Capital Pilot to back high-growth startups in the UK
ComplyCube, the global verification platform, has partnered with Capital Pilot, the Startup Rating Agency, to provide state-of-the-art KYC verification for Boost Fund I, the UK's first automated high-volume startup investment fund.
German startup Lumiform closes €6.4m to boost deskless worker app
Berlin-based deskless worker platform Lumiform has closed €6.4 million Series A financing round, led by Capnamic.
Boeing, AE Industrial Partners launch second venture fund to invest in innovative aerospace and defense startups
Boeing has committed a $50 million investment in AEI HorizonX, a partnership the company established with private equity firm AE Industrial Partners to invest in transformative aerospace technologies.
Agritech startup Lumo raises $2.1m to tackle the global water insecurity crisis
Lumo, a new agritech company focused on water sustainability, announced it has raised $2.1 million in pre-seed funding and plans to allocate funds toward commercialization of its irrigation technology.
Sudanese fintech startup Bloom nabs $6.5m backed by Y Combinator, GFC and Visa
Bloom, a Sudan-based fintech that offers a high-yield savings account and adjacent digital banking services, announced it has raised a $6.5 million seed round, after an undisclosed pre-seed round last year.
Surgical Intelligence startup Theator extends Series A funding with additional $24m for a total of $39.5m
Theator, the creator of Surgical Intelligence, announced it has raised $24 million in an extension of its Series A funding round.
Cyber security startup Anvilogic raises $25m Series B funding to modernize security operations
Anvilogic, a modern security operations platform that brings a cloud-based security data lake to life, announced the company's $25 million Series B funding.
TaskHuman startup raises $20m Series B funding to expand its virtual coaching platform
TaskHuman, the 1:1 digital coaching platform, has raised $20 million in Series B funding to amplify human well-being and productivity in a digital world.
InterApp startup raises $1.2m to bring mass adoption of AR as a necessary consumer utility tool
Sacramento, CA based startup InterApp announced it has raised $1.2 million in pre-seed funding, to double down on early marketing efforts and acquire 10% of the Total Addressable Market (TAM) within 12 months.
Irish digital identity startup valid8Me secures €12.5m investment to increase headcount, accelerate growth
valid8Me, the digital identity SAAS platform, announced that Grant Thornton Ireland are investing €12.5million in the company.
AfricInvest and Cathay Innovation complete final close of €110m Pan-African venture fund
Africa’s multi-asset investment platform AfricInvest and global venture capital firm Cathay Innovation, have completed the final close of their joint Pan-African venture fund, Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund (CAIF), at €110 million.
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.
Yamaha partners with Nigerian startup MAX for vehicle financing and maintenance
Moto Business Service Nigeria (MBSN), a subsidiary of Japan’s Yamaha Motor Corporation, announced a strategic partnership with Metro Africa Xpress (MAX), to finance and maintain over 50,000 vehicles over the next 2 years.
African accelerator for European scaleups Chapter54 now in full swing
Chapter54, the first accelerator dedicated to European scaleups wishing to expand into African markets, launched in January 2022 by Partech, has started to support its first batch of European scaleups.
Pan-African talent marketplace Gebeya announces new innovation to accelerate hiring freelance professionals
Gebeya, the Pan-African marketplace for freelance professional talent, announced a new innovation to accelerate a more stable, dynamic African tech talent infrastructure.
French insurtech startup Orus raises €5m to reinvent professional insurance for SMEs
Orus, the insurtech company for small businesses, announced it has raised €5 million from Frst, Partech, Portage Ventures and around twenty business angels.
HiddenLayer startup emerges from stealth mode, raises $6m seed funding to protect AI-powered products
HiddenLayer startup announced it has emerged from stealth mode to launch its flagship product, after raising $6 million in seed funding led by Ten Eleven Ventures.
D3 launches first cohort of startups to accelerate scaling of carbon dioxide removal solutions
Global climate technology accelerator Third Derivative (D3), has launched a focused cohort of five promising startups working on durable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) solutions.
Social impact fintech DreamStart Labs partners with BRAC Bank to reach unbanked women in Bangladesh
DreamStart Labs, a fintech for emerging markets, and BRAC Bank, a commercial bank in Bangladesh, have entered into an agreement to provide digital financial services to unbanked women in Bangladesh.
Novelis partners with recycling startup Sortera Alloys to recycle automotive post-production and consumer scrap
Novelis, a sustainable aluminum solutions provider and the world leader in aluminum rolling and recycling, announced a strategic partnership with Sortera Alloys, an industrial scrap metal sorting and recycling company.
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.
Japanese open-source autonomous driving startup TIER IV launches $300m green autonomous driving project
TIER IV, an open-source autonomous driving startup, announced it has received a grant from the Green Innovation Fund Projects (GI Fund) for research and development of autonomous driving software platforms.
Oslo-based DevOps startup Kosli set to launch free tier for developers
Oslo-based software startup Kosli announced it will launch a free tier of its SaaS later this summer. Founded in 2019 as a compliance automation platform for regulated DevOps teams in sectors like fintech, Kosli will now offer a much broader set of use cases for developers in all industries.
Carbon Business Council launches to create a seat at the policy table for carbon management startups
The Carbon Business Council (CO2BC) has launched, to advocate for early-stage companies focused on removing, utilizing, and managing carbon dioxide.
DivInc Houston launches inaugural Women in Tech Accelerator with title sponsor SheSpace
DivInc, the premier startup accelerator for people of color and women entrepreneurs, announced the launch of its first Women in Tech Accelerator made possible through Houston title sponsor, SheSpace.
917Ventures partners with AC Ventures to explore business opportunities, grow ecosystem in Philippines
917Ventures has partnered with AC Ventures, a subsidiary of Filipino conglomerate Ayala, to explore business opportunities and grow its ecosystem.
Canvas Medical achieves ONC certification, raises $24m to power clinicians and developers scaling digital health companies
Canvas Medical, the EMR that enables clinicians and developers to power the future of care delivery, raised $24 million in Series B funding led by M13 with participation from Haystack.
