While it seems like the vast majority of African tech unicorns are concentrated in the Northern and Western Regions of the continent, the East isn’t far behind in its contributions to technological development across the continent.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of early-stage startups making waves in the region through innovative solutions and outstanding achievements.
Jumba
Founded in 2022, Jumba is a Kenyan construction tech startup providing inventory solutions for construction materials retailers and real estate developers across the major regions of the East African Country.
The company started with co-founder Miano Njoka initially serving retailers but it has since expanded its coverage to include construction developers as well.
As a testament to its tremendous growth over the last 10 months, the company raised a $4.5 million seed capital in a funding round led by LocalGlobe in February.
Kapu
Kapu is a social commerce startup developed to simplify and reduce the cost of grocery shopping for consumers. The B2C e-commerce service aims to solve the problems resulting from the high cost of groceries in Kenya by enabling consumers to purchase food and other necessities at relatively cheaper prices through online and offline channels.
To further its goal and increase reach, the startup secured $8 million in a seed funding round led by Giant Ventures and Firstminute Capital.
BasiGo
As the world intensifies efforts to reduce global carbon emissions, BasiGo is one of the frontrunners building sustainable automotive utilities in Africa. The startup began assembling electric buses in December last year as part of its efforts to ramp up the production of public transport vehicles and contribute to sustainable public transport development in Africa.
To further their efforts, the company secured $6.6 million in a seed funding round co-led by Mobility54, Tsusho, and Trucks.vc.
Lami
Lami Technologies is an insurtech startup focused on increasing insurance penetration in Kenya and the rest of Africa. The company operates an end-to-end digital insurance platform where businesses can create and customize insurance solutions for their customers.
In addition, the startup develops tech solutions for agents and brokers to help them streamline their operations, access a wider customer base, and sell online.
The company currently serves users in Kenya, Egypt, and Nigeria. Their entry into Egypt and Nigeria was facilitated by $3.7 million in funding raised in a seed extension round led by Harlem Capital.
Leta
Leta is a Kenyan B2B supply chain and logistics SaaS provider. The company launched in 2021 and has since focused its efforts on optimizing fleet management methods in Africa. One of the many solutions initiated by the startup is the use of proprietary route and load optimization technology. This innovation helps to boost the efficiency of freight transport and good deliveries to customers while simultaneously reducing costs.
The company is currently in its expansion phase and has secured $3 million in pre-seed funding from 4Di Capital, Chandaria Capital, and other notable ventures.
Power
Power aims to give employees and corporate workers across Africa increased control over their finances through its suite of financial services. The fintech startup leverages digital innovations to enable individuals to access diverse financial services tailored to augment and improve their money management efforts.
Power’s solution features a mobile app for employees, a workforce management system for employers, and a digital core banking engine to connect users to regulated financial service providers.
In efforts to expand its reach and provide more solutions for users, the company raised $3 million in a seed round led by Quona Capital, with significant contributions from QED Zephyr Acorn, Norrsken, and DOB Equity.
Badili
Badili is a Kenya-based re-commerce startup serving as a one-stop digital marketplace for consumers to trade used and refurbished smartphones.
The company also conducts trade-ins and buybacks on behalf of original equipment manufacturers and phone dealers. As a result, they have signed partnership deals with Samsung and several other phone brands.
In its bid to scale its operations within Africa, the brand raised $2.1 million in pre-seed funding in December last year.
Duhqa
Duhqa operates a business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce platform facilitating the retail distribution of consumer goods in FMCG, Cold Chain, and Pharmaceuticals. Duhqa’s founder, Victor Maina has substantial logistical and business experience in 31 African countries having previously served as DHL’s head of operations for East and Southern Africa regions.
Duhqa raised $2 million in a seed funding round led by CrosssFund, Roselake Ventures, and Mo Angels to expand its services across Kenya and East Africa.
Gridless
Gridless is a bitcoin mining company focused on helping rural communities in East Africa get access to new energy. The company specializes in designing, operating, and maintaining bitcoin mining infrastructure. But in addition to that, they collaborate with small-scale renewable energy producers and finance the construction of energy data centers in rural communities.
The company aims to electrify the African continent, meet the needs of energy producers across Africa, and create a more affordable power supply for rural communities. To this end, the startup secured $2 million in seed capital in a funding round led by Stillmark and Block inc.
Zeraki
Zeraki is a Kenyan Edtech company devoted to creating better academic systems in Africa through its digital learning and academic data analytics platforms. Among the many solutions the company provides are Administrative tools for schools and fee loans for parents.
The startup raised $1.8 million in seed funding for product catalog growth and regional expansion in a funding round led by Acumen Fund.
BuuPass
With public road transport in East Africa being largely traditional and mostly subject to the operators’ discretion, BuuPass seeks to bring more structure into the highly fragmented sector through digital innovation.
BuuPass operates a B2B2C full-stack marketplace where operators can manage their operations, inventories, and sales through a bus management system. The platform also allows customers to search for, compare and purchase trip tickets.
The company raised a $1.3 million pre-seed fund from Ajim, Adaverse, Gullit, Founders Factory Africa, and Frontend Ventures.
Uncover
Uncover is a Skincare startup leveraging digital solutions to tap into the burgeoning African beauty and personal care market. The company seeks to revolutionize the sector using data and insights to create products that align with the needs of the modern African woman.
Backed by a $1 million seed funding, Uncover is expanding its operations through Africa and aims to increase reach and sales through its online platform, on marketplaces, and stores.
