Launch Africa Ventures

Octavia Carbon is the first Direct Air Capture (DAC) company in the Global South, focused on filtering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The company designs, builds, and deploys patented technology that utilizes Kenya's geothermal energy and geological resources to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of DAC technology. By capturing CO2 directly from the air, Octavia Carbon enables the conversion of this greenhouse gas into stable underground rock formations or repurposes it as an industrial gas, helping to replace polluting fossil fuels. This innovative approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also supports industrial power users in East Africa, contributing to the fight against energy poverty in the region.

Zuri Health is a telemedicine company based in Nairobi, Kenya, established in 2020. It offers affordable and accessible healthcare solutions through a mobile app, website, and SMS services, catering to patients without smartphones and those in rural areas. Users can schedule lab and diagnostic tests, consult with doctors, purchase medications from pharmacies, and arrange home visits with qualified medical professionals. The platform also features an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot to enhance user experience and provide first-level medical consultations. Zuri Health aims to create a universally accessible healthcare experience for all individuals, regardless of their location or resources.

Amitruck is a logistics platform based in Nairobi, Kenya, that connects cargo owners with trucking professionals through a mobile and web application. Founded in 2018, the platform allows customers to easily book deliveries and access a network of available trucks. It features a driver application that facilitates communication between clients and transporters, ensuring timely updates on shipments. Amitruck's user-friendly interface enables clients to receive instant quotes and track their deliveries in real-time, offering complete visibility throughout the delivery process.

Kwara GmbH is a Berlin-based company that specializes in providing a digital banking platform specifically designed for savings and credit co-operative societies (SACCOs). Founded in 2018, Kwara's cloud-based platform facilitates loan application servicing and approval for members, along with offering integration services, customer support, real-time financial tracking, and compliance services. The company also features Kwara Pronto, a tool for loans management. With a presence in Nairobi, Kenya, Kwara has successfully transformed over 200 SACCOs into modern digital financial institutions across Kenya, South Africa, and the Philippines, enhancing their operational efficiency and financial inclusion through its advanced core banking system and mobile banking experience.

MarketForce is a technology company based in the US, Kenya, and Nigeria, focused on creating a comprehensive SuperApp for Africa's merchants. Through its B2B commerce and fintech platform, known as "RejaReja," it enables over 200,000 merchants across Sub-Saharan Africa to digitally source and order inventory, make payments, and access financing. The platform also allows merchants to generate additional income by reselling digital financial services, including airtime and bill payments. Founded in 2018 and supported by Y Combinator, MarketForce operates in five markets and employs an asset-light business model. Additionally, it offers tools for sales and distribution automation, empowering field agents to efficiently record activities and collect data in real-time using mobile devices. This integration enhances the overall efficiency and productivity of businesses in the region.

Pawame Limited is a company that develops off-grid solar home systems aimed at electrifying households in sub-Saharan Africa. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Pawame produces solar kits that include solar panels, LED lights, wall switches, flashlights, radios, and phone chargers. The company employs a pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) model, allowing customers to make affordable monthly payments through a mobile money platform. This model not only provides access to reliable electricity but also enables the company to gather data that supports the offering of additional products and services, including electrical appliances, micro-insurance, education loans, and remote health services. Pawame's mission is to enhance the quality of life for off-grid communities by providing energy access, which serves as a gateway to financial empowerment and opportunities, contributing to the alleviation of poverty in the region.