Insight Partners announces Enterprise Technology Exchange to drive unparalleled innovation within the enterprise software sector
Global software investor Insight Partners announced the establishment of its Enterprise Technology Exchange, a council of preeminent technology leaders in Europe and North America.
Stori becomes Mexico's newest Unicorn after raising $150m round of financing, valuing the startup at $1.2b
Stori, a fintech company offering credit card products to Mexico's underserved population, announced a $150 million round of financing, valuing the company at $1.2 billion, achieving a "Unicorn" status.
Why you should implement cryptocurrency payments into your e-Commerce website, Remuno
Crypto is one of the biggest aspects of modern finance and technology. For businesses, this revenue stream could provide major boosts to sales numbers, with crypto payments giving customers more freedom while also bringing benefits.
The African Business Roundtable Project Preparation Masterclass Free Webinar, July 27
After discussions with a variety of advisory and investment institutions, and to further attract investment to projects, the African Business Roundtable Secretariat in association with Afreximbank has designed the “Project Preparation Masterclass”.
Lithuanian startup Elinta Charge raises €7m to accelerate EV charging solutions
AVIA Capital and LitCapital have invested €7 million in Elinta Charge, a Lithuanian developer and manufacturer of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, to support R&D, development of new products and further international expansion in the fast-growing e-mobility market.
London-based soccer game startup CLUB closes $3.1m seed round for the first F2P and Play-and-Earn soccer ownership game
CLUB, the independent studio behind CLUB Game, the first free-to-play (F2P), play-and-earn soccer game that allows you to create and sell your own real-player soccer club, has secured its first major round of funding.
Flagstar Bank completes third MortgageTech Accelerator program
Flagstar Bank announced it has wrapped up its third MortgageTech Accelerator program - the first and only accelerator in the United States solely dedicated to mortgage technology.
YC-backed startup Bobidi raises $5.8m to build global bug bounty platform for AI models
Bobidi, an AI model test platform, announced it has raised $5.8 million in seed funding from Y Combinator, We Ventures, Hyundai Motors Group ZER01NE, Scrum Ventures, NPE, Meta, Lotte Ventures, Atlas Pac Capital, and angel investors.
Michigan-based edtech startup Alchemie earns $1m grant for accessible learning for STEM
Alchemie, an educational technology company based in Troy, Michigan, announced it has received a prestigious one-million-dollar Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant from the Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences.
Mixed bag for U.S. startup ecosystem as market outlook remains uncertain - PitchBook, NVCA report
Despite an uncertain macroeconomic environment, US venture capital (VC) deal activity in the first half of 2022 was strong, according to the Q2 2022 PitchBook-NVCA Venture Monitor.
Israeli tech startup AI21 Labs raises $64m to change the way people read and write using artificial intelligence
AI21 Labs, an Israeli startup aiming to fundamentally change the way people read and write, announced the completion of its $64 million series B funding round, bringing the company's valuation to $664 million.
Microlearning startup Arist raises $12m to reimagine workplace learning for a new generation
Arist announced that it has raised $12 million in a Series A funding round led by pioneering growth-stage business software investor PeakSpan Capital, accompanied by Rainfall Ventures.
Austin-based startup Sumatra raises $1.5m seed round to launch real-time data platform
Sumatra, an Austin-based real-time data platform company, announced that it has secured $1.5 million in seed financing led by S3 Ventures with participation from Sentiero Ventures, Data Power Ventures, and AI Sprouts.
Ukrainian and Dutch-based startup Cloudprinter.com raises €7m seed funding to grow its global print API platform
Cloudprinter.com, the Ukrainian and Dutch-based global print API platform raised €7 missed in a seed round led by Capital Mills.
Online energy marketplace VECKTA closes $3.3m seed round to accelerate growth
VECKTA, the online energy marketplace that connects commercial and industrial energy users with capital, services, and equipment suppliers, announced it has closed a $3.3 million institutional seed round.
Magic Eden launches Magic Ventures to focus on Web3 gaming investments
Magic Eden, the destination for NFTs, announced the launch of Magic Ventures, a venture arm that will focus on investing in Web3 games.
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.
Carbon to Value Initiative announces year two startup cohort for carbontech accelerator program
The Carbon to Value Initiative (C2V Initiative), has selected eight startups for the second year of its carbontech accelerator program in partnership with Fluor Corporation, the initiative's Year Two Cohort Champion.
Canadian biotech startup Spiderwort secures $13.2m financing to accelerate clinical trials of biomaterials
Spiderwort, the biotech company innovating in cellulose-based tissue scaffolding to treat acute spinal cord injuries, announced the successful completion of its $13.2 million Series A financing.
Cleantech startup Greener Process Systems develops modular system to capture maritime and industrial emissions
Greener Process Systems filed a series of patents that demonstrate their focus will expand to general industrial applications as well as further developments in CO2 capture, storage and re-utilization.
[Column] Patrick Ndegwa: Is 2022 the year for African startups?
Africa is the place to be if you want to discover and support new ideas. According to a Substack newsletter titled Africa: The Big Deal, the continent was the recipient of startup deals worth a combined $4.27 billion
Qiming Venture Partners closes $3.2b funds to back early and growth stage tech startups in China
China based venture capital firm Qiming Venture Partners announced the closing of $3.2 billion, including USD Fund VIII at $2.5 billion and the first closing of RMB Fund VII at $700 million.
Nigerian fintech startup CARMACHAIN hits over 80 million consumer profiles
Nigerian fintech startup CARMACHAIN announced it has hit over 80 million consumer profiles. This milestone is a major move for CARMACHAIN as it takes another step forward in realising its mission of decentralising data.
Quantitative investment firm Hidden Road raises $50m to accelerate access to traditional and digital markets
Hidden Road, the global credit network for institutional investors, announced the closing of $50 million Series A funding, led by Castle Island Ventures,
Automotive B2B marketplace APFusion raises $6.5m in series seed financing to expand its platform
APFusion, the automotive B2B marketplace and SaaS company focused on modernizing the auto salvage industry, secured $6.5 million in series seed financing bringing the company's total financing to $7 million.
Blockchain security startup BlockSec closes $8m funding round to accelerate growth
Blockchain security startup BlockSec announced the completion of $8 million seed plus round of funding, to expand its research and production team and provide the on-chain monitoring and attack interception capability.
