SBI Investment Co., Ltd. is a venture capital firm based in Tokyo, Japan, established in 1996. The company plays a pivotal role in supporting the development and growth of private venture companies by providing funding and comprehensive services. With a focus on emerging technologies, SBI Investment targets sectors such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, financial technology, information technology, security, e-commerce, biotechnology, life sciences, healthcare, and environmental energy. Over its 28-year history, SBI Investment has partnered with numerous ventures, having invested in a total of 986 companies, with a notable percentage achieving successful exits through IPOs or mergers and acquisitions. The firm strives to create and nurture core industries, positioning itself as a key player in the venture capital landscape of Korea and beyond.
BasiGo is an e-mobility start-up focused on transforming public transportation in Kenya and Rwanda by providing electric buses as a cost-effective alternative to diesel. The company employs a pay-as-you-go model, which simplifies the transition for bus operators by including maintenance and battery charging in the financing plan. BasiGo's electric buses are designed to operate throughout the day on a single charge, utilizing proven and safe battery technology. This approach not only addresses the rising costs of diesel fuel but also aims to make electric buses affordable and accessible to all bus owners, thereby promoting sustainable and efficient public transport solutions in the region.
HAKKI AFRICA
Series B in 2023
HAKKI AFRICA Co., Ltd. is a microfinance company based in Kamakura, Japan, with a focus on providing small business loans to small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging markets, particularly in Kenya. Founded in 2018, the company aims to foster independence among local businesses by offering financial support and creating sustainable systems. HAKKI AFRICA develops credit scoring technology and APIs for credit as a service, catering to the needs of microfinance institutions and gig workers in Africa. Through its services, the company facilitates access to short-term and small-size loans, enabling businesses to secure the funding necessary for their operations and growth.
Apollo Agriculture
Series B in 2022
Apollo Agriculture Ltd. is an agtech company based in Nairobi, Kenya, that supports smallholder farmers by providing financial and technical assistance. Founded in 2015, the company offers loans to help farmers acquire essential inputs such as fertilizer, seeds, and crop insurance, along with access to expert advice. By utilizing agronomic machine learning, remote sensing, and mobile technology, Apollo customizes financing packages based on individual farmer needs, assessing credit risk through satellite and soil data. This tailored approach aims to enhance farming practices and significantly increase crop yields, thereby maximizing profits for farmers in emerging markets.
Crediation
Venture Round in 2020
Crediation Inc. is a digital finance provider based in Tokyo, Japan, with an additional office in Nairobi, Kenya. The company specializes in transforming startups into lenders by offering an online platform that provides essential tools and access to credit. It focuses on delivering financial services to small and medium-sized businesses, facilitating seamless mobile lending experiences. Crediation aims to support business owners in obtaining necessary capital through convenient, cost-effective, and sustainable loan options, thereby enabling them to grow their enterprises effectively.
Africa Incubator
Venture Round in 2019
Africa Incubator (Afri-inc) is an IT company that specializes in developing mobile applications for sales management. It has developed and operated SENRI, a sales management system for manufacturing and distribution in Africa based in Nairobi, Kenya. As of 2018, SENRI is being used by about 50 manufacturing and logistics companies focusing on consumer goods. With the introduction of SENRI, more than 50 Africa-based companies have succeeded in increasing sales productivity. Afri-inc was established in 2015 by Kentaro Nagai.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.