Tuesday, April 21, 2026Global tech, startups & capital — covered for Africans.
We had a moderate pace of events last week, which saw six funding deals executed in the African startup ecosystem. Ed Partners and Frontedge both secured $10 Million in financing. Aquarech obtained $1.7 Million to scale its digital fish farming solutions, Waspito had a $2.5 Million seed extension round, while Khula and WayUp had undisclosed […]
By AU Startups
We had a moderate pace of events last week, which saw six funding deals executed in the African startup ecosystem. Ed Partners and Frontedge both secured $10 Million in financing. Aquarech obtained $1.7 Million to scale its digital fish farming solutions, Waspito had a $2.5 Million seed extension round, while Khula and WayUp had undisclosed deals.
Funding round: $1.7 Million
Investors: Aqua-Spark, Acumen, Katapult, and Mercy Corps Ventures.
Founded: 2019, Kenya
Founders: James Odede, Joseph Okoth, Dave Okech
Products: The startup operates an innovative mobile app platform that facilitates the trade of quality fish feed while also providing educational resources for aquaculture best practices to improve farmers’ profitability.
What Next? : The startup will use the capital infusion to expand its current team, procure additional feed, and develop infrastructure to facilitate greater vertical integration of its technology.
Funding round: Undisclosed
Investors: Beltone Venture Capital, Index Sports Fund
Founded: 2021, Egypt
Founders: Omar Afifi, Basma Afifi, Mohamed Afifi
Products: WayUp Sports is an e-commerce platform that specializes in performance-based sports gear.
What Next?: WayUp Sports will utilize the new funding to advance its growth in three key areas: regional expansion, the launch of its WayUp Sports private brand, and the enhancement of user experiences on both its website and application.
Funding round: Seed Extension($2.5 Million)
Investors: Newtown Partners, Saviu Ventures, AAIC Investment, Axian Ventures, and CFAO’s Health54
Founded: 2020, Cameroon
Founders: Jean Lobe Lobe,
Products: The startup operates a digital platform that connects users to available doctors online. The company also collaborates with partner laboratories and local hospitals to provide additional health services for businesses.
What Next? : Waspito anticipates its virtual consultation solutions adoption to grow as it rolls out its hybrid model. It aims to invest more effort into achieving this projection.
Funding round: Debt/ Equity Seed ($10 Million)
Investors: TLG Capital, JP Morgan and Providus Bank
Founded: 2021, Nigeria
Founders: Moni Alli
Products: FrontEdge operates a fintech platform that offers financing services, cross-border payments, offshore accounts, and software tools to African importers and exporters.
What Next?: FrontEdge plans to expand its operations across Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Kenya, its goal is to diversify revenue streams and further contribute to the financial empowerment of African SMEs engaged in global trade.
Funding round: Undisclosed
Investors: PepsiCo Kgodiso Fund
Founded: 2016, South Africa
Founders: Karidas Tshintsholo, Jackson Dyora, Matthew Piper
Products: The startup operates three main products; “The Khula!” a fresh produce marketplace that connects farmers to suppliers and allows them to sell in bulk; “The Khula! Funder Dashboard,” connects investors with farmers; and “The Khula! Inputs App” connects local farmers to local and international suppliers and service providers.
What Next?: According to Khula’s CEO Karidas Tshintsholo, the investment will drive the company’s mission to revolutionize how emerging farmers access sustainable financing and scale their operations.
Funding round: Debt ($10 Million)
Investors: US DFC
Founded: 2018, Kenya
Founders: Lydia Koros, David FitzHerbert, Amos Mwangi(CEO)
Products: The startup extends infrastructural loans to educational institutions, supporting the construction of new classrooms, washrooms, laboratories, and dormitories, as well as the procurement of computers, buses, vans, and internet connectivity.
What Next?: Fueled by the capital infusion, the company will expand its operations to include more schools and students to make quality education more accessible in East Africa.
Connect, collaborate, and catalyze growth with AU-Startups Ecosystem Matching. Join us today by registering your interest in the area that aligns with your goals:
Investor Matching: Are you an angel investor, venture capitalist, or institutional investor, we scout and introduce you to startups that match your investment thesis. Register your interest to connect with high-potential startups and be part of Africa’s growth story. Register Interest
Startup Matching: Are you seeking funding, guidance, or strategic partnerships for your startup? Get matched with Advisors, Talents, Investors, and other crucial startup resources and opportunities. Register Interest
Talent Matching: Are you in need of skilled and vetted tech and startup talents to propel your business forward? Register your interest to tap into Africa’s top tech and non-tech talents on demand. Register Interest
Job Matching: Find your dream job in the thriving African startup ecosystem and get matched with exciting opportunities. Register your interest to discover your next job opportunities. Register Interest