Kenyan healthtech startup AfyaRekod launches Universal Patient Portal for worldwide health data mobility management
Kenyan-based AfyaRekod launched the fully automated Universal Patient Portal – a block-chain driven technology that will transform the face of patient care across Africa and the World.
London-based fintech startup Griffin raises $15m to become the bank fintechs can build on
Griffin, a Banking as a Service (BaaS) fintech firm, announced it has raised $15.5 million funding to launch the OS for embedded finance.
Sabre joins Plug and Play as travel and hospitality partner
Sabre Corporation, a software and technology company powering the global travel industry, announced its partnership with Plug and Play's Travel and Hospitality program headquartered in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Medical Solutions acquires healthcare staffing tech startup Matchwell
Matchwell, the healthcare staffing solution built for today's flexible workforce, announced it has been acquired by Medical Solutions, one of the nation's largest providers of total workforce solutions serving the healthcare industry.
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.
Stellar Ventures closes $23m fund for next-gen of space entrepreneurs
Stellar Ventures launched its first fund, SV Andromeda Fund LP, which recently held its final closing with over $23 million in capital commitments and the mission to invest in the future of space technology.
ING Ventures invests in OpenFin to accelerate growth across the financial industry
OpenFin, the operating system (OS) of enterprise productivity, announced it has secured a strategic investment from ING Ventures, the venture capital arm of ING.
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.
Verification platform ComplyCube expands startup assistance program to $50,000
Verification platform ComplyCube, has increased startup assistance to $50,000. The Startup Program supports qualifying businesses with free checks, resources, and consultancy.
Crescent fintech raises $5m pre-seed round, launches platform to help companies improve cash management
Crescent, a fintech best known for crypto-backed high yields, announced it has raised $5 million pre-seed round from strategic angels and tech founders.
Israeli fintech and capital markets startup Deshe Analytics raises $6.5m funding to expand to international markets
Israeli fintech and capital markets startup Deshe Analytics announced a $6.5 million seed funding round led by Group 11.
African fintech Flutterwave appoints Gurbhej Dhillon as new CTO
Flutterwave, Africa’s payments technology company, announced the appointment of former Goldman Sachs’ Managing Director, Gurbhej Dhillon as Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
Nigerian fintech startup Mono launches in Kenya
Mono, a Nigerian fintech startup that builds open banking infrastructure to enable access to customer financial data and bank payments for digital businesses in Africa, announced it has expanded its services to Kenya.
Climentum Capital raises €150m to invest in European early-stage tech startups attacking CO2 emissions
Climentum Capital announced it has raised €150 million for investments into European early-stage tech companies attacking CO2 emissions.
Nemetschek invests in UK-based startup SymTerra to drive digitalization in the construction industry
The Nemetschek Group, one of the software providers for the AEC/O and media & entertainment industries, announced to have invested in the UK-based startup SymTerra, a construction site communications platform.
Neomoon digital bank raises $850k in first seed capital investment round
Neomoon, the digital bank based on stablecoin which offers Latin Americans financial solutions to protect their money from devaluation and facilitate daily transactions, announced the closing of $850k first seed capital investment round.
London-based startup growth agency Tailored Brands rebrands to Ventuure to scale Series A and B startups
Startup growth agency Tailored Brands announced it is rebranding to become Ventuure, to evolve its mission to support Series A and B startups.
Dutch-based startup Backbase raises €120m in growth equity funding
Backbase, creator of the category-leading Engagement Banking platform, raised €120 million in growth equity funding from Motive Partners.
French space-tech startup Leanspace raises €6m to digitalize the space industry via the cloud
Leanspace, the company building the digital infrastructure of the space industry, announced the closing of an oversubscribed seed financing round of €6 million.
London-based invoice intelligence platform Xelix completes $5m Series A funding to accelerate growth
Invoice intelligence platform Xelix announced it has successfully completed the Series A funding round, raising $5 million.
Peterson Ventures raises $140m across Fund IV and Opportunity Fund I to double down on its core strategy
Peterson Ventures, a pre-Series A venture firm that invests across SaaS and digital commerce, announced that it has raised over $140 million in new capital for its Fund IV and Opportunity Fund I.
Bodybuilding.com partners with Retail Ecommerce Ventures to accelerate growth
Bodybuilding.com, the online fitness store, has struck a deal to partner with Retail Ecommerce Ventures (REV), a global leader in e-Commerce with a rapidly growing roster of well-known brands, to accelerate growth.
Entertainment tech startup Virtuosica launches for select artists and U.S. audiences
Entertainment tech startup Virtuosica has launched the beta version of its first product, the Virtuosica virtual concert platform.
Telehealth startup Ria Health secures $18m Series A to scale online alcohol use disorder treatment
Ria Health, a telehealth provider specializing in alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment, announced the closing of $18 million in Series A funding
Telegraph Hill Partners raises $525m fifth fund for new life science and healthcare investments
Telegraph Hill Partners (THP), a venture capital and growth equity firm dedicated to building life science and healthcare technology businesses, announced it has closed on THP V, a new $525 million investment fund.
BII invests $20m in African mobility fintech Moove to strengthen the informal transport industry
The British International Investment (BII), the UK government’s Development Finance Institution (DFI), announced a $20 million, 4-year structured credit investment in Moove, a mobility fintech democratising access to vehicle ownership in Africa.
Lummus announces successful startup of CATOFIN PDH unit in China
Lummus Technology announced the commissioning and startup of a propane dehydrogenation (PDH) unit at Shandong Ruize Chemical Technology's complex in China.
Zing Data raises $2.4m to bring business intelligence to mobile
Zing Data, a collaborative business intelligence and visualization startup, announced it has raised $2.4 million, led by Kindred Ventures, Correlation Ventures and early backers of Amplitude and Robinhood.
Indian no-code mobile startup Plobal raises $8.5m to expand presence in North America
Plobal Apps, a no-code mobile app platform for e-commerce stores, raised $8.5 million, led by Elevation Capital and Bessemer Venture Partners.
