We had more investors than startups and founders in action last week. At least twenty companies and individuals participated in five funding rounds. South African Proptech Divercity had the highest funding, raising just a little below $30 Million, Copier Global came close with $20 Million in funding; Maka and Tunl both raised Pre-seed funding of $2.65 Million and $1 Million, respectively.
Funding
Tunl
Funding round: Pre-seed ($1 Million)
Investors: Founders Factory Africa, Digital Africa Ventures, E4E Africa, and Jozi Angels
Founded: 2022, South Africa
Founders: Matthew Davey, Craig Lowman
Products: Tunl operates a parcel shipping platform designed to redefine cross-border shipping for e-commerce merchants. The company offers courier services through its platform to serve customers’ primary markets, including South Africa, the U.S., the U.K., Europe, and Australia.
What Next? : The investment is intended to support TUNL’s expansion within South Africa and commence plan implementation for its entry into other key African and emerging markets. TUNL plans to enhance sales processes and streamline onboarding for new merchants.
Susu
Funding round: $4.8 million
Investors: INCO Ventures, Al Mada Ventures, Janngo Capital, Open CNP
Founded: 2019, Ivory Coast
Founders: Bola Bardet
Products: The startup has deployed multiple innovative solutions to address the pressing healthcare challenges in Africa, Susu’s offerings include a comprehensive range of health services, a 360° digital platform, a high-quality medical network, and innovative health financing models.
What Next? : Fueled by the capital infusion, Susu is set to commence the expansion of its healthcare services in Africa, particularly in Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Cameroon. The company also intends to further develop its health offers, including local and international health insurance coverage and tailor-made health bundles.
Maka
Funding round: Pre-Seed ($2.65 Million)
Investors: 4DX Ventures, Janngo Capital, Palm Drive Capital, Jonathan Shipman
Founded: 2021, Nigeria
Founders: Diana Owusu-Kyereko
Products: Maka operates an African-focused fashion and beauty e-commerce platform
What Next? : The funding secured in the pre-seed round will be utilized to expand the team, enhance technology, and deepen the platform’s presence in Ghana and Nigeria
Copia Global
Funding round: Series C Extension ($20 Million)
Investors: Enza Capital, LGT, Goodwell Investments, DFC, DEG, Elea, Perivoli Foundation, and Sorenson Foundation
Founded: 2013, Kenya
Founders: Tracy Turner
Products: Copia operates a B2C e-commerce and fintech platform designed to serve mid and low-income consumers in rural areas.
What Next? : The company is currently focused on expanding profitability in Kenya.
Divercity
Funding round: $28.7 Million
Founded: 2017, South Africa
Founders: Carel Kleynhans
Products: Divercity is a proptech company that helps people invest in affordable rental housing in urban precincts. It also provides affordable rental housing with supporting amenities in densely populated areas.
What Next?: The capital infusion will help facilitate the expansion of the company’s portfolio as it plans to add 2,500 new apartments to the urban landscape in South Africa.
Opportunities
Misk Accelerator Program for Seed-Stage Tech Startups
Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2024 for early-stage startups