B2B e-Commerce and fintech startup Bazaar raises $70m to revamp the retail industry in Pakistan
Bazaar, Pakistan’s B2B e-Commerce and fintech platform has raised $70 million in a Series B financing led by Dragoneer Investment Group and Tiger Global Management.
Utrecht-based same day and next day delivery startup Trunkrs raises €15 million in growth capital
Trunkrs, specialist in same day & next day delivery for the e-Commerce sector, has successfully raised €15 million in a series B investment round. The financing round was led by Korys, the Belgian investment company of the Colruyt family.
Amsterdam-based Instant Commerce secures €2m pre-seed funding to boost its headless storefront builder
Amsterdam-based Instant Commerce announced it has secured €2 million pre-seed funding to boost its headless storefront builder.
Oregon-based Dutch Bros raises $2.3m to help end ALS
Dutch Bros, a drive-through coffee chain headquartered in Grants Pass, Oregon, announced that together with its customers, raised a record breaking $2.3 million during its 16th annual Drink One for Dane day.
Text messaging startup Prokeep raises $9m to modernize distributor communications and commerce
Prokeep, the communications and commerce platform built exclusively for distributors, announced the closing of $9 million seed round.
Indonesian social commerce startup Super completes $70m oversubscribed Series C round
Super, an Indonesian social commerce platform serving tier-2 and tier-3 cities and Indonesian rural areas, announced it completed a $70 million oversubscribed Series C round led by NEA with additional investment from Insignia Ventures Partners.
Swiss Web3 payment startup DePay brings Web3 P2P payment gateway to eligible Shopify merchants
Swiss Web3 payment startup DePay, announced its official integration into omnichannel commerce platform Shopify, allowing for the very first integration of a wallet-to-wallet (P2P) payment solution for eligible Shopify merchants.
e-Commerce logistics startup Kubbo begins international expansion, starts Italy operations
e-Commerce logistics startup Kubbo, announced its first international move to expand its model of digitising logistics for brands and ecommerce companies. The operator has launched its activity in Italy.
Dough Ecommerce Capital partners with Byrne Capital to scale DTC businesses online
Dough Ecommerce Capital and Byrne Capital Ventures announced a strategic partnership to invest in and acquire direct-to-consumer (DTC) ecommerce businesses.
Foodtech startup Haofood partners Lawson to accelerate presence in China
Haofood, a food science and technology startup announced a new partnership with Chinese convenience store Lawson where customers will gain greater access to its products.
e-Commerce startup byrd raises $56m Series C to become Europe-wide standard for next-day delivery
e-Commerce fulfillment technology startup byrd has raised a Series C round of $56 million, bringing the funding raised within the last 10 months to $75 million.
Nigerian retail tech startup TradeDepot appoints Chidi Akubuiro as Managing Director for West Africa
TradeDepot, a B2B e-Commerce and embedded finance platform in Africa, has appointed former Coca Cola HBC and Hayat Kimya Nigeria Executive, Chidi Akubuiro as its Managing Director for West Africa.
Food tech startup Tomorrow Farms raises $8.5m seed round to fuel sustainable food revolution
Tomorrow Farms, a food technology company on a mission to fuel the sustainable food revolution with irresistible food and beverage brands, announced a $8.5 million seed round led by Lowercarbon Capital and additional key investors.
The Home Depot announces $150m venture capital fund to fuel innovation in retail and home improvement
The Home Depot announced Home Depot Ventures, a $150 million venture capital fund created to identify, fund and partner with early-stage companies to accelerate emerging technologies.
Glovo announces winners of its tech startup pitch competition in Kenya
On-demand delivery platform Glovo has announced the winners of its tech startup pitch competition in Kenya.
African B2B marketplace Kwely nabs $1m seed round to accelerate growth
African B2B marketplace Kwely finalized a $1 million seed funding round with a $700,000 injection of fresh capital led by WIC Capital with participation from Loftyinc Capital, Afropreneur Angels, Haskè Ventures and other angel investors.
Estonian e-Store startup Upty acquires Finnish peer Rekki, opens up seed round
Estonian startup Upty, the resale e-Store in the Baltic region, announced the acquisition of its Finnish peer, Rekki. In addition, Upty is planning to kick-start the fundraising in the coming months in order to pursue the Company's accelerated expansion across Europe.
Plant-based meat startup Nowadays closes $7m seed round to accelerate health-focused chicken
Health-focused plant-based meat company Nowadays closed its oversubscribed Seed round, raising just shy of $10 million to-date to support commercialization of new plant-based chicken innovation.
SAP.iO launches Resilient Supply Chain startup program in collaboration with Accenture
SAP SE announced the launch of a virtual startup program focused on building a resilient supply chain at the SAP.iO Foundries Munich and Tel Aviv.
Kenyan mobile commerce startup Copia appoints former Amazon Executive to its Board
Copia Global, a Kenyan-based mobile commerce platform has announced the appointment of former Amazon executive Jason Murray to its Board.
Luxury clean CBD brand Lure Life closes $750K seed funding round for expansion
Lure Life, (Lure), a luxury, joy producing CBD brand has raised $750,000 in a Seed round of funding supported by a diverse group of investors in the beauty, finance and the consumer-packaged goods sectors.
Colombian-based consumer and fintech startup Leal secures $10m Series A round to scale growth
Colombian-based consumer and fintech company Leal has raised a $10 million Series A round co-led by global internet services leader Rakuten Group – through its investment arm Rakuten Capital – and IDC Ventures global fintech investment firm.
Kenyan social commerce startup Tushop raises $3m pre-seed funding to accelerate growth
Tushop, a Kenyan social-commerce platform that enables group-buying of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs), announced it has raised $3 million in pre-seed funding, led by 4DX Ventures.
French insect farming startup Ÿnsect acquires Nebraska-based Jord Producers to open first mealworm farm in the US
Jord Producers, based in Nebraska, has been incorporated into Ÿnsect’s production portfolio, signifying the global leader’s entry into North American mealworm production.
Plug and Play Japan kicks off 3rd Smart Cities accelerator program in Osaka and Tokyo
Plug and Play Japan has selected 25 startups from Japan and overseas for their accelerator program that promotes open innovation in Smart Cities theme. From the Batch 3 program, it will expand and operate at two locations, Tokyo and Osaka.
Israeli data integration startup Triple Whale raises $27.7m to develop default e-Commerce operating system for Shopify brands
Triple Whale, the all-in-one operating system for Shopify brands, announced it has raised $27.7 million in an extended Series A, the company's first announced funding round since its foundation in May 2021.
Kenyan e-Commerce startup Sokowatch raises $125m, rebrands to Wasoko
Kenyan based B2B e-Commerce startup Sokowatch has raised a $125 million Series B equity round, the largest venture financing round ever raised for a non-fintech startup in Africa.
Product photo performance startup Bloom raises $1.1m seed round funding to bring generative AI to e-Commerce
Product photo performance engine Bloom announced it has raised $1.1 million at the close of its seed funding round.
Canadian tech startup Calico secures $2.1m to revolutionize modern supply chains
Calico, the developer of the first AI-powered smart supply chain management platform, announced it has raised $2 million in seed funding. The growth financing is led by Serena Ventures following 300% growth since January 2022.
e-Commerce startup The Host Co. raises $1.85m to revolutionize short-term rental industry
The Host Co., the first-of-its-kind digital commerce marketplace for short-term rentals, announced an oversubscribed $1.85 million seed funding round, led by HearstLab with participation from The Artemis Fund and Untapped Capital.
South African fintechs Payflex and Merchant Capital launch cash advance solution for small retailers
Two South African fintechs, alternative lender Merchant Capital and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) specialist Payflex, have launched a cash advance solution for small and mid-sized retail sector.
Food startup Next Gen Foods debuts TiNDLE in the U.S., announces $100m Series A funding round
Food startup Next Gen Foods announced its first product TiNDLE, now available in a range of iconic restaurants across the East and West Coasts in some of the country's leading "foodie" cities.
Retailtech startup Cortina raises $6m seed round to accelerate growth
Cortina, a revolutionary software solution that gives any retailer, from big box to mom-and-pop, the power to become a player in the fast-evolving marketplace revolution, announced it has closed $6 million in seed money.
Kenyan foodtech startup Kune starts commercial operations in Nairobi
Kenyan foodtech startup Kune has officially launched commercial operations with four meal hubs located in strategic locations in Nairobi.
Cross-border fintech startup Dowsure raises $20m to fuel growth of e-Commerce sellers in China
Shenzhen-based fintech startup Dowsure Technologies, has attracted the attention of global strategic investors, fueling the growth of millions of e-Commerce sellers from China on marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Shopee and more.
Kenyan retail tech startup MarketForce raises $40m Series A to scale up super app for Africa’s informal merchants
MarketForce, the Nairobi-headquartered B2B platform for retail distribution of consumer goods and digital financial services in Africa, announced the closing of a $40 million Series A round.
African fintech Flutterwave rebrands, introduces new products and services
African fintech startup Flutterwave has unveiled a significant re-brand and identity during the Flutterwave 3.0, virtual event held on Friday, 18th February 2022.
[African Startup Review] Pie Kamau: Nigerian fintech Flutterwave is now Africa's highest valued Unicorn
As the African fintech industry continues to bloom, so does the funding. Flutterwave has now become Africa's highest valued startup after closing $250 million Series D funding, bringing the company’s valuation to over $3 billion.
German startup Cansativa closes $15m Series B to become the ‘Amazon’ of cannabis for Europe
Cansativa Group announced it has closed a $15 million Series B investment led by Casa Verde with participation by Argonautic Ventures and Munich-based family office Alluti.
Raydiant startup raises $30m Series B to reimagine in-store experiences for brick and mortars
Raydiant, the in-location experience management platform for brick-and-mortar enterprises, announced it has raised a $30 million Series B funding round led by 8VC and Atomic Ventures.
MENA's c-Commerce startup Zbooni launches in Egypt
Zbooni, MENA's c-Commerce (connected commerce) platform, has announced its official launch in Egypt. The rapidly scaling startup, which is backed by regional and global investors, will support the backbone of the Egyptian economy.
Fraugster partners with Dutch-based fintech startup Payaut to provide fraud prevention services to e-Commerce marketplaces
Fraugster, a German-Israeli payment intelligence company, has partnered with marketplace payout specialist Payaut, an Amsterdam-based fintech startup, to provide fraud prevention services to marketplaces.
[African Startup Review] Pie Kamau: Capital funding for tech startups gain momentum in 2022
The startup ecosystem in Africa is taking shape. A lot of technological innovations especially in the areas of fintech, e-mobility, e-commerce, healthtech, foodtech and cleantech have seen accelerated growth towards Africa’s digital transformation and innovation.
SaaS startup Aramid Technologies raises $2m seed round to redefine quality certification management in global supply chains
SaaS startup Aramid Technologies announced it has raised $2 million in seed funding to expand its flagship product, SmartCert.
Vietnam-focused retail investing app Infina closes $6m seed funding to accelerate growth
Vietnam-focused retail investing app Infina, announced the closing of $6 million in seed funding from Sequoia Capital India’s Surge, Y Combinator, Saison Capital, Starling Ventures, Alpha JWC, and AppWorks.
Amsterdam-based Polestar Capital opens €100m circular economy fund, largest of its kind in Europe
Amsterdam-based Polestar Capital Polestar Capital announced the launch of the biggest circular economy fund in Europe. The fund, called the Polestar Capital Circular Debt Fund (PCDF), has opened at €100 million
Fintech startups hub Abaca crosses $2b in compliant cannabis commerce
Cannabis banking fintech company Abaca surpassed compliantly processing more than two billion dollars in commerce for the cannabis industry.
B2B marketplace startup Retailo raises $36m Series A funding to empower community commerce in the MENA region
Retailo, the B2B marketplace startup for retailers in Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan (MENAP), has raised $36 million in its Series A investment round which was a mix of equity and venture debt.
Cloud-based-AI startup Inspectorio raises $50m to reinvent production chain with AI-powered platform
Inspectorio, the cloud-based AI-powered SaaS solution, announced the company has raised $50 million in a Series B Round led by New York-based global private equity and venture capital firm, Insight Partners.
Grocery logistics startup EasyBins raises $2m late stage seed round for expansion
EasyBins, a company solving the grocery logistics problem for suburban markets in North America, announced $2 million late stage seed round funding to expand its geographic footprint and invest in technology and staff.
Morocco fintech startup Chari closes a bridge round to pilot BNPL services with grocery stores in Francophone Africa
Aiming to take a serious step towards the Fintech space, Chari has announced the closing of a bridge round led by the Saudi-based venture capital fund Khwarizmi Ventures (KV).
Kenyan mobile commerce startup Copia raises $50m to ramp up African expansion
Kenyan-based mobile commerce platform Copia Global raised $50 million in a Series C equity round led by Goodwell Investments.
Kenyan fintech startup Zanifu closes $1m seed financing round to accelerate growth
Kenyan fintech startup Zanifu announced it has successfully closed a $ 1 million seed financing round to scale its business and improve on its platform.
Israeli foodtech startup Plantish unveils whole-cut plant-based salmon fillets
Israeli foodtech startup Plantish is giving consumers a first look at its flagship product, a 100% plant-based whole-cut salmon fillet, which mimics cooked salmon in texture, taste, appearance and structure.
Ivorian e-Commerce startup Afrikrea raises $6.2m pre-Series A funding, rebrands to 'ANKA'
Afrikrea, an Ivorian e-Commerce startup has raised $6.2 million pre-Series A funding round led by Investisseurs & Partenaires. The startup has also rebranded to 'ANKA'.
Ampla secures $40 Million in Series A Funding to accelerate hiring and recruitment efforts
This announcement brings the Company’s total funding to $380 million in equity and debt financing, which will enable Ampla to impact even more small-to-medium sized businesses (SMBs) in the consumer brands space.
Kenyan fintech startup Tanda inks deal with Twiga Foods to enable vendors vend its digital financial services
Kenya’s fintech startup Tanda announced a new partnership with Twiga Foods that will see Twiga vendors become a one-stop-shop for a variety of digital and financial services offered by Tanda.
REEF acquires foodtech Startup 2ndKitchen
REEF and 2ndKitchen’s existing businesses will be combined under the REEF brand, and will operate under REEF’s Hospitality division.
Kenyan-based Penda Health partners with femtech e-Commerce startup Kasha to ease contraceptive access for consumers
Healthcare solution provider Penda Health announced a partnership with Rwandan femtech e-Commerce startup Kasha, to enable increase access to contraceptive products via the Kasha digital platform.
Nigerian B2B e-Commerce startup TradeDepot raises $110m to extend ‘Buy-Now-Pay-Later’ services to African retailers
TradeDepot, the B2B e-Commerce and embedded finance platform in Africa, has raised $110 million in an equity and debt funding round to support the delivery of Buy-Now-Pay-Later services to SME retailers.
[Startup Interview] Sophie Tarif, Nina van Boxtel, Founders, BOETIEK, Netherlands
BOETIEK, a Dutch startup, works with local boutiques and brands to increase audiences and increase online sales. The platform offers a wide range of products and services from latest fashion trends to new online boutiques and concept stores.
Estonian startup Gelatex raises €1.2m seed round for affordable and scalable manufactured cell-cultured meat
Estonian startup Gelatex announced it raised €1.2m seed round for affordable and scalable manufactured cell-cultured meat, making it cheaper than ever.
Brazilian fintech startup TruePay raises $32m Series A funding for team and product development
TruePay, a Brazilian startup whose innovative payment solution helps small and medium sized retailers have free and secure access to credit, has raised $32 million in Series A funding led by Addition.
Fintech startup and shareholder loyalty pioneer TiiCKER launches Android app
TiiCKER hit the trifecta with the addition of an Android app to its web and iOS portals, giving America's estimated 130 million retail investors instant access to loyalty rewards.
London-based healthcare startup Gravitiq raises $55m seed round to expand portfolio of e-Commerce healthcare brands
Gravitiq, the doctor-founded and led healthcare brand aggregator, announced the close of its seed funding round, raising a total of $55 million.
Indonesia's Hypefast emerges from stealth mode as the largest house of e-Commerce native brands in Southeast Asia
Hypefast, Southeast Asia's (SEA) largest house of e-Commerce native brands, announced it has grown its portfolio to more than 25 brands and has been achieving full profitability.
Indian full-stack agritech startup DeHaat raises $115m Series D round
DeHaat, the technology-based platform offering end-to-end agricultural services to farmers in India, announced it has raised $115 million in Series D funding, led by Belgium based investment firm Sofina and Lightrock India.
Four Ghanaian startups join the Catalyst Fund Inclusive Digital Commerce accelerator
Four startups from Ghana have joined The Catalyst Fund Inclusive Digital Commerce Accelerator, a programme that supports innovators building digital commerce solutions.
Indian e-Commerce startup LoveLocal raises $18m Pre-Series B investment round to accelerate growth
LoveLocal, India's hyper-local e-Commerce platform empowering local retailers, has raised $18 million in a Pre-Series B investment round.
Female-founded winery startup BOXT raises $9.35m to expand luxury brand of fine wine offerings
BOXT, the female-founded, direct-to-consumer winery, announced it has raised $9.35 million in equity and debt funding to drive the continued expansion of its luxury brand of fine wine offerings.
Nigerian e-Commerce startup Sendbox raises $1.8m to digitize deliveries for African SMEs
Nigerian e-Commerce fulfillment startup Sendbox announced the completion of $1.8 million seed round from investors including 4DX Ventures, Enza Capital, FJLabs and Golden Palm Investments.
Unilever invites startups to partner through Positive Beauty Growth Platform
Unilever announced the launch of the Positive Beauty Growth Platform, a new initiative which aims to partner with scaleups and startups to drive innovation and brand growth.
Industrial automation startup Agtonomy launches out of stealth to address farm labor crisis with $4m seed round
Agtonomy, a hybrid autonomy and tele-assist service platform, launched out of stealth and announced a $4 million seed round from Grit Ventures, GV (formerly Google Ventures), and Village Global.
Canadian supplier enablement startup Convictional raises $6.7m Series A funding
Convictional, the first supplier enablement platform for retailers and distributors to power drop ship, marketplace and wholesale business models in one solution, announced it has secured $6.7 million in Series A funding.
Healthtech startup bttn. adds PlastCareUSA to burgeoning supplier ecosystem
bttn., a Healthtech startup providing a B2B e-Commerce platform for purchasing medical supplies, announced an expansion to its product catalog with the addition of 93 PlastCare USA products for dental practitioners.
Organic food startup Teatis closes seed funding round to advance production and marketing in the U.S.
Teatis, makers of superfood powders for diabetic consumers, announces the close of its seed funding round. The science-backed brand that specializes in sugar-blocking teas accrued $700,000 from various high-power angel investors.
Workwear startup BRUNT raises $8.4m Series A funding to accelerate growth
BRUNT Workwear, a modern work boot and apparel brand designed for today's construction workers and tradespeople, closed an $8.4 million Series A round to accelerate its growth and meet demand as the company disrupts a $12 billion-dollar category in the US.
Lectra joins Plug and Play open innovation ecosystem
Major global player in the 4.0 Industry for the fashion, automotive, and furniture market, Lectra is joining the Brand & Retail program of the Plug and Play network, the world's leading innovation platform connecting startups, investors, and pioneering companies.
Canadian plant-based food innovation startup TMRW Foods raises $2.6m in seed round funding
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.
[Startup Interview] Nicolas d'Audiffret, Co-Founder, Ankorstore
Ankorstore is an online B2B marketplace connecting brand and retailers, all around Europe.
Wine & spirits e-Commerce startup Speakeasy Co. raises $2m seed round to accelerate growth
Speakeasy Co., a technology company and e-commerce platform for the wine & spirits industry, announced a $2 million seed round led by Trog Hawley Capital LLC with participation from other notable investors.
Kenyan retail tech startup MarketForce raises $100,000 funding from Harambeans Prosperity Fund
The Harambeans Prosperity Fund, a donor advised investment vehicle formed through the Harambe Entrepreneur Alliance’s network of prominent families and corporations co-invested $100,000 in Y Combinator Harambean venture MarketForce.
Egyptian B2B e-commerce startup MaxAB acquires distribution platform WaystoCap
MaxAB, Egyptian B2B e-commerce platform that serves food and grocery retailers, has acquired WaystoCap, the Morocco-based B2B e-commerce and distribution platform that connects retailers with suppliers across Africa.
End-to-end e-Commerce startup Cart.com raises $98m Series B to deliver integrated solutions for e-Commerce brands
Cart.com, the end-to-end e-Commerce services provider, announced the close of a $98 million Series B round, bringing the company's total funding since its launch eight months ago to more than $140 million.
Ghanaian startup Plendify launches B2B e-Commerce marketplace
Ghanaian startup Plendify has launched a B2B e-Commerce marketplace to connect customers with small and large African wholesalers, manufacturers, exporters, and importers.
Full-stack delivery scale-up Merqueo raises $50m Series C to expand its grocery delivery service across Latin America
Merqueo, a full-stack delivery scale-up, landed a $50 million series C round led by IDC Ventures, Digital Bridge and IDB Invest. The company is the first and largest full-stack grocery delivery player in Latin America.
Fintech startup Rapyd raises $300m Series E to further enhance its service offering
Rapyd, a global Fintech as a Service company, announced a $300 million Series E funding round led by Target Global.
B2B sales productivity startup Nektar.ai closes $8.1m to accelerate product development, launch in the US market
B2B sales productivity startup, Nektar.ai has raised an additional $ 6 million seed round of funding led by B Capital Group, 3one4 Capital and Nexus Venture Partners.
Nigerian healthtech startup Field Intelligence expands into eleven new cities across East and West Africa
Nigerian healthtech startup Field Intelligence announced its expansion into Rivers, Edo, Kaduna, Kano, Enugu, Delta and Kwara States in Nigeria, and Eldoret, Mombasa, Kisumu and Naivasha in Kenya.
[Startup Interview] Dimitri Kalamoudacos,Co-founder, Entrepreneur Suite, South Africa
Entrepreneur Suite is a South African startup targeting micro retailers with an application that records valuable sales information that is then served back to the business owner as demand forecasting suggestions which are designed to provide profiting opportunities.
Egyptian social e-Commerce startup Taager raises $6.4m seed round
Taager, an Egyptian social e-Commerce startup raised a $6.4 million seed funding round to help it scale its platform and expand across the Middle East.
Dragonboat closes $3m seed round to bring product portfolio management to outcome focused teams
Dragonboat, the Product Portfolio Management platform, announced a $3 million seed round by Act One Ventures, Roble Ventures and GingerBread Capital.
unybrands startup raises $300m in growth capital to acquire and scale e-Commerce businesses
unybrands, an integrated platform for e-Commerce businesses looking to scale their operations on and off Amazon, announced the closing of up to $300 million in growth capital with Crayhill Capital Management.
Kenyan startup Marketforce appoints Ore Omolaja as Country Manager, Head of Business for Nigeria
Marketforce, the Kenyan-based B2B platform for retail distribution of consumer goods and digital financial services in Africa, announced the appointment of Ore Omolaja as the Nigeria Country Manager and Head of Business, effective 15th July 2021.
Kenyan startup MarketForce raises $2m pre-Series A to scale B2B retail marketplace, RejaReja
MarketForce, the Kenyan-based B2B platform for retail distribution of consumer goods and digital financial services in Africa, announced a $2 million pre-Series A round, bringing total funding to-date to $2.5 million.
FDJ announces partnership with Plug and Play Brand & Retail France
FDJ announced the beginning of a partnership with Plug and Play, world's open innovation platform.
Alchemy Home Products startup launches The AutoSpout prevent basement flooding after heavy rains
Alchemy Home Products, a Salt Lake City startup, has created a new product that will help prevent basement flooding after heavy rains, The AutoSpout.
Female-founded wellness startup House of Wise raises $2m, launches full line of organic CBD products
New female-founded CBD brand House of Wise announced a $2 million seed funding round to improve the lives of women everywhere through community, content, and trustworthy CBD products.
Seattle based healthtech startup bttn. raises $1.5m to automate the future of medical supply
Healthtech startup bttn. closed a $1.5 million seed round from a group of technology and supply chain leaders.
Cannabis marketplace and purchasing platform MainStem named Microsoft Partner for Startups
MainStem, the cannabis industry's only marketplace and combined integrated purchasing platform, announced it has been selected as a Microsoft Partner for Startups.
Predictive Kids' e-Commerce startup Ten Little raises $5m to disrupt children's marketplace with personalized guidance
Ten Little, the predictive e-Commerce platform helping parents navigate the cluttered kids product space, announced the close of its $5 million seed round led by Kindred Ventures.
MarketForce acquires Digiduka startup to consolidate distribution of consumer goods with digital financial services in Africa
MarketForce, the end-to-end retail distribution platform for consumer brands in Africa, announced the strategic acquisition of Digiduka, a startup on a mission to bring informal retailers in Africa into the digital economy.
Women's wellness startup Kindra raises $4.5m seed round to drive continued growth and expansion
Kindra, a modern wellness brand for menopause essentials, announced it closed a $4.5 million seed funding round. The new capital will be used to drive the continued growth and expansion of Kindra.
Brazilian logtech startup Uello concludes $4m Series A investment deal led by the Btomorrow Ventures
Uello, a Brazilian logtech startup that uses technology and a collaborative network to provide express freight services with superior experience, concluded its Series A investment deal with an investment injection of $4 million.
Sustainability-focused pet care startup Petaluma launches plant-based diet for dogs
Petaluma, Inc., a pet care startup focused on sustainability, launched the world's first baked and plant-based formula for adult dogs of all breeds. The company's mission is to offer environmentally responsible diets that meet 100% of a dog's nutritional requirements.
SaaS startup Synder raises $2m in late seed round to revolutionize accounting for e-Commerce
TMT investments venture fund invested $2 million as a lead investor in a late seed round into Synder, an easy accounting solution for e-Commerce businesses.
Floral tech startup Something Borrowed Blooms raises $1.5m Series A funding to accelerate growth
Something Borrowed Blooms, the pioneer of the silk wedding flower revolution, announced a $1.5 million Series A funding round led by Callais Capital. This investment brings the total raise by the company to just over $2 million since 2015.
Food startup OZO expands plant-based proteins to international retail starting in Canada
Planterra Foods, an innovative plant-based protein startup based in Colorado, announced a supply agreement with UNFI Canada, a subsidiary of UNFI, the largest publicly traded grocery distributor in North America.
Plug and Play Japan selects 91 Startups for its Summer/Fall 2021 Batch
Global Innovation Platform, Plug and Play Japan has selected 91 Japanese and international startups into its Summer/Fall 2021 Batch, which will be carried out from June to September 2021.
Plug and Play Canada selects 12 startups to participate in Toronto Supply Chain and Logistics Program
Plug and Play Canada announced the selection of 12 startups into the first batch of the Toronto Supply Chain & Logistics Program.
Consumer warranty startup Upsie secures $18.2m Series A round to accelerate growth
Upsie, a consumer-centric platform for purchasing product warranties, announced it has raised a $18.2 million fundraising round led by True Ventures.
On-demand delivery management startup Cartwheel raises $1m seed round to accelerate growth
Cartwheel, an on-demand delivery management platform for restaurants and retailers, announced it has raised a $1 million seed round led by TenOneTen Ventures with participation from Act One Ventures and Portillo's Hot Dogs,
Foodtech startup GrubMarket acquires Vaccaro & Sons to expand to St. Louis, Missouri
San Francisco-based food technology startup GrubMarket announced it has completed the acquisition of Vaccaro & Sons in St. Louis, Missouri.
Hashflow raises $3.2m seed round to bring professional market makers to DeFi
Hashflow, a decentralized exchange connecting DeFi traders with top crypto market makers, closed a seed funding round of $3.2 million from leading venture capital firms and angel investors.
Israeli customer intelligence startup Affogata raises $5.5m seed funding to bring consumer's voice to customer-obsessed brands
Affogata, the customer intelligence platform enabling brands to harness data to guarantee their consumers a perfect experience, announced a $5.5 million financing round of seed funding co-led by Mangrove Capital Partners.
U.S.-based food tech startup Yo-Kai Express expands partnerships with Japan
While restaurants and small businesses everywhere have struggled to survive the pandemic, U.S.-based foodtech startup Yo-Kai Express (YKE) has leveraged its technology and ideas to evolve and transform its business models to broader platforms.
Subscription Management startup Chargebee raises $125m Series G funding to accelerate global shift to subscriptions
Chargebee, the subscription billing and revenue management platform, announced a fresh round of $125 million in series G funding, co-led by new investor Sapphire Ventures and existing investors Tiger Global and Insight Venture Partners.
Silicon Valley startup Chef Avenue crosses 1000% of its funding goal in 8 days
Chef Avenue, an inspiring startup at the forefront of the design of modernized, high-performance cookware, is currently riding the wave of a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign for its first product, Omnipan.
Chicago-based venture capital firm Starting Line closes $30m second fund to continue funding consumer startups
Starting Line, the Chicago-based venture capital firm, announced that it has closed $30 million for its second fund, dedicated to expanding access to technologies, products, and experiences for the 99 percent of Americans.
Berkeley-based incubator Batchery announces new cohort of startups, "Batch 12"
Eleven early-stage startups have joined the Batchery's three-month Deep Dive program for entrepreneurs. The program focuses on helping startups get over their first set of growth hurdles.
MicroAcquire's acquisition of Exitround sets new founder-friendly model for getting acquired
Entrepreneurs face thousands of obstacles in their careers. Seed money, growth, staffing - the list is endless. Some prioritize funding, leaving them bound to venture capitalists whose goals clash with theirs.
Cannabis ERP technology platform BLAZE raises $8m in Series A funding for market expansion
BLAZE, the industry player enterprise resource planning and point of sale platform for legal cannabis, recently closed its Series A funding round at $8 million.